Just got back from watching GI JOE: The Rise of Cobra today. (Got to see the Advanced screening of it at my local Odeon)

Right from the get go there are explosions, massive action and breath taking scenery and shots. It really was an explosive beginning. Initially we do start with how the McCullen got the mask and there reputation as arms dealers, then cut to present day and present McCulllen (The very gorgeous Christopher Eccleston) introducing to NATO the technology that causes all the trouble.

This movie is basically the beginning of it all, from the back story of Destro, Duke and Baroness to Snake Eyes and Storm shadow you get pretty much everything you need to know to get into this movie. Probably not everything about the franchise but it is basically all you need for this movie especially if you have never been a fan of the original comics, cartoon or toys, nor heard of the franchise before. I did read one review that said this is the comic book come to life and I can totally see it now, the shots are pretty much what you would expect to see in a comic book. The action is quick and exciting and the technology used in it is just awesome. You even get a cameo appereance from Brendan Frasier which I really enjoyed. Bought some extra comedy to it. Sommers also threw in Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy from Mummy 1 and 2) as Zartan. It's not all action there is some character development in it that speeds up near the ending which for some can be hard to keep up with. And the Paris chase sequence? Probably the best part of the film visually.

As I said this isn't for everyone, it is very loud with explosions and there is flashing imagery which for thouse who are sensitive to this shouldn't go and see. It is a 12A and there is swearing and lots of fights, but there is a warning at the beginning of the film as well so you parents have been warned and don't start bitching about it when you know the risks of going to see a 12A.

The story is very basic, bad guys trying to take over world, good guys have to stop them. As well as establishing the characters very quickly. Some might also find the flashbacks a little confusing as they are interweaved into the film and can for thouse not following or paying attention will get confused. I found it pretty easy thou for the Snake Eyes/Storm Shadow story it did throw me off track a bit but got back in it quickly. Best action sequence has to be the Paris chase scene. For me the Jury is still put about the ending, not sure I am completly happy with it, but won't spoil it for you. Will let you guys decide and let me know what you thought of the ending, does leve open for a sequel which is as I understand Sommers has already started thinking about.

The characters were great thou General Hawk (Dennis Quaid) was a bit underused in my opinion as well as Heavy Duty (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) and Breaker (Saïd Taghmaoui). Scarlett and Barnoess (Rachel Nichols and Sienna Miller) were very sexy and smart women would make any girl want to be them (SO wanted to be Baroness in that kissing scene with Destro!). Ripcord (Marlon Wayans) was very funny and bought in the light entertainment in between fight scenes and played very well in opposite to Duke (Channing Tatum) who was very somber and serious threw out this film but the duo worked well on screen. In all honesty I never thought Joseph Gordon-Levitt would make a good villian but in this he is just brill, I was very worried about this character, in the beginning he was very underused but came into his own in the end. Snake Eyes (Ray Park) and Storm Shadow (Byung-hun Lee) there scenes were excellent and there story is all told in back flashes, but Snake Eyes "lips" were pretty distracting at times but his suit was awesome. James McCullen/Destro (Christopher Eccleston) Plays the main villian threw out, alot I have heard complained about him not wearing his mask and with this being about "beginnings" its no surprise. I thought was played very well being a late comer to the movie after the first actor to play Destro (David Murray) had to pull out because of visa issues (but you get to see him in the beginning) character was good and strong. I have Shallow Graves on DVD in which he has a scottish accent in that and was very good, as it is in this film eccept it's much stronger then in Shallow Grave and does waver every so often (only slightly) but stays good and strong threw out. Some have complained the accent being hard to understand but for me I found it very easy (and sexy ) Should be a crime to put that man in 'mask' after disfiguring him with fire

Visual effects were brill and what you would expect from a Sommers film. Thou the Polar bear I didn't find convincing. Pleanty of explosions to keep people happy and the CG was great threw out most of it, especially the eiffel tower and the underwater base.

Overall view:
Brill. Loved it apart from maybe the ending, just don't feel that satisfied about it. Thou with a basic plot, makes a great movie to watch over the summer (If you are British What summer?) Not exactly going to make ultimate action flick but it is a very fun movie. And would recommend to most.

And to the people who have been putting this film down and complaining about it from the very beginning when the news broke of this don't knock it before seeing it, you may be surprised. And go in with an open mind remember this is to draw in people who arn't fans. It's fun and enjoyable just don't bash it completly, sometimes change is good.

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