Because … why not? Poor G.I. Joe has been ridiculed for months now, with fans never really giving the film a fighting chance even though trailers showed exactly the type of movie one would expect from something based primarily on a Hasbro toy line. Like with Transformers before it, you're going to get a big, dumb (but fun) action-adventure that won't exactly win any screenwriting awards, but it sure as heck will entertain the kids (and the child inside all of us).

 
Sure, the studio didn't screen it for critics, but why should you truly care about that aspect of boring inside Hollywood politics. Lots of films aren't screened for critics ahead of time, but that doesn't mean they won't entertain. According to early reviews from those who managed to sneak into an advanced screening (yes, the studio did screen it for some), folks are kinda diggin' the flick – saying that, yes, while it's stupid and not all that inspiring, it's big, loud, fast and, most importantly, fun.
 
I'm recommending G.I. Joe this week because, well, this is it for summer blockbusters. G.I. Joe is the last giant special-effects monster to plow through theaters before school starts up again, and if anything you should see it in order to honor the summer that was. But if that's not a good enough reason, here are a few choice quotes from the reviews that exist so far:
 
"As helmed by Stephen Sommers ("The Mummy" franchise, "Van Helsing"), the pic expectedly packs some eye-popping sights and a nifty collection of gadgets and gizmos. Best of the bunch is the Stan Winston Studio-created "accelerator suit," allowing the G.I Joe squad to sprint around Paris at 40 miles per hour and destroy half the city while attempting to save it from McCullen's attack." – Variety
 
"It's entirely possible that if I were nine or ten, the age that I first discovered the animated series, then G.I. Joe would be my favorite movie of all time. It features colorful, iconic characters, huge action scenes, and a plot that I'd feel smart for having figured out." – Cinematical
 
"In spite of many misgivings, including ropey CGI, convoluted storytelling and a smattering of horribly over-the-top performances, G.I. Joe is a blast from start-to-finish." – IGN
 
"If I was 10 years old, G.I. Joe would be one of the best movies I had ever seen. As a grown up it's one of the better summer movies; a delightfully light, fun and action-packed kick in the ass." -- CHUD
 
"Coming on the heels of such DOA fare as X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Terminator Salvation, this gung ho popcorn flick feels positively visceral." – Time Out New York
 
So will you be seeing G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra this weekend?