G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

On a globe hopping mission, a crack G I JOE unit deploys with cutting edge gadgets to stop a ruthless arms dealer and a rising threat known as Cobra. The pursuit swings from the sun baked sands of an ancient Egyptian site to icy domains buried beneath polar snows, as the team pieces together a dangerous conspiracy. They race through fast paced skirmishes, chase sequences across rooftops, and high tech laboratories, all while unraveling clues that link the weaponize tech to Cobra’s grand scheme. Loyalties are tested and alliances strained as trust is built and broken in the heat of danger. With a ticking clock and a global threat looming, the Joes must act decisively to prevent catastrophe for humanity.

Directed by Stephen Sommers, the film brings Hasbro's G I Joe universe to the big screen. Writers Stuart Beattie, David Elliot, and Paul Lovett adapt the toy line into a globe spanning action adventure that favors spectacle and bravado worldwide.

Box office numbers show the movie opened in 2009 and grossed over 300 million worldwide, signaling strong massive global appetite for toy driven adaptations and setting a record of sorts for a live action G I Joe cinema entry today.

Its bold visual style, recognizable Cobra Destro and Baroness designs, and fast paced set pieces helped define an era of big budget toy based adaptations. The film sparked conversation about sequels, merchandising potential, and the viability of turning classic action figures into cinematic franchises. Fans praised the gear and style.

Critics offered mixed opinions, praising the intensity of action and production design while noting a thin plot and shallow character development. The film emphasizes teamwork under pressure, loyalty to a squad, and the ethics of using advanced weaponry when faced with a dangerous conspiracy. Its reach aimed to spark sequels.