GI Joe 2
Anytime The Rock headlines, don't expect Oscar buzz to follow the movie. So knowing that going in, you unplug and just try to enjoy. We're not breaking new ground here. GI Joe 1 tried too hard to be "different" and introduce crazy new gadgets and suits and all kinds of other stuff to show that JOES, were different than regular military. It had the idea of the cartoon series, just didn't translate it well.
2 follows up 1, and corrects a lot of things. Out with the lasers, in with actual machine guns. Still plenty of new age gadgets to play with, vehicles to introduce, and most importantly, new blood to bring in and out. The cartoon series was not the same 10-15 characters in every episode. Sometimes it would narrow the focus to 4-5 on each side and go forward. That's what you have here. 1 had Destro, Barroness, Snake Eyes, Storm Shadow, Scarlett, Duke, etc. This time we get Flint, Lady Jaye, FireFly, RoadBlock and some returners in Storm and Snake. Perfect execution in that respect. Just as the cartoon did it, they've done it here. Now, if there was a 3 to come out, they could remix and match even further, bring in Barroness and Destro, but move out Zartan and Flint, or something to that effect. This way it's not the same actors and actresses in every film, and you can use cameo's and such however you want. Very smart way to go with this franchise.
Overall, fair enough plotline, little out there, but that's how Cobra is, all these world domination ideas can be a bit bold, the Joes need to save the day, rinse and repeat. Again, we're not breakin new ground. They have some well shot scenes, and they have a few HORRIBLE camera shots. My God the cameraman would get a bit rattled. Way too many blurred shots. They increased the humor a bit, but it worked out for the most part. They used sex appeal with Jaye much as they did with Barroness in the first one, nothing wrong with that. I hope if there is a 3 they use both of them together and have them rip each others clothes off fighting before moving into a love scene together.
Where was I....., oh yeah, the performances were what you'd expect, Rock was Rock, Duke was Duke, Snake Eyes never says a word and yet is the coolest ******g character on screen after Storm Shadow. One thing GI Joe has goin for it, they know how to use their ninjas. Those 2 are OUTSTANDING in their scenes. Seriously, they could spin those 2 off and just take the money right out of my wallet. Thankfully, they fixed that stupid *** mask on Snake, so no more camel toe mouth.
I don't know if it's a must in theatres, probably worth just a Blu Ray watch, but it's quick, mindless, pace is just right, totally worth the hour forty you'll spend watchin it. Not as clever and well done as the Fast franchise, and not as spectacular as Transformers, but it has its own niche for action-y movies. Chicks, guns, ninjas, humor, cool toys (vehicles-missiles and ****) exactly what you'd expect.
