G.I. Joe: Retaliation is a 2013 American military science fiction action film and the sequel to 2009's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie is inspired by the G.I. Joe toy franchise and comic series. It combines high-octane action with espionage and adventure, delivering an entertaining story of heroism and betrayal.

Plot Summary

The film follows the G.I. Joe team as they are framed for treason by Zartan, who is impersonating the President of the United States. After a devastating ambush wipes out most of the team, the surviving members—Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), Lady Jaye (Adrianne Palicki), and Flint (D.J. Cotrona)—band together to clear their names and uncover Cobra's plan for world domination.

The plot thickens with the return of fan-favorite characters like Snake Eyes (Ray Park) and the introduction of Storm Shadow (Byung-hun Lee), who plays a key role in the story's twists. The team also receives help from the original G.I. Joe leader, General Joe Colton (Bruce Willis), as they take on Cobra Commander and his sinister plans involving a global nuclear threat.

Key Themes

• Betrayal and Redemption: The framing of the G.I. Joe team sets the stage for a story about trust, loyalty, and reclaiming honor.
• Teamwork and Leadership: The surviving Joes must rely on each other's strengths to overcome overwhelming odds.
• Action and Espionage: The movie features intense fight scenes, explosive battles, and covert operations.

Notable Action Scenes

• The mountain-climbing ninja fight, featuring Snake Eyes and Jinx battling Cobra ninjas on a snowy cliffside.
• The assault on Fort Sumter, showcasing the G.I. Joes' tactical ingenuity.
• Roadblock's final confrontation with Firefly (Ray Stevenson) and Cobra Commander.

Cast Highlights

• Dwayne Johnson as Roadblock, the team's new leader.
• Bruce Willis as General Joe Colton, the retired founder of the G.I. Joe team.
• Channing Tatum as Duke, a returning character from the first film.
• Jonathan Pryce as the President/Zartan, a villainous double agent.

Reception

The movie received mixed reviews, with praise for its action sequences and charismatic performances, particularly by Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis. However, it was criticized for its thin plot and lack of character development. Despite this, G.I. Joe: Retaliation was a commercial success, grossing over $375 million worldwide.

It is a fun, action-packed sequel that leans into the franchise's over-the-top style, appealing to fans of the G.I. Joe brand and action enthusiasts alike.