G.I. Joe: Retaliation (7/30/2013)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of combat violence and martial arts action throughout, and for brief sensuality and language.

Staring Dwayne Johnson, D.J. Cotrona, Channing Tatum, Ray Stevenson, Ray Park, Walton Goggins and Bruce Willis

Directed by Jon M. Chu (Step Up 2 & 3 and Never Say Never)

Finally the G.I. Joe movie I’ve been waiting 30 years to see.

The G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence.

If you read our reviews on a regular basis, you know that I was pretty harsh on G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

In that review I openly admitted to being a G.I. Joe kid. I had all the toys, watched the TV show and all the cartoon movies. I was excited to see that movie and was so disappointed. I wasn’t surprised when I heard they were making a sequel, and when it was delayed for over six months I was even more concerned.

But they added Bruce Willis and The Rock and I heard rumors that Channing Tatum was killed off early in the film…maybe it had potential.

I was so conflicted that when I got an invitation to an early sneak peak, I almost turned it down. I’m so glad I didn’t.

To say that Director Jon M. Chu learned from the mistakes of the first film would be the understatement of the year. Gone are the “new back stories” and ridiculous connections between the characters. Gone are the flashbacks and cheesy references. And gone is Channing Tatum.

SPOILER ALERT:
That’s right, about 15 minutes into the movie, Duke is “killed off.” I put that in quotes only to say that I have my suspicions that he will somehow be brought back in one of the next installments. But for now I don’t have to worry about it. In fact, I felt that they needed to kill him off to kill off the cheesiness and the campiness of the first film. While he was still in the movie there are the jokes and the silliness that I didn’t like in the first one. Once he’s gone, the film takes a more serious turn and the action is amped up.

Speaking of action, this movie is jam packed with it. From the ninja fights and shoot outs to the epic “escape down the mountain” scene, this movie will not leave you wanting more action.

I mentioned they added Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson, they also added Ray Stevenson, Adrianne Palicki and (one of my personal favorites) Walton Goggins. Adding those cast members also meant we lost Dennis Quaid, Marlon Wayans and Joseph Gordon-Levitt…all good moves as far as I’m concerned.

I have two negative comments. The first is that Destro was completely written out of the movie. I think that was a big mistake. And secondly, and more painfully, once Duke is killed off the only cheese came from my all-time favorite actor Bruce Willis…UGH! If he were more like John McClain, this movie would be “Worth Buying” for sure.

I also said in the first review, “It was clear that the intent of the movie was to introduce the franchise and to set the stage for more G.I. Joe films to come. Normally it’s not that obvious, but Rise of Cobra had almost no storyline. I hope they fix that next time around”… well they did fix it and I’m giving G.I. Joe: Retaliation a “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity in the film; the only real issue here is when Lady Jaye changes her clothes.

In the beginning of the film, many soldiers are attacked and killed and there is plenty of gun and sword fighting throughout the film. Some ninjas are seen falling down a mountain.

This film has a much darker tone than the first. The scene where a weapon of mass destruction is fired from outer space into London causing widespread damage may frighten children. Also Zartan disguised as the U.S. president might frighten some children as he uses a knife and cuts his face to show his true identity before going back into disguise.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. What does the word “retaliation” mean?


2. Why are the Joes trying to get revenge?


3. Have you ever wanted to get revenge?


4. Read Romans 12:19
   
   Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
   
   How difficult is it for you to let God take care of revenge?


5. Read Colossians 3:13
   
   Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
   
   The next time you are wounded by someone, how can you forgive him or her instead of taking revenge?