G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)

Inspired by the Hasbro line of toys from the 80s comes G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Lucky for us, the franchise is in the perfect hands of director Steven Sommers. The movie is perfect summer fare. When kept in perspective it's a blast.

The ensemble cast of Tatum Channing, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans, Dennis Quaid, Christopher Eccleston, Ray Park, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt won't win any Oscars for the performances here, but they will win the adoration of a generation. The film strikes the perfect balance of action and camp to create an adventure fantasy worth seeing.

The Rise of Cobra sets the tone for building a franchise with limitless possibilities. Sommers wisely weaves back stories for the players: Duke (Channing), Snake Eyes (Parks), Baroness (Miller), Destro (Eccleston) and Zartan. The movies could go anywhere from here.

Back to the task at hand. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra follows an elite paramilitary group that sets out to stop a rogue military organization determined to bring the world to it's knees. The film rolls out like a non-stop action sequence with corny one-liners {hearkening to the original cartoon series}, awesome weaponry, and a dash of romance.

Snake Eyes is easily the most complex of our American Heroes. The fully clad ninja and his vow of silence speaks boldly. His action sequences, a la, Ray Parks are a highlight. Equally fascinating is Sienna Miller as Baroness. Almost unrecognizable, her average execution of dialogue works. Surprisingly Marlon Wayans wasn't the killjoy I expected. Instead of sucking the air out of the room, he complimented the wooden Channing beautifully.

*SPOILER AHEAD* It's unfortunate that McCullen/Destro's evolution begins so late in the film. You knew it was going to happen; I was so psyched for the moment that upon it's delivery I was spent. Now I really have something to look forward to. Christopher Eccleston (The Others, 28 Days Later) plays the hybrid villain well with an accent that is laughably over-the-top. *SPOILER END*

Brendan Fraser cameos in The Pit sequences as Duke and RipCord are initiated in the Joes. What a riot! These sequences alone really set the tone of the film.

As I see it, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is exactly what I wanted. It's pitch-perfect entertainment that I unabashedly enjoyed. Check reality at the door; embrace your childhood and enjoy!

J4T: 4 stars