Paramount and Hasbro went back to the drawing board in trying to come up with a GI Joe film to reinvent the franchise. This time by doing an origin story of the most iconic and fan favorite character, the high profile commando, Snake Eyes.
Snake Eyes: a GI Joe Origin Story is a revision of the iconic character. It’s about a child who grows up seeking revenge after his father is murdered. He is pulled into the middle of feuding Japanese clans, the Arashikage, and the Yakuza. Before helping Tommy survive a double cross. Things are not as they seem as Tommy takes snake eyes in and vouches for his honor while Snake eyes have a hidden agenda. The battle for snake eyes’ honor ensues.
The acting was decent at times; however, it was not able to keep this poorly written film afloat or engaging. The
direction of the seizure-inducing shaky cam was present in every action sequence. The editing was rough as the cuts were sharp and jolting. There were inconsistencies as Tommy’s scar appeared mobile throughout the film moving back and forth between the side of his eye and underneath. The film also shoehorns in a GI Joe favorite Scarlet, portrayed by Samara Weaving (Ready Or Not), who brings welcomed charisma and humor to a rather mindless film.
Unlike the other summer’s blockbuster films (“A Quiet Place Part II and Black Widow”), Snake Eyes is a lifeless film trying to reboot a dead franchise. What is lacking in this film is a hero we all grew up with rather than the portrayed villain that we received. This film suffers from the lack of stakes as the only ones in danger are the extras (and moviegoers) as the story fall flat and at times nonexistent, as characters do not seem to learn from their many mistakes.
As much as I wanted to enjoy this film, I was left bored and found myself glancing at my watch often as the pacing of the film dragged. This movie is forgettable as soon as the lights turn on in the theater.
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