Movie Review: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

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!