“Transformers Revenge of the Fallen” is an explosive sci-fi blockbuster with non-stop action… and is visually stunning.

There is a lot to like about the sequel to the 2007 hit… and I can see what some people wouldn’t like about it… but those people probably don’t like this kind of movie to begin with.   As I’ve said before, considering what this movie is, reviewing it for what it is: a sci-fi action adventure, its great… sure its not the best movie ever, or even an Oscar contender for best picture…. but it is a great summer blockbuster.

(spoiler free)

“Transformers Revenge of the Fallen” may not be better overall than its predecessor, but it does very well to keep up with tons of action, lots of transforming, stuff blowing up, high tech gadgets, lots of comic relief, and a battle of good versus evil that stretches across the globe.

The transformers themselves look really good, this isn’t the early CGI that looks a little fake, these CGI characters are believable and not overdone… and its nice to have Peter Cullen back as the voice of Optimus Prime, the same guy who voiced the leader of the autobots in the original cartoon series in the 1980’s and in 2007’s “Transformers”… he is Optimus.  The other voice work for the other characters is mostly very good, like Hugo Weaving as bad guy Megatron… but some of the transformer characters are a little over-the-top.

While the transformers look good and their “acting” is really good… the acting of the humans, other than Shia LaBeouf and John Turturro is just average and nothing special.  LaBeouf works well within the story and really develops and advances his character.  Turturro’s return is fun and neurotic and he pulls it off with his dead pan and goofiness as usual.  The rest of the on screen cast do okay, but are nothing special.

The soundtrack rocks this movie and fits perfectly into the picture… unlike other movies that try to get modern music into their movie and its awkward or jarring.

I also liked the homage to LaBeouf starring in the Indiana Jones movies when he, like Indy, fills up an item with a handful of “dirt”… the scene is a nice tip of the cap to the fact that LaBeouf may keep that series moving forward.

A few things I didn’t like include flashbacks to previous transformer battles that looked like a rip-off of “Lord of the Rings”, some of the transformer characters were over-the-top with too much goofiness that erodes their “coolness” factor, and the movies’ clear decision to make a spectacle of Megan Fox instead of making her character a co-star and strong female lead… which she shows some signs of being able to pull off.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

If you want action, adventure, sci-fi, fantasy… its all here, but if you’re expecting outstanding acting and believable real-life issues, this movie is not for you anyway… I give it 8.9 out of 10. This is the 8th movie directed by Michael Bay, and I’ve liked all 8 of them (see below). 

“Transformers Revenge of the Fallen”

(2009) (rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, language, some crude and sexual material, and brief drug material)
(2 hr, 30 min)

Starring:  Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox,  Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, Peter Cullen (voice), Isabel Lucas, Hugo Weaving (voice), Frank Welker (voice), Rainn Wilson, Anthony Anderson  (voice), Ramon Rodriguez, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Benjamin Hickey

Director: Michael Bay  “Transformers” (2007), “The Island” (2005), “Bad Boys II” (2003), “Pearl Harbor” (2001), “Armageddon” (1998), “The Rock” (1996), “Bad Boys” (1995)

Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi

The Plot: Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle. 

So what did you think?  Please post a comment!

“Transformers Revenge of the Fallen” poster courtesy Paramount

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