In 2009, director Stephen Sommers brought “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” to multiplexes, tasked with turning the popular cartoon series and toy line from the 1980s into a viable franchise for a new generation. He failed miserably, masterminding a leaden, nitwit film that actively ignored what made the original creation such a delight to a generation of kids. Rewarded with lackluster but passable box office returns, a sequel was ordered up. Now we have “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” from helmer John M. Chu, and while there was an enormous opportunity to course-correct the series, the follow-up is essentially more of the same nondescript action and unappealing characterizations as before. Although some baby steps are made to please the hardcore fan base, “Retaliation” doesn’t show the level of production bravery required to make this brand name mean something on the big screen. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com