When G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra came out in 2009, I wanted to like it, but it was basically a live-action cartoon. Granted, when Channing Tatum is the lead, that pretty much happens by default. But, overall the movie was just too goofy.

Case in point:

But today, Paramount has released the first trailer for G.I. Joe: Retaliation and the result seems a little more... grown up.

First of all, any movie that draws Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson away from Disney kiddie movies automatically gets my approval. And from what we can see in this trailer, he appears to be in full bad-ass mode.

Second, it really seems like the sequel has done a good job of eliminating the elements from the first movie that didn't work. Sienna Miller and Marlon Wayans, I'm looking at you. Or, rather, I guess I'm NOT looking at you!

Lastly... OMG - they're going to give Snake Eyes something to DO?

I'm feeling... strangely optimisitic about G.I. Joe: Retaliation. What's your take? Leave your comments below!