“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:

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Movies are meant to be an entertaining escape right?    Well, unless you are a subway/transportation worker, police officer, or criminal… “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″ fits the bill, even if its not great… its good… although it is a remake of the 1974 movie “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three”.

This updated and modernized high-tech version, “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″ is an intense thrill ride.. Denzel Washington and John Travolta are great adversaries.

I hate to keep repeating this, but its still worth saying: this movie is rated “R” for a reason… but I continue to see parents bringing babies and very young kids to these movies.  FYI…. I always include the ratings (and the reason for the rating) below.

Let’s cut to the chase, this movie isn’t going to win any main category Oscars… but for what it is: an action thriller… its good.

Now some will say that Denzel is playing a character we’ve seen him play before… an awkward anti-hero who is forced to save the day “Deja Vu” (2006) and “John Q” (2002)… and John Travolta is playing that slightly over-the-top maniacal villain he’s played before “The Punisher” (2004), ”Swordfish” (2001), “Face/Off” (1997)… but for me, that’s okay, because they are really good at it and it makes it easier o route for and against their characters.

The movie doesn’t take long to get into the main plot, the slick opening title sequence establishes the main characters and its quick camera movements and rough cuts establish the busy chaos of the subway and the work of a control center dispatcher.

The movie successfully establishes the characters, along with the scene, the feel and the very different parallels of the two opposing characters and the little worlds they are in…. then it slowly twists your perspective and adds more layers to the plot, characters, and their situations…. to keep you guessing before bringing the movie to its conclusion.

In this tense thriller, there is also some much-needed comic relief from James Gandolfini (playing the Mayor), and Washington and Travolta deliver some lines that bring a smile to your face.

“The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″ is gritty and edgy, its realistic and keeps the audience busy with multiple issues going on at the same time with the good guys, the bad guys, and the hostages.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

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Attention: “Transformers” fans: the new movie is now set to open 2 days earlier

Annouced yesterday: “Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen” is opening Wednesday June 24th, it was previously set to open Friday, June 26th.

Posted April 19, 2009:

UPDATE: 2 more minutes of “Transfomers 2″ preview… if you want to spoil it for yourself:

http://www.trailerspy.com/trailer/3559/Transformers-2-Revenge-of-the-Fallen-ShoWest-Footage-HD

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 Here’s another summer movie I’m looking forward to: “The Taking of Pelham 123″, a remake of the 1974 movie, this one starring Denzel Washington, John Travolta, John Turturro, and James Gandolfini.

Scheduled release: Friday, June 12th

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER THROUGH THIS LINK

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What Just Happened is an awkward look at making movies through the life of a producer losing his foothold in the industry.

This was a different way to tell to tell a story… as a credit to the moviemakers, it felt more like a reality show or documentary than a movie… but I’m still not sure whether I like it or not.

 “What Just Happened”

(2008) (rated: R for language, some violent images, sexual content and some drug material) (1 hr, 44 min)

Starring: Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci, John Turturro, Kristen Stewart, Catherine Keener, Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn, Michael Wincott, Moon Bloodgood

Director: Barry Levinson – “Man of the Year” (2006), “Sphere” (1998), “Wag the Dog” (1997), “Rain Man” (1988), “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987), “The Natural” (1984)

Genre: Comedy/Drama

The Plot: Two weeks in the life of a fading Hollywood producer who’s having a rough time trying to get his new picture made.

MY TAKE:

Robert DeNiro’s character has serious problems.  So does this movie.

In some ways, the movie was very good… the pacing, the acting, the awkward tension and living the life of a man who’s career is spiraling out of control.

But the movie focuses so much on the inner workings of Hollywood, that it doesn’t have mainstream appeal… there are a lot of inside references as the movie pokes fun at Hollywood that is lost on wider audiences.

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