The Gi Joe movies have been largely forgotten about, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t contribute in some way to the movie industry. In fact, it was interesting to see another film actually based on toys, even if it did not work overall.
However, despite the fact that the franchise definitely got some things wrong, it also actually got many things right. We’re taking a look at 5 of each and deciding whether there’s more to remember about this duo of films or whether they are better left in the past.
DID WRONG: VILLAINS
This comic, animation, and toy franchise has countless vicious villains to choose from. Each of them are quirky, unique, and could make for some really compelling on-screen baddies. However, the movie franchise failed to effectively adapt them.
The first film essentially saw two villains lead the way, with neither of them anywhere close to their source material counterparts. The sequel took Cobra Commander from the first film and tried to change him, but by this time it was too late.
DID RIGHT: CASTING
The casting of the films was actually pretty spectacular. It was difficult to not love the cameo appearance of Brendan Fraser and the addition of a young Channing Tatum and Adrianne Palicki certainly round out the cast well.
The sequel even managed to add big stars such as Bruce Willis and of course Dwayne the Rock Johnson. Let’s not forget that our villains were played by Joseph Gordon Levitt and Christopher Eccleston; it’s a shame they didn’t do more with them.
DID WRONG: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
There’s not a lot of ways to describe the characters in this film. In fact, it’s difficult to actually point to a strong character arc for any of them. While their backs are up against the wall, especially in the sequel, it doesn’t tell us much about them.
They are faceless action heroes without strong motivations for most things and without any kind of development. There’s nothing to emotionally attach to and it comes off more as a mindless action flick than anything more.
DID RIGHT: ACTION SEQUENCES
Despite the fact that we have said that this is a mindless action blockbuster, there is some merit towards the action sequences themselves. Some of them of course completely missed the mark and are a CGI fest with very little direction.
However, others are actually breathtaking, with the mountain scene in particular from the second movie, often garnering praise. There’s so much more to be done with the gadgets and weapons of the franchise, but there are some innovative action set pieces in here.
DID WRONG: FAITHFUL ADAPTATION
We’ve spoken about how the villains were failed miserably across this franchise and we stand by this. The mistake of not taking more from the source material certainly cost these characters. But this was true for the rest of the movies.
There just wasn’t enough taken from this extended universe that was fed back into the films. There’s so many storylines, characters, and cool weapons, gadgets, and vehicles to use, it’s strange that this wasn’t almost reliant on this brilliant source material.
DID RIGHT: SNAKE EYES
Snake Eyes was exactly what he should have been. The faceless and silent ninja of the group was effortless awesome, mysterious and deadly. He featured in the best action sequences of the films and was a compelling person to watch throughout.
His rivalry with Shadow Storm was especially interesting and it says a lot that more plot development came out of two characters that barely talk. This was also the closest character to the source material and it really works.
DID WRONG: NO SPECIFIC AUDIENCE
Unfortunately, the tone of the film wasn’t aimed at anyone in particular. There were two groups of people that the series could have been aimed at. Either kids, who could still enjoy the toys and animated TV shows, or adults living out some kind of nostalgia.
It failed to capitalize on either of these groups and ultimately appealed to no one. It was far too adult for a young child who just finished playing with their toys, but far too childish for someone trying to relive the glory days.
DID RIGHT: TONE
The tone of this was actually in the right place though. If the aim was to be an over-the-top action-adventure then it succeeded. Despite perhaps being too violent or with too much swearing for kids, it was at least comic-book-esque in its elements.
Unfortunately, it was specific scenes and moments that let it down, but the sequel movie did actually manage to get the tone right once more while also expanding who it could appeal to. This was a bit too late for the franchise, however.
DID WRONG: 3D
These films were released during a period of time where studios were obsessed with producing their movies in 3D. It was a craze momentarily and of course completely driven by the financial gains of the price of this ticket.
However, the use of 3D was terrible in many areas, with the film being adapted to the medium in post-production. This also delayed the release and had a financial effect on the movie, allowing it to drop down the charts rather quickly.
DID RIGHT: MAINSTREAM APPEAL
If the studio executives wanted something to cut through all the noise of Hollywood and have some mainstream appeal they succeed with this. With the tone that was set, the cast and the lack of elements from the source material, this was designed for the mass market.
While it didn’t actually put people in the seats, it was a film that could be watched by anyone. Although it was then universally panned, perhaps aiming this at too niche an audience and basing it so heavily on the comics and toys would have made it far less successful, especially with international audiences that didn’t experience Gi Joe in the same way.
