Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – Movie Review
Transformers is one of those cool ˜80s concepts with multiple levels of continuity that was begging for a live action adaptation as soon as special effects technology was capable of depicting giant transforming robots in a believable fashion.
Producer Steven Spielberg and Director Michael Bay pretty much made the definition of a (US Summer) blockbuster with their first effort in 2007; a big, loud, slightly dumb, but highly entertaining action film. It had its faults; too much focus on humans (but humans usually always are annoying in any incarnation of Transformers), a lot of the humour fell flat and the robot action was of the shaky-cam variety and thus sometimes hard to follow (though this was a product of a lack of confidence in the computer models as I understand it), but it was a fun romp. For all his detractors, Michael Bay knows what his niche is, and he does it well, so a sequel would hopefully improve on the first film.
It certainly does.
Spoilers lie beyond.
Sector Seven hunting blue stuff...
During the two years since the death of Megatron and the destruction of the Allspark, Optimus Prime’s call has been answered, and new Autobots have arrived on Earth. Under his leadership, the Autobots have formed a secret alliance with several world governments and assist NEST; a multi-national force lead by Major Lennox; dedicated to hunting down Decepticons on Earth. After a near disastrous mission in Shanghai, the US Government wonders whether the alliance is still beneficial to them, as Decepticon incursions globally are on the rise. Optimus and Lennox believe that the Decepticons are looking for something new, and are troubled by the last Decepticon’s warning that The Fallen is coming.
Meanwhile, Sam Witwicky is heading off to college and leaving his Autobot buddy Bumblebee behind in the hopes of having a normal life again. But information from the Allspark has fused with Sam’s mind, and he once again finds himself dragged into the millennia long alien war¦
You probably don’t really care about the summary of the plot and just want to know if the Big Robot Action is good. Rest assured it’s awesome. Michael Bay does two things really well; kick ass action scenes and making the US Military look like the coolest thing on Earth, and he pulls out all the stops utilising both here.
the worst kept secret in hollywood. Megatron's return.
Gone are the shaky cam shots of the Transformers beating the Energon out of each other; there’s a fight scene between Optimus Prime and three Decepticon foes that can only be described as robot kung-fu, as Optimus gracefully spins and rolls around and over his opponents John Woo-style to deliver some earth-shattering blows. Bumblebee gets his moment too with a fight in the Egyptian desert with the Decepticon Rampage that looks cool and brutal.
The climax is a brilliantly realised battle scene between the Autobots and their human allies and multiple Decepticons including the legendary Devastator, with the fate of the Earth and Decepticon ascendency on the line. The action is great, but what makes it work is the real world and practical effects interactions with the big honkin’ CGI robots. It’s come a long way in just a couple of years, and while there are some quieter moments of it earlier in the film such as with Sam and Bumblebee, the battle scene is where it really plays out for maximum effect.
If you’re an old Transformers fan you’ll be pleased to see some of the older characters well realised and the mythology brought into play. Soundwave, the ultimate intrusion expert in the old cartoon, is brilliantly realised here as a giant space-borne satellite, infiltrating military systems and brilliantly coordinating Decepticon forces on Earth. Starscream is finally given more to do, and is more in line with the competent yet conniving coward he was Back in the Day. The inclusion of Jetfire was neat, and while the idea of a crotchety old robot isn’t new, why the Hell does he need a cane? Can’t he just get replacement parts??
Megan Fox covering her assets.
The mythology behind The Fallen is simplified and explained well in the movie; trying to go into it and its past continuity here would be confusing and overly long. Likewise, Transformer past is handled well; Autobots and Decepticons have for the most part lost their history, which makes things easy to take or leave if you care about that sort of thing.
The humans come across better in this film; Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox both bring their A Game as Sam and Mikaela, and seem much more comfortable this time around. Josh Duhamel played my favourite human character in the last film, clichéd as he was, and he’s as good as he was last time as the promoted Lennox. The other human characters are either good, funny, or annoying, depending on your personal tastes.
The film does have its faults; some of the humour once again falls flat; though most of that can be levelled at Sam’s mum. There’s a moment with her at college with hash brownies that invokes the worst of the ol’ Reefer Madness. But remember, humans in Transformers have always been kinda annoying. To be fair, the Twins; two smack talking Autobots; are more annoying than any of the humans!
The filthiest mouth on a robot: Wheelie.
The plot holds up quite well, but there’s some convenience and coincidence on display, and one moment of what can only be described to fans of Adventure Time as your mind’s been sent into the past¦on Mars. Some characters also seem to vanish and reappear without explanation.
But really, are you seeing this film for plot and narrative? No, you’re seeing it for Big Robot Action, and this film delivers that in spades.
This gets a Cool rating from me, but may be upgraded to a Cool + if it holds up on repeat viewings. Still, recommended viewing with a large crowd around you.
COOL
Tell us what you think! The film is due to open on June the 24th all over the world, we’re happy to present this review for you ahead of time, but don’t be afraid to let us know your opinion when you’ve seen the film.
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Nice work Magnus! cannot wait to get my peepers on the film, and thanks for not being too spoiler heavy, a nice well put together review.
Q
Ok, this review makes me more interested in the film. If the camera has been pulled back in the action, then I could actually like it.
Bring on next week.
nice review!
I had my hesitations about this sequel but going from this review I’ll definately have to catch this in cinemas!
look forward to more reviews by this guy, he know’s his shite
Magnus has been a long time listener and a good friend to (cool) shite. He is a regular cosplayer and is always someone we look forward to seeing at the Brissy Supanova events each year. Its a good review and has made me even more jazzed to see the film very soon. i am even contemplating seeing it in Imax in Sydney, just for the experience of seeing the robots in actual size! (30 foot tall screens means life size prime!
Magnus will be hopefully writing more reviews and articles in future and we’re looking forward to them as much as you seem to be!
Awesome work mr D!
I am hyped. I’m so glad this film is getting its general release in the UK tomorrow. We’ve actually beat America to getting a film first!
i went to the midnight screening of this because a friend invited me and i have to say i didn’t enjoy this film as much as i could have. i think the jokes were too kiddyfied and they tried to teen it up too much and made the comedy aspect of it shit. i wonder if the third movie will b better