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: I love Channing Tatum in comedies, but he is typically on the bland side in other things. That’s why I’m thrilled that G.I. Joe: Retaliation looks to be Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s film through and through (even though Tatum is one of the few returning cast members). Throw in Bruce Willis and Adrianne Palicki and this already has a huge advantage over the watchable, but entirely average G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.
I really like this trailer, but it isn’t without its share of cheesiness. A couple of the one-liners, for example, are a bit groan-worthy. Fortunately they seem to have toned this type of thing down. I’m all for this film wanting to be fun, but it doesn’t have to be excessively silly to do so. So yeah, there is a little sketchy dialogue, but the action more than makes up for it. Most of it is very well shot and choreographed, especially the sequence on the side of the cliff. The effects and technology – such as the robo-flies – fit comfortably in the cool department for me as well. Then there’s the plot. One might not expect much, but I really like the way Cobra is being utilized (and Cobra Commander still looks awesome).
I’ve been burned by blockbuster trailers numerous times before, but I think G.I. Joe: Retaliation could live up to the summer fun this one is selling. If nothing else, we’ll always have the amazing shots of the Cobra flags flying from the White House. And that is something no one can never take away from us.