Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens may like violent sequel, but it's too much for kids.
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G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mixed bag; while some find it enjoyable with lots of action and humor, others criticize its ridiculous plot and lack of character development. The violence is mostly bloodless, making it suitable for younger viewers, but some viewers note that it contains mild swearing and suggest that specific scenes might not be appropriate for very young children.
- mixed reviews
- enjoyable action
- ridiculous plot
- mild swearing
- age-appropriate
- character development
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Sent on a mission to Pakistan, the G.I. Joes -- led by Duke (Channing Tatum) -- find that they've been set up. After a brutal surprise attack, only Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson), Jaye (Adrianne Palicki), and Flint (D.J. Cotrona) survive. Looking to avenge their fallen comrades, the trio discovers that the evil plot goes all the way up to the president of the United States (Jonathan Pryce). It turns out that the remaining members of the evil organization Cobra are controlling the White House in an effort to take over the world with a terrifying new weapon. Joined by old friends, old enemies, and some new allies, it's now up to the ragtag team of Joe survivors to save the world.
Is It Any Good?
This much can be said: The story moves well and offers up the occasional surprise, and the film never takes itself too seriously. With director Jon M. Chu -- who's experienced in making musicals -- taking over the G.I. Joe franchise from the sloppy, noisy Stephen Sommers, G.I. JOE: RETALIATION has a great deal more grace and goodwill than its predecessor.
The plot and dialogue are absolutely ridiculous, but the movie seems aware of all that, and it inspires more giggles than groans. And fortunately, things move quickly enough that any questions of logic -- did London really just completely explode? -- never really come into play. It helps that most of the cast, notably Johnson, Bruce Willis, Pryce, and (in a smaller part) Tatum seem to be having a good time. Serious fans of G.I. Joe may be disappointed that this entry all but ignores many of the characters and events of the last film, but for plenty of others, that's a step in the right direction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about G.I. Joe: Retaliation's violence. Do bloodless deaths have less impact than gorier ones?
It's also worth talking about the consumerism side of things. What do kids make of the fact that this is a movie based on a line of toys? Is the movie's goal to sell more toys? If not, what is it?
How does teamwork play into the movie? How well do these characters work together? How do their strengths and weaknesses mesh?
When Jaye uses her sex appeal to get information, what message does that send? How is using her body in this way different from using your body in a fight or a battle?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 28, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : July 30, 2013
- Cast : Adrianne Palicki , Bruce Willis , Dwayne The Rock Johnson
- Director : Jon M. Chu
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of combat violence and martial arts action throughout, and for brief sensuality and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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