Film: “G.I. Joe: Retaliation”
2 Stars
In most cases, the sequel in a movie series usually doesn’t do as much damage selling wise or story wise as its predecessor. The main reason everyone watches is to see what the writers come up with a second time, and to see how well it compares to the original.
The first film of the series, “G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra” (2009), caught people’s attention on account of the past accomplishments of either the cartoon show, comic strip, or action figures. Something as simple as a cartoon, turned into a high-depth real action adventure for the human eye to witness. Gaining mixed remarks on account of style, would “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” do any better?
When I think of G.I. Joe, I instantly think of good guys fighting bad guys in cleverly instinctive ways using absurd weapons and vehicles to make the battle more exhilarating. The film series does just that, but that’s all it does. You’re in the theater watching the opening credits and the big word “HASBRO” pops up on the screen. All fantasies you wish you could see are drained right there on account of the movie being derived from a collection of toys.
After a brief introduction and all statutes of the plot are revealed, the G.I. Joes are quickly betrayed by their own U.S. government under presidential orders (or so you think). As far as what is really going on, I can’t say due to spoilers. However, with the help of a few extra hands and some quick thinking, the Joes face off against several arch rivals and save what presumes to be, of course, the end of the world.
Like in both movies, the main villain, Cobra Commander, has found his way on the outside of prison again and has decided to take over the world in any humanly shape possible. As far as making a choice on how to do that, the first movie succeeds with well-written storyline and dastardly outcome. However, the storyline for the sequel, I feel, draws from nothing.
The writers could have at least drawn a little from the last movie and taken the storyline a little further with more explanation as to why Cobra Commander is doing what he’s doing. He wants to rule a world that not only looks like shit, but also is non-existent with human life.
If you ask me, it’s a better to have a world with people who hate you than no one to hate you at all or to exist for that matter.
Surprisingly, the film did a positive job in showing the power that guns and artillery have on every human thing. Movies are movies, but in a society today where guns are being looked at in so many wrong ways, it’s hard to accept what they are being used for in this film.
Don’t get me wrong; the CGI throughout the film is tremendous. It’s the only thing that’s keeping me from getting up and leaving the theater. But the thing is, people want a legitimate reason for going to see a film (and for giving a damn) than just witnessing cool effects that will have you questioning whether or not weapons can really do the damage they do.
Unless you’re under the age of 10 or have a common interest in the G.I. Joe franchise, I wouldn’t spend the five or ten dollars to watch garbage being dumped in a junkyard. Unless someone decides to make this more than just a toy-related series and pump a much better storyline accompanied by more in-depth action behind every explosion, save your thoughts and judgment for the Transformers franchise instead.
