G.I. Joe: Retaliation

If you haven't seen the previous installment in the current G.I. Joe movie series, don't rush to see the first one before you head to the movies for Retaliation. This film barely connects to the previous one, and greatly improves on it in every way. You also shouldn't stay away from this movie just because you don't have an extensive knowledge of the series. This movie is perfect for the hardcore fan and the casual viewer.

The story centers on a plot by Cobra to control all of the nuclear powers in the world by having his agent Zartan assume the identity of the President of the United States. The first part of the plan involves the termination of the G.I. Joe team. When their camp is taken out, three surviving Joes (not including Snake Eyes, who stayed away from this particular mission) plan to retaliate against the rising Cobra Commander.

Right off the bat, it's important to know that while this movies attempts to focus on Roadblock, Lady
Jaye and Flint, it's Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow who unsurprisingly steal the show. While the Joes seek revenge on Cobra, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow come together high in the distant mountains.
One thing I really liked about the film was how it stayed true to the Snake Eyes/Storm Shadow origin story involving their relationship and the death of one of their masters.

Overall, this film obviously drew from the source material (be it the comics or the cartoon) more than its predecessor and it ended up working really well for them. This film was also a slightly darker take on G.I. Joe, which actually worked really well with the characters from the cartoon.

One gigantic improvement was Cobra Commander. I get that the "origin story" is the big thing in Hollywood these days, but that Borg rip-off from the first film was awful. Cobra Commander is finally
seen in his iconic mask in this film, which is slightly altered in a good way.

It should also be noted that all rumors about the delays of the film's release date had nothing to do with changing the story to better fit Channing Tatum's rising fame, which you will see as soon as you see it.

Overall, G.I. Joe: Retaliation was everything that G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra should've been. It had the classic characters, a decent story, and great action. It also appeals to a wide audience while giving long-time fans exactly what they want as well. 4 out of 5 Framed Pictures of Ricky Smith.