G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

Growing up, I was aware of G.I. Joe but the cartoon was not part of my Saturday morning line-up. As the release of this movie approached, I watched a few episodes to prepare. I am glad I did because I became acquainted with the Cobra characters and it made the ending of the movie more meaningful. When I found out that Stephen Sommers (the director of the first two "Mummy" films) was making this show, I was game. The title "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" tells us what this movie is about and while other critics hated this film, I enjoyed myself. It had rising action and a fun cast. The film was established as one that was not to be taken completely serious. I agree that the film has flaws but the film's sense of excitement was enough to satisfy me.

The use of flashbacks in the movie was probably the most noteworthy thing. Placing them throughout the film created rising action that every good story needs. My favorite was the back-story for Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. The various relationships in the movie were also nice such as the one between Ripcord and Scarlett. It is only when Ripcord puts away the macho persona and is sincere that he wins Scarlett's heart. As mentioned, the movie has fun all over for me. I enjoyed the establishment of the pit and the introduction of those cool suits that Duke and Ripcord wear. The slo-motion shot when they dodge those rockets in Paris is neat as is that whole sequence. One of my favorite moments in the whole film is Storm Shadow's line, "He never gives up" followed by the crash with the train. The timing of that humorous moment was well done. The look of terror on Storm Shadow's face lets us know subconsciously that something surprising is about to happen. The lack of music as the warhead shoots towards the Eiffel Tower is a nice directorial touch. I enjoyed other moments such as when Breaker acts for the spy camera and his line, "haystack in a coalmine". Duke's smart move comes as he activates the homing beacon at Cobra's base. I like that Breaker reveals to the audience what Duke was up to with his little scuffle beacuse it truly seemed futile. I like how the good guys use the bad guys' plan against them. Cobra attacked their base and now the Joes at the end of the movie will repay in kind. The plot twist of the Doctor's true identity was again a nice touch. I love how Duke takes out those last two ships chasing him and Ana. I was waiting during the whole movie for the line "Yo Joe" and to have it once instead of multiple times was a good choice. It made it more satisfying. The birth of Cobra Commander and Destro was pretty iconic. A movie in this genre always has a moment when the villain vows to return to fight again and you can check that off the list for this movie. The first time I saw this film, I thought that Zartan had become General Hawk (when he first shows up in the wheelchair in Paris) but I was unfortunately wrong. As I said, there were some flaws with this show. The scene where Ripcord and Scarlett are trying to figure out how to fire the Night Raven's weapons could have been more suspenseful. It seemed to me that they figured it out to easily. The special effects could have been less cartoony but "G.I. Joe" is based off a cartoon after all.

The cast provided the most fun. Channing Tatum did his job well and Marlon Wayans was pretty funny. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje was tough and Dennis Quaid was quite convincing. I first saw Ray Park in "Star Wars: Episode I" and also in "X-Men". He was also great in "G.I. Joe", having played with the Snake Eyes toy as a child. Brenden Fraser's cameo was good by the way. This was my first movie with the adult Joseph Gordon-Levitt. His vocal performance was what I liked the most because it almost sounds somewhat like the character from the cartoon. In either case, the actor doesn't sound like himself at all. It was also nice to see Arnold Vosloo and Jonathon Price. I didn't recognize Price for the longest time (he was on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" Trilogy).

When I watch a movie, story almost always comes first. This film had a good story and it was fun watching it because of Sommers' direction and the cast. I think the main reason why I enjoy the show instead of hate it is because I don't take it seriously. Despite the fact that "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" was poorly rated by most critics, at least you all know why I liked it and knowing is half the battle.

4 Stars