G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)

Added to Netflix Canada on November 26, 2025

The elite G.I. Joe unit is ambushed and decimated by an enemy force controlled by Zartan, who is impersonating the U.S. President. The few survivors, led by Roadblock, must go underground. They join forces with the original Joe, General Joe Colton, and their former foe, Storm Shadow, to stop Cobra Commander’s plot for global domination and save the world from total nuclear destruction.

Length: 1h50m
Genre: Action/Adventure
This Title is: High-Octane Action Sequel

Cast

Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Adrianne Palicki, D. J. Cotrona

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: PG-13 – intense sequences of violence and action, some suggestive content, and brief language

FAQ

Is G.I. Joe: Retaliation Based on a True Story?: No, it is based on the G.I. Joe action figures and media franchise created by Hasbro.
Where was G.I. Joe: Retaliation filmed?: Primarily in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana, including NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, with some shots in Vancouver, Canada.
Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Henry Jackman

Filmmaker Profile

Director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on the Step Up series, brought a fresh, high-energy approach to this military property. He aimed for a grounded, tactical style that focused more heavily on the core characters and realistic, large-scale action sequences.

Why It’s Worth Watching

This production successfully shifts the tone toward gritty, character-driven military action, making it highly engaging. The standout Himalayan cliffside ninja battle is a breathtaking masterpiece of choreography and stunts. It delivers explosive excitement and spectacular visual effects that elevate the entire viewing experience.

Main Character Deep Dive

Roadblock, portrayed powerfully by Dwayne Johnson, anchors the action with his fierce loyalty and natural leadership. Following the loss of his friends, his emotional journey is one of immediate retaliation and duty. Johnson provides a memorable, exceptional central performance that establishes the character as the moral and physical center of the surviving team.

Unforgettable Quote

“So if we’re fighting uphill, we take the hill.”

Trivia

The movie’s release was delayed by nine months, moving from June 2012 to March 2013, to convert it to 3D and add more scenes featuring Channing Tatum’s character.
The memorable battle sequence featuring Snake Eyes and Jinx fighting on a sheer Himalayan mountain cliffside was filmed inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
The screenwriter duo, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, are also known for scripting the first two *Deadpool* pictures and *Zombieland*.

Trailer

Stream G.I. Joe: Retaliation on:

Netflix Canada

Our Review

Quality:
Acting:
Storyline:
Visuals:
Entertainment:

I absolutely loved the intensity and scale of this blockbuster. From the opening scene, the pace is relentless, hitting every mark for massive, over-the-top fun. The introduction of Dwayne Johnson as Roadblock is a stroke of genius, bringing powerful presence and a great sense of humor to the team. The action sequences are meticulously crafted, especially the gravity-defying ninja fight on the sheer mountain cliffs, which is easily one of the most stunning set pieces in modern action cinema. The script successfully clears the slate, focusing on a leaner, meaner special forces unit fighting against overwhelming odds. Seeing Bruce Willis join the squad adds a fantastic legacy element, providing mentorship and firepower in equal measure. The special effects look incredible, ensuring that every missile launch and explosion lands with maximum impact. This is pure, exhilarating entertainment from start to finish.