G.I. Joe: Retaliation is a 2013 action and science-fiction movie directed by Jon M. Chu. It is the second live-action G.I. Joe movie and follows the events of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.
The movie brings back Channing Tatum as Duke while giving Dwayne Johnson a much larger role as Roadblock. It also adds Bruce Willis as Joe Colton, along with several new characters.
With military action, hand-to-hand combat, explosions, and a large-scale threat from Cobra, Retaliation focuses more on action than character development.
But is it actually worth watching today? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is G.I. Joe: Retaliation About?
The story follows the G.I. Joe team after they are framed for a crime they did not commit. The team is targeted and forced into a difficult situation while Cobra prepares to take advantage of the chaos.
Roadblock becomes one of the key figures trying to bring the team back together. Meanwhile, Cobra’s plans involve a much bigger threat, including an attempt to gain control from inside the U.S. government.
The Joes must survive, uncover the truth, and stop Cobra before the situation gets completely out of control.
The movie keeps the story fairly simple so it can move quickly from one action sequence to another.
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G.I. Joe: Retaliation Cast
The movie has a strong action-movie cast.
- Dwayne Johnson as Roadblock
- Channing Tatum as Duke
- Bruce Willis as Joe Colton
- Adrianne Palicki as Lady Jaye
- D.J. Cotrona as Flint
- Lee Byung-hun as Storm Shadow
- Ray Park as Snake Eyes
- Jonathan Pryce as the President
- Ray Stevenson as Firefly
- Élodie Yung as Jinx
Paramount and IMDb both list these performers among the main cast.
Dwayne Johnson and Channing Tatum
Dwayne Johnson is one of the biggest additions to G.I. Joe: Retaliation. His character, Roadblock, becomes an important part of the team and gives the movie a stronger action presence.
Channing Tatum also returns as Duke. His role is smaller than the movie’s promotional material might suggest, but his character remains important to the story.
Bruce Willis adds another familiar face as Joe Colton, an experienced member of the G.I. Joe world.
Action and Visual Style
Action is easily one of the strongest parts of G.I. Joe: Retaliation.
The movie includes gun battles, explosions, military missions, martial arts fights, and large-scale set pieces. Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow also bring some of the movie’s most memorable combat scenes.
The action is not always realistic, but that is not really what the movie is trying to be. It is designed as a big, fast-moving action blockbuster.
If you enjoy movies where the story mainly exists to connect one action sequence to the next, Retaliation has plenty to offer.
What Works Well?
One of the movie’s biggest strengths is its pace. It does not spend too much time on long explanations and quickly moves into the action.
The cast is another positive. Dwayne Johnson fits naturally into the action-heavy role of Roadblock, while Bruce Willis adds some old-school action-movie energy.
The Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow storyline is also a highlight for fans of the characters.
The movie is particularly enjoyable if you are looking for a straightforward action film rather than a complicated story.
What Could Be Better?
The story is probably the weakest part of the movie.
Some of the plot developments feel exaggerated, and the movie often chooses spectacle over logic. Several characters also do not get enough development.
This is one reason the movie received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists a 29% Tomatometer score and a 48% audience score.
Still, critical scores do not necessarily tell you whether you will enjoy it. Fans of action movies may find more to like here than viewers looking for a realistic military thriller.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation Box Office
G.I. Joe: Retaliation performed well commercially despite its mixed reviews.
According to IMDb, the movie had an estimated $130 million budget and earned approximately $375.7 million worldwide, including about $122.5 million in the U.S. and Canada.
That made the film a commercially successful entry in the franchise.
G.I. Joe: Retaliation Rating
As of the latest available listings:
- IMDb: 5.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 29% critics
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 48%
- Rating: PG-13
- Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
IMDb currently lists the movie at 5.7/10 from roughly 194,000 ratings.
Where to Watch G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Streaming availability can change depending on your country and licensing agreements.
In the U.S., current listings show the movie on Paramount+ and also through digital rental and purchase options. JustWatch and other current listings show that availability and prices can change by region.
For the most accurate option, search for G.I. Joe: Retaliation on the licensed streaming or digital rental services available in your country.
Is G.I. Joe: Retaliation Worth Watching?
G.I. Joe: Retaliation is worth watching if you enjoy fast-paced action movies with military missions, martial arts, explosions, and larger-than-life characters.
The story is not its strongest point, and some of the plot can feel over-the-top. However, the movie delivers plenty of action and has an entertaining cast.
Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Snake Eyes, and Storm Shadow give the movie enough personality to keep it moving.
If you are expecting a realistic military film, you may be disappointed. But if you simply want a fun action blockbuster, Retaliation is an easy movie to put on for an entertaining evening.
Final Verdict
G.I. Joe: Retaliation is not a perfect action movie, but it does a good job delivering the type of large-scale entertainment its audience expects.
The story could have been stronger, but the action, cast, and visual spectacle make up for some of its weaknesses.
Our Rating: 7/10
Final Recommendation
Worth watching for action fans.
FAQs
Is G.I. Joe: Retaliation a sequel?
Yes. G.I. Joe: Retaliation is the second live-action G.I. Joe movie and follows G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009).
Who directed G.I. Joe: Retaliation?
The movie was directed by Jon M. Chu.
Who plays Roadblock in G.I. Joe: Retaliation?
Dwayne Johnson plays Roadblock.
Is Channing Tatum in G.I. Joe: Retaliation?
Yes. Channing Tatum returns as Duke.
Is Bruce Willis in G.I. Joe: Retaliation?
Yes. Bruce Willis plays Joe Colton.
How long is G.I. Joe: Retaliation?
The movie has a runtime of 110 minutes, or 1 hour and 50 minutes.
What is G.I. Joe: Retaliation rated?
The movie is rated PG-13.
Is G.I. Joe: Retaliation worth watching?
If you enjoy action-heavy movies with military missions, martial arts, explosions, and superhero-like action, it is worth watching. The story is less impressive than the action.