GI Joe the movie- Snake Eyes

Originally a patriotic soldier from a simpler time, GI Joe was re-introduced to a gung-ho attitude-obsessed market on the 1980’s by Hasbro. A brilliant co-production with Marvel Comics and Sunbow, GI Joe attacked little boys at the toy store, comic shop (or drug store more likely) and at home on the TV every afternoon. The seemingly endless war on blue-suited terrorists lead by the raspy-voiced Cobra Commander was met with an equally endless array of action figures.

The toys were a vital part of the comic book (which existed almost solely to sell action figures), but writer Larry Hama invented such rich characters and situations for each of his assigned characters that it each toy was an easy sell. The best example of this is Snake Eyes. The mysterious and always hooded master of combat was such a fan favorite that almost any man who even vaguely recalls the 1980’s will be able to point him out.

A brave deadly yet silent hero, Snake Eyes was wounded in a helicopter accident, rendering the character mute (a rather novel idea for a comic book hero). A master of hand to hand combat and traditional small arm weaponry, Snake Eyes is perhaps the perfect weapon without equal… except for his nemesis Storm Shadow (expect to see the pair face off in the film).

Blame it on the Transformers movie, I do.

The upcoming summer blockbuster feature film of GI Joe is yet another attempt by Hollywood to draw in the crowds based on their desperate need fore reminiscence. I think most of us wish for simpler times and despite how bad things actually were, my generation yearns for the simplicity and optimism of the 1980’s. Therefore we will continue to see films based on cartoons from that decade… at least until the present becomes preferable.

The film has been a rumor for ages and frankly I’m rather shocked to see the first glimpse of Ray Park (Darth Maul of The Phantom Menace) in costume as Snake Eyes. Directed by Stephan Sommers (The Mummy), the film stars Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who) as Destro, Denis Quaid as Hawk, Sienna Miller as the Baroness… and many more.

I don’t know what to make of this movie.

The cast sounds decent an the script features contributions from Larry Hama. Supposedly the cast is signed for two sequels which is common for this kind of thing. The movie will take place ten years in the future which is a comforting thought that we will be using ninjas to fight silver masked terrorists in exotic locations.

I guess I’m jaded but GI Joe has always jarred more than a bit with my sensitive pacifist persona. The thought of the franchise making such a big comeback at a time when the world is entrenched in global warfare doesn’t strike me as much ‘fun.’

But… damn doesn’t Snake Eyes look cool?

Recommended:

Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe 1982-1994
GI Joe: The Complete Story of America’s Favorite Man of Action
G.I. Joe: America’s Elite: America’s Newest War, Vol. I
G.I. Joe: The Movie
G.I. Joe Season 1, Part 1