The introduction of Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson) and Flint (D.J. Cotrona) shifts the dynamic. Duke was a white, all-American golden boy—the cinematic equivalent of a 1950s propaganda poster. Roadblock, conversely, is characterized as a heavy machine gunner and a father. The film pivots from the protection of the "world" to the protection of the "family."
After a successful mission to retrieve a warhead, the Joes are ambushed and declared enemies of the United States. Most are killed in a single airstrike. The survivors: g i joe retaliation
An intelligence expert and marksman, Jaye is instrumental in infiltrating the White House to expose the imposter president. The introduction of Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson) and Flint (D
The silent ninja who captures his rival, Storm Shadow, and uncovers a secret about their shared past. Roadblock, conversely, is characterized as a heavy machine
| Aspect | Rise of Cobra (2009) | Retaliation (2013) | |--------|----------------------|---------------------| | Lead | Channing Tatum (Duke) | The Rock (Roadblock) | | Tone | Sci-fi, shiny suits | Gritty, tactical | | Cobra | HAMMER drones, nanites | Political infiltration, orbital weapons | | Ninjas | Brief | Centerpiece (20+ min) | | Villain mask | Open-faced | Classic chrome faceplate | | Rotten Tomatoes | 34% | 28% (but fan score higher) |
The film posits that the greatest threat to American security is not a foreign invader, but the corruption of the Executive Branch itself. The scene where the faux-President destroys the nuclear summit is the ultimate realization of this fear: the leader of the free world using his power to dismantle the global order.