Written by: Evan Spiliotopoulos, Joe Shrapnel, Anna Waterhouse
Starring: Henry Golding, Andrew Koji, Úrsula Corberó, Samara Weaving, Haruka Abe
Rating: [3/5]
Some franchises despite multiple attempts just do not have the potential in delivering in all areas of storytelling. Some only find success in written form or on the small screen but the G.I. Joe franchise has tried repeatedly on the big screen to minimal success commercially and barely any critically. However, with Snake Eyes we get something quite adequate with the story of one of its more intriguing characters built on the brotherly bond of two men.
Following the murder of his father as a young boy, Snake Eyes (Henry Goulding) swears to get his revenge. When his work presents the opportunity to save Tomisaburo (Andrew Koji) of the Arashikage clan he must face the tests in order to receive a full induction. This gives him the opportunity to prove his worth and seek the revenge he so desperately seeks.
While admittedly not terribly engrossed in all of the lore within the G.I Joe universe other than watching G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra, the rivalry between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow always carried the most intrigue. Front the dichotomy of their outfits of white vs. black and the exceptional skill those two possess always made their interactions the most intriguing to follow. This feature presents an opportunity to express the reason why this rivalry has such heat, which ultimately did elevate my interest in what it sought to display. We receive an overall entertaining and fun dive into this world and two characters who build quite the rapport.
Watching these two bond throughout the feature has this bittersweet feeling knowing very well things will not end well between them and we just need to figure out why. The journey to reaching an inevitable conclusion does provide some fun moments mostly provided by Andrew Koji. When other actors decided they wanted to jump on this film, including the star of the show Henry Golding, I’m not sure if they realized Koji would come in and steal the show. He certainly receives a meaty role in portraying Tomisaburo or “Tommy,” and decided to go all in. From the physicality he provides to displaying all of the emotions he must go through, this man brought it all and even more.
Through this journey for Snake Eyes to receive the induction into the Arashikage with the support of Tommy, he needs to undergo three tests, which seem arbitrary but very much have their distinct reasoning. Each test comes built with its impossibility factor attached to it as we try to figure out in what way Snake Eyes will even try to overcome them. This bends the supernatural and with simplicity in a way that makes each of them quite satisfying in their own way showing exactly what’s required by anyone seeking to join this clan.
When it comes to the action in this feature, which should be top-of-mind when exploring the origins of two skilled fighters like Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow this feature certainly struggles. While providing some decent visuals in moments, particularly on Andrew Koji and his fighting style, certain scenes certainly do not carry the juice necessary for these characters. Certainly a bit perplexing considering the cast members involved, especially Iko Uwais of all people bringing his talents to this feature.
Amongst everything happening between these two men, you inevitably have their issues sandwiched between the larger battle between G.I. Joe and Cobra as everyone knows these two men choose their allegiances in that regard between the two organizations. This brings in the Baroness (Úrsula Corberó) representing Cobra and Scarlett (Samara Weaving) holding it down for the Joes. Their integration of the story does distract in moments, especially when it takes away from more between Snake Eyes and Tommy, but when we get to the big climactic battle in the end, they add onto the stakes of what occurs in a positive manner.
While definitely possessing some limitations, Snake Eyes provided enough buy-in for me to enjoy what it sought to present. The film wanted to deliver the tragic story of two men who become like brothers and then sworn enemies and certainly succeeds in doing so. It has its issues in crafting compelling action sequences but ultimately does just enough to make for something worth seeking out.
Films with Josh 