Review: Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen

Synopsis

Sam (Shia LaBeouf) is set to go to college, keep a long distance ralationship with girlfiend Mikaela(Megan Fox) and live a normal life. Until he mysteriously starts seeing weird alien writings everywhere and his old friend, Optimus Prime, asks for his help in the battle against the Decepticons for the preservation of the human race. Sam must realize that after his involvement with the Autobots, and their struggle against the evil Decpticons, his life will never be normal.

Comments

The first film back in 2007, was a good visual spectacle, but became unmemorable for me after a few days. I was initially not very interest in watching Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen. That's why I didn't rush to the nearest theater on Tuesday night, and reviewed this film earlier. I was also weary of this sequel after reading mixed reviews from other movie blogs, and their complaints about two new Autobot characters called The Twins; a pair of gangsta wannabe Autobots that transform into Ford Focus cars.

This weekend I decided to go see this film on IMAX. I bought the tickets in advance and went early this very Sunday morning to avoid big crowds. Conclusion: a fairly good two hour entertaining session with excellent special effects. This sequel has more robots and much more action than the first film. For the last 30 minutes, the action is literally non-stop. The robot battles are grittier and more brutal than I expected. On an overall technical level, this film is excellent eye candy.

Now, the script follows the same plot formula from the first film. Sam is entrusted in protecting a piece of ancient alien technology in order to save humanity. There is an unexpected subplot twist, involving Sam's attempt to remain faithful to Mikaela while in college. There are exotic locations like Shanghai, Egypt and the ruins of Petra. Megan Fox is hot and a pivotal part of the eye candy factor, along with the special effects.

There is really dumb dialogue that does not provide an edge to the acting, or character development. Bumblebee, Sam's protector, was able to speak at the end of the first movie. Why can't he talk now? Dialogue should have been written for Bumblebee, and in turn, screenwriters should have not included The Twins. Although they were funny, they do not contribute to the story at all. Sam's parents, or even Sam himself, could have provided the appropriate level of comic relief. Another flaw in the script: US and British soldiers belonging to a top secret squadron, use normal sized guns and rifles to fight the gigantic heavy metal Decepticons. I found it unintentionally funny. Wouldn't it be like using bows and arrows to fight a modern day tank?

This movie is unmemorable, yet fun to watch, if you want to get out of the everyday rut. To avoid big crowds, either take a day off from work and go to the early morning screenings, or go early on Sunday morning. See it on IMAX to maximize the experience.