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G.I. Joe: The Movie

G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987)

G.I. Joe faces a new enemy as an ancient society of snake people known as Cobra-La try to forcefully take back the earth from those who drove them underground eons ago.

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Directed by Don Jurwich

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Don Jurwich

Reviews

GenerationofSwine
10/10

So, Duke and Slaughter are sergeants and somehow outrank Lt Falcon who is an officer and not a noncom? I guess they took a page out of Oliver Stone's Platoon.

And Falcon is a screw-up, which was a lot different from the Falcon of the comic books who was an actual Green Beret and acted like one. Heck, he was a lot different from the Falcon of the file cards.

And, Jinx, well, she was a lot different too wasn't she? And so was Beachhead and Tunnel Rat, who was actually Larry Hama, and, well, the list goes on and on.

But who cares, the people that read the comics and the file cards were used to the cartoon being nothing at all like the GI Joe we really loved, but we watched it anyway because it was fun, and it didn't matter because different characters were highlighted anyway.

And, ultimately, it was just... fun. It was an insane story that appealed to the child inside of us and it appeases to that same child today.

Jan 12, 2023

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Thematic Analysis

This high-octane Animation/Action/Science Fiction/Family film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, G.I. Joe: The Movie distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.

Director Don Jurwich brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of G.I. Joe: The Movie took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2098 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1987, when this film was released:
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While G.I. Joe: The Movie shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Attack Force, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, G.I. Joe: The Movie subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like UKM: The Ultimate Killing Machine and The Postman explore similar territory, G.I. Joe: The Movie stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 1, 1987
  • Runtime: 1h 33m

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