Category Archives: Reviews

JBL Reviews the G.I. Joe Retaliation Extended Action Cut Blu-Ray

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G.I. Joe Retaliation Extended Action Cut

Yesterday was a great day for the Joe Community– the release of the G.I. Joe Retaliation on Blu-Ray and DVD.  True, the film had been available digitally for two weeks but this was the first chance for fans to be able to run out and purchase a tangible copy of the film for their home library.  As with most major home media releases, there were a bevy of different retailer exclusives from steelbook cases to bonus feature discs of interviews.   (Most of these are broken down excellently by Justin over at YoJoe.com in his DVD/Blu-Ray Buyer’s Guide.)

However, only one version really caught my attention– the Extended Action Cut offered by Best Buy which promised more action and about 15 minutes of footage that wasn’t shown in theatres.  So, in the midst of the rain I ran out over my lunch hour and snagged a copy and, after what seemed like an eternity at the office, sat down to watch it last night.

How was it?  Read JBL Reviews the G.I. Joe Retaliation Extended Action Cut Blu-Ray and find out this Joe fan’s opinion.

JBL reviews G.I. Joe Retaliation

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G.I Joe Retaliation movie poster

To borrow a phrase from one of the recent Star Trek series “It’s been a long road, getting from there to here.”  Two years since Rise of Cobra and then an unexpected nine month delay before G.I. Joe fans were treated to a second attempt at a big screen franchise of their favorite Real American Heroes.  Nearly three years since G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra tore apart the G.I. Joe fandom and tarnished the image of the once-dominant brand as a kitschy modern day remake of Mega-Force.  This time, however, things appeared to be different.  Director Jon M. Chu, better known for his Justin Bieber documentary, set to direct a script from the talented duo that brought us Zombieland.  Admittedly, all were fans of the incredible comic run by the “godfather of G.I. Joe” Larry Hama and promised a film that was more true to its comic roots than RoC.  However, I’d heard that song and dance before but tonight felt different.  The lights dimmed and I sat with friends in a surprise early birthday celebration organized by my wonderful girlfriend Amanda.  Was this a film to redeem the brand, the fandom, and reignite the enthusiasm of many disheartened fans?

Read on and find out one Joe fan’s opinion…

JBL Reviews G.I. Joe Retaliation  (mostly spoiler-free)

 

Feel free to add your own comments below!

JBL Review: G.I. Joe Retaliation Cobra Trooper

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g.i. joe retaliation cobra trooper

 

G.I. Joe Retaliation is hitting theaters nationally as early as Tuesday night.  With that in mind, JBL continues its reviews of the movie line with the Retaliation Cobra Trooper!  While not entirely screen accurate, this figure from the first wave came complete with a removable helmet and a working parachute that hearkens back to the action figures of the 80’s.  However, with wave 3 containing a screen accurate Cobra Trooper in the form of the Cobra Combat Ninja, is this figure worth picking up?

Check out the review in the G.I. Joe Retaliation Review Index and find out one Joe fan’s opinion!

JBL Review: G.I. Joe Retaliation Cobra Commander

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G.I. Joe Retaliation Cobra Commander

 

I won’t mince words– G.I. Joe Retaliation looks to be an improvement on its cinematic predecessor in just about every way imaginable.  One of the most immediate examples of this would be found in the design of Cobra Commander.  No longer does the leader of the armies of the serpent look like a bad example of cosplay at a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles convention.  The Commander has been given a bold new look that long-time Joe fans will find surprisingly familiar.  However, is this new figure worth picking up when there are 50 other version of him already on the market?

Check out Cobra Commander in the G.I. Joe Retaliation Review Index and find out one Joe fan’s opinion!

JBL Review: G.I. Joe Retaliation Ninja Duel Snake Eyes

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ndsnakeeyesglory2

 

The G.I. Joe Retaliation reviews continue as we’re now 9 days away from the film’s debut on March 28, 2013!

There’s no shortage of Snake Eyes action figures in the G.I. Joe figure line so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the team’s ninja commando has already had three figures released for the movie.  However, only one of those figures is screen accurate– the Ninja Duel Snake Eyes from wave 2.  Featuring an entirely new sculpt and increased articulation, this figure brings our favorite silent warrior’s updated look to your action figure shelf.  Does this figure justify the purchase of yet “another” Snake Eyes or can you pass and save yourself some extra cash?

Check out the break down in the G.I. Joe Retaliation Review Index and find out one Joe fan’s opinion!

Review: G.I. Joe Retaliation Battle Kata Roadblock

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G.I. Joe Retaliation Battle Kata Roadblock

G.I. Joe Retaliation reviews continue here at JBL!

He’s large and in charge and he just might be carrying the “people’s heavy machine gun!”  That’s right– I’m talking about an action figure based on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s portrayal of Roadblock in G.I. Joe Retaliation!  In the second wave of figures Marvin S. Hinton is dubbed “Battle Kata Roadblock” based on his innovative modular weapon system.  He’s also sporting a full Arashikage tattoo on his forearm.  So, has Roadblock gone over to the “Ninja Side”?  Is this figure worth the $9.99 sticker price?

Check out  the G.I. Joe Retaliation Review Index and find out one Joe fan’s opinion!

JBL Review: G.I. Joe Retaliation Cyber Ninja!

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G.I. Joe Retaliation Cyber Ninjas

Reviews are back!  This time JBL takes a look at the G.I. Joe Retaliation Cyber Ninja action figure from wave 2.5.  A fusion of modern technology and traditional techniques, this figure is a stealth warrior in a stealth suit that makes me wish we were still getting actual file cards with the figures!  He’s a mix of existing tooling that creates a brand new character for Cobra!

However, is this figure worth picking up?  Hit the G.I. Joe Retaliation Review Index and check him out!

After last week’s unexpected set back reviews should continue now all the way up to the film’s release on March 28!

JBL Review: G.I. Joe Retaliation wave 1 Red Ninja

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G.I. Joe Retaliation Red Ninja figure review

The G.I. Joe Retaliation reviews continue here at JBL with a figure that has had a long history in G.I. Joe comics.  Making their debut in the celebrated G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero vol 1 #21 by Marvel Comics, the red ninjas were originally believed to be a trio of apprentices to the Cobra ninja Storm Shadow.  However, after their quick and violent defeat at the hands of Snake Eyes, the Red Ninjas returned time and time again in an ever-expanding role in the comics.  At one point they were even in the service of the Cobra Saboteur Firefly!

For G.I. Joe Retaliation, the Red Ninjas appear to have gone back to their roots as warriors hidden away in a remote mountain castle.  Recent trailers have shown them accompanying Cobra Commander through ranks of Cobra Special Forces soldiers as part of an entourage.  Regardless of how they’re used, these familiar warriors will be hitting the big screen on March 28, 2013.  However, the real question to be asked is: “are these figures worth adding to my G.I. Joe collection?” After all, there was a release of the Red Ninjas back in the 25th anniversary collection, right?  Well, check out the review to find out this Joe fan’s opinion!

The Red Ninja review and many others can be found in the G.I. Joe Retaliation Review Index!

JBL Review: G.I. Joe Retaliation wave 1 Duke

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G.I. Joe Retaliation Duke action figure review

The G.I. Joe Retaliation reviews continue here at JBL!  To start off this week, we’re going back to the debut wave of figures and examining one that many fans might overlook merely because of the actor chosen to portray the character.  That’s right– we’re taking a look at Duke as portrayed by Channing Tatum!  Featuring an ENORMOUS action-feature weapon, this figure originally hit shelves for a few weeks back in 2012 before the film’s release date was moved to March 28, 2013.

So, is an action figure of the “Magic Mike guy” worth adding to your G.I. Joe collection?  Well, check out the review to find out one Joe fan’s opinion!

He’s posted at the G.I. Joe Retaliation Review Index!

Plus, check back this week for more reviews as JBL continues to play “catch up” on the deluge of recent G.I. Joe Retaliation product!

JBL Review: G.I. Joe Retaliation Tread Ripper tank!

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G.I. Joe Retaliation Tread Ripper tank

 

G.I. Joe Retaliation is hitting theatres in just over a month and, for the first time in a long time, new product is hitting store shelves!  With a recent restock at a local Kmart, I was able to snag not only the wave 2.5 figures but also a tiny armored vehicle that has a very real world inspiration.  That’s right– I’m talking about the Tread Ripper tank!  Based on the Howe & Howe Tech Ripsaw tank, the tiny Tasmanian Devil of an armored vehicle is one of the newest vehicles that fans can add to their G.I. Joe motor pool!  However, just because something is new doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth purchasing right?  Does that question apply to the Tread Ripper?

Check out the review at the G.I. Joe Retaliation Review Index and find out one Joe fan’s opinion!