Everything about Michael Bay's blockbuster sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen perpetuates the term "bigger is better"; more action, bigger set-pieces, larger robots, more explosive explosions. But is that really a good thing? For Transformers and summer blockbuster action fans, for sure it is. And I suspect those audiences will be more than enough to secure it as an undeniable hit. But beyond action and spectacle, this sequel fails to eradicate most of the problems which plagued the first movie.
Taking place two years after the first movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen sees the Decepticons (the baddies, to the laymen) returning to Earth to get Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) after he learns the secrets of their history and who holds the key to the continuation of their kind. But on call to protect Sam and the rest of the human race is Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots (remember, they're the good guys) who, since last time, have formed an alliance with the army.
You'd think that when moving on from a movie like Transformers which is plagued with irritating problems, that they'd concentrated on fixing them for the sequel. Unfortunately that's not entirely the case with Revenge of the Fallen. There's a definite improvement in some areas, not least of which is the ability to actually see what's going on, but things like unnecessary, unsuitable-for-the-kids humour and an overly indulgent runtime of almost two hours and forty minutes drag, to name just a couple, drag this bombastic sequel way down.
The first movie had to act as an introduction to this world of the Transformers, and so a little build up in terms of human-related story was expected. But they, for some peculiar reason, have to decided to have another overly long introduction-like segment at the beginning of this movie, involving, for example, Sam moving to college that we just don't care about. There's still, obviously, giant robot related stuff going on at the same time, but for at least the first half hour they're treated more as the backdrop as the all-important leaving for college storyline plays out.
However, once Revenge of the Fallen gets into the thick of its action, it's an impressive sight to behold, at least for those who like that kind of thing. Those who are not action cinema fans will be yawning through this one, but for those who call John McClane one of their heroes or whose jaw drops at the sight of expensive special effects, this will entertain in spades. Even if the pace of the movie is a distracting stop-and-start structure, much of the action is vastly improved this time around with, as I said, the audience being able to actually see what's going on. In the first movie, Bay felt the need to zoom in almost all the time when the giant robots were fighting, making it virtually indiscernible which robots was fighting which and just who were the good and the bad guys. Bay has a lot of very clever, awe-inspiring shots which swoop over the action, giving us a clearer view, for the most part, of what's going on this time around. A lot of the action sequences are impressive, a few are incredible, a couple are downright awe-inspiring, with the latter being a forest fight and the inevitable bigger-than-the-rest end battle.
Article comments
1 - Adam
I saw Transformers ROTF last night. Although; the story was crazy, the humour was in some parts too stupid, the film became confusing at points and the robot to audience connection was far less than in the first movie I thouroughly enjoyed this. I don't want to spoil anything for our American friends but be prepared for the first scene in Shanghai. In my eyes that part blows you away. What a great way to start the movie. It jumps straight in and hits you in the face with action from the off. The forest fight scene is also a mega deathmatch, although I would like to see it in Imax due to there being a longer cut for fighting in that version. Don't listen to the haters, listen here - Transformers 2 is a whirlpool of plot holes but you know what? Just enjoy it for what it is.
4 Stars.
Oh and by the way, Jetfire rules.
2 - Zan
I cant wait for Transformers ROTF, I read reviews but who gives a flying poo. I want to see robots duke it out!
3 - Jay
Great film!
"If it weren't for the unbelievable special effects and the extremely cool robot action, the movie would be a flat-out failure." what the hells this guy on about? without special effects and robot action the film transformers wouldnt exist full stop! too long? never if your a fan you want it to never stop :) 5 ***** here.
4 - Mickey Pearce
So many holes in the plot that it makes a tramps vest look like a Hugo Boss suit..
5 - Shaun Johnson
I thouroghly enjoyed ROTF. I came in and expected more robots, more fighting, more explosions and thats exactly what was delivered. The plot, probably confusing for non-fans, did include a lot of token elements from the G1 franchise (The matrix of leardership, the fallen...). I belive that alot of the criticism directed at this movie is due to the fact that it tries to please everyone, from kids, adults, fans...etc. What more could you want from a summer popcorn flick?
6 - LAMOSITY LARAGER
TRANSFORMERS ROTF IS AWESOME TO THE POWER OF SICK..!!! ALL HAIL MEGATRON AND THE DECEPTICONS..!!!
7 - Dani
I've seen it twice, and I can't get over how much I enjoyed it... The humor was enjoyable, and we all laughed at the good parts. The action was enough to make the crowd gasp at points. I swear, both theaters gasped at the same times, and I saw them not only days apart from one another, I saw them in different cities. It was enjoyable, the effects were amazing, the plot was fantastical, and when we got out and saw it was nearly three hours long, we laughed and knew it was more than worth it.
The lines were huge, and I was tempted to be silly and say "Oh my god, I can't believe %$#%$#%$#", but I didn't. Why? Two reasons.
One, I'm not like that.
Two, it was too good a movie to ruin for others.
Sum;
Go see it. Right now.
Stop reading, stop searching. Go to your nearest movie theater, get a ticket, and sit down and wait for it to start. I don't care if it doesn't start for an hour; I had to wait an hour and a half for my viewing the first night.
GO.