G.I. Joe - The Movie [DVD] [1987]

The plot follows G.I Joe's continuing struggle against the international terrorist organisation Cobra and their nefarious leader Cobra Commander. However a new threat arises with the appearence of the misterious 'cobra lair' - an ancient society of people who, with the help of new Cobra leader Serpentor,plan to conqour the world by releasing a mutanagenic spore into the atmosphere that will transform all those not under their protection into mindless beasts.

There is however a problem. In order to mature, the spores need a source of energy, and the only suitable source can be found with the B.E.T (Broadcast Energy Transmitter) - a device designed to end all the worlds energy problems which also happens to be in the custody of the joe's. What ensues is a massive struggle for power that to's and thro's between the warring factions.

For what was considered a kids movie, this DVD has an awful lot of adult themes. The Joe 'Duke' is horribly and rather visually wounded, Cobra Commander is mutated into a slathering, hissing beast and there are enough beatings, explosions and flesh wounds to satisfy most gore merchants.

Not that this is a bad thing. indeed G.I joe the Movie has an excellent plot, a great amount of tension, romance, betrayal, comedy and even the odd tear-jerking moment - It even has the appearence of former WWF champion Sgt Slaughter who plays himself in the movie.

With the re-release of the origional G.I joe comics as trade paperbacks, a brand new comic series availible, a new line of toys on the way and hushed discusions about a new animated series - G.i joe the Movie is an essential buy for not only twentysomthings like myself who were there first time around, but any fan of action animation. Heck! Everyone should enjoy this!

The film explains the Origins of the man behind the mask, Cobra Commander, as well that of Serpentor. We find out new things about our favourite characters, such as Duke and see many new characters that are supposed to be the Joe team of the future, such as Lt. Falcon and Jinx.

GI Joe the Movie was a Hasbro owned Marvel/Sunbow produced film, just like Transformers The Movie. This why it shares many of the voice actors, such as the excellent Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) , Frank Welker (Megatron) and such. The background themes are also very similar, simply adding to the greatness of the movie.

GI Joe the Movie was originally supposed to go on General Release, but because 'My Little Pony' lost so much at the Cinema and Transformers : the Movie was unable to recoup the loss -as well- it's own costs (or it would have been an amazing hit at the time), Hasbro were not enthusiastic about letting the Joes hit big screen. This is why it went straight to video. If a Theatrical release had been given then we would have seen among other things, a little more swearing, violence and A nude scene of Zarana.

This is why GI Joe the movie does not feature all the special effects and Soundtrack that the Transformers got, but it is still a very good movie.

The Plot is a little forgettable. The Joe's are testing the B.E.T (Broadcast Energy Transmitter) in the Himalayas. COBRA learns of this and attacks the test site and both forces take huge losses.

But it introduces an altogether new and deadly enemy, the entire Civilisation of Cobra-La. (Story editor Buzz Dixon said that this was only supposed to be a "Place Holder name" for writing purposes, but Hasbro thought kids would love it, how wrong could they be)

However, there are many twists and turns it the film and it is very exciting, some Joe's lose their sight, some Joes get put in hospital, and some Cobra's betray Cobra.

It is a fast paced ride through the world of GI Joe and COBRA, as they race around the world, from Cobra's Terror-Drome and The Joe's base, 'The Pit'.

The characterisation is very good, and stars such as Don Johnson and former WWF World Heavyweight Wrestling Champ Sgt. Slaughter make excellent contributions (can the Sgt. lay the smack down on the strongest Cobra-La Warrior Nemesis Enforcer?).

Also the film was infamous for giving children everywhere the most absurdly, cheesiest, lamest and uninspiring battle cry ever

"COBRA LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA"

I mean, D'uh Hasbro, what were you thinking?

Having said alla that, you WILL be crying out 'Go Joe!' and 'Yo Joe!' for weeks.

If you grew up in the 80's and want to really experience the magic and wonder of your childhood again, this is an excellent movie to buy.

in fact, in the words of Serpentor, you must buy it, "This I command!" ;)

Enjoy --Dr. 80's

One annoying thing though: Im originally from Holland and there it was called 'GI JOE'. They would yell 'Yo Joe!' when sounding the battle cry. Unfortunately Maverick has mixed a few things up here. In the first hour or so, you hear the occasional 'Yo Joe!' scream, but after that every sentence with either the words 'GI Joe' or 'Yo Joe' has been redubbed with some lame voice actors into something like 'Action Force' and 'Go Action Force!'. This is just a shame, and is THE ONLY negative point I have to make.

Jan