G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)
An elite global military task force known as G.I. Joe recruits soldiers Duke and Ripcord to safeguard advanced nanotech warheads. They must race against the nefarious organization Cobra, led by the weapons manufacturer McCullen and Duke’s estranged ex-fiancée, The Baroness, to prevent a global catastrophe. This mission reveals a conspiracy tied deeply to Duke’s past and the beginnings of a powerful terrorist threat.
Length: 1h58m
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
This Title is: High-octane military espionage and origin story
Cast
Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dennis Quaid, Ray Park
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG-13 – Intense sequences of action violence, including martial arts, fantasy weapon peril, some sensuality, and brief language.
FAQ
- Is G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) Based on a True Story?: No, and a brief explanation. It is based on the popular Hasbro line of action figures and animated series created in the 1980s.
- Where was G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) filmed?: Primary filming occurred across various international locations, including Prague, Paris, and the deserts of Egypt, with extensive studio work in Los Angeles.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Alan Silvestri
Filmmaker Profile
Director Stephen Sommers, known for blockbuster spectacle in movies like The Mummy and Van Helsing, brought his signature style of fast-paced, effects-heavy action to this production. He emphasized massive set pieces and rapid editing, giving the origin story a kinetic, cartoonish energy.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This production excels with incredible special effects and breathtaking action choreography, especially the pulse-pounding chase sequence through the streets of Paris utilizing accelerator suits. The movie offers pure, over-the-top entertainment with a huge budget, delivering a non-stop barrage of stunts, explosions, and thrilling, high-tech weaponry that honors the source material’s spirit.
Main Character Deep Dive
Conrad “Duke” Hauser, played by Channing Tatum, shoulders the weight of command and personal tragedy. His emotional journey is centered on his fractured history with The Baroness and Cobra Commander, forcing him to confront past failures while leading his new team. Tatum captures the conflicted hero status, portraying a soldier who must overcome his internal struggles to save the world.
Unforgettable Quote
“Knowing is half the battle.”
Trivia
- Channing Tatum initially turned down the role of Duke seven times before accepting due to a contractual obligation with Paramount Pictures.
- The iconic ninja Snake Eyes took a vow of silence in this interpretation, a departure from the comic where his inability to speak was due to vocal injuries.
- The G.I. Joe base, known as “The Pit,” is located 100 stories below the sands of the Egyptian desert.
Trailer
Stream G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) on:
Our Review
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I am consistently impressed by the sheer spectacle and visual design on display in this action spectacle. The movie absolutely shines when it commits to being a giant, fun cartoon come to life. The creative teams delivered groundbreaking visuals, particularly the accelerated suit sequence which remains a masterful piece of modern action filmmaking that left me on the edge of my seat. The cast, featuring Channing Tatum and the dynamic pairing of Sienna Miller and Ray Park as the warring ninjas, Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes, brings a welcome intensity to the proceedings. The focus on high-tech gear and the rapid global movement gives the production a grand, world-spanning scope that perfectly complements the source material. I found the energy infectious and the pace exhilarating, providing nonstop thrills. This is a tremendous piece of entertainment that embraces its roots with enthusiasm.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you seek non-stop, loud, and high-tech military action that delivers large-scale popcorn entertainment, prioritizing spectacle over subtlety.
