GI Joe The Rise of Cobra , If you grew up in the 80s or early 90s, chances are you are familiar with the iconic action figures and cartoon series of GI Joe. These characters have captured the hearts of many children, who would spend hours playing with their GI Joe toys and reenacting epic battles between good and evil.
Fast forward to 2009 and the beloved franchise was brought to life on the big screen with GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra. This film was highly anticipated by fans and newcomers alike, promising high-octane action and a fresh take on the classic story. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look into the world of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra and explore its impact on pop culture.
Overview of GI Joe: GI Joe The Rise of Cobra
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra is an American military science fiction action film directed by Stephen Sommers. It serves as a reboot of the original GI Joe franchise created by Hasbro in 1964.
The film follows the elite special operations team, known as GI Joe, as they fight against the notorious terrorist organization, Cobra, who seeks to control the world through advanced technology and weapons. The movie stars an ensemble cast including Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dennis Quaid.
The idea for the film originated from producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura’s desire to create a live-action adaptation of the GI Joe franchise. He pitched the idea to Paramount Pictures, who then acquired the rights to produce the film. Filming took place in several locations including the Czech Republic, Paris, and the United States. The film had a budget of $175 million and was released on August 7, 2009, in the United States.
Cast and Characters in GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra boasts an impressive and diverse cast, with actors from different backgrounds coming together to bring these beloved characters to life.
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Duke | Channing Tatum |
| Ripcord | Marlon Wayans |
| Baroness | Sienna Miller |
| Rex/The Doctor | Joseph Gordon-Levitt |
| General Hawk | Dennis Quaid |
Other notable cast members include Christopher Eccleston as the main antagonist, Destro, and Rachel Nichols as Scarlett, one of the members of the GI Joe team. The film also features cameos from several famous actors, including Brendan Fraser and Jonathan Pryce.
The casting for the film received mixed reactions from fans of the original franchise. Many were disappointed that the iconic characters, like Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow, were portrayed by actors who did not match their ethnicity in the comics and cartoon series. However, others praised the diversity of the cast and the performances delivered by the actors.
Plot Summary of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
The film begins with a prologue showing the origins of the rivalry between Duke and his friend-turned-enemy, James McCullen. Fast forward several years later, and Duke is now a member of the elite special operations team, GI Joe. Along with his best friend, Ripcord, they are tasked to protect a convoy carrying nanotech warheads. However, during the ambush, the warheads are stolen by a mysterious woman known as the Baroness.
Meanwhile, Duke’s ex-girlfriend, Ana Lewis, is revealed to be the Baroness. She is being manipulated by the leader of Cobra, the mysterious man known only as “The Doctor”. As the GI Joe team investigates the theft of the nanotech warheads, they come across evidence linking the Baroness to McCullen Industries, which is run by James McCullen, now known as Destro.
The GI Joe team follows the trail to Paris, where they are ambushed by the Baroness and her army of soldiers. However, they are saved by Snake Eyes and his apprentice, Jinx. It is revealed that Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow were once friends and trained together under the same master before Storm Shadow turned to the dark side and joined Cobra.
As the plot thickens, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and the ultimate battle between GI Joe and Cobra ensues. The film ends with a satisfying conclusion, but leaves room for a potential sequel.
Box Office Performance of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra debuted at number one in the box office, earning $54.7 million in its opening weekend. It went on to gross a total of $302.5 million worldwide, making it a financial success. Despite its strong performance at the box office, the film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.
Critical Reception of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
The film received a 34% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 4.8/10. The consensus reads, “While fans of the Hasbro toy franchise may revel in a bit of nostalgia, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is largely a cartoonish, over-the-top action fest propelled by silly writing, inconsistent visual effects, and merely passable performances.”
Critics praised the action sequences and special effects but criticized the convoluted plot and lack of character development. However, some reviewers appreciated the film for what it was – a fun, mindless action movie. Audiences seemed to enjoy the film more, giving it an overall positive score of B+ on CinemaScore.
Sequel to GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Despite the mixed reviews, Paramount Pictures announced a sequel to GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra in 2011. The sequel, titled GI Joe: Retaliation, was released in 2013 and featured a new director and cast, with only a few actors reprising their roles from the first film.
Behind the Scenes of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
The making of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra was not without its challenges. There were reports of tensions between director Stephen Sommers and the studio, leading to several reshoots and changes to the script. Many fans of the franchise were also disappointed with the drastic changes made to the characters’ backstories and appearances.
Despite these challenges, the behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew showed that they had a great time making the film. Channing Tatum, in particular, expressed his excitement at being part of the iconic franchise and bringing it to life on the big screen.
Merchandise and Tie-Ins for GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
As with any blockbuster movie, GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra had a large merchandise line to accompany it. From action figures to video games, there was something for every fan of the film. The toys were particularly popular, with Hasbro releasing a range of figures based on the characters and vehicles from the movie.
Additionally, the film had several tie-ins with other brands, such as Mountain Dew and Burger King. These tie-ins served as clever marketing strategies to promote the film and reach a wider audience.
Comparison to the Original GI Joe Series
With any reboot or remake, it is inevitable to compare it to the original material. In the case of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, many fans of the original series were disappointed with the changes made to the characters and story. However, it can be argued that the film was meant to be a modern take on the franchise and catered to a new generation of viewers.
There were also changes made to the characters’ backstories and relationships, which some fans found jarring. For example, the relationship between Duke and Scarlett was changed from a romantic one to a brother-sister dynamic. Nevertheless, the film stayed true to the essence of the franchise – larger-than-life action and epic battles between good and evil.
Legacy of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra may not have been a critical success, but it certainly had an impact on pop culture. It introduced a new generation to the beloved characters of the franchise and sparked renewed interest in the original series. The film also paved the way for future adaptations of GI Joe, including the recent animated series on Netflix, “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins.”
In conclusion, GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra may not have lived up to the expectations of die-hard fans, but it brought the beloved characters to life in a visually stunning and action-packed way. It remains a fun and entertaining movie that can be enjoyed by both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
