2.5 out of 5 stars
For the generations that grew up on the GI Joe animated series and then enjoyed Hasbro’s toy tie-ins, they would know that the coolest character was Snake Eyes (Henry Golding). This quiet assassin has the best gear with the least dialogue, which makes him even more ominously mysterious. These attributes mean that he would be given his own story within the less than illustrious cinematic franchise.
Even though this is the third film in the GI Joe series, Snake Eyes is a reboot of the toy manufacturer’s world of secret soldiers. Things begin with a special time between father and son until the situation becomes tragic as the son witnesses his father’s murder. This life-changing event forms the future commando’s path towards revenge and a life of learning the art of combat. The boy’s nickname is credited to the man hired to kill his father, who uses a set of dice to determine the fate of his victims. Anyone who rolls the double one (snake eyes) lose their life. With his reptile-inspired moniker, the boy grows into a man making his way on the streets and in the world of backroom brawls. The young battler is eventually recruited by an underworld boss named Kenta (Takehiro Hira). He entices the young warrior by promising to deliver the man who had put Snake's father to death to him, if he serves the Yakuza leader faithfully.
As a self-taught fighter in the world of organised crime, he is suddenly thrown into a 'blood war' between two opposing families within the Japanese underground. Snake’s actions eventually lead him to be brought into the trust of the leader of the opposing family, Tommy (Andrew Koji). At their family dojo in Japan, he is trained and tested to prove his loyalty. This all leads him to discover that the feud between the two households reaches beyond the shores of Japan. Specifically, these two families' battle is interwoven with the work of the Joes and their archenemy organisation called Cobra.
Throughout this description, it might be evident that this is a franchise for those who have a history with the world of GI Joe. Still, this film pulls its inspiration from Japanese action adventures. This means that viewers do not have to be fans of the original franchise to understand this storyline, but it helps. Robert Schwentke (RED) directs a tale driven by masterful feats of martial arts that are strung together by dialogue that would be reminiscent of the animated series. Interestingly, this leads to confusion about who the designated audience is meant to be for this origin story.
One could assume it is meant for fans of martial arts cinema, but it is weighed down by the need to tie it all into the sale of plastic figurines. The action is admirable, and Golding does his best to fill the shoes of the famous assassin, but it all never really meets the expectations of either audience. When the swords come out and the action begins, it will hold the audience's attention. Yet, when the Joe characters start to be introduced, they seem as plasticine as the toys they represent. This aspect causes this to be less of an origin story and more of a franchise with an identity crisis. Snake Eyes is a solid run-of-the-mill action film. Still, it may have a difficult time connecting with those action figure devotees.
REEL DIALOGUE: It is all about family
Even though this is an action-adventure, Snake Eyes is really all about the importance of family. Similar to the film, the Bible contains stories of marriage, fathers, family, and infidelity. Thankfully God provides solace and answers to these traumatic and messy events in people's lives through his words. Look through the passages provided, and the answers to this reality of life will unfold on the pages before you.
“Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12
“Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
