Movie Review: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Critical Movie Critic: Khidr Suleman | Published on: June 21, 2009 |
Filed under: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction
Directed By: Micheal Bay
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro
IMDB Link: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Movie Trailer: Trailer
After months of hype, Transfomers: Revenge of the Fallen, the mother of all summer blockbusters is finally here and my does it arrive with a bang. Bigger, louder and more in your face than its predecessor Transformers, Michael Bay is true to his word, as he serves up some ass kicking robots.
As the title partially alludes to, the Decepticons are desperately try to search for a way to resurrect their fallen leader Megatron, and the Autobots, working together alongside the humans (in an organization called NEST), are trying to eradicate their weakened enemy. For good measure, we also get to learn about the origins of the Transformers.
Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) is off to college, leaving his loyal friend and protector Bumblebee (known affectionately as Bee) and girlfriend Micheala (Megan Fox) behind. However, all does not go smoothly and he is soon sought out by the Decepticons for his knowledge of ancient Cybertron writings. Enter the Autobots. Cue a frantic chase that takes us to the far reached lands of Egypt and Jordan (among others). Cue the destruction of everything in their path.
Involved with all the mayhem, there are some familiar faces that pop up along the way as well as many new Transformers to drool over. On the Autobot side, the most notable include Jetfire and twins Mudflap and Skids. But this time around, it is the Decepticons who steal the transforming show. Fan favorite Soundwave makes his first appearance although only fleetingly and it is The Fallen and Devastator which are the surprise packages of the film. Look out, in particular, for the Devastator transformation which is, for lack of a more professional word, sweeeeeet! Then there is Starscream. Thankfully, he is given a more pivotal role and his character bears a welcome resemblance to the 80′s cartoon — a slithering lieutenant who has a thirst for power and will stop at nothing to get it.
Obviously, with the first film introducing the spectacular special effects, some of the wow factor in this sequel is lacking (although the transforming noise still has that ability to send a shiver done your spine). But take nothing away from Transfomers: Revenge of the Fallen. Although the story is a bit tedious and nonsensical at times, no one will or should actually care. Incredibly crafted transformations and larger than life battles filled with deafening explosions are what the audience is paying to see and that is exactly what Bay delivers to them.
Breaking up the action sets, there are also many laugh out loud moments and LaBeouf, in particular, gets to showcase his comedic ability (he is slowly redeeming himself after the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull debacle). There is also Ms. Fox. She looks downright delectable, no matter what situation she finds herself in.
If you loved the first film, chances are you will love Transfomers: Revenge of the Fallen too. My advice is to go to the biggest screen possible, relax and just enjoy the ride. Don’t be too over analytical, it will only ruin your experience — remember, the film is based on a toy!
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About: Khidr Suleman You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am. |
Vikter posted a response on: June 21, 2009 | Reply
I couldn’t imagine this flick being anything more than a bunch of explosions strung together by a simpleton story.
Thanks for the confirmation.
Oliver Upton posted a response on: June 22, 2009 | Reply
I can’t wait to watch Revenge of the Fallen. Michael Bay is the man!
ENigma posted a response on: June 22, 2009 | Reply
Vikter- your welcome. Although I must say it is still worth a watch!
Oliver- spot on!
Jerome Molier posted a response on: June 22, 2009 | Reply
I don’t think Bay is the “man” by any means. He’s good at blowing things up-not much else. Transformers would benefit with a better story and storyteller.
Phreezer posted a response on: June 23, 2009 | Reply
I caught a screening of this and all I can say is this movie is sick! I’ve never had so much at a movie.
Michael Bay does an incredible job. The Transformers are awesome!
Phreezer posted a response on: June 23, 2009 | Reply
I meant to say, “I’ve never had so much FUN at a movie.”
Optimus! posted a response on: June 24, 2009 | Reply
Great movie! A must see… Saw an early screening… one word: SICK! IMO, was better than the first… Though what I would like to see for the next installment would be something along the lines of the Dark Knight, in terms of plot depth that is…
Still,I don’t get why people keep bashing the plot of the Transformers films… A lot more movies have worser plot and story lines than these films *ahem* Twilight *ahem*.
I love that the film manages to still insert a few humorous moments, despite critics calling the film’s humor flat.
Very good movie. Loved it.
guff posted a response on: June 24, 2009 | Reply
This Transformers pic is the epitome of too much of a good thing is bad. The initial action is great to watch but after watching it again and again and again, I wanted it to stop. There is absolutely no balance to this film.
The first Transformer movie is much better.
Adam posted a response on: June 24, 2009 | Reply
Anyone who loves movies needs to go see it. Everyone is making up excuses like there too many explosions, the story is simplistic. And there is no such thing is too much; I would rather be kept on the edge of my seat than fall asleep. You people are idiots.
Anyone who calls this movie crap should say the dark knight sucked as well. Seriously.
solinkc2004 posted a response on: June 25, 2009 | Reply
I do not understand why everyone sees this movie as so confusing when dealing with the plot. I had no problems understanding the plot and where it was taking me. It’s not that hard gian robots brought to life want to destroy earth, old robot wants revenge, wants to destroy earth. Planet saved in the end, DONE. It’s not like we were watching pulp fiction, or kill bill here people, the story line was at least linear.
Don posted a response on: June 25, 2009 | Reply
I believe that this movie is much better than the first one. Dialogues are slightly more humorous and special effects are much better now. Many men, who have grown watching transformers, surely like this Revenge of the Fallen.
Nick posted a response on: June 26, 2009 | Reply
I saw this movie yesterday, All i have to say is….OMFG WHAT A GREAT MOVIE!!!Transformers Revenge of the Fallen was such a beast movie!Optimus Prime whooping ass with the twin robots cracking jokes and Megan Foxx with here….Well…Super sexyness!
guff posted a response on: June 26, 2009 | Reply
The spectacle of watching the Tranformers morph is impressive, but there isn’t anything else to the movie. It is over two hours long – there is only so much bot on bot violence one can swallow in a single serving.
Oh, and calling people idiots because they’d like to see a more balanced movie shows your intelligence (or lack thereof).
Paul posted a response on: June 27, 2009 | Reply
I thought the movie was great for what it was. Lots of action. Lots of sexual innuendo. Lots of…um…action. If you like that stuff…you’ll like the movie.
Gropes posted a response on: June 30, 2009 | Reply
It cant be said enough how fuckin hot Megan Fox is.
MARYBETH posted a response on: July 3, 2009 | Reply
I like Michael Bay’s movies, especially the new movie: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009).But it seems that it is not very popular with people here.While I still want you to watch it. It is really excellent.
Ed Bennett posted a response on: July 17, 2009 | Reply
Wow I’m amazed this got such a great review. I mean I know it did what it said on the tin, but I though it would have got ‘Seen better’ at best. The special effects were amazing, pretty much everything was terrible.
But then again Megan was amazing and the transformer girl was pretty good too. Maybe it was alright but this come from such a rich past with the orginal comics, it sad to see them not have a good plot. I wish they had put as much effort into the readaption as they did with ‘The watchmen’.
David posted a response on: July 23, 2009 | Reply
Sat in the 4th row for more “in your face” explosions and was impressed. Thumbs up. Megan Fox looked great… although her best scene was still leaning over the engine in the first movie. All the crap about Mudflap and Skids was unavoidable… they portrayed urban bots and as such they mimicked stereotypes that are alive and well all over the place in real life. I did not feel those characters were demeaning. Will see this movie again. Computer generated graphics were state-of-the-art and outstanding.
ShearaMariz posted a response on: July 31, 2009 | Reply
well i don’t find the transformers: revenge of the fallen, interesting. The movie is so awkward. doesn’t have any good values and the effects are better but still for me it’s not that good movie.. i like better the first movie of it.. there is really a good story there unlike this second movie.. well then michael bay better luck next next time.. and try to convince more people with your movies.. i rate the movie as not bad..
Dental Plan posted a response on: November 24, 2009 | Reply
I can honestly admit that this film was funnier than the first film but the first film was better overall.
wow leveling guide posted a response on: December 31, 2009 | Reply
Sat in the 4th row for more “in your face†explosions and was impressed. Thumbs up. Megan Fox looked great… although her best scene was still leaning over the engine in the first movie. All the crap about Mudflap and Skids was unavoidable… they portrayed urban bots and as such they mimicked stereotypes that are alive and well all over the place in real life. I did not feel those characters were demeaning. Will see this movie again. Computer generated graphics were state-of-the-art and outstanding…
peter posted a response on: February 11, 2010 | Reply
I do not understand why everyone sees this movie as so confusing when dealing with the plot. I had no problems understanding the plot and where it was taking me. It’s not that hard gian robots brought to life want to destroy earth, old robot wants revenge, wants to destroy earth. Planet saved in the end, DONE. It’s not like we were watching pulp fiction, or kill bill here people, the story line was at least linear.
mac data posted a response on: March 30, 2010 | Reply
Here is the problem with the plot. It may have an outline, but it’s not very substantive and it’s full of filler . The actor’s dialogue was very monotonous and the screen was so hard to look at, it was almost like a kaleidoscope.
Banker posted a response on: August 3, 2010 | Reply
But then again Megan was amazing and the transformer girl was pretty good too. Maybe it was alright but this come from such a rich past with the orginal comics, it sad to see them not have a good plot. I wish they had put as much effort into the readaption as they did with ‘The watchmen’.
Rain Barrel posted a response on: August 12, 2010 | Reply
I really enjoyed this movie…lots of action and sexual innuendo.
dreadnought posted a response on: September 2, 2010 | Reply
Its good that they try to bring back the memories of transformers,I love the cartoon when i was a kid. but i must agree as well that the movie had to mush fillers in it.
HIV posted a response on: July 17, 2011 | Reply
they portrayed urban bots and as such they mimicked stereotypes that are alive and well all over the place in real life. I did not feel those characters were demeaning. Will see this movie again. Computer generated graphics were state-of-the-art and outstanding…
growl posted a response on: September 17, 2011 | Reply
just want to know where can i download this cool movie? and i want to tell you: i love all the reviews in your site;)