Saturday, August 08, 2009



I like the new GIJOE movie quite a bit. It is, what many would call, mindless entertainment, and while it has that aspect, it is also a reasonable take on the 80s-born icon. This movie IS based on the 80s 'Real Amercan Hero' version of the GIJOE toyline, so for anyone who is wondering "Who plays GIJOE", it may be a bit of a mystery. And also, for anyone who has issues with movie adaptations that take liberties, it may be a bit of a bumpy ride.

There are a few hiccups here and there such as a weak effects shot or two and few performance moments that don't mesh, but all in all, it's a solid piece of theater bang up fun.

While this movie is not in the league of the original STAR WARS, it does an admirable job of reaching for that level of visual stimulation while maintaining the basic framework of the 80s cartoon and comics. There are even elements that hearken to STAR WARS in much the same way that Lucas referenced Kurosawa films.

There's plenty of action that escalates to progressively grander set pieces as the story moves forward, yet unlike STAR WARS, there are few quiet moments. In that way, the movie is somewhat like an old Bond movie.

That may sum up the movie well: 80s GIJOE meets STAR WARS meets JAMES BOND...

Not bad.