by generalsjoes | Mar 2, 2011 | G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Toys, G.I. Joe: The Movie
Well, they’re at it again. Ross, the bane of my collectors’ existence has once again scored a coup, this time with the previously released only in Canada Wave 3 of the Rise of Cobra Alpha vehicles. This wave contains the Polar Shark Sub w/ Ice Storm, the Desert Rockslide w/ Dusty, the Tiger Claw ATV w/ Leatherneck, and the Lavapod w/ Volcano Viper.
Now, I’ve been able to get these, so really, I’m not feeling too wounded, but every time I hear about Ross getting these cool tail enders, I just get reminded how the nearest store is like 350 miles away. The vehicles are retailing for about $8.99 apiece, just to twist that knife a bit deeper.
Thanks to GeneralsJoes regular Nas for the info, with confirmation pics at HissTank.com. If you have a Ross near you, GO GET ‘EM.
by generalsjoes | Mar 1, 2011 | G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Reviews, G.I. Joe: The Movie, Rise of COBRA Reviews
Yes, the trip in the way back machine continues as I look back and try to fill in some holes from the G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and 25th Anniversary era. Today, the victim is Arctic Snake Eyes. Check out the Rise of Cobra Review Page, or just hit up the review itself right here.
by generalsjoes | Feb 28, 2011 | G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe Reviews, G.I. Joe Toys, G.I. Joe: The Movie, Rise of COBRA Reviews
So, having a lull in product means I jump in my way back machine! This time around, I’m reviewing the G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Skysweeper Jet w/ Air Raid. A Firebat repaint and retool, this little plane packs a big punch.
Check out the review on my Rise of Cobra Review Page, or just click here.
Stay tuned, because I’ll be doing quite a few more “old school” reviews over the next little while as we wait for more new product to hit.
by generalsjoes | Feb 26, 2011 | G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe: The Movie
So, some further information about the Jon M. Chu hire comes from Heat Vision, part of the Hollywood Reporter.
First and foremost, they confirm reports that Chu as the director is pretty much a done deal, but they also start talking about the potential for returning cast members. To no one’s surprise, Joseph Gordon-Leavitt is likely out, mostly due to his dance card being full after being thrust into the limelight with Inception.
They also specifically mention Sienna Miller and say that she doesn’t look hopeful to return as The Baroness, and that in fact, the role may end up “being recast or perhaps divided into a couple of new characters.”
Interesting. Sounds to me like they’re trying to separate themselves a bit from the whole Baroness/Duke/Cobra Commander triangle, which was one of the things I totally disliked about the original film. They also mention that the first priority is getting Channing Tatum back for Duke, which honestly, was probably the thing I disliked second most. But he is a larger draw these days and he could put butts in seats.
So, not a big fan of the director, but I have some faith in the writing team, and some of the writing is on the wall that the folks behind this film understand what went wrong with the first film, and steps may be taken to try to craft something a bit more recognizable this time around. Let’s all hope.
by generalsjoes | Feb 26, 2011 | G.I. Joe, G.I. Joe: The Movie
So, according to Deadline.com it’s all but a done deal and Jon M. Chu will be the next director in the G.I. Joe motion picture franchise. So, what does this mean, in the grand scheme of things? Eh, who knows? All I know is the only Hollywood motion pictures Chu has directed were Step Up 3D and Never Say Never starring Justin Bieber, which leaves me with little confidence that he can handle a potential big budget action blockbuster.
Does that mean he can’t do it? No. It just leaves me with little confidence. I really struggle to figure out how Paramount thinks a director who has spent much of his career filming song and dance videos and films is the right guy for a fast-paced action film, but hey, maybe they know something I don’t.
Now I won’t sit here and say this film now has no hope. I feel good about the writing team. I feel good that (unlike the first film) there is actually a cohesive writing process, instead of dealing with a writer’s strike and making things up on the fly.
There was also a quick little interaction at JoeCon last year between Alan Hassenfeld and one of the media directors during the Hassenfeld presentation, where it was abundantly clear that Hassenfeld wasn’t especially happy with how the Joe brand had been perceived post Rise of Cobra, and that we should all expect (and deserve) better.
Time will tell…we now have an official starting point and probably a good two years of build up before we find out what the pay off is. Hopefully it’s worth the wait. Thanks to Mysterious Stranger for passing the information along.
