The Unbelievable Triumph of this Overlooked Reboot, Revealed!

A filmmaker possesses the ability to create a captivating film from various sources of inspiration such as comic books, novels, songs, paintings, true events, and even other films. However, movies based on toys have seldom achieved success in the past, particularly those associated with Hasbro. The Transformers and G.I. Joe franchises, in particular, have been major disappointments. Nevertheless, there have been recent attempts to revive and reimagine these franchises, which have seen some degree of achievement.

The Transformers movies, despite being widely criticized, possess a distinctive vision that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. Even if nothing else, Michael Bay's unique cinematic style resonates with viewers. On the other hand, the G.I. Joe films lack this same virtue and come across as uninspired creations catering to no specific audience. However, there is at least a clear vision present in the upcoming film Snake Eyes.

What is Snake Eyes about?

A young man named Snake Eyes embarks on a mission to uncover the identity of his father's murderer. The spotlight falls on Snake Eyes when he emerges victorious in an underground fighting tournament, catching the attention of Kenta Takamura, a powerful Yakuza boss. Intrigued by Snake Eyes' prowess, Kenta persuades him to join the gang. However, Snake Eyes finds himself at a moral crossroads when Kenta commands him to eliminate a suspected spy. Refusing to take a life, he chooses flight instead, rescuing Kenta's cousin Tommy in the process. Tommy reveals a startling revelation – both he and Kenta were contenders to lead the ancient ninja clan known as the Arashikage. Grateful for Snake Eyes' heroic act, Tommy escorts his newfound companion to the Arashikage Clan's sanctuary to initiate him as a ninja. Eager to repay Snake Eyes' kindness, the clan permits him to face the arduous trials that await him. These trials encompass the acquisition of strength, skill, humility, and much more, equipping Snake Eyes with the necessary proficiency to avenge his father's demise. This enthralling narrative seamlessly blends the essence of a classic martial arts film with the alluring infusion of organized crime elements and a touch of superhero stylings.

Was Snake Eyes a reboot?

When Snake Eyes was announced, the dedicated but small group of fans noticed a change in the iconic protagonist. Unlike the previous two G.I. Joe films, the actor who had previously portrayed the character was not cast. Ray Park, widely recognized for his role as Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace, brought the character to life in the first two installments. This time, Henry Golding, known for his proficiency in comedic and dramatic roles, takes on the action-packed part. Snake Eyes deviates from his established persona as he frequently unveils his face and actively engages in conversation. This new iteration of the character does not align with Ray Park's original portrayal; instead, it introduces a fresh Snake Eyes for the upcoming G.I. Joe franchise.

The first two G.I. Joe films were highly successful at the box office but received harsh criticism from both critics and audiences. Snake Eyes was released eight years after the second film and featured popular actors such as Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, and Channing Tatum. The possibility of a third film in the franchise was initially unclear, with director John M. Chu's return uncertain and hints of resurrected characters. However, Dwayne Johnson expressed his commitment to the series, and by 2018, producers were discussing G.I. Joe: Ever Vigilant and a potential crossover with Transformers. Eventually, the decision was made to focus on Snake Eyes.

Unfortunately, Snake Eyes turned out to be a major disappointment at the box office, resulting in Paramount losing almost $90 million. Despite the negative reception of its predecessors, the film's poor performance came as a surprise. Nevertheless, the concept of a crossover film remains a possibility, as Transformers: Rise of the Beasts concludes with an intriguing cliffhanger. Anthony Ramos' character, Noah Diaz, survives the events of the film by utilizing the remains of an Autobot and battling giant robots. He is then offered the opportunity to join the G.I. Joes, with the likelihood of joining the organization led by Snake Eyes rather than Channing Tatum's character.

How did Snake Eyes end?

Snake Eyes joined the Arashikage Clan under Tommy's approval, only to discover that it was a ploy orchestrated by Kenta, who sought to exploit Snake Eyes for his own agenda. Aligned with Cobra, Kenta desired to obtain Snake Eyes' family heirloom of great power. Deceiving the Arashikage, Snake Eyes ultimately surrenders the precious gem. However, upon encountering his father's murderer, Snake Eyes experiences profound regret and chooses mercy over vengeance. Determined to protect Tommy from Cobra's clutches, Snake Eyes assists in the battle, although Tommy has no choice but to wield the gem's might against Kenta's henchmen. In the end, Snake Eyes vanquishes Kenta, but Tommy pays the price as his rightful inheritance is stripped away for utilizing the jewel. Vowing retribution towards Snake Eyes, Tommy embraces the mantle of Storm Shadow. Subsequently, Snake Eyes dons his distinctive black armor. A G.I. Joe operative known as Scarlett reveals that Snake Eyes' father had served in the organization and extends an invitation to join the team. Similarly, Cobra extends an offer to Tommy, who embraces his new identity as Storm Shadow.

While Snake Eyes may fall short in comparison to other superhero films, ninja films, and contemporary blockbusters, it marks a significant advancement for the G.I. Joe franchise. With commendable martial artists and exhilarating action sequences, Snake Eyes fulfills its purpose and delivers an enjoyable experience.