Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 13+
Mixed messages, iffy choices in violent action tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
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Violence & Scariness
a lot
Guns and shooting. Character shot off-screen. Frequent deadly swordplay. Fighting, punching, kicking, head-butting. Hitting with various objects (chains, iron bars, etc.). Giant snakes attacking. Magic stone makes many characters burst into flame and explode. Buildings on fire. Motorcycle chase, with crashes.
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Language
some
Infrequent, but includes "bitch," "s--t," "ass," and one "f--k."
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Products & Purchases
some
Based on a cartoon series that itself was based on a toy line (movie was actually co-produced by Hasbro, which makes those toys), so you could argue that the whole thing is an exercise in product placement.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
very little
Female characters in tight outfits, high heels, etc.
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
very little
Brief scene of villains drinking whiskey.
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Positive Messages
a little
The leaders of the Arashikage strongly assert a few positive messages, i.e., that power comes from discipline and that ego, rage, and fear have no place in a pure heart. But characters proceed to kill hundreds of villains with both rage and ego, negating those messages' power. Revenge drives the main character, and the conclusion to his vengeance-seeking is awkward and unsatisfying.
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Positive Role Models
a little
Snake Eyes is likable and cool, and offers positive representation as an Asian action hero. But he is also driven by vengeance for most of the movie and makes many poor choices, most of which aren't resolved by the end (likely in the hopes of setting up a sequel).
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins is the third G.I. Joe movie based on the popular toys, comic books, and cartoons. Like the title says, it focuses on the "origin" of one of the franchise's most popular characters, here played by Henry Golding. The character provides positive representation as an Asian action hero, but unfortunately the movie is underwhelming, with dull action scenes and mixed messages around revenge. Violence is largely bloodless but prevalent, with lots of guns and shooting, a character getting shot off-screen, and many scenes of fighting, punching, hitting with objects, and sword fighting. Many villains are sliced through and presumably killed. Giant snakes attack, and a magic stone makes characters burst into flame and explode. Female characters wear tight, revealing outfits and high heels. Language is infrequent but includes "bitch," "s--t," and one "f--k." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
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Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins
Parent and Kid Reviews
See all
- Parents say (6)
- Kids say (9)
age 13+
Based on 6 parent reviews
Spider2003 Adult
February 1, 2024
age 13+
Snake Eyes: G.I Joe Origins Movie Review By Logan Strohl
A pretty good G.I. Joe orgin/ Spin-off film. Great cast action special effects and score. Story could be better.
aaa23462346 Parent of 14-year-old
November 2, 2022
age 18+
d
gi joe mama
Rate movie
See all 6 parent reviews
What's the Story?
In SNAKE EYES: G.I. JOE ORIGINS, a prologue shows how a young boy's father is murdered by a man with a pair of dice that roll snake eyes. Years later, the grown-up Snake Eyes (Henry Golding) works as a cage fighter. He's approached by Kenta (Takehiro Hira), who offers him a job with the promise that he can help find his father's murderer. At the job, Snake Eyes risks his life to save Tommy Arashikage (Andrew Koji). The pair escape to Japan, where Tommy is part of a powerful clan and where he hopes to make Snake Eyes one of his top warriors -- if Snake Eyes can pass three difficult challenges. Part of the Arashikage clan's duty is to protect a powerful jewel and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Alas, it turns out that Kenta is really working for Cobra, alongside Baroness (Úrsula Corberó), and Snake Eyes must steal the jewel to find out who killed his father.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (9):
Poorly filmed action sequences, a storyline that's either predictable or nonsensical, and mixed messages all contribute to a movie that, sadly, can't capture the coolness of its title character. The "three challenges" that Snake Eyes faces in this third G.I. Joe movie -- which are designed to erase ego, fear, and anger -- might have made for some interesting touches. But as soon as they're finished, the characters hack and slice their way through fight scene after fight scene, nothing but ego and anger. Moreover, Snake Eyes' vengeance is his central driving force, and the way the movie tries to reconcile that during the climax is awkward and unsatisfying. In short, the filmmakers didn't seem to know what their movie was actually supposed to be about.
Director Robert Schwentke delivers many action scenes in Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins -- all bloodless, and with many characters apparently killed. He films everything with lurching shaky-cam and plunges everything into deep shadows. He also dresses all of his characters in black -- sometimes wearing motorcycle helmets, too -- so that it's nearly impossible to tell who's who or what's going on. Mostly, though, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins is just dumb, with characters who are supposed to be wise constantly making poor choices. (In another silly scene, when the characters arrive in Tokyo, they drive past all the famous tourist locations before heading to the Arashikage family compound.) Perhaps most disappointing is the first appearance of the iconic Snake Eyes suit: It's as anti-climactic as if he'd simply ordered it from Amazon.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
What's the appeal of revenge in movies? What does it achieve? What is its downside? What does Snake Eyes learn about revenge in this story?
Did you notice any cultural appropriation or stereotypes in the movie? What about positive, diverse representations?
Do any of the characters achieve a "pure heart" by letting go of ego, hate, and fear? If so, how?
How does the story fit in with, or compare to, other G.I. Joe movies or stories? Is there a call to buy anything while watching this movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 23, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: August 17, 2021
- Cast: Henry Golding, Andrew Koji, Samara Weaving
- Director: Robert Schwentke
- Inclusion Information: Asian actors, Female actors
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- Run time: 121 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: sequences of strong violence and brief strong language
- Last updated: June 17, 2024
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Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins
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