G.I. Joe: Retaliation 
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Stevenson, D.J. Cotrona, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Park, Luke Bracey
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Rated: PG-13
Run Time: 110 mins
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi
Opens March 27
By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com
Hey Phoenix Film fans! Opening this week nationwide is the latest installment the G.I. Joe franchise, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation”. A few familiar faces, as well as a few new ones, such as Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis, join the cast this time around; make it look more like it’s a new “Expendables” film rather than a toy franchise.
The ultra-elite military special force ops known as “G.I. Joes” have been tasked to go retrieve several nuclear warheads from a Middle Eastern country on the brink of revolution. Mission Leader Duke (Channing Tatum) reports back that the mission has been complete, pleasing all of the higher ups in Washington. The mortal enemy of the Joes, are the Cobra Commandos, which have infiltrated the military rankings of the US government. The mission that was called in as a success was spin doctored by the Cobra master of disguise, Zartan (Arnold Cosloo) to be a dishonor to the Joes, dismantling and dishonoring the role they play in the safety of the world. Zartan’s real mission is to locate and free Cobra Commander (Luke Bracey) so they can overtake the powers of the international community.
Led by Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), a few remaining Joes set out to take down the Cobra Commandos before they cause any further damages to the citizens of the world.
Action films are always better to watch on the big screen, this movie being no exception. What makes this film so entertaining is a few differentiating factors; 1). Humorous Banter. Johnson and Willis have this down to an art form of the cheeky banter back and forth between characters, giving the newbies an education on how action stars should be. 2). the gadgets. Some of the new gadgets used were pretty cool from using bug sized drones, interesting gloves, guns and swords but also incorporating the old with the new, grounding it in a semi- real reality. 3). Action sequences. There were a few select scenes that were exceptionally well done in regards to the action sequences, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats totally engaged with what’s happening on screen. If you’re looking for an entertaining film to see over the Easter holiday weekend, be sure to check out “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” when it opens in select theaters starting March 27,2013 opening nationwide Friday March 29, 2013.
