I fully expected this to be absolutely awful - but shame on me, because I actually quite enjoyed it. If you have children, any preteen boy will lap this up, and even if you don't I suspect you'll enjoy it too.
Sienna miller makes an appearance, which is always good - and this time we get to see what she looks like with black hair instead of blonde too. And I have to say the story was actually pretty good. It revolved around a new type of nano-bot warhead which falls into the wrong hands, so although futuristic, it wasn't too far fetched.
There were also quite a few twists and turns, which again, surprisingly I must admit I didn't see coming. This certainly became true as the film progressed and really started to make use of the 'G.I. Joe' franchise. This was one aspect I really liked. It felt like the writers had really taken the time to get this film to work as a 'G.I. Joe' film. And they succeeded.
If like me you grew up in the 80s playing with 'Action Force' toys, which later became Americanised as 'G.I. Joe' you'll recognise more than one or two of the characters from when you used to play with them on your bedroom floor, and I thought that some of them were very cleverly integrated into the film and used to build the story. Or rather part 1 of it.
The film is called G.I. Joe - 'The rise of Cobra', and it certainly feels like the start of something. I for one hope there's a second instalment on the way, as the film cleverly sets up what by all accounts could turn out to be a classic, story of politics and war. The ending makes it clear that that's the intention, leaving it wide open for part 2 in a tantalising way.
Throughout the film the effects were over the top, but looked good and worked for the type of film it was, and all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed what was essentially an kiddies action romp. I found it the perfect film to watch just before my mid afternoon nap at the weekend. Entertaining - but not too serious or taxing.
Verdict: 8.5 out of 10 - Go Go G.I. Joe. It's nearly 5 stars from me.