“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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In this economy, if you have to choose… this isn’t the one animated family movie to pack up the kids and head to the movie theater for this year… “Monsters vs. Aliens” is a movie you should probably wait to rent.

My initial reaction when the movie ended was “that was okay”, shrugged my shoulders and started making additional notes…. but in the end, it comes back to the movie being just okay.  I’m sure that kids will like the action and the funny business, and there are jokes and references to make parents laugh, but when it comes down to deciding which movie to drop $50 at the theater to take the whole family… this isn’t the one so far this year.

 I will say that the screening I attended was in 2D, not the intended 3D, and I would guess that this movie is probably better in 3D, so add 0.5 to my rating if your seeing it in 3D.

The characters are fun with good voice talent, but the story is overly predictable, some of the comedy seems forced like there weren’t enough jokes and gags for the whole movie, so they came up with some fillers… in the end, there’s nothing really special about this movie.

As far as the funny goes… this is probably Set Rogen’s funniest role yet… the combination of the comedic character of B.O.B. (on poster, left) and not seeing Rogen makes his lines the funniest of his career.

THE BOTTOM LINE: 

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