Movie Review: G.I. JOE (2009)

G.I. JOE (2009)
directed by: Stephen Summers
written by: Stuart Beattie and David Elliot & Paul Lovett



I was very entertained by this exciting, action-packed adventure. Despite some horrible casting, I found it to be fun while capturing the true G.I. Joe experience.

Synopsis:
A secret special ops, anti-terrorism task force battles an underground terrorist organization headed by a corrupt arms dealer.

Cinematography/Special Effects:
It’s interesting to see how the cinematography plays out in an effects-heavy action/adventure. I imagine it can get pretty complicated shooting on location and setting up shots knowing it will undergo hours of manipulation in post-production. I think Mitchell Amundsen (director of photography) did a good job while offering some nice views of Paris and Washington, and provides fast-paced and exciting action sequences. I particularly like the Paris chase scene.
Rating = B-

Acting:
Can’t expect much from this cast. Channing Tatum as Duke is one of the worst casting decisions I’ve seen in awhile. His acting goes as far as him standing in front of a mirror. Marlon Wayans has been in some acting heavy roles before (REQUIEM FOR A DREAM) but is mostly comedy relief here. Ray Park does what’s expected of him as Snake Eyes, if not more. Dennis Quaid as General Hawk is just bad and almost laughable at times (Grandpa needs a cane). The standout performance is Sienna Miller as The Baroness/Ana. She exudes a sultry seductiveness, coupled with her shockingly good looks, that makes it difficult to take your eyes off at times. More so as the dark, mysterious Baroness rather than the bright and bubbly Ana.



Joseph Gordon-Levitt turning out to be Cobra Commander really makes me scratch my head.
D

Direction:
Stephen Sommers won’t win any oscars, but he makes some fun movies. That’s the case here. He certainly can do special effects heavy productions. Don’t know if he had any say in casting. That would definitely be a blemish. In terms of storytelling, creating mood, and pulling an audience in, I would say he passes.
C

Music/Score/Sound Design:
Quality and effective Alan Silvestri score. Very good sound development and design that meaningfully enhances the visuals.
B+

Script/Story:
Vastly different from the cartoons and comics in terms of characters’ origins. The essence of the original characters as well as thematic elements and atmosphere have been preserved. Not enough back story on Snake Eyes. And I’m not quite sure about how I feel about Baroness flipping and being romantically involved with Duke. Probably could have done without it, but it seems to work well enough.
C+

G.I. Joe is an action-packed, immensely exciting, thrilling adventure with decent special effects and lackluster acting that should otherwise keep you entertained. Probably will be appreciated more by the fans of the cartoons and comics (and kids) than adults looking to be captivated by heartfelt storytelling.



Overall Rating = 8.0/10.0


Let me know what you think. Email responses to dvass77@gmail.com