Snake Eyes Was a Box Office Bomb, But It’s Finding a Second Life on Netflix

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  • Snake Eyes Crashes & Burns at the Box Office
  • Streaming Breathes New Life into Snake Eyes

As someone who grew up watching the G.I. Joe cartoons and collecting action figures, I was initially skeptical about Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins. The cinematic adaptation of my childhood memories didn’t seem to be living up to its potential when it hit theaters in 2021. But boy, was I wrong!

As a film enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by the undeniable charm and charisma of Henry Golding, who has undeniably established himself as a formidable player in Hollywood. His meteoric rise to fame, which left audiences spellbound, began with his outstanding performance in the blockbuster romantic comedy, Crazy Rich Asians.

In a role as the genesis tale for the formidable combatant, reviving the G.I. Joe series, the film Snake Eyes struggled to top the box office during the pandemic and was labeled a box office flop. However, despite its underwhelming financial success, a long-awaited fusion between the Transformers and G.I. Joe film franchises is still in development. This action-adventure movie can now be streamed on Netflix and has made its way onto their Top 10 Films list, gaining fresh acclaim from home viewers indulging in the once box office disappointment.

Snake Eyes Is a Big Screen Action Extravaganza

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated when Henry Golding, the charming heartthrob from “Crazy Rich Asians,” transformed into a formidable action hero in the 2021 blockbuster, “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins.” In this electrifying tale of adventure, Golding brought to life the enigmatic Snake Eyes, a skilled martial artist selected to join the clandestine Japanese clan, Arashikage – an ancient ninja order.

Snake Eyes only agrees to join the criminal corporation so that he can track down his father’s murderer. After failing to execute a man for Takamura, he is brought into the fold of the Arashikage, where he must prove his worth and complete three trials in order to join the secret society. As Snake Eyes is taught how to become a ninja warrior, he soon learns shocking revelations about his past that make him question where his true allegiance lies, embarking upon a major journey of self-discovery on his quest for the truth.

Snake Eyes Crashes & Burns at the Box Office

In the screen, Golding was accompanied by skilled co-stars such as Andrew Koji, Úrsula Corberó, Samara Weaving, and Takehiro Hira. The movie, titled Snake Eyes, aimed to leverage both its toy line’s popularity and the success of its pre-existing film series, but unfortunately, it didn’t create much impact at the box office. Released on July 23, 2021, alongside M. Night Shyamalan’s Old and Mark Wahlberg’s road drama Joe Bell, the action movie was expected to generate approximately $15 million during its opening weekend. However, it only managed to earn $13.4 million, finishing second behind Old.

Originally slated for release on March 27, 2020, the debut of Snake Eyes was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent theater closures across the nation. In 2021, cinemas were still grappling with their new identities and trying to determine if audiences would feel safe returning to movie theaters. Unfortunately, the origin story didn’t live up to expectations, failing critically and commercially. Despite Henry Golding’s compelling portrayal of the title character, the film was criticized for its dull narrative, weak action scenes, and one-dimensional characters, leaving fans unimpressed and the series lacking fresh elements.

The movie titled Snake Eyes had to make approximately $160-$175 million to cover its costs, but unfortunately, it only managed to earn $40.1 million during its theatrical release, resulting in a box office flop. The financial failure of this G.I. Joe spin-off was primarily attributed to its underwhelming reviews, high production expenses, and the cautious attitude of moviegoers towards returning to cinemas amidst the pandemic. The film received a B− rating from audiences and currently boasts a 35% score on Rotten Tomatoes (despite being the top-rated installment in the series).

Streaming Breathes New Life into Snake Eyes

Initially, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins didn’t make a big impact on audiences when it was released in 2021. However, its popularity surged through the magic of streaming, particularly on Netflix where it became one of their Top 10 Films. The film showcases Henry Golding’s screen charm and transitions him from a popular romantic lead into a full-fledged action hero. He masterfully portrayed the stoic and resilient Snake Eyes, delivering an outstanding performance.

Enthusiasts of martial arts and classic action movies will find themselves immersed for approximately two hours as Golding embarks on an extensive spiritual expedition, showcasing his remarkable physical abilities by vanquishing numerous treacherous adversaries in pursuit of truth. While some critics may not have been overly impressed by “Snake Eyes“, the general public has extended a more lenient reception to this intriguing backstory, with a 74% Popcornmeter score (a significant improvement compared to the 35% rating provided by reviewers).

If you’re in the mood for some uncomplicated entertainment that’s a breeze to watch, giving Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins a spin could be just what you need! This action-packed movie takes viewers on a journey to uncover the origins of the rivalry between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow, all while immersing them in stunning visuals. Den of Geek was particularly impressed with the film’s exhilarating reboot, praising it as the kind of summer blockbuster you might watch impulsively or out of sheer boredom, only to be pleasantly surprised by how genuinely fantastic it is. You can catch Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins on Netflix now!

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2024-10-28 01:02