“Technically, we don't exist. We answer to no one. And when all else fails, we don't.”
The movie uses constant special effects, numerous globetrotting location changes including Egypt and Paris, and a fast paced story full of action, but runs low on genuine excitement. Stephen Sommers co-writes and directs this new military adventure and stays close to the pop culture adaptation formula.
In this formula, filmmakers put the characters in dark colored suits (just like X-Men) to match the more serious tone instead of their more brightly colored uniforms from the cartoons/action figure sets. The satisfying action includes an amazing sequence in Paris, France that definitely saves the movie.
Filmmakers wait a while for character introductions opting for sporadic flashbacks to tell individual sub stories beginning with Destro’s. The appealing military elements remain while new elements like the Delta-6 Accelerator suits, nanotechnology and invisibility cloaks appear.
The cast could’ve been stronger on the villain side except for Sienna Miller who plays Baroness (a.k.a. Ana Lewis). This 118-minute movie showcases her character most and connect key background sub stories among several main characters.
Channing Tatum and comedian Marlon Wayans make a decent hero buddy team as Duke and Ripcord. This duo bonds in battle and punches up the story with a few good jokes between action breaks. “He was not born, he was government issued,” says Ripcord when asked about Duke’s background. Dennis Quaid heads the Joes as General Hawk assisted by Cover Girl, played by real life model Karolina Kurkova.
Other heroes include Heavy Duty, played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje; Scarlett, played by rising star Rachel Nichols; communications expert Breaker, played by Said Taghmaoui and the silent Snake Eyes, played by Ray Park in an outstanding physical role. Brendan Fraser, also makes a surprisingly short, uncredited appearance as does his fellow Mummy castmate, Kevin J. O’Connor who plays a deranged scientist (a.k.a. Dr. Mindbender).
Diehard fans might miss marine Gung-Ho, Roadblock, helicopter pilot Wild Bill, Stalker, Lady Jaye, Beachhead, Mutt and Quick Kick (some of these characters appear in the spin off video game), but that leaves likely appearances in the sequel(s).
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