It's true, sometimes the trailers for a movie look way better than the film itself. Sadly, when I saw the first G.I Joe preview I was like WTF is this? Are you kidding me? I completely dismissed the movie from my summer viewing options. After some disappointing films like Wolverine and Transformers 2, I thought that I might as well give the Joe's a chance. I'm happy I did.
After an unnecessary opening back story scene, we are thrust into this fantastical, glossy, action packed, live action cartoon world. What works here is that they have literally brought the 80's cartoon to life. There is absolutely no basis in reality. It's not dark and gritty and it doesn't take itself too seriously. It free's your brain from being too critical or even rational. This is the G.I. Joe world.. not ours. If you are a "techy" or gadgetry freak you'll love this movie. Its full of cool stuff like sleek vehicles and high tech weapons that do cool shit. It's like being a little kid in your backyard playing with your G.I. Joes. There were no limits to what you could do.
Sadly the actors don't really matter in the movie. The characters are throw-aways if anything. Cheesy dialogue, shoe-horned sentiment and unexpected twists kind of weigh down character moments. Its simple, Sienna Miller as the Baroness is hot and delightfully cold however missing the Russian accent from her cartoon counterpart. Channing Tatum is Duke and lets face it.. he's hot and does his best to act with the material given. Marlon Wayans borders the token black character as Ripcord. I didn't find him as offensive as those two "Step n Fetch It" robots in TF2 but he was still funny. Cobra Commander isn't that menacing. Destro's evolution is kinda cool...very Fate of Anakin (for my SW geeks out there) type of deal. The two real standouts as far as actors goes are Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. Wow these two are just awesome. They get the best fight scenes and the coolest back story (with some talented young actors/fighters).
Lastly, the special effects and cgi are killer. There are scenes so big and action packed its like visual overload. Stephen Summers directed this movie just like his previous ones (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns). Big effects shots and hyper kinetic action push the movie along without really slowing down. The movie goes by fast for being 2 hours long. The last battle is everywhere. In the air, underwater, on land.. I mean just everywhere. It makes for a satisfying popcorn flick and a fun night at the movies and I'm eagerly awaiting a sequel. My Grade: B
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