Green Lantern: Beware My Power – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Green Lantern: Beware My Power

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2022

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

DC's John Stewart gets the Green Lantern ring in this war-heavy animated film that's more 'meh' than mighty.

56%

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Green Lantern: Beware My Power

movie

PG-13, 2022

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

DC's John Stewart gets the Green Lantern ring in this war-heavy animated film that's more 'meh' than mighty.

56%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a middle-of-the-road DC animated film that tries to do something meaningful with John Stewart's military background but doesn't quite stick the landing. The ratings tell the story: critics and audiences were lukewarm, and that 2.7/5 on Letterboxd is pretty rough.

The premise is solid—Marine sniper with PTSD gets cosmic power ring and has to save the universe—but the execution feels workmanlike rather than inspired. It's not unwatchable, but it's also not particularly memorable in a crowded field of superhero content.

If your teen is a DC completionist or specifically interested in John Stewart (who deserves more screen time in general), this is worth a watch. But if you're looking for a great superhero movie night, there are better options. The war themes and violence mean it's definitely not for younger kids, and the mediocre storytelling means even the target audience might zone out.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ who are already into DC animated movies and can handle war-themed action violence. Younger superhero fans should stick with lighter fare; older teens might find it a bit paint-by-numbers unless they're specifically interested in John Stewart's character.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

DC animated movie featuring heroic themes of duty and teamwork, with John Stewart as a Marine dealing with PTSD and finding purpose. Models cooperation with other heroes (Green Arrow, Hawkgirl, Adam Strange). However, it's a war-themed superhero story with intergalactic conflict at its core, so the emotional tone skews darker and more violent than typical family fare. The pacing is action-heavy rather than chaotic, but it's not particularly warm or emotionally nurturing.

Imaginative

Solid sci-fi imagination with Green Lantern ring powers (limited only by willpower and creativity), interplanetary war setting between Rann and Thanagar, and cosmic-scale storytelling. The ring concept itself invites thinking about creative problem-solving. However, this is a fairly standard DC animated universe entry—competent but not groundbreaking. It follows established lore rather than blazing new creative territory.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 13+, which signals moderate action violence typical of DC animated films. As a war-themed superhero movie with 'interplanetary killers' and military combat, expect significant animated violence, likely some deaths, and darker themes around PTSD and military service. The mixed critical reception (56% RT critics, 53% audience, 6.2 IMDb) suggests it may have tonal inconsistencies. Not graphic or gratuitous for the genre, but definitely not safe for younger viewers who might stumble upon it expecting lighter superhero fare.

Enriching

Features John Stewart, an important Black superhero, as the lead—valuable representation. Explores themes of purpose after military service, responsibility, and overcoming self-doubt. The veteran-dealing-with-trauma angle offers potential for meaningful discussions about mental health and finding direction. However, the mediocre ratings (2.7/5 Letterboxd, 6.2 IMDb) suggest the execution is merely adequate rather than deeply moving or thought-provoking. It's enriching in concept more than delivery.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

John Stewart as lead—important representation of a Black Marine-turned-superhero dealing with real veteran issues
Green Lantern powers are inherently cool: imagination-based constructs and cosmic-scale adventures
Team-up with Green Arrow, Hawkgirl, and Adam Strange offers DC deep cuts for fans
Tackles heavier themes like PTSD and finding purpose after military service, which could resonate with older teens

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What to Watch For

Moderate animated violence and war themes throughout—this isn't a light superhero romp
The 'interplanetary killers' premise means expect deaths and darker stakes
Mixed reviews suggest the story execution is uneven; might not hold attention despite interesting premise
Assumes some familiarity with DC universe; newcomers might feel lost

Conversation Starters

"John Stewart is dealing with leaving the Marines—what do you think makes someone feel like they have purpose?"
"If you had a ring that could create anything you imagine, what would you make first?"
"The movie shows war between alien planets—do you think conflicts between groups ever really get solved, or just managed?"
"How do you think being a soldier prepares someone to be a superhero? Or does it?"

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