I'm Glad I'm Not Working On This Movie

[CynthiaCM]

I was thinking about this after reading the millionth comment proclaiming that "this movie's going to suck". While I would ordinarily have loved to be the one bestowed with the job of working on the GI Joe movie in some capacity, I'm ultimately glad that I'm not. It would be a lose lose situation. If the writer was to adapt GI Joe issue #1 verbatim (ala Sin City) and the cartoon people would gripe. Or you'd find a contingency of fans who would say that the writer should stop living in the past and update everything instead.

It seems that some folks just don't want to be happy. I won't pretend to agree with all the choices made by the filmmakers. Some of the decisions have actually made me groan loudly. However, I'm not spouting off that tired old, uncreative "this movie's going to suck" line. It may indeed suck. Hell, it may be the worst movie since the Crow (which I personally hated). But, hey, you know what? It may actually be decent. It might even end up being *gasp* great. We have no way of knowing yet. Sure, a draft of the script was leaked, but who knows if it's had alterations made since then?

It just strikes me as totally silly and irrational to so fully judge something that hasn't even been viewed yet... based on still pics and a potentially very outdated script, no less.

Nobody wants this movie to kick butt more than me, but let's face it. There's no way it's going to be perfect for any of us. That would be impossible. I'm fine with the fact that I'm not going to like everything about the movie. I can cringe and move on, because I'm equally sure that there's going to be things that I do like about it too.

In short, how about we wait and see what the end product is going to be rather than using that unoriginal, used-to-often phrase, "This movie's going to suck".

[gunslingercbr]

but it is going to suck. it can't not suck. it will be the standard of suck for generations to come.

[protoxero]

hay maybe part 2 wont suck as bad, if the frist one makes some money to even make part 2. but some if it will suck, come on now joe power suits what is this sigma 6 the movie.

[Echo7Solo]

very good post Cynthia. I agree. Lets not judge just yet

[SportingViper]

Have you guys(the ones on paramounts payroll,just kidding) notice that you only post to complain about somebody complaining about the movie?

[Echo7Solo]

I thought it was a very level headed and mature post.

[Shin Densetsu]

I thought it was a very level headed and mature post.
It is.

[Gungho-joe]

I agree we should wait until we walk out of the theater to judge if the movie sucked. I for one thought I would hate the Transformers movie but I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it. I am at the point with the GI Joe movie that I was with the TF movie at the exact same point in production. Even if I hate it and my little boy loves it then its a win win situation, so until the moment I walk out the theater I am looking forward to this movie and will keep a open mind and hope for a great movie.

[TheVileOne]

I dunno. There's a good chance of the movie making a ton of money. So if that were to happen, I'd probably want to work on it and get a percentage. I doubt anyone truly cares or listens to what some fans on internet message boards say about the movie. Look at Transformers.

[Sysiss]

I was thinking about this after reading the millionth comment proclaiming that "this movie's going to suck". While I would ordinarily have loved to be the one bestowed with the job of working on the GI Joe movie in some capacity, I'm ultimately glad that I'm not. It would be a lose lose situation. If the writer was to adapt GI Joe issue #1 verbatim (ala Sin City) and the cartoon people would gripe. Or you'd find a contingency of fans who would say that the writer should stop living in the past and update everything instead.

It seems that some folks just don't want to be happy. I won't pretend to agree with all the choices made by the filmmakers. Some of the decisions have actually made me groan loudly. However, I'm not spouting off that tired old, uncreative "this movie's going to suck" line. It may indeed suck. Hell, it may be the worst movie since the Crow (which I personally hated). But, hey, you know what? It may actually be decent. It might even end up being *gasp* great. We have no way of knowing yet. Sure, a draft of the script was leaked, but who knows if it's had alterations made since then?

It just strikes me as totally silly and irrational to so fully judge something that hasn't even been viewed yet... based on still pics and a potentially very outdated script, no less.

Nobody wants this movie to kick butt more than me, but let's face it. There's no way it's going to be perfect for any of us. That would be impossible. I'm fine with the fact that I'm not going to like everything about the movie. I can cringe and move on, because I'm equally sure that there's going to be things that I do like about it too.

In short, how about we wait and see what the end product is going to be rather than using that unoriginal, used-to-often phrase, "This movie's going to suck".

I agree Cynthia. I've been spouting the same jargon out of my blow hole since the beginning on this topic and it's useless. I find it comical that people somehow KNOW the outcome of this movie even tho they haven't even seen .5 seconds of it. Certainly there might be some unfavorable aspects of it, but you can't actually KNOW more then that.

hay maybe part 2 wont suck as bad, if the frist one makes some money to even make part 2. but some if it will suck, come on now joe power suits what is this sigma 6 the movie.

Maybe part 2 won't suck...... "as bad"? What, did you just get back from a special midnight showing or something and are now ready for the sequel hoping it doesn't bomb like the first? This is classic, your actually referring to the sequel as if your hoping it doesn't turn out like the first, even though the first is still being filmed and over a year away from release.

No doubt about it Cynthia, it's seriously a lose, lose situation.

[Astrokreep]

I agree completely with Cynthia, as I've been saying similar things myself for a while now. Sure, the movie could turn out to be complete garbage, but it could also turn out to be a GREAT action flick. It's way too early to pass judgment on this film.

[Dark 5cythe]

This is the internets. ITs a vocal MINORITY. No one but fanboys complain because the movie is crushing their supposed childhoods. The rest of the world might just love the movie. Just like Transformers. Just like Lord of the Rings(they had hardcore nerds complaining too). Im sure spider man fans freaked. Batman fans sure did, with each movie (yet only 1 of them failed to be big)

Your best bet is to ignore all these nerd ramblings.

[VIPER 48]

I thought it was a very level headed and mature post.

I agree. I have decided along time ago to wait and judge this movie when it is released. I may have my doubts, but i am not going to let it detour me from watching this movie...

[TheVileOne]

These poor Hollywood bigwigs that are rich as sin who are so crushed by people who post on message boards talking about how bad the movie looks.

[Astrokreep]

This is the internets. ITs a vocal MINORITY. No one but fanboys complain because the movie is crushing their supposed childhoods. The rest of the world might just love the movie. Just like Transformers. Just like Lord of the Rings(they had hardcore nerds complaining too). Im sure spider man fans freaked. Batman fans sure did, with each movie (yet only 1 of them failed to be big)

Your best bet is to ignore all these nerd ramblings.

I also agree with this. I still hear people complaining about changes to Spider-Man 1, despite the fact any changes that were made were done out of necessity.

[Ash Talon]

Here's the deal.

There is a chance (very slim in my mind) that this movie can be okay. And a shot in hell that it'll actually be good.

For those that think I'm being harsh....

1. Stephen Sommers is directing. Check out his filmography. Now tell me this movie has a chance of being good.

2. Same producer as Transformers. This will give you an idea of how well the property will be treated.

3. Producers/crew stating how much they're sticking to the comics, yet so much we hear contradicts these statements.

4. Lack of recognizable looks (even in color department) of characters.

Regarding cartoon fans being happy. I doubt there are many cartoon fans that haven't read the Marvel comics. Don't get me wrong, the cartoon reached a much larger audience. However, there aren't diehard cartoon fans that aren't aware of the comic canon. The cartoon basically had no continuity, so there isn't anything there to contradict. I doubt there are any casual cartoon fans that remember anything more than the theme song. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that 25 years of comic book continuity is more ripe than ~3 years of cartoons.

So overall, is there a chance this movie will be enjoyable to anyone over 5? Sure. Some adults actually enjoyed Transformers which my mind just can't process. People will enjoy anything. They can convince themselves of anything. Will I see GI Joe? Of course. I just may have to start drinking again to make it through it, though.

I do think the movie has one thing going for it. It sounds out of control ambitious. When I saw the list of vehicles and sets mentioned at Toy Fair, I was pretty amazed. It's sheer over the top audacity might win over people.

They're going to have to start doing some damage control with a really good trailer, though. There's a lot of harsh words being thrown around about this project. The costume pics, after SE, didn't seem too well received on numerous boards and sites.

[Bernit69]

If it sucks or not...I don't think it will be the Joe movie we all want. I think it will be just like the Transformer movie. Fun to watch but not what we deeply wanted. The direction they seem to be going with this film is more like GI Joe Stigma than the original. Personally I'm not a fan of any Joe storyline that is not from the 80's.

[USAgent]

even after it comes out the suck/doesn't suck argument will be in full force for years to come. I, for one, am just seriously looking forward to seeing what Hollywood can do with it.

[sharke]

call me old fashion but I like to see a movie before I determine if it sucks or not

[CynthiaCM]

Personally I'm not a fan of any Joe storyline that is not from the 80's.

Even the Trucial Abysmia plotline from the early '90s?

[Crimson Rage]

Some adults actually enjoyed Transformers which my mind just can't process. People will enjoy anything.

.

Wow, condescending!
Here's a list of my favourite films:

Where Eagles Dare
Forbidden Planet
Zulu
Get Carter
Matter of Life and Death
A Cantabury Tale (Micheal Powell)
Suspiria
Mask of Satan
Oh Mr. Porter
Carry On Cleo

I think you'll find them eclectic enough to say I'm no Hollywood action junkie, yet I thoroughly enjoyed TRANSFORMERS for the escapist fantasy it was. Until proved otherwise, I intend to regard GI JOE in the same way.

Contrary to some beliefs, a person's movie choices don't reflect their IQ.

[Compulsive Collector]

I doubt there are many cartoon fans that haven't read the Marvel comics. Don't get me wrong, the cartoon reached a much larger audience. However, there aren't diehard cartoon fans that aren't aware of the comic canon. The cartoon basically had no continuity, so there isn't anything there to contradict. I doubt there are any casual cartoon fans that remember anything more than the theme song. This assessment couldn't possibly be more incorrect.


They're going to have to start doing some damage control with a really good trailer, though. There's a lot of harsh words being thrown around about this project. The costume pics, after SE, didn't seem too well received on numerous boards and sites. Casual moviegoers don't care what nerds on message boards have to say. The marketing and look presented in trailers and television spots will be the deciding factor for audiences, not rabid fanboys who complain on the internet.

[Shin Densetsu]

2. Same producer as Transformers. This will give you an idea of how well the property will be treated.
According to Michael Bay, that guy didn't do as much as he is credited to, this was the same reason Bay was publicly pissed last year when Dibuenaventura wanted certain credits to his name on the movie.
call me old fashion but I like to see a movie before I determine if it sucks or not
Me too.

[Snake Eyes-Joe Ninja]

Alright, I will gladly lay final judgement AFTER the film is released, and my best wishes go out to everyone invlovled WHO TAKE THE FILM SEMI-SRIOUSLY.

But the information I've recieved on the film has left a bad taste in my mouth. While I await the final product, I will say we may have a new Batman & Robin. Here's hoping things go well.

[Loki41872]

And still people that don't like the way this movie is going are called "Nerds" and "Fanboys". As I've stated numerous times, these opinions are not just from us RAHers. Here's one non-G.I. Joe site. check these comments. Go to others. The opinion around the net is pretty much the same. Most people who don't even care about G.I. Joe think this is gonna suck


http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/15/gi-joe-set-photos-two-more-reasons-why-gi-joe-might-suck/


Go try AICN, IMDB, or ANY other discussion forum where they talk about movies. There's a thread on how bad the Joe movie is gonna suck on a freakin gun-collector forum.

So the very "general public", that it's claimed this movie is going for, that thinks it looks stupid. Every forum says the same thing:

Casting sucks, costumes look stupid, Sommers is a bad director, blah, blah. You know, the same stuff that "Only the 'fanboys' are saying". I'm also glad I'm not working on this movie. This could be one of those "Career Killers".

[Compulsive Collector]

slashfilm
AICN
IMDB
ANY other discussion forum where they talk about movies Nerds, nerds, nerds, and more nerds.

So the very "general public", that it's claimed this movie is going for, that thinks it looks stupid. No, the "general public" doesn't get on the internet (and damn sure not slashfilm) to discuss movies with nerds. Other than going to the theater or buying a DVD, they might glance at an EW from time to time. The "general public" is only even aware of this film if they heard about it from a nerd or happened to stumble across one of the ridiculous stories that was going around late last year.

I'm also glad I'm not working on this movie. This could be one of those "Career Killers". Yeah, sure it could. Try telling that to John Rogers, Michael Ferris, John Brancato, and Theresa Rebeck.

[Snake Eyes-Joe Ninja]

I'm with Loki on this one. The gneral "Internet public" doesn't like it. Just wait for a Facebook "GI Joe Sux" application, lol.

[sharke]

Nerds, nerds, nerds, and more nerds.

lmao

[Echo7Solo]

you know some nerds know what they are talking about. Right CC?

[Cobra-Viper]

I still think people who say the cast sux are basing it on Marlon Wayans. I quite like the cast, sure I'm not thrilled about Tatum and Nichols but they look the part and thats good enough for now as all we've seen is pictures...

the rest of the cast is filled with great actors! Jospeh Gordon Levitt, Dennis Quaid, Saïd Taghmaoui, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Chris Eccleston, Sienna Miller, Arnold Vosloo...

sure it doesn't have you favorite actors in it, or you're dream castings but it is a good cast regardless in my opinion.

To be honest most people will find something wrong with it, probably me too, but thing is people have to stop being selfish about it, just because you love the toyline doesn't mean they are going to make it the way you want. There are a few people I just want to hit in the face when I read they're posts on IMDB but for the most part I try and avoid people talking about it, apart from on here, because we get proper civilized discussion. I mean really, you want Scarlett to look like the first figure? You want Duke to just wear a shirt into battle? Eh get a grip! Changes of course have to be made, some don't but afterall they are making the movie and we're not and we have to live with it, and hope they do great.

I will decide whether I like it on the day I see it, for now yeah I'm not so sure about the Power Suits, I like the pictures I've seen so far though, Baroness looks perfect, Destro looks menacing and the Joes look good so for now I'm just gonna sit back and watch the months roll by...

[Compulsive Collector]

you know some nerds know what they are talking about. Right CC? I'm not saying I disagree with everything said by nerds (pro or con) about this project. I'm saying their bitching 1) doesn't matter to the producers and 2) won't matter to the average moviegoer.

[Derek2783]

Here's where I disagree.

It's not just that its not faithful to the comic.

It's not just that it's not faithful to the cartoon.

It's not just that it's not faithful to the toys.

It's not just that it's not going to be perfect for this group or that group.

It's not just that they updated a few things.

It's not just that it's an international team.

It's not just that the story eliminates all but the character names and the property name.



It's all of the above. Based on what we know, the movie is going to SUCK and we all know it. Wish it were going to be different, but unfortunately, it won't be.

If I'm wrong, I'll gladly eat my words!

[Crimson Rage]

Originally posted by Derek7823
This movie is going to SUCK and we all know it

"We"? People speaking on my behalf... Oh mama, it's TRANSFORMERS all over again. I'm an internet leper for being an optimist about a forthcoming action movie.

[gunslingercbr]

Here's where I disagree.

It's not just that its not faithful to the comic.

It's not just that it's not faithful to the cartoon.

It's not just that it's not faithful to the toys.

It's not just that it's not going to be perfect for this group or that group.

It's not just that they updated a few things.

It's not just that it's an international team.

It's all of the above. Based on what we know, the movie is going to SUCK and we all know it. Wish it were going to be different, but unfortunately, it won't be.

If I'm wrong, I'll gladly eat my words!
the probelm, though, with this argument, is that the weaknesses in the script have nothing to do with any of the above, so if it sucks or not won't have anything to do with them. yet most fans won't look past those changes and evaluate the movie on its own terms and will simply judge it against what it is not that they had always hoped it would be.

had the Joe team been strictly American, this script and story still would have been the same overall.

had the script been more faithful to the characterizations in the comic or cartoon or toys, this script and story still would have been the same overall.


It's not just that the story eliminates all but the character names and the property name.
I disagree again. all the characters ring familiar with the very basic concepts of the characters, and will be recognizable or at least familiar to an audience familiar with the toys. not adapting how they were from the comic identically does not mean they don't adhere to the basic concept of the characters.

[Echo7Solo]

I'm not saying I disagree with everything said by nerds (pro or con) about this project. I'm saying their bitching 1) doesn't matter to the producers and 2) won't matter to the average moviegoer.



I agree with this. There will be people who will go see this that never picked up a comic, watched a cartoon or played with a figure. This will also be the way GI Joe is introduced to a new generation. Like it or not this is the GI Joe we are getting. I'm sure each and evey one of us feel like we could do a better job. The thing is we are not the ones doing it. I would set it back in the 80's to start with. I'd take what I like most about the cartoon and comics and go from there. Guess what, that is what the producers did. They had the history of GI Joe at their fingertips and cherry picked what they wanted. This is the film we are getting.

:::side not I was kind of expecting you to own up to being a nerd too CC. There's no shame LOL::::

[Ixz72]

DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER - Apparently, some people aren't familiar with this philosophy.

It's a well know fact that false scripts are being leaked out there. Why don't you wait until the movie is out and you actually see it then make your judgment. If you feel that it does not appeal to you, then don't watch it. We live in a free country and nobody is forcing you to do anything you are not comfortable doing.

[Ixz72]

Most of us who saw Iron-man thought that it was a good movie. Same with Transformers and Batman Begins. And we all know the producers of those movies took liberties from their original stories. So why not give GI joe the benefit of the doubt.

[SportingViper]

Most of us who saw Iron-man thought that it was a good movie. Same with Transformers and Batman Begins. And we all know the producers of those movies took liberties from their original stories. So why not give GI joe the benefit of the doubt.

Those movies didn't change the characters the way the Joe movie is completely changing the character because of the producers personal and political views.
-Bruce wayne was still an american billionaire whose parent got killed by a thug.

-Tony Starks was still an American Billionaire industrialist who got hurt in a war zone and became Iron Man.

-Optimus Prime still came from Cybertron and transformed into a semi-truck and fought to save human life.

Meanwhile(and if the rumors are true)...
-Snakes-eyes a FRENCH orphan taken in by a Vietnamese Ninja clan.Has a vow of silence and speaks at the end of the movie.

-Hawk british and a womanizer.

-Scarlett australian and virginal.

and so on....

They are completely pissing on the characters Larry Hama created.

[Derek2783]

"We"? People speaking on my behalf... Oh mama, it's TRANSFORMERS all over again. I'm an internet leper for being an optimist about a forthcoming action movie.


"We" being those of us who know it's going to suck. I don't pretend to speak for everyone.

[gunslingercbr]

Those movies didn't change the characters the way the Joe movie is completely changing the character because of the producers personal and political views.
-Bruce wayne was still an american billionaire whose parent got killed by a thug.

-Tony Starks was still an American Billionaire industrialist who got hurt in a war zone and became Iron Man.

-Optimus Prime still came from Cybertron and transformed into a semi-truck and fought to save human life.

Meanwhile(and if the rumors are true)...
-Snakes-eyes a FRENCH orphan taken in by a Vietnamese Ninja clan.Has a vow of silence and speaks at the end of the movie.
Snake Eyes still a silent ninja-commando.

-Hawk british and a womanizer.
Hawk still the leader of G.I. Joe.

-Scarlett australian and virginal.
Scarlett still a red-head with a crossbow.

and so on....

[SportingViper]

Snake Eyes still a silent ninja-commando.

Hawk still the leader of G.I. Joe.

Scarlett still a red-head with a crossbow.

and so on....

Yeah keep sticking your head in the sand.

[Derek2783]

most fans won't look past those changes and evaluate the movie on its own terms and will simply judge it against what it is not that they had always hoped it would be.

had the Joe team been strictly American, this script and story still would have been the same overall.

had the script been more faithful to the characterizations in the comic or cartoon or toys, this script and story still would have been the same overall.

Let's say I agree... then why the changes? Why depart from what we know and love if it's not changing anything?

But I disagree. Black Ripcord as Duke's best friend? Ripcord wasn't funny. Hawk a brit? POWERSUITS? Not to mention the changes made to CC, Destro, and Baroness's stories. These aren't just having to do with the "American-ness" of the team, they're completely changing the history and characters.


I disagree again. all the characters ring familiar with the very basic concepts of the characters, and will be recognizable or at least familiar to an audience familiar with the toys. not adapting how they were from the comic identically does not mean they don't adhere to the basic concept of the characters.

Sure they will be recognizable... but they're NOT THE SAME. The bottom line is, the changes made - many of which are confirmed - we ("we" being those of us who say the movie will suck) hate. They mess with the story in a way we don't like.

and so on...

Duke's a hero. Baroness is hot. CC is evil. Destro deals weapons. Big vehicles, and good versus evil.

...that's about it for "so on" as far as I can tell :D

[SportingViper]

Let's say I agree... then why the changes? Why depart from what we know and love if it's not changing anything?

But I disagree. Black Ripcord as Duke's best friend? Ripcord wasn't funny. Hawk a brit? POWERSUITS? Not to mention the changes made to CC, Destro, and Baroness's stories. These aren't just having to do with the "American-ness" of the team, they're completely changing the history and characters.



Sure they will be recognizable... but they're NOT THE SAME. The bottom line is, the changes made - many of which are confirmed - we (again, "we" being those of us who say the movie will suck) hate. They mess with the story in a way we don't like.

Let's use the Iron Man example... Stark is still by and large, the SAME character. Sure there's some changes made, but it retains the same identity. The Joe movie doesn't.

Duke's a hero. Baroness is hott. CC is evil. Destro deals weapons. SE and SS are ninjas.

...that's about it for similarity to the original story.

I agree with you 100%....I guess these other guys didn't read the comic or just don't give a sh@t about the characters.

[Bamphalas]

I'm on a wait and see mode.
I think there is an equal chance that the movie will be a blast, it's just "ok" or I'm going to leave upset I wasted my money.
I recall all the calls of DOOM when Transformers was on its way.
"OMG the characters are nothing like the comics!"
"OMG Optimus would never have flame decals!"
"This movie is going to suck! The Transformers are supposed to be blocky not a bunch of exposed moving parts!"
"They are only using the characters names and they are NOTHING like the REAL characters!"
And then the movie arrived. And a bunch of the doomsayers ended up saying "Hey, that was actually pretty cool."
"I understand it's not G1 continuity, but MOVIE continuity. I'm ok with that."
"OMG, Giant F***in' Robots!"
Of course there are still haters that refuse to see the movie or did, but STILL say "OMG, they don't know G1! You all suck for liking it! Bay is the devil!"
Now, with G.I.Joe, I was never into the comic book. I think I read one or two as a kid and was dismayed at finding out how they "ruined" the Scarlett/Duke relationship by having her involved with the mute freak. To me, the "characters" were formed through the Sunbow cartoon and daily play with my toys. Those characters will never change, and nothing they do in the movie is going to change who those characters are. Like it had been noted above with Transformers: "I understand it's not RAH continuity, but MOVIE continuity. I'm ok with that.
Now the only thing I hope is that the movie just isn't so cornball I have Street Fighter flashbacks.

[Ixz72]

Those movies didn't change the characters the way the Joe movie is completely changing the character because of the producers personal and political views.
-Bruce wayne was still an american billionaire whose parent got killed by a thug.

-Tony Starks was still an American Billionaire industrialist who got hurt in a war zone and became Iron Man.

-Optimus Prime still came from Cybertron and transformed into a semi-truck and fought to save human life.

Meanwhile(and if the rumors are true)...
-Snakes-eyes a FRENCH orphan taken in by a Vietnamese Ninja clan.Has a vow of silence and speaks at the end of the movie.

-Hawk british and a womanizer.

-Scarlett australian and virginal.

and so on....

They are completely pissing on the characters Larry Hama created.

Bruce Wayne was taught by Henry Ducard to become a detective and was taught by Lady Shiva to be a Martial Artist. Not by Henry Ducard as a Ninja.

Tony Stark was kidnapped by the Viet Cong and not the 10 Rings Terrorist group based out of Afghanistan.

Optimus Prime came to Earth in the Ark, not as some proto-form crap.
And what the hell is an All-Spark? Bumblebee is a VW BUG, and Megatron is a Gun!!!

My point is changes come with the times. Whatever the change is? Even classic works of literature are adopted to appeal more to todays audience.

Let face it we are a minority audience. And the movie company is banking on something that can make money....name recognition. The whole world may not know the story of GI Joe: ARAH, but they have heard of GI Joe.

Also as far as Larry Hama is concerned, isn't he a creative consultant in the movie.

[Derek2783]

I'm on a wait and see mode...
And then the movie arrived. And a bunch of the doomsayers ended up saying "Hey, that was actually pretty cool."

I sure hope you're right!

I think one of the big differences I see is that with Transformers, Optimus Prime and Megatron retained alot of the same character traits and motivations, whereas the Joe movie doesn't seem to.

For example, the old Duke was a patriot, through and through. He was older, wiser, and tougher than anyone else, and he commanded respect because he was the best, he had been around, and he could kick your ass.

The movie Duke, from what I can tell, is kinda sappy, and is only "cool" because he's a good looking young guy in a power suit. They've removed the grizzly from him.

The old Snake-eyes was a disfigured warrior who was tragically mute. He was a grown man when everything he loved was taken from him. He was left empty and searching for purpose.

Now he's taken a cheesy vow of silence, and he was just a poor orphan kid. Gone is the struggle of the adult man who lost everything and is searching for salvation. Now he's just a quiet ninja boy who's pissed at Storm Shadow.

[SportingViper]

Bruce Wayne was taught by Henry Ducard to become a detective and was taught by Lady Shiva to be a Martial Artist. Not by Henry Ducard as a Ninja.

Tony Stark was kidnapped by the Viet Cong and not the 10 Rings Terrorist group based out of Afghanistan.

Optimus Prime came to Earth in the Ark, not as some proto-form crap.
And what the hell is an All-Spark? Bumblebee is a VW BUG, and Megatron is a Gun!!!

My point is changes come with the times. Whatever the change is? Even classic works of literature are adopted to appeal more to todays audience.

Let face it we are a minority audience. And the movie company is banking on something that can make money....name recognition. The whole world may not know the story of GI Joe: ARAH, but they have heard of GI Joe.




Also as far as Larry Hama is concerned, isn't he a creative consultant in the movie.

And what part of G.I. Joe a real american hero is so unappealling to todays audience? Did you take a survey?

[Compulsive Collector]

side not I was kind of expecting you to own up to being a nerd too CC. Considering I'm posting on a G.I. JOE message board, that goes without saying, yes?

Those movies didn't change the characters the way the Joe movie is completely changing the character because of the producers personal and political views. Insisting that changes have been made for this project due to anyone's "political views" only demonstates the lack of a coherent argument.

Bruce wayne was still an american billionaire whose parent got killed by a thug. But what about Ra's al Ghul?

Tony Starks was still an American Billionaire industrialist who got hurt in a war zone and became Iron Man. But what about Obadiah Stane?

Optimus Prime still came from Cybertron and transformed into a semi-truck and fought to save human life. You cannot hold that movie up as an example of something that stayed true to its source material and expect to be taken seriously.

Yeah keep sticking your head in the sand. Translation: "I have nothing to say when confronted with the fact that my arguments are full of holes."

I agree with you 100%....I guess these other guys didn't read the comic or just don't give a sh@t about the characters. Oh, please. "You either agree with me, or you're not a REAL fan!" What a crock. Are we in junior high? Primary school? Will my dad can beat up your dad references follow? Please. All you do here is whine about this movie. You're in no position to tell others they don't care about these characters, or anything else, for that matter.

[Sysiss]

Throwing the word "Suck" around in relation to any movie is a matter of opinion, plain and simple. I didn't think that i would have to point something as obvious as that out, but some of you just don't seem to get it. To the Transformers geeks the movie sucked...i suppose, all .5 percent of the total worlds population of you. *It's actually lower.....*shish.* To 85% of the common movie go'er that saw the film thought it rocked. Do the math........What really matters...


The nitpicking on all these little details isn't as big of a deal as a lot of you are making this out to be. Like someone just refereed to....I'm sure the Transformers fans were crying bloody murder when they found out Megatron wasn't going to be a gun or Bumblebee wasn't going to be a VWB, how much did that end up effecting the film? In the overall scheme of things not a damn bit. In fact it made it more hip and up to date to the common person *not as corny* and I personally thought it was fine change, no relavent impact on the film what so ever.

Changes like nationalities aren't going to matter either.

[copywrite]

Yeah keep sticking your head in the sand.

You have yet to put together a logical argument against anything, anyone has said.

[TheVileOne]

And what part of G.I. Joe a real american hero is so unappealling to todays audience? Did you take a survey?

Love for someone to answer this.

[Echo7Solo]

ok guys this is a good debate right now lets keep it that way.

[SportingViper]

Love for someone to answer this.

How about this...why did Iron Man make so much overseas by sticking to it's AMERICAN origins and not running away from the evil american war on terror?

[SportingViper]

Insisting that changes have been made for this project due to anyone's "political views" only demonstates the lack of a coherent argument.

.

From an interview with the producer....

Collider: A lot of people associate Joe as an American kind of thing, like an American mythology. How are you going to make it so it’s or are you going to make it so it’s a world-wide kind of thing?



Lorenzo di Bonaventura: One of the aspects that I find when you read the comic book—forget the pre-83 Joe because its clearly what that is—but when you read the comic book, it’s a group of good guys going after a group of bad guys. We have a really interesting international cast and I personally view the world in a very polyglot sort of way, go Barack Obama, and so we wanted the movie to really reflect a modern worldview.

[Echo7Solo]

How about this...why did Iron Man make so much overseas by sticking to it's AMERICAN origins and not running away from the evil american war on terror?

well let me ask this. As little as you want this GI Joe flick would you rather have another Team America World Police?

From an interview with the producer....


http://www.hisstank.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41
4. No Political Discussion at all.
No Jokes, no flash animations, no political signatures, nothing.

We have all seen that quote no need to rehash it again. I see your point with it but political discussion is off limits. I think when it comes to that part people should agree to dissagree and move on.

[Ixz72]

And what part of G.I. Joe a real american hero is so unappealling to todays audience? Did you take a survey?

Where in my statement did I say that? Regardless of what you think the world does not end where America's border ends. The movie is going to be distributed worldwide and the company that produced it would want to reach out to a much broader audience to get as much return for their investment.

Believe it or not the movie company's main goal is to make money. Not to satisfy your dream of seeing GI Joe on the big screen. If you do not spend $10 to watch the movie, then someone else will.

Majority of the people who will watch the movie will have no idea that Snake-eyes was supposed to be a Vietnam Vet who was injured and therefore has a deformed face. Nor that Duke graduated on top of his class and is fluent in multiple languages.

All people will care about is if they are entertained or not.

[SportingViper]

Oh, please. "You either agree with me, or you're not a REAL fan!" What a crock. Are we in junior high? Primary school? Will my dad can beat up your dad references follow? Please. All you do here is whine about this movie. You're in no position to tell others they don't care about these characters, or anything else, for that matter.

It's obvious you don't care about the characters comic origin...and all you do here is kiss paramounts ass.
Everytime someones says something they don't like about the movie you make a comment about whiney fanboys etc.

[SportingViper]

Where in my statement did I say that? Regardless of what you think the world does not end where America's border ends. The movie is going to be distributed worldwide and the company that produced it would want to reach out to a much broader audience to get as much return for their investment.

Believe it or not the movie company's main goal is to make money. Not to satisfy your dream of seeing GI Joe on the big screen. If you do not spend $10 to watch the movie, then someone else will.

Majority of the people who will watch the movie will have no idea that Snake-eyes was supposed to be a Vietnam Vet who was injured and therefore has a deformed face. Nor that Duke graduated on top of his class and is fluent in multiple languages.

All people will care about is if they are entertained or not.


Still didn't answer the question.

[SportingViper]

well let me ask this. As little as you want this GI Joe flick would you rather have another Team America World Police?


That's right I forgot TEAM AMERICA was based on G.I.Joe...when i read the comic I think hot puppet sex!!!

[Ixz72]

Still didn't answer the question.

There is nothing to answer. Look beyond your thoughts and read what I posted. You are taking things out of context. I used the background story of ARAH as an example.

GI Joe's story has changed a number of times. In fact ARAH is not even the original GI Joe. And even when ARAH was in it's peak popularity it was sold as "Action Force" or "Action Heroes" or something else in other countries.

Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWSukwidtVs

[SportingViper]

There is nothing to answer. Look beyond your thoughts and read what I posted. You are taking things out of context. I used the background story of ARAH as an example.

GI Joe's story has changed a number of times. In fact ARAH is not even the original GI Joe. And even when ARAH was in it's peak popularity it was sold as "Action Force" or "Action Heroes" or something else in other countries.

Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWSukwidtVs

Listen, this is what Brian Goldner of Hasbro and also one of the producer of the Joe movie said in an interview to Rotten Tomatoes.com:

But what about the movie's spirit? Should fans expect to see a live-action version of the cartoon, an update on the Marvel comics, or something else entirely? According to Goldner, Sommers and crew want to take filmgoers back a couple of decades:

"Steve Sommers is very different. But he's perfect, because if you think about his movies like 'The Mummy,' it's the perfect action/adventure movie. If you think about what we're trying to do for G.I. Joe, really bringing back that '80s G.I. Joe from the Marvel comics -- those first 155 issues are really our focus. If you think about that, you'll understand what we're trying to get at with all those characters and all the intricate relationships. I don't think you'd see this movie as wacky. I think you're going to see this movie as being inspirational for younger kids and totally in the sweet spot for the guys who grew up on G.I. Joe."

To read more of Brian Goldner's thoughts on G.I. Joe -- which debuts August 2009 -- follow the link below!


Now either this guy is the biggest liar on earth or the other producer didn't give a sh@t about what his ideas were for the movie and went in a totally differnt direction.

[Shin Densetsu]

Now either this guy is the biggest liar on earth or the other producer didn't give a sh@t about what his ideas were for the movie and went in a totally differnt direction.
He is one of the higher ups in Hasbro, why would he lie?

[Omegawrath]

Logic might have the first word, but maximized projected worldwide sales gets the last.

[TheVileOne]

Because he's a higher-up at Hasbro and he's trying to do damage control the minority of "fans" that actually buy most of the toys :D .

[gunslingercbr]

Now either this guy is the biggest liar on earth or the other producer didn't give a sh@t about what his ideas were for the movie and went in a totally differnt direction.
or you are simply reading too much into the comment. of course, that would make you responsible for your own disappointment, and not anyone else.

nowhere in his statement does he say they are adapting directly from those 155 issues, just that those issues are the focus. what does that mean exactly? that can be taken many different ways, and I can see elements in the movie that come from those issues so it isn't entirely false, so he isn't a liar. I'll admit that comment is misleading, but that is because it is vague and open to interpretation.

[Shin Densetsu]

It's obvious you don't care about the characters comic origin...and all you do here is kiss paramounts ass.
Everytime someones says something they don't like about the movie you make a comment about whiney fanboys etc.
He only cares about a good movie. All good comic based movies did not stay completely faithful to their book bound counterparts. Thats beating a dead horse though, and no one wants to admit that their beloved comic based movies are different than the comics.

[SportingViper]

He is one of the higher ups in Hasbro, why would he lie?

I personally don't think he's lying but I think he got overruled by paramount...if the movie stuck to what he said in the interview I'd be ok with it. But like many people on the forum who have read a leaked script said: "Don't expect this movie to be close to the comic or your childhood" or something along the that line.

[gunslingercbr]

Let's say I agree... then why the changes? Why depart from what we know and love if it's not changing anything?

But I disagree. Black Ripcord as Duke's best friend? Ripcord wasn't funny. Hawk a brit? POWERSUITS? Not to mention the changes made to CC, Destro, and Baroness's stories. These aren't just having to do with the "American-ness" of the team, they're completely changing the history and characters.



Sure they will be recognizable... but they're NOT THE SAME. The bottom line is, the changes made - many of which are confirmed - we ("we" being those of us who say the movie will suck) hate. They mess with the story in a way we don't like.



Duke's a hero. Baroness is hot. CC is evil. Destro deals weapons. Big vehicles, and good versus evil.

...that's about it for "so on" as far as I can tell :D
absolutely they have changed the history of the characters, I'm not saying otherwise at all. one of the first arguments I got into over the movie is that these aren't the same characters, they are based on the concepts of the characters, and they have to be judged accordingly.

why did they do that? for the same reason the original RAH team created RAH and not simply 3 3/4" Adventure Team figures -- they wanted to create something new. granted, this is creating something new from something established, but you can't expect everyone to be as interested in simply recreating RAH as you would be.

that doesn't mean that they think RAH was awful or wouldn't work, just that they think they there is an opportunity to expand upon the idea and create something new but equally exciting that hopefully rings familiar with the majority of the audience. I think they have done so. whether it is good or not is yet to be seen, but the motivation isn't as flawed as many would argue it is.

[Shin Densetsu]

I personally don't think he's lying but I think he got overruled by paramount...
No, Hasbro could overrule Paramount in this case, they did it several times for the Transformers movie.

[Omegawrath]

or you are simply reading too much into the comment. of course, that would make you responsible for your own disappointment, and not anyone else.

nowhere in his statement does he say they are adapting directly from those 155 issues, just that those issues are the focus. what does that mean exactly? that can be taken many different ways, and I can see elements in the movie that come from those issues so it isn't entirely false, so he isn't a liar. I'll admit that comment is misleading, but that is because it is vague and open to interpretation.

It means they changed Hi-Tech into Breaker and they've been shy about using Roadblock for a while.

Ironic, because the changes they've made to Heavy Duty seem to have turned him into a younger, LESS pc version OF Roadblock.

Anyway, they DID go back and change it from Sigma Six the movie to GI Joe, A Real American Hero level storytelling using Sigma Six sensibilities about the look and feel of the action. There's even some cartoon inspired stuff written right in.

Destro is awesome. The other aspects of the story are essentially an attempt to marry ALL of the best aspects of what came before.

I DO think that whoever does the costuming on DiBonaventura movies should be swapped repeatedly with a fan vote at the end.

I have my concerns. I wonder why Hawk looks like DDP Flint, but I also have seen him in a beret and also a brown leather jacket before. So he's not wrong per se. Just interesting choices.

I will reserve my real judgements on the look of the film for The Commander and Destro. As well as any use of the COBRA symbol and hoping that they remain as true to that as they did the Autobot symbol.

I think I'm going to like this movie. You just have to be careful of helmets and body armor. It's very easy to foul up and get Reb Brown's TV Captain America or Spaceballs when you want Storm Troopers or,

well,


Vipers.

[Omegawrath]

No, Hasbro could overrule Paramount in this case, they did it several times for the Transformers movie.
I'll bet that's a very legally/politically complicated process.

[SportingViper]

No, Hasbro could overrule Paramount in this case, they did it several times for the Transformers movie.

Well I hope Hasbro does alot of overruling before the movie comes out especially the whole french ophan Snake-eyes b.s.

[Compulsive Collector]

From an interview with the producer....

Collider: A lot of people associate Joe as an American kind of thing, like an American mythology. How are you going to make it so it’s or are you going to make it so it’s a world-wide kind of thing?



Lorenzo di Bonaventura: One of the aspects that I find when you read the comic book—forget the pre-83 Joe because its clearly what that is—but when you read the comic book, it’s a group of good guys going after a group of bad guys. We have a really interesting international cast and I personally view the world in a very polyglot sort of way, go Barack Obama, and so we wanted the movie to really reflect a modern worldview. The overwhelming majority of people involved in the production of Hollywood movies lean left, but wanting an international cast is not a "political" view. All you've done is betray a fundamental lack of understanding on your part. Do you really think Lorenzo di Bonaventura is calling the shots on this project? Do you honestly believe the story that will be told originated in his mind? Is that what you think his role as a "producer" involves? Paramount executives wanted an "international" cast long before this thing was ever greenlit, before Beattie was hired, and before Sommers was attached to direct.

It's obvious you don't care about the characters comic origin... Again, all you do here is whine about this movie. You haven't demonstrated even an ounce of knowledge about the comics. Where are the photos of your G.I. JOE collection? Where is your participation in discussions about the comics? I started reading the Marvel title in 1982, I grew up with Larry Hama's work, and I stuck with it throughout the entire run. The only thing that's "obvious" in this thread is that you have an axe to grind, and I don't believe it has a damn thing to do with the comics. No matter how bad this movie is, I'll still have those comics, just like I'll still have all my Justice League comics and other DCU stories, not to mention the entire DCAU, if Warner Bros. ever gets around to making their little Junior JLA movie they couldn't get off the ground. I'm not going to act like a spoiled brat over something that's out of my control precisely because I still have all those old stories that I love. It doesn't matter how bad the movie is, because even if this thing turned out to be the best action flick of all time, it still wouldn't replace the continuity of the Marvel run or those versions of the characters for me. I don't need two hours of time on the big screen to love G.I. JOE.

and all you do here is kiss paramounts ass. You couldn't cite a single example of that happening if your very life depended upon it.

Everytime someones says something they don't like about the movie you make a comment about whiney fanboys etc. No, every time someone behaves like a whining fanboy, that is when I make a comment about whining fanboys. If you want to describe my posts to me, then you should at least afford me the courtesy of actually reading them. I agreed with gunslingercbr just a day or two ago when he mentioned how bad the costumes look in the most recent photos. I do not expect this movie to be good, but if it's not, it will be the result of poor writing, acting, and direction, not because the characters' origins and backgrounds were changed.

He only cares about a good movie. All good comic based movies did not stay completely faithful to their book bound counterparts. Thats beating a dead horse though, and no one wants to admit that their beloved comic based movies are different than the comics. As much as I loved Batman Begins, they made changes I wouldn't have made. They altered elements of the story and characters that I felt were unnecessary. The final product, however, was so good that it didn't matter. The same would have been true if they'd made Bruce Wayne British, Italian, or even French (gasp!). Then again, I'm not so insecure as to get riled into a nationalistic furor over a fictional character's country of origin.

[SportingViper]

The overwhelming majority of people involved in the production of Hollywood movies lean left, but wanting an international cast is not a "political" view. All you've done is betray a fundamental lack of understanding on your part. Do you really think Lorenzo di Bonaventura is calling the shots on this project? Do you honestly believe the story that will be told originated in his mind? Is that what you think his role as a "producer" involves? Paramount executives wanted an "international" cast long before this thing was ever greenlit, before Beattie was hired, and before Sommers was attached to direct.

First of all, his production company is based at paramount.Second he said "I" and "we" in the interview meaning he did have something to do with it being international.

Again, all you do here is whine about this movie. You haven't demonstrated even an ounce of knowledge about the comics. Where are the photos of your G.I. JOE collection? Where is your participation in discussions about the comics? I started reading the Marvel title in 1982, I grew up with Larry Hama's work, and I stuck with it throughout the entire run. The only thing that's "obvious" in this thread is that you have an axe to grind, and I don't believe it has a damn thing to do with the comics. No matter how bad this movie is, I'll still have those comics, just like I'll still have all my Justice League comics and other DCU stories, not to mention the entire DCAU, if Warner Bros. ever gets around to making their little Junior JLA movie they couldn't get off the ground. I'm not going to act like a spoiled brat over something that's out of my control precisely because I still have all those old stories that I love. It doesn't matter how bad the movie is, because even if this thing turned out to be the best action flick of all time, it still wouldn't replace the continuity of the Marvel run or those versions of the characters for me. I don't need two hours of time on the big screen to love G.I. JOE.


I work at a comic book publisher.The reason I work there is because of my love of comics, especially G.I.Joe. I actually get to work and talk to people who worked on the Joe comic from the 80's and Devils Due comics. People like Jon D'agostino, Pepoy and Chris Lie. I actually got to see pencils of the Devils Due pages before they got printed. I get to talk to older Marvel artists about their work back in the day.I also deal with DC's advertising dept. because our companies share the same ads.In fact we're playing softball against them in Central Park in June.Would you like me to ask them about the Justice League movie?

[Shin Densetsu]

As much as I loved Batman Begins, they made changes I wouldn't have made. They altered elements of the story and characters that I felt were unnecessary. The final product, however, was so good that it didn't matter. The same would have been true if they'd made Bruce Wayne British, Italian, or even French (gasp!). Then again, I'm not so insecure as to get riled into a nationalistic furor over a fictional character's country of origin.
Agreed. One of the big things I did not like was making Ducard into Ras Al Ghul, and wasting Watanabe Ken's role in the movie. They are 2 different people in the comic, and in this case I think it should have stayed that way. Nonetheless the movie was great. A change like that is much more drastic than the changes rumored in the gijoe movie.

[gunslingercbr]

A change like that is much more drastic than the changes rumored in the gijoe movie.
impossible. Ripcord being black isn't just an atrocity to the very concept of G.I. Joe but will tip the earth's axis to a full 30% and plunge the world into an ice age that will last 10,000 years. it's not too late producers, the fate of the world rests on your shoulders -- Ripcord has to be white! oh, and make Snake Eyes and Scarlett do the nasty too.

[Echo7Solo]

you know compulsive something you need to keep in mind is you are a huge DC fan. Being so you understand and accept the concept of the multiverse. Being able to grasp that concept you can live with the different continuities of the various different forms of the story. One doesn't take away from the other, it stands on it's own but is still under the same umbrella.

[TheVileOne]

Goldner doesn't care. All he cares about is that this movie makes a ton of money, and Hasbro's name is on it.

[Compulsive Collector]

First of all, his production company is based at paramount.Second he said "I" and "we" in the interview meaning he did have something to do with it being international. Right, because otherwise he would just say, "Those decisions are made over my head," in an interview, rather than give the impression he's making important creative contributions. Lorenzo di Bonaventura is the driving force behind jack and shit on the project. He just happens to have acquired certain rights to the property, so he's a part of the process, although not a terribly important one.

I work at a comic book publisher.The reason I work there is because of my love of comics, especially G.I.Joe. I actually get to work and talk to people who worked on the Joe comic from the 80's and Devils Due comics. People like Jon D'agostino, Pepoy and Chris Lie. I actually got to see pencils of the Devils Due pages before they got printed. I get to talk to older Marvel artists about their work back in the day. This didn't answer even one of my questions or address anything I said. It's nothing more than an attempt at deflection, pointless name-dropping while clinging to your own anonymity. Why does a comic lover who works in the industry care so much about a Hollywood movie? Why would it mean so much to someone who should know better? After seeing what happened to the X-Men (particularly in the third installment), the Fantastic Four, Daredevil, the Transformers, and pretty much everything Alan Moore has ever written, what the hell were you expecting?

I also deal with DC's advertising dept. because our companies share the same ads.In fact we're playing softball against them in Central Park in June.Would you like me to ask them about the Justice League movie? No, I really don't care what a publisher's "advertising department" thinks of a studio project that's on hold indefinitely.

Agreed. One of the big things I did not like was making Ducard into Ras Al Ghul, and wasting Watanabe Ken's role in the movie. They are 2 different people in the comic, and in this case I think it should have stayed that way. Nonetheless the movie was great. A change like that is much more drastic than the changes rumored in the gijoe movie. It was a pretty drastic change for that character, but it didn't have a terribly significant impact on the mythos overall. And like you said, the movie was still fantastic, so it didn't matter.

impossible. Ripcord being black isn't just an atrocity to the very concept of G.I. Joe but will tip the earth's axis to a full 30% and plunge the world into an ice age that will last 10,000 years. it's not too late producers, the fate of the world rests on your shoulders -- Ripcord has to be white! Remember all the uproar over Ra's al Guhl being an Irish white guy, rather than an immortal from the Arabian Peninsula? Oh, right... there wasn't any.

you know compulsive something you need to keep in mind is you are a huge DC fan. Being so you understand and accept the concept of the multiverse. Being able to grasp that concept you can live with the different continuities of the various different forms of the story. One doesn't take away from the other, it stands on it's own but is still under the same umbrella. This is completely and wholly irrelevant to the conversation. There are multiple G.I. JOE continuities. Every Marvel movie exists within its own continuity. Michael Bay's movie existed within its own continuity. Guillermo del Toro's Hellboy existed within its own continuity. Anyone who's ever seen a genre film and had even a modest knowledge of the stories and characters on which it was based is aware that changes are made. Anyone who cannot accept this should stay the hell home when the box office opens for business.

[Derek2783]

absolutely they have changed the history of the characters... they are based on the concepts of the characters, and they have to be judged accordingly.

why did they do that? for the same reason the original RAH team created RAH and not simply 3 3/4" Adventure Team figures -- they wanted to create something new. granted, this is creating something new from something established, but you can't expect everyone to be as interested in simply recreating RAH as you would be.

that doesn't mean that they think RAH was awful or wouldn't work, just that they think they there is an opportunity to expand upon the idea and create something new but equally exciting that hopefully rings familiar with the majority of the audience. I think they have done so. whether it is good or not is yet to be seen, but the motivation isn't as flawed as many would argue it is.

See that's just it.... why? I realize not everyone would be as interested in recreating RAH as I am. What I don't understand is why they're not. The formula they already had worked... has worked for 25 years. Why alienate those who already know the story, so you can tell a new one?

Take Prince Caspian for example. That's not a direct retelling of the book at all, but they stayed faithful to the story. They changed the narrative a bit, but it rings true to the original characters so as not to alienate the original fans while bringing in new ones.

The Joe move seems to alienate the RAH fans, while creating something new that isn't anywhere near as good. Everything they've confirmed feels to me to be a poor choice that's made the movie worse.

Even if you take out my desire for a direct RAH adaptation, I still feel that the decisions made have weakened the storyline, characterizations, and overal feel of the movie. I honestly can't think of one change they've made that I like.

[Echo7Solo]

This is completely and wholly irrelevant to the conversation. There are multiple G.I. JOE continuities. Every Marvel movie exists within its own continuity. Michael Bay's movie existed within its own continuity. Guillermo del Toro's Hellboy existed within its own continuity. Anyone who's ever seen a genre film and had even a modest knowledge of the stories and characters on which it was based is aware that changes are made. Anyone who cannot accept this should stay the hell home when the box office opens for business.

No it isn't "completely and wholly irrelevant." It proves that once you can accept a continuity change then it isn't any big deal anymore. I gave one example. You gave many and reworded the point of my post to make it your own.

[Compulsive Collector]

See that's just it.... why? I realize not everyone would be as interested in recreating RAH as I am. What I don't understand is why they're not. Probably because it doesn't mean as much to most people as it does to us. Without the connection, where's the motivation? Most screenwriters and filmmakers want to put their own stamp on any adaptation, to bring their own alternate reality to life. This is a big part of why so very, very few comic properties developed into motion pictures have made any effort to remain true to the source material. Studio pressure has a lot to do with it, too, but there are a lot of egos involved in something like this. Most creators want to create, not simply imitate.

The formula they already had worked... has worked for 25 years. Well, G.I. JOE has been struggling for years until the 25th Anniversary line got more people interested in the property again. Even now, however, it doesn't have the fanbase that a lot of other licensed properies had before getting butchered by Hollywood. Most people who remember it, though, remember the cartoon more than the comics, and the cartoon doesn't make for a very compelling story.

The Joe move seems to alienate the RAH fans, while creating something new that isn't anywhere near as good. Whether or not it's "as good" is entirely subjective. Once this movie is released, there will be people who swear it's better than anything from the '80s. I'm 99.9% certain I will disagree with them, but again, it's completely subjective.

Honestly, I have never believed that G.I. JOE would work as a two-hour movie, or even as a trilogy. There are so many personalities, and there is so much background and history, that there just isn't enough time for all the necessary introductions, proper character development, and the telling of a compelling story. The few rumored "changes" I've seen strike me as unwarranted and pointless, but I don't think it would translate well even as a direct adaptation. I believe there is a much better way to approach G.I. JOE.

No it isn't "completely and wholly irrelevant. Yes, the fact that I am a DC fan is completely and wholly irrelevant to the conversation.

It proves that once you can accept a continuity change then it isn't any big deal anymore. It does nothing of the sort. I despise Fantastic Four and Rise Of The Silver Surfer precisely because of what they did to Dr. Doom and Galactus. I am, however, sufficiently grounded in reality to the point that I realize complaining about it would never have mattered to the studio, the writers, or Tim Story.

I gave one example. You gave many and reworded my post to make it your own. I did no such thing. Your statement gives the impression that the DCU is unique from other universes in that many separate continuities exist. This observation is rooted in blatant fallacy. What I did was to explain how other fictional universes are similar to DC in this respect.

If ever the day comes that I require an interpretation of my posts, I will let you know. In the meantime, the only authority on what I have said is me.

[Crimson Rage]

Originally Posted by Derek2783
The formula they already had worked... has worked for 25 years.


Not in a two-hour live-action movie format it hasn't. This is completely untested water and what works for one doesn't always work for another (hence the massive changes between comic and cartoon in the 1980's)

[Echo7Solo]

Ok Compulsive I gave an example of how once you can accept continuity change it makes it easy to accept others. You don't have to like every form or variation but you can live with it being in your world. Excuse me for overstepping my bounds in pointing out that you are a DC fan.

[Shin Densetsu]

I'll bet that's a very legally/politically complicated process.
No its simple, Hasbro owns the property. Paramount can't make changes Hasbro does not approve of.
oh, and make Snake Eyes and Scarlett do the nasty too.
....but...but...he...MOANS during the scene, so he isn't just going commando with Scarlett, literally...he is no longer mute! ZOMG DETH OF TEH LINES~~!!!

[Omegawrath]

No its simple, Hasbro owns the property. Paramount can't make changes Hasbro does not approve of.

....but...but...he...MOANS during the scene, so he isn't just going commando with Scarlett, literally...he is no longer mute! ZOMG DETH OF TEH LINES~~!!!

It's not that simple. The level of control they retain (their 'veto power') isn't as black and white as you're suggesting.

When a studio foots that much of the bill, contracts, negotiations and discussions/decrees from the guys who add up the numbers have more impact than what a few people believe is best.

Projected sales drive the decision making process. Hasbro has shareholders to please, and if, in the year 2009, it is projected that kids (the vast majority of the toy audience) will like power suits and Duke with a goatee, the numbers will speak to that. At least on paper.

[GGPiKE]

Yes, the studios do put up the funds for the movie, but the fact that Hasbro owns the rights to the property means that any changes to the property have to be approved. It doesn't matter that the studios are putting up millions. They legally cannot make changes to a licensed property without going through Hasbro. Now, you're right in that because of the studios backing, money, and clout, they can basically say "this will work, this won't, take or leave it" . . . and I don't think Hasbro would turn their back on the project with this much money involved. So, in essence you're both right.

[Echo7Solo]

Wouldn't Hasbro want things to be as across the board as possible? I mean GI Joe has been around for a long time in a lot of different forms. Wouldn't it make sense for the big H to represent everything that they could?

[Omegawrath]

Yes, the studios do put up the funds for the movie, but the fact that Hasbro owns the rights to the property means that any changes to the property have to be approved. It doesn't matter that the studios are putting up millions. They legally cannot make changes to a licensed property without going through Hasbro. Now, you're right in that because of the studios backing, money, and clout, they can basically say "this will work, this won't, take or leave it" . . . and I don't think Hasbro would turn their back on the project with this much money involved. So, in essence you're both right.
I didn't mean to contradict, so much as to point out that there's a lot of politcal stuff that goes into every decision and that there are people involved in the process that we never hear about.

[Snake Eyes-Joe Ninja]

DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER - Apparently, some people aren't familiar with this philosophy.

It's a well know fact that false scripts are being leaked out there. Why don't you wait until the movie is out and you actually see it then make your judgment. If you feel that it does not appeal to you, then don't watch it. We live in a free country and nobody is forcing you to do anything you are not comfortable doing.

I'm not... I'm judging it by the script, which would be the iside print, lol.

[Derek2783]

The few rumored "changes" I've seen strike me as unwarranted and pointless, but I don't think it would translate well even as a direct adaptation. I believe there is a much better way to approach G.I. JOE.

That's just it. The rumored changes don't "fix" anything, but they do ruin it for the die-hards. Why change something if it only makes it fubar? That's what I don't understand. I wouldn't mind changes that helped. None of what I've seen does.

I don't care if the writers want to add something to the script. I don't care if they want to put their "mark" on it. I just don't want them making their mark by pissing on it.


Not in a two-hour live-action movie format it hasn't. This is completely untested water and what works for one doesn't always work for another (hence the massive changes between comic and cartoon in the 1980's)

I agree (and maybe I'm putting my foot in my own mouth here) that a literal translation from comic to movie wouldn't work. I'm not asking for a direct adaptation (as much as I would like it). All I'm asking is not to make changes that eliminate good things and add bad things.

The movie adaptations that really worked - Iron Man, for example, and in my opinion, Transformers and Batman Begins - did a good job of translating the beloved story and retaining the best of it despite necessary changes. This is probably where I'm getting subjective, but from what I've seen - script, costumes, confirmed changes, rumored changes - does exactly the opposite. The Joe movie will be far more like the first Hulk movie than the Iron Man movie.

That's what makes me say it will suck

[KSavage]

No its simple, Hasbro owns the property. Paramount can't make changes Hasbro does not approve of.

....but...but...he...MOANS during the scene, so he isn't just going commando with Scarlett, literally...he is no longer mute! ZOMG DETH OF TEH LINES~~!!!

hate to burst the bubble there, but he moaned her name in the marvel line when he thought she was about to die.

but, that isn't important, since it won't be in the movie and people won't remember it.

only about 10 people ever bought the comic book.

[Golobulous]

"WRONG" i am not interested in the daily gripe fest about the upcoming movie, but i will take exception with your comment that only 10 people bought the comic book, the GI JOE comic was a hot property in the eighties, so much so tons of the original issues went into reprints and were recirculated after their first release. thousands of people if not millions are "VERY" familiar with the gi joe comic mythos, and that continuity is how they view the gi joe characters

[KSavage]

"WRONG" i am not interested in the daily gripe fest about the upcoming movie, but i will take exception with your comment that only 10 people bought the comic book, the GI JOE comic was a hot property in the eighties, so much so tons of the original issues went into reprints and were recirculated after their first release. thousands of people if not millions are "VERY" familiar with the gi joe comic mythos, and that continuity is how they view the gi joe characters


sarcasm big guy.

I was one of those who bought that comice book, the thousands who bought that comic book and know that mythos. i still have a subscription today.

i wasn making fun of someone's attempt to belittle the 'elitist fans' by saying that they have an over inflated opinion of themselves.

take a deep breath. i agree with everything you posted.

[Echo7Solo]

um golob........... you know that was sarcasm right?

[kerry76]

It Dont Matter This Movie Will Be On Bootleg Before It Even Comes Out. Haha I Think I Seen The First Half Just Off The Pics On Here And Other Sites Lol

[Golobulous]

sarcasm.......hmmmmmm ........did they have that in the 80's?

mabee my psychic motivator has failed to detect sarcasm

my bad

[KSavage]

no prob.

hell, i'm checkin the mail box every day for my next copy of the current comic.