I’d mentioned that the Film School Rejects Twitter Feed had already raved about The Rise of COBRA, but now the actual review has been posted, and it earned a “B”. The reviewer, Neil Miller, talks about the film extensively, and it’s obvious that he really enjoyed it.
“Over the course of the past several months, there has been a lot of talk about G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra — everything from director changes to problems in the editing room to abysmal test screening results. And such is the case with any movie made from a line of toys or a comic book, these types of rumors and reports have set the internet ablaze. It is to the point where even now, as I come to you to attest to the fun ride that I have witnessed with my own two eyes, you will still remain skeptical. It is a sad situation, especially for a movie that is a lot more fun than it should’ve been. It’s a movie that is a lot tighter and well-paced than some of the other action tentpoles we’ve seen this summer. And, on its most basic level, it’s a movie worth seeing.”
This seems to be an ongoing theme with the reviewers of the film…it’s got bad buzz, it doesn’t deserve it, it’s a tightly directed, well-paced, frenetic action film that will keep you entertained. And best of all, it’s fun. He finishes with the following two apt paragraphs:
“If you go in expecting an Iron Man, you’re in for a big disappointment. Seeing G.I. Joe hearkens back the experience I had seeing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a young boy. If I were to look back at TMNT with fresh eyes now, I wouldn’t like it as much. Having seen it as a child, that movie has a special place in my heart. The same can be said for G.I. Joe, and for this generation of young boys. And those young boys and their families? That is who will love this film. This is not an adult movie; this is a family-friendly, youthful movie. Go see it; but don’t expect it to be a movie made specifically for you. Unless, of course, you’re a ten year-old boy.
In the end, G.I. Joe is simple spectacle. A movie that, while silly and in many ways over-the-top, can deliver an experience that is deliriously fun. And it is fun. Quick. Exciting. And fun. It sets you in a world that is cartoony and larger then life, propels you through one big chase and ultimately delivers the goods and the explosions. It is this kind of efficient, fun-natured storytelling that could make G.I. Joe one of the best action movies of the summer. That is, if you can look past all of that bad buzz and actually give it a chance.”
The pregnancy of my wife will determine if I make the trip to see the Monday screening, but things are looking good so far. I can’t remember a time when I’ve been so excited to see a movie. Hopefully it will not disappoint. Click here to read the full review.
That’s all I ask for, a good, fun film that doesn’t disrespect the franchises history. Anything more than that will be gravy to me. But if there’s a Rock ‘n’ Roll cameo they’ll need to clean my seat. I’m just sayin’…
“That’s all I ask for, a good, fun film that doesn’t disrespect the franchises history”
Um… Have you seen what they’ve done to the Commander? The Baroness is American? She has a romantic history with Duke? Cobra Commander is her brother? Channing Tatum? MARLON WAYANS??
No. No disrespect there. No sir.
Please. I had no idea Joe fans had such a low standard of quality.
“Please. I had no idea Joe fans had such a low standard of quality.”
They liked Resolute.
Their standards of quality are OBVIOUSLY shit.
Resolute was great. Not sure what you’re talking about.
Have you seen the film yet? How can you judge something based on internet reports and rumors? I just don’t get this fandom. There is just no pleasing some of you “fans” is there. If its not exactly how you remember it from 20+ years ago then it must be complete shit. This is the main reason I’ve avoided the forum discussions about the movie. Ignorant rants like this based on a fear of change. “Oh no! They changed Cobra Commander! My life is ruined!!!” Get over it, this is how it is and no amount of whining and complaining is going to change it.
And think about this. The movie may not be YOUR G.I.Joe but it will be someones and those are the people that are going to help keep this franchise alive.
“How can you judge something based on internet reports and rumors?”
The things I’m talking about aren’t rumors. They’re facts. From the movie. And confirmed in the comic adaptation. So before you call my rant ignorant, perhaps you should arm yourself with the facts first.
The franchise was doing just fine before they had to go and piss it up with this ill-advised Lorenzo DiBonaventura crap-fest. The 25th Anniversary line was a huge success, and Resolute got stellar marks across the board.
So Mysterious Stranger, I think as a fan for the last 25 years of my life, myself and countless other fans have every right to complain about the arbitrary and garbage changes to the characters we know and love.