From Batman and Spiderman to Superman and Iron Man, live-action film remakes of our favorite childhood super hero icons continue to dominate box office ratings. And it would seem Hollywood knows a good thing when it sees it. Director/Writer Stephen Sommers’ (Van Helsing-2004, Hugh Jackman) G.I. Joe origin story is slated to make its silver screen debut on August 7, 2009, just in time for America to catch its breath after this summer’s promised and highly anticipated blockbusters. Although the film has not yet been given an official rating by the MPAA, it may, unfortunately, contain too much violence and sexual content for younger children, many of whom will undoubtedly desire to watch their favorite American hero in movie form. This theory aside, one thing is certain: the flick is sure to be a hit among the sixteen and up demographic.
As has been the case with several recent Marvel Comics films, G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra, will be an origin story (and don’t forget that the G.I. Joe character had its first comic book run under the Marvel Comics name, from 1982-1994). In terms of plot, the movie takes place in the not too distant future and, as the film’s subtitle reflects, will depict the rise of the evil Cobra Organization (also known as Cobra Command in many animated series adventures). According to a recent USA Today article, Director Stephen Sommers says, “For people who know nothing about it [G.I. Joe], it’ll make sense. And to people who love this stuff, it’ll show where they all came from.” (Breznican, Anthony: “G.I. Joe Aims to Bridge Eras of Toys, TV Fans: www.usatoday.com. 3/20/2008). For those who may be unaware, the flick will center on the Brussels-based location of GIJOE headquarters, an acronym which stands for Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity. G.I. Joe soldiers are members of an elite, highly-trained operative force dedicated to combating the evil intentions of the Cobra Command, headed and masterminded by a ruthless, Scottish arms dealer.
So, let’s talk cast. Acclaimed actor Dennis Quaid of Vantage Point (2008) fame will be stepping into the role of the battle-hardened General Hawk (a code name to conceal his true identity: Major/General Clayton M. Abernathy). Hawk’s story is simple. He was born to rather wealthy parents, both of whom heartily encouraged him to enroll at West Point Military Academy. As it turns out, their instincts about their son’s abilities proved to be on target, as Hawk graduated at the top of his class.
The remaining cast members will likely be unknown to the vast majority of moviegoers. Actor Ray Park, whose eerie and agile portrayal of the long-tongued, mischievous mutant malefactor Toad (X-Men, 2000) hit home with X-Men fans, will embody the role of everyone’s favorite G.I. Joe villain (and perhaps action figure): Snake Eyes. At present, there is not much to say about the origins of this classic G.I. Joe character, considering that his place of birth and even his real name have long remained classified. His skills in hand-to-hand combat, however, are nigh unparalleled among any other soldier in the series. Possessing ninja-like abilities and wielding a laser-sharpened samurai sword are just two traits that make him one of the deadliest foes the Joes have ever faced.
Finally, actress Rachel Nichols (Charlie Wilson’s War, 2007 w/ Tom Hanks and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, 2008) will enter the role of the beautiful, but deadly Shana Scarlett O’Hara. This beloved femme fatale can be found in nearly every Joe comic book, toy line and animated television series. Interestingly, Nichol’s most recent acting role was in the recent and well-received Star Trek (Director/Producer J.J. Abrams) as Cadet Gaila. For those of you who saw the Trek movie, but can’t remember her, here’s some help: Starfleet Cadet Gaila is Lieutenant Uhura’s red-headed roommate during their time at Starfleet Academy. From this, one could infer she is in Kirk, Uhura, and McCoy’s graduating class. During the film, she tells Kirk, “I think I love you”, mere seconds before Uhura stumbles in through the door to find them passionately kissing. As a member of the race of Orions, Gaila has green skin. Longtime Trekkies are aware of the classic phrase concerning Captain James T. Kirk from the original television series: “He’s always seducing green women!”
As with Transformers, Hasbro Toys (www.hasbrotoyshop.com) has hopped on the G.I. Joe merchandizing bandwagon, much to the approval of young boys across the country. Each actor was scanned for Hasbro’s upcoming G.I. toy line rebirth, scheduled to debut in July 2009 with the anticipated release of 3 ¾ inch tall action figures (Douglas, Edward: “In the Future: The Cast of Vantage Point.” www.comingsoon.net. 2/23/08). The line will also include twelve inch action figures, vehicles with moveable parts, and “the first play set based on the Pit [the headquarters for all G.I. Joe activity and operations] in the franchise’s history.” (“World’s First Action Figure G.I. Joe Becomes Movie Blockbuster Franchise in 2009”: Press Release).
G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra hits theatres nationwide August 7, 2009.
