Film: G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum, Bruce Willis, Jonathan Pryce, D.J. Cotrona, Ray Park, Adrianne Palicki
Director: Jon M. Chu
Rating: ***
When a movie character quotes lyrics from a Jay-Z song just before jumping off a plane, you know 'being cool' has just got a whole new meaning. Several notches above its 2009 predecessor (Rise of the Cobra), director Jon M.Chu resurrects the G.I. Joe series taking it to a new level of splendor and special effect wizardry. America's obsession with Presidents held hostage and North Korea doesn't seem to end for now (remember Olympus has fallen from last week). Chu exploits the current geopolitical standoff between the West and nuclear thugs Pakistan and Pyongyang to weave an intricate story of revenge and global warfare. After the Cobra replaces the President (Jonathan Pryce) with an impostor, the remaining G.I. Joe team (the others being wiped out in an all-out attack) of Lady Jaye (Adrianne Palicki), Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), , Flint (D.J. Cotrona), and Snake Eyes (Ray Park) set out to restore order and seek revenge for their fallen comrades. As a beginners guide we get a quick introduction to the heroes for those not familiar with their legacy. We are soon drawn into the middle of the battle field before we bat an eyelid, thanks to a fast paced screenplay.
Having directed two Step Up films, Chu brings a sense of artistry and drama to his action scenes. The Ninja battle (one of the major highlights) on the cliffs of icy mountains looks like ballerinas showing off their moves, while the swift footwork and the sword fights have shades of a well-rehearsed dance routine. Cool is the keyword in this film. There are so many unique gadgets ( fireflies that detonate) or 'toys to play with' as the team likes to believe. Plus a cameo from Bruce Willis who surprisingly manages to look dapper here than in anything he has done in the recent past. Tatum fans will be in for a major upset as he gets bumped off early on, but it makes sense now that the actor is much bigger than the franchise.
Despite the sleekness of its visuals (3D works wonderfully and doesn't give you a headache) there are stumbles along the way. Second half has several filler moments leading to the big boom in the climax. Also the suspense and tension in the film seems plastic leading you to chuckle at the wrong places. There isn't much scope for acting, when your main weapons are the technical mastery, machine guns and speed boats. The camaraderie between the key team members lacks a sense of real brotherhood or solidarity.
It doesn't have the brilliance of Avengers or charisma of an Iron Man, yet G.I. Joe: Retaliation manages to gives you the right bang for your buck.
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