G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra
Exploring G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra (2009): A High-Octane Action Spectacle
G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra (released internationally as G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra), is a 2009 American military science fiction action film that launched the live-action film franchise based on Hasbro’s iconic G.I. Joe toy line, comics, and animated series. Directed by Stephen Sommers, known for The Mummy series, the film features a star-studded ensemble cast including Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dennis Quaid. With a budget of $175 million, it delivers a fast-paced, visually explosive adventure that prioritizes action over narrative depth, aiming to capture the nostalgic thrill of the Comandos em Ação (Action Force) toys beloved in Brazil and beyond. Despite mixed critical reception, its global box office success of over $302 million and enduring fan appreciation make it a notable entry in the action genre. This comprehensive article explores the film’s plot, production, themes, cultural impact, and why it remains a divisive yet entertaining spectacle.
Synopsis: A Global Battle Against Chaos
Set in the near future, G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra follows the elite military unit G.I. Joe (Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity), a top-secret international strike force equipped with cutting-edge technology. The story begins with soldiers Conrad “Duke” Hauser (Channing Tatum) and Wallace “Ripcord” Weems (Marlon Wayans) tasked with transporting four warheads containing nanomites—microscopic robots capable of destroying anything, created by arms dealer James McCullen (Christopher Eccleston) of M.A.R.S. Industries. When their convoy is ambushed by the mysterious Baroness (Sienna Miller), revealed to be Duke’s ex-fiancée Ana Lewis, the attack is thwarted by the G.I. Joe team, led by General Hawk (Dennis Quaid).
Duke and Ripcord join the Joes, a diverse group including the silent ninja Snake Eyes (Ray Park), tech expert Breaker (Saïd Taghmaoui), and tactician Scarlett (Rachel Nichols). They uncover a plot by the Cobra organization, led by McCullen (aka Destro) and the enigmatic “Doctor” (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), to use the nanomites for global domination. The narrative races through high-stakes missions, from a chase in Paris that destroys the Eiffel Tower to a climactic battle in a secret Arctic base. Personal stakes deepen as Duke confronts his past with the Baroness, and Snake Eyes faces his rival, Storm Shadow (Lee Byung-hun). Packed with non-stop action, futuristic gadgets, and a touch of melodrama, the film builds to an epic showdown to prevent Cobra from plunging the world into chaos.
The Making of G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra
Development and Direction
Inspired by the success of Transformers (2007), another Hasbro toy-based franchise, G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra was greenlit to bring the Comandos em Ação toys to the big screen. The project drew primarily from the 1980s G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comics by Larry Hama, who served as a creative consultant to ensure fidelity to the source material. Stephen Sommers, known for his action-adventure flair in The Mummy (1999), was chosen to direct, with a screenplay by Stuart Beattie, David Elliot, and Paul Lovett, based on a story by Michael B. Gordon and Sommers. The script faced fan backlash after early leaks suggested deviations, like dropping the Cobra organization, but rewrites restored key elements like Cobra Commander’s origin.
Filming took place in 2008 in Downey, California, and Prague’s Barrandov Studios, with over 160 sets built over 82 days. Sommers emphasized practical effects and futuristic technology plausible for 15–20 years in the future, consulting books and magazines on advanced weaponry. The production’s $175 million budget supported elaborate action sequences, including a Paris chase and an Arctic underwater battle, with six VFX companies ensuring a polished, if occasionally inconsistent, visual spectacle.
Casting and Performances
The ensemble cast blends rising stars and veterans, with mixed results. Channing Tatum, initially hesitant due to concerns about glorifying war, delivers a physically convincing but emotionally flat Duke, lacking the charisma he’d later hone. Sienna Miller’s Baroness is a seductive villain, though critics noted her inconsistent performance. Joseph Gordon-Levitt shines as Rex Lewis/The Doctor, later revealed as Cobra Commander, channeling the animated series’ voice by Chris Latta for a chilling effect. Dennis Quaid’s General Hawk adds gravitas, inspired by his son’s love for the toys, while Ray Park’s Snake Eyes and Lee Byung-hun’s Storm Shadow steal scenes with their ninja rivalry. Marlon Wayans’ Ripcord provides comic relief, though some found his humor grating. A surprise cameo by Brendan Fraser as Sergeant Stone adds a nod to Sommers’ Mummy collaborators.
Technical Aspects
The film’s visual style is a mix of bombastic action and cartoonish flair, reflecting its toy and comic roots. Cinematography by Mitchell Amundsen captures diverse settings, from Egyptian deserts to Arctic ice caps, though some CGI, like the Paris chase, feels dated by 2009 standards. The score by Alan Silvestri, recorded with a 90-piece Hollywood Studio Symphony, is suitably rousing, earning an ASCAP Award for top box-office films. Sound effects, including a TRON-inspired pulse cannon, add flair, though some foley work drew criticism. The production’s attention to detail, like redesigning Cobra Commander’s mask to avoid Ku Klux Klan comparisons, shows care in adapting iconic elements.
Themes and Symbolism
Despite its focus on action, G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra touches on themes that echo the franchise’s roots.
Teamwork and Global Unity
The G.I. Joe team, with members from various nations, embodies international cooperation against a common threat. The acronym “Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity” underscores this unity, reflecting a post-9/11 emphasis on global security. The diverse cast—Breaker from Morocco, Scarlett from the U.S., Snake Eyes with ninja roots—symbolizes collective strength, though the film’s American-centric lens drew some critique.
Technology vs. Humanity
The nanomites represent the double-edged sword of advanced technology, capable of destruction or control. Cobra’s use of nanomites to create supersoldiers mirrors fears of unchecked scientific progress, while the Joes’ high-tech gear, like accelerator suits, highlights innovation’s heroic potential. This theme ties to the franchise’s toy-driven focus on futuristic gadgets.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Personal relationships drive the narrative, particularly Duke’s past with the Baroness and Rex’s transformation into Cobra Commander. These betrayals add melodrama, though the script’s thin character development limits their depth. Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow’s rivalry, rooted in their shared Arashikage clan history, adds a layer of personal stakes to the action.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Released on August 7, 2009, after a premiere at Andrews Air Force Base, G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra grossed $302.5 million worldwide, including $150 million in the U.S. and Canada, despite a 60% box-office drop in its second week. It topped Brazil’s box office on opening, reflecting its global appeal. However, critics were harsh, with a 33% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a 32/100 Metacritic score, criticizing its weak script, uneven CGI, and lack of narrative depth. Roger Ebert compared it unfavorably to Team America: World Police, calling it “cartoonish,” while others dismissed it as a “Transformers* clone without humanity.”
Fans, however, embraced its nostalgic charm and non-stop action, with IMDb user reviews praising its “sensational” action and “convincing” performances, giving it a 5.7/10 average. The film’s toy line, including 3¾-inch figures and a Pit playset, reinforced its merchandising roots, while a video game sequel extended its reach. Its success led to G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) and Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021), with a Transformers crossover in development. The film’s cultural legacy lies in its unapologetic embrace of the toy line’s escapist fun, appealing to those who grew up with Comandos em Ação.
Why G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra Stands Out
G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra is a quintessential summer blockbuster that knows its strengths: relentless action, futuristic tech, and nostalgic nods to the Hasbro toys. Stephen Sommers delivers a frenetic pace, with standout sequences like the Paris chase and Snake Eyes’ ninja battles, even if the script lacks depth. The cast, particularly Gordon-Levitt and Park, brings energy to iconic characters, while the film’s global scope and high-tech gadgets capture the franchise’s spirit. For fans, it’s a love letter to Comandos em Ação, complete with familiar faces like Cobra Commander and Destro.
Critics may have panned its simplistic story and dated effects, but its “switch your brain off” appeal resonates with audiences seeking pure entertainment. As a product of the 2000s toy-to-film boom, it stands alongside Transformers as a testament to Hasbro’s cinematic ambition. Whether you’re drawn to the explosive action or the nostalgic thrill of seeing Snake Eyes on screen, G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra delivers a wild ride that’s “porrada” (pure action) in the best sense.
Where to Watch
G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra is available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video (check regional availability via JustWatch). It can be rented or purchased on Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango at Home. Physical copies, including DVD and Blu-ray, are available through retailers like Mercado Livre. With a 118-minute runtime and a PG-13 rating (13+ in Brazil), it’s a thrilling watch for action fans, though it’s “too violent for kids, too childish for grown-ups” for some tastes.
Conclusion
G.I. Joe: A Origem de Cobra (2009) is a bold, unapologetic action extravaganza that brings the Comandos em Ação toys to life with explosive energy. Directed by Stephen Sommers and featuring a diverse cast led by Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, it delivers non-stop thrills, from Paris chases to Arctic battles, while introducing Cobra’s villainous origins. Though critics slammed its thin plot and uneven effects, its global box-office success and fan appreciation highlight its appeal as a nostalgic, adrenaline-fueled spectacle. For those who loved the toys or crave a popcorn flick with “whiz bang boom” action, this film is a guilty pleasure that hits all the right buttons. Grab your accelerator suit, join the Joes, and dive into a world where heroes never fail—and the action never stops.
