Snake Eyes

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 23, 2021

Genre
Action, Adventure

Cast & Crew

• Henry Golding as Snake Eyes
• Andrew Koji as Tommy Arashikage / Storm Shadow
• Haruka Abe as Akiko
• Úrsula Corberó as The Baroness
• Samara Weaving as Scarlett
• Iko Uwais as Hard Master
• Peter Mensah as Blind Master

Director
Robert Schwentke

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Red (2010)
• The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
• R.I.P.D. (2013)
• Allegiant (2016)

Producer

• Lorenzo di Bonaventura
• Brian Goldner
• Erik Howsam

Writer

• Evan Spiliotopoulos
• Joe Shrapnel
• Anna Waterhouse

Budget
Estimated at $88 million

Production Company

• Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
• Paramount Pictures
• Skydance Media
• Di Bonaventura Pictures

Running Time
121 minutes

Languages
English, Japanese

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Intense action sequences
• Martial arts violence
• Mild language

Movie Story
“Snake Eyes” serves as the origin story for one of the most enigmatic characters from the G.I. Joe franchise, exploring how a lone fighter evolves into the iconic, silent ninja warrior known as Snake Eyes. The film begins with a mysterious drifter, referred to only as Snake Eyes (Henry Golding), who is seeking revenge for the murder of his father. His quest leads him into the world of underground fighting rings, where his exceptional skills catch the attention of Tommy Arashikage (Andrew Koji), a powerful member of the ancient Arashikage clan.

Tommy invites Snake Eyes to Japan, offering him a place within the Arashikage clan, a secretive organization of ninjas who have protected the world from the shadows for centuries. As Snake Eyes trains with the clan, he forges a bond with Tommy, who becomes both a mentor and a brother to him. However, as secrets from Snake Eyes’ past begin to surface, his loyalty to the clan and his newfound family is put to the test.

The film delves into the internal conflict of Snake Eyes, torn between his desire for revenge and the code of honor he is expected to uphold within the Arashikage clan. His journey takes him through rigorous training, mystical trials, and intense battles, all while he grapples with the moral implications of his choices. The story also introduces key characters from the G.I. Joe universe, such as Scarlett (Samara Weaving), a skilled operative of the G.I. Joe team, and The Baroness (Úrsula Corberó), a high-ranking member of the villainous Cobra organization.

“Snake Eyes” is a tale of redemption, loyalty, and the struggle between personal vengeance and a greater cause. The film sets the stage for Snake Eyes’ transformation from a man seeking revenge into the silent, masked hero who becomes an integral part of the G.I. Joe team.

Special Effects
“Snake Eyes” features high-octane action sequences, blending traditional martial arts with modern combat choreography. The film employs a mix of practical stunts and CGI to create its dynamic fight scenes, including sword fights, hand-to-hand combat, and large-scale battles. The visual effects also extend to the depiction of the mystical elements within the Arashikage clan, adding a supernatural layer to the otherwise grounded action.

Box Office Performance
“Snake Eyes” had a challenging release due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which affected its box office performance. The film grossed approximately $40 million worldwide, which was below expectations given its budget. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for Henry Golding’s performance and the action sequences, but criticism for its plot and character development.

Filming Locations

• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Tokyo, Japan
• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The past isn’t as important as the future we make.” – Snake Eyes
• “The Arashikage have kept the world safe for centuries. You are now a part of that legacy.” – Hard Master

Behind-the-Scenes
“Snake Eyes” marks a departure from the traditional portrayal of the character, with a focus on his backstory and the human aspects of his journey. Henry Golding underwent extensive martial arts training to authentically portray the character’s fighting skills. The film also sought to respect the cultural aspects of the Arashikage clan, integrating Japanese traditions and settings into the story. The production aimed to reboot the G.I. Joe franchise with a more grounded and character-driven narrative.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Snake Eyes” offers an action-packed origin story for one of the G.I. Joe franchise’s most beloved characters. While the film delivers in terms of martial arts choreography and visual spectacle, it struggles with pacing and character depth. Henry Golding’s portrayal of Snake Eyes adds a new dimension to the character, though the film’s narrative may not fully satisfy all fans. Nonetheless, “Snake Eyes” sets the stage for future installments in the G.I. Joe universe, with potential for further exploration of the characters and lore.

IMDb Rating
5.4/10