G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra

Rating:

* * *

Verdict:

The second big screen toy story of the year is better than some might expect.

No, this is is not the sex-change sequel to Demi Moore's boot camp movie. Instead, it's inspired by the 80s line of action figures which - like Transformers - came with its own cartoon series in which the good Joes fought the terrorist baddies of Cobra.

The success of the first Transformers movie obviously spurred this further raid on the old toybox.

Predictably, true to its sources, this boy's own futuristic action blast also feels injection moulded and two-dimensional.

But it's also, in its ultra-cartoonish way, quite fun and never boring (unlike

Transformers 2

). It also manages to be funny on purpose (care of Marlon Wayans as Ripcord) as well as unintentionally. Some of that accidental humour comes via Sienna Miller, who as a leathered baddie shows Brit screen acting has finally found its new Liz Hurley.

And just as he did with his

Mummy

movies, director Stephen Sommers shows action flicks need more than visual effects - mainly by having often woeful effects. Though this does go on a bit explaining stuff - whether it's the ludicrous preamble set in 17th century France, or the

Karate Kid

-like flashbacks explaining why Snake Eyes is the mute ninja-Joe he is.

It sure is one crowded movie. Aside from the Joe-squad (name tags would have helped), even the baddies' sidekicks have sidekicks. It does help the film, however, that head villain, Christopher Eccleston, believes he is in a Bond movie rather than something resembling puppet action parody

Team America World Police

But

GIJ:TROC

somehow gets away with it, just.

Despite its many distractions it keeps up a rollicking pace and has inventive touches.

Among the standouts are the metal eating nanobots which, despite being a green variation on

The Mummy

's old sandstorms, still make an impressive mess of the Paris skyline. Extra points too for the Arctic villains' lair, which is one part Dr No to two parts underwater Death Star.

They all help a movie that is frequently utter nonsense - the finale (spoiler alert) involves a supersonic fighter plane which only responds to voice commands in Gaelic (!) - but it's enjoyable nonsense all the same.

Russell Baillie

Cast:

Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Dennis Quaid, Rachel Nichols, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Director:

Stephen Sommers

Rating:

M (violence)

Running time:

111mins