Was G.I. Joe: Retaliation Worth Watching? A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

G.I. Joe: Retaliation is undeniably bigger, louder, and better than its predecessor. This 2013 sequel delivers a non-stop action-packed experience that caters well to summer movie viewers. However, it has its fair share of flaws, particularly in character development and pacing. In this review, we will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of G.I. Joe: Retaliation.

The Good

G.I. Joe: Retaliation is a breath-taking, constant action movie with remarkable visual effects (VFX), well-timed comedy, appealing femme fatales, and a score that matches the intensity of its sequences. Every gadget and device is designed to outshine anything seen in Mad Max: Fury Road, the ensemble cast brings a much-needed level of excitement, and the script delivers more than just bombastic action set pieces. Additionally, the moral blend of heroism and espionage intrigues the audience as much as any other summer blockbuster.

The Bad

Despite its strengths, G.I. Joe: Retaliation is not without its shortcomings. The leads, while not great actors, are far from terrible. The back-to-back action sequences leave little room for nuanced acting or character development. The dialogues are as banal as they can get, and the climax becomes cartoonishly over-the-top, reminiscent of Die Hard but with a more splashy, high-stakes approach.

The Plot

The movie picks up where Rise of Cobra left off, with the President of the United States replaced by Zartan, leading to the recruitment of the Joes to retrieve Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The mission goes awry, resulting in the President's true identity as a Cobra operative being exposed, and wiping out the entire GI Joe force except for Roadblock, Lady Jaye, Flint, and Duke (Channing Tatum). The damaged trio, along with Duke's mentor, Bruce Willis, must expose the fraud and prevent global annihilation.

The Action Sequences

3D Elements: Stand out from the crowd with literal 3D action sequences. In one jaw-dropping scene, Snake Eyes (Byung Hun Lee) and Jinx (Elodie Yung) escape from a platoon of ninjas, with highlights that include whooshing between peaks, rappelling sheer cliffs, and braving avalanches and gunfire. In the snow-capped Himalayan territory, their sword fight is a marvel of choreography, rivaling the one in Swords of Sunset.

Spectacular Moments: The bombing scene and the mountain fight scenes are simply epic. The bombing is a fantastic mix of grand scale and tight spectacles, while the mountain climbing and sword fights—though reminiscent of other action sequences in the genre—still deliver the high-octane intensity audiences crave.

Key Performances

Dwayne Johnson as Roadblock: As always, Dwayne Johnson brings his typical charisma and muscle to the role, embodying the action hero we love. His performance is a perfect blend of brawn and heart, making him a fan favorite.

Jonathan Pryce as President Zartan: The villain, played by Jonathan Pryce, is delightfully over-the-top and funny, reveling in his new found power. His performance echoes that of Die Hard’s Hans Gruber.

Bruce Willis: Returning to the role, Willis delivers his signature hairless machismo and charm, bringing a seasoned presence to the film.

Conclusion

Hasbro's third live action adaptation of its action figures/toys, following Transformers and Battleships, is a ridiculous, funny, and overblown experience. While some may find it ridiculous, it delivers an entertaining action movie experience for those above 12. Characters are just tags, and the grand, sweeping action sets the tone for an unforgettable ride. Action movie enthusiasts and G.I. Joe fans will find this a ride they cannot miss. It's a phenomenal movie, and we miss G.I. Joe: Retaliation with the loss of Ray Stevenson, whose performance was nothing short of phenomenal.

Rating: 8/10

Key Takeaways

Action-packed and non-stop Great visual effects and action sequences Mixed performances, especially in character development

Related Keywords

Hasbro, Live Action Adaptation, Action Genre, Summer Blockbuster