Snake Eyes movie review 2021

MOVIE TITLE: Snake Eyes

This G.I. Joe origin story releases on July 23, 2021.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 1 minute

IN A NUTSHELL:

This action thriller is a G.I. Joe spin-off centered around the character of Snake Eyes. Upon arrival in Japan, the Arashikage teach Snake Eyes the ways of the ninja warrior. But when secrets from his past are revealed, his honor and allegiance will be tested. The dramatic thriller is directed by Robert Schwentke.

Critics have scored this film fairly low, but I enjoyed it. Thank you to Paramount Pictures for inviting me to a press screening IN THEATERS! I’ve missed that movie theater popcorn!

Henry Golding plays Snake Eyes in Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins from Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Skydance.

THINGS I LIKED:

The first time Henry Golding really got on my radar was when he starred as the leading man in the rom-com Crazy Rich Asians. Then, I saw him in another romance called Last Christmas in 2019 and as a gentleman in A Simple Favor . He absolutely proves himself as a skilled, believable action hero in this movie! He’s from Malaysia and got his start as the host of a travel show on TV there! The original Snake Eyes character was actually Caucasian in the comic books, but I love Henry Golding in this role. This is, clearly, Henry Golding’s big breakout movie that proves he is a star!
The talented cast also includes Andrew Koji, Haruka Abe, Takehiro Hira, and Peter Mensah.
Lots of cool transitions.
I’ve actually been to the Imperial Palace that’s featured in the film. It’s ridiculously beautiful outside and inside. What a great set for a movie!
Japan is the perfect location to film the fantasy elements.
Gorgeous cinematography.
Beautiful set pieces.
The first challenge that Snake Eyes had to accomplish with the water bowls was super entertaining with a lovely end of the scene. Ninja training!
The title gets its name from a sinister roll of dice, as well as actual snakes.
There is some visual and spoken humor that the audience loved each time.
Those electric motorcycles showcased in many scenes are so slick and cool.
Keep watching during the end credits for several teasers that lead into the G.I. Joe franchise.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I don’t know anyone who has been talking about the G.I. Joe franchise, nor asked for this origin story, but here we are.
Sexy Ursula Corbero and Samara Weaving appear in movie posters and the trailer, yet are only in a few short scenes.
It’s pretty predictable.
If you watch the trailer and think it looks dumb, then don’t watch the movie because you probably won’t like it. If you think the trailer looks cool, you’ll like the film.
The final battle gets messy.

Haruka Abe plays Akiko in Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins from Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Skydance.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Lots of violence with blood.
Japanese is sometimes spoken with comic book-style subtitles.

Samara Weaving plays Scarlett in Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins from Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Skydance.

THEMES:

Respect
Honor
Revenge
Family
Loyalty
Home
Trust

Henry Golding on the set of Snake Eyes in Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins from Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Skydance.

FUNNY LINES:

“We value her advice but we don’t have to take it.” – Tommy/Storm Shadow (Andrew Koji)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Without trust there can be no loyalty.” – Tommy/Storm Shadow (Andrew Koji)
“Everything we want in life comes at a price.” – Kenta (Takehiro Hira)
“I looked into your eyes and saw honor.” – Snake Eyes (Henry Golding)
“It’s easy to shoot with a gun but a sword is a weapon of honor.” – Tommy/Storm Shadow (Andrew Koji)
“A win without honor is no win at all.” – Akiko (Haruka Abe)