I am a fan of G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA directed by Stephen Sommers (THE MUMMY Series) back in 2009. I know a lot of my fellow nerds out there don’t share my enthusiasm and did not enjoy the original. Well it looks like there is good news for both of us because G.I. JOE 2: RETALIATION seems to be a reboot of sorts with a new director, a mostly new cast, and a new (more grounded) focus. In short, this looks bad ass!
G.I. JOE 2: RETALIATION is directed by relative newcomer Jon M. Chu who is most know for his STEP UP movies and the more recent documentary JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER. I realize now is a good time to start laughing but I have to admit this trailer looks great and a lot of my initial worries have gone away. I mean come on, this guy has not proved he can make a good action movie yet. You have to start somewhere I guess.
The BIG thing this film has going for it besides a new focus is the addition of Dwayne Johnson (THE RUNDOWN) as Roadblock and Bruce Willis as the original G.I. Joe member Joe Colton. Very cool! Also returning to their roles are Channing Tatum (THE EAGLE) as Duke, Arnold Vosloo (THE MUMMY) as Zartan, Ray Park (STAR WARS EPISODE 1: THE PHANTOM MENACE) as Snake Eyes, and Byung-hun Lee (I SAW THE DEVIL) as Storm Shadow. Honestly, those are the only members of the original cast I really wanted back and adding Willis and Johnson more than makes up for anyone missing. It is also worth mentioning that the awesomely talented Ray Stevenson (ROME) will be in this film as Firefly. No mention as to whether or not Cobra Commander will make an appearance, but I assume he will because I cannot imagine a Joe movie without him. Fingers crossed.
Check out the kick ass trailer below that has some sweet ninja action!
G.I. JOE 2: RETALIATION hit theaters June 29th 2012. GO JOE!
