Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

(2009)

Directed by

Michael Bay

Review by Terry Plucknett

Posted - 6/28/09

When you go see a Michael Bay film, you expect a certain type of movie.  You expect to see a lot of explosions, a lot of action, and have a lot of fun throughout.  The first installment in this franchise, 2007’s Transformers, was true to this formula.  This sequel, although it has its flaws, also holds to this formula: stuff blowing up, a lot of action, and a lot of fun.

Just like the last film, this film centers on Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) as the nerdy, witty guy on his way to college and leaving his girlfriend Mikaela (Megan Fox) behind.  Before he leaves, he discovers a small piece of the Allspark that was stuck in his jacket that survived after it was destroyed in the first film.  After touching this small shard, Sam begins to have a slight breakdown as he starts seeing bizarre symbols, while also trying to avoid all the college girls flirting with him.  In the meantime, the Autobots have teamed up with a small top-secret unit of the US Armed Forces to fight and squelch any more Decepticon resurgences, which are few with their leader Megatron weighted down at the deepest part of the ocean and under constant guard.  However, after attacks become more frequent due to the discovery of the Allspark shard, the U.S. government loses faith in the Autobots, thinking they are the reasons for the continued attacks.  Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots, asks Sam to help fight for their cause, but Sam wants to be a normal member of society, which he soon realizes is not possible.  As they discover more about the meaning of the symbols, and the intentions of the Decepticons, a global fight begins to save our planet (which is really what every Michael Bay film boils down to).

What makes this film work is what made the first Transformers film work: a smart script with a fairly charismatic leading man in Shia LaBeouf that owns this character, and absolutely brilliant special effects that give a hunk of metal a heart and soul.  The special effects for this film are a lock to be nominated for an Oscar just like the first film was.  What makes these films work the most though is the incredible web and back story that creates the world of the Transformers.  These films are much more than an action film with cars that turn into robots.  There is a complex plot line and history that has been created and sets the stage for these films.  You put a good story in the hands of adrenaline junkie Michael Bay, and you can make a pretty good film.

What hurts this film is what hurts most of Michael Bay’s films.  What he has a tendency to do is instead of making a fun action film, he tries to turn it into an epic. At two and a half hours this film is at least a half hour too long.  Several battle sequences carry out a little long, including the grand finale battle scene which takes place on an eerily similar set to the first battle scene in the first film.  However, although the film is longer than it needs to be, at no point are you bored with what is happening on screen.  It is fun from start to finish.  What it comes down to is if you enjoyed the Transformers, then you will enjoy Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, as I did.

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