G.I. Joe: Retaliation Directed by: Jon M. Chu Starring: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Bruce Willis, Adrianne Palicki, Channing Tatum Rating: Not Yet Rated Release Date: June 29, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 8/10
Thoughts by TSR: Throughout the first minute of this trailer I wasn’t particularly impressed. I thought adding Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to the cast would make it slightly better than the first (a passable film, but not one I’d vehemently defend), but saw no reason to get too excited. Then something happened.
The shot of the Cobra flags flying from the White House flashed on screen and everything changed. Immediately I became sold and realized this was a film I would be actively anticipating. I assumed nothing could top that moment, but a minute later we got a peek at the fantastic looking action sequence on the side of the cliff. When the title came on screen I applauded them for getting me interested in a film I didn’t expect to care about. Little did I know there was one more reason to get excited: Bruce Willis shooting a machine gun out of the bed of an El Camino. Say no more, I’m in.
Hold on! I’m going overboard; surely there are reasons to worry about this film. Ah ha! Joseph Gordon-Levitt is not returning to play Cobra Commander. Yeah, but there is that brief shot of Cobra Commander looking fantastic next to Jonathan Pryce’s President of the United States. No JGL, no problem. But what about the fact that much of the rest of the original cast isn’t returning? Ha, I’ll give up Marlon Wayans, Dennis Quaid, and Rachel Nichols for The Rock, Bruce Willis, and Adrianne Palicki (my “Friday Night Lights” love knows no bounds) any day.
You know what guys? I tried to fight it, but I’m unabashedly excited about this one. Call me crazy, but G.I. Joe: Retaliation looks to me like it might be one of the most fun films 2012 has to offer.