Review of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) by Calum B — 17 Mar 2013

I went to see this mostly because Channing Tatum looked gorgeous (as always) in the preview and he sure looks amazing in this film. But the film as a whole surprised me in how much fun and non-stop action it was. I'm glad to say the the "critics" are flat out wrong on this one and am happy to see that audiences responded well.

This film has a great pace- there are several non-stop action scenes with some breaks in between where the Joes gather at headquarters, or when we get some background about the characters. There's a lot of story here, this is not a mindless Michael Bay CGI-fest. There are actually some funny lines and the characters' relationships with each other are well-developed.

A new devastatingly destructive weapon is developed by the M.A.R.S. corporation. They seek to sell it to N.A.T.O. But the people at M.A.R.S. don't exactly have the world's best intentions in mind. The military team in charge is ambushed as they transport this weapon by a mysterious group with powerful weapons. But the G.I. Joes intervene and two military guys ask to join the Joes to recover the weapon.

Theres a great cast: the sexy Channing Tatum, Rachel Nichols- not looking bad either, Arnold Vosloo, Jonathan Pryce, Dennis Quaid, Sienna Miller - all of them doing a great job.

There are plenty of action scenes, the most amazing one, a car/motorcycle/foot chase scene in Paris that's just mind-blowing and remarkably well done. The third act taking place underwater is almost unnecessary, or should have been shortened. This is a long film and the Paris scene would have made for a good climax.

Overall this film is a lot of fun and it is not insultingly dumb as most blockbusters.