Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen review
Beware of spoilers.
In 2007, Transformers was my most anticipated film for that year. I couldn't wait to see it! My excitement was at a high and with no small measure, seeing it was one of the most satisfying things of that year. It ended up as one of my favorite films of 2007. It made big money in the box office and the reviews were fantastic. Even critics like it as it has currently a 57% on RottonTomatoes.com but it's the fans that loved it most of all. With the first film came a general criticism - a plot hole filled screen play, bad dialog, bad acting, it's to loud and it's to long. Personally, I didn't see it like that, although, admittedly, Michael Bay isn't the best director when it comes to story. Even still, this is meant to be a balls to the wall action film and that's Bay's talent. Soon after Transformers premiered, Michael Bay went to work on putting together the sequel. He locked writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzmen in a room to pump out a script before the Writers Guild strike began and in the mean time Bay worked on pre-production. Fast-tracking, as it's called. Now, last Wednesday, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen hits theaters and hits it in a huge way bringing in over $200 million in its first five days! The Dark Knight numbers from 2008. People wanted and went to see this movie, just like the first film, but the only difference from 2007 is the reviews for Revenge of the Fallen are utterly awful. RottenTomatoes.com has this film at a 20% rating, which is really bad, and the consensus on why it's so bad is because Revenge has a plot hole filled screen play, bad dialog, bad acting, it's to loud and it's to long. Wait a minute, .... that's exactly the same as the first film. So why all the hate for the sequel?? I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's because people expect way to much as if Transformers should have been shaped and crafted like The Shawshank Redemption, Slumdog Millionaire, or The Godfather. Some may think that excuse might be a cop-out but it's the truth. I admit that films should strive to be the best that they can; work super-hard to create a rich story and script, attention to character detail, etc. That's all well and good but when it comes to Transformers, honestly, who gives a shit. Whatever change peoples opinion from the first film to this, I can't figure out. I've read the reviews, I've read the opinions and it's all the same arguments from the first film, but people still loved it yet are finding ways to trash this movie as if folks are having fun doing it. When it comes to my own personal needs, I only wanted a specific set of things from the sequel; A) more robots B) Optimus Prime speaking C) more Transformers mythology D) humor E) more robot dialog F) insane over the top action G) Megan Fox looking hot and finally H) Steve Jablonsky's awesome score. I think it's safe to say that every one of my needs has been fulfilled. Yes, I loved Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
"In 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,' two years have passed since Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and the Autobots saved the human race from the invading Decepticons. Now he's preparing for the biggest challenge of his life: leaving home for college. Despite his extreme heroics, the battle of Mission City has become an urban legend believed only by conspiracy theorists. Sam is still an average teenager with everyday anxieties and excitement about heading off into adulthood, separating from his parents (Kevin Dunn and Julie White) for the first time, and vowing to be faithful to girlfriend Mikaela (Megan Fox). Of course, he also has to explain his departure to his guardian robot, Bumblebee. Leaving home is something the Autobots understand only too well. With the destruction of the Allspark, the Transformers home planet of Cybertron is uninhabitable, and the Autobots make the best of their lives on earth, working in league with the military as part of a TOP SECRET team called NEST. Operating alongside their human counterparts, field commanders Major Lennox (Josh Duhamel) and USAF Master Sergeant Epps (Tyrese Gibson), the NEST TEAM seeks to hunt down whatever remaining Decepticons are still hiding on earth. Unfortunately, even as the Autobots try to make a new life among humans, they discover they may not be welcome. National Security Advisor Theodore Galloway (John Benjamin Hickey), driven to prove that all Transformers should be banished from earth, endeavors to terminate NEST, believing the Autobots’ very presence may endanger the human race. Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots, agrees to leave our planet if the governments of the world wish it... but he warns Galloway to consider what happens if the Autobots leave earth defenseless. Meanwhile at school, Sam adjusts to his pushy, legend-in-his-own mind roommate, Leo (Ramon Rodriguez), and an equally aggressive temptation in the form of a new co-ed, Alice (Isabel Lucas). Sam does his best to navigate college life, until suddenly he’s besieged by visions flashing across his brain like thunderbolts. The Decepticons soon learn what Sam doesn’t know; that he alone holds the key to the outcome of the struggle between evil and the ultimate power of good. A normal life will have to wait. With the help of the Autobots, the soldiers of NEST, and an old adversary-turned-ally (John Turturro, returning as former Sector 7 Agent Simmons), Sam and Mikaela must uncover the secret history of the Transformers presence on earth, and the sacrifices that have to be made to save it from an ancient threat sworn on returning here for revenge... an ancient Decepticon named THE FALLEN." [Paramount]
The goal for any film is to out do its predecessor and as Transformers 2007 is an action packed thrill ride, what would Michael Bay have to do to give us something bigger? The answer is easy; bigger action on a worldwide scale. ROTF is without a doubt a much bigger film than the first with our heroes traveling all over the world finding and fighting Decepticon forces, also, we take a little trip to a ruined Cybertron which is a scene that should make any Transformer fan giddy with excitement. On a production level, I'm well aware that some scenes that are supposed to take place in other countries, actually don't, for example, the opening scene that takes place in Shanghai was actually shot in Pennsylvania. Egypt, however, is very real and to Bay's credit, it's the first feature film to shoot at the Pyramids in a very long time. The entire last set piece in the third quarter of the film doesn't exactly add an "epic" feel to the film but it does work in trying to convey a more worldwide scope instead of just setting the film in the west coast as the first film did. Bay uses the Pyramids of Egypt to further the plot - in short, as Bay does best, Bayhem ensues and the Pyramids are destroyed in an action packed finale full of bad-ass robot on robot action mixed in with Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox trying to survive a massive Decepticon attack.
The action in this film is totally incredible and so much larger than the first film between a kick ass opening showing us how bad ass Optimus Prime is to an incredible forest battle between Prime, Megatron and Starscream to a long climactic battle between US forces, Autobots and something like 20 decepticons including Devestator. Bay steps it up with more explosions, gun fire, hero moments, slow-motion - a total thrill ride making ROFT a perfect summer blockbuster.
The more exciting element that people were waiting for in Transformers 2 was the inclusion of more robots which includes none other than Soundwave, Arcee, Sideswipe, the Twins, Jetfire, Wheelie, Ravage, the Insecticons, the Constructicons which together forms the massive Devestator, and of course the evil Decepticon creator Fallen. These are only a few of the Transformers included in this film which is full of new robots, however, I will admit, some of them were a disappointment. Soundwave, the Decepticon spy, a character that everyone was looking forward to, did nothing but float in space and say things like, "Decepticons, blah blah blah." Don't get me wrong, Soundwave looks totally awesome but he didn't do anything! I wanted him to come down to Earth and fight along side Megatron but sadly he didn't. Also, Arcee and Sideswipe got the short end of the stick as they were just in the movie to simply replenish the ranks of the Autobots. Ironhide and Ratchet also didn't have all that much to do and say, however, making up for that was more Megatron and Starscream banter, so it's all good. Nothing says Megatron is more awesome when he's choking out Starscream saying, "Even in death there is no command but mine!" As awesome as that is, it all falls apart, at least in concept, because he kneels to The Fallen and calls him master just moments after. Since when does Megatron kneel to anyone?!.
From the things I've been reading, one large issue coming from people is the fact that The Twins are offensive characters because of certain qualities they portray. You know what folks, GROW UP! I suspect in no way was Michael Bay or the writers trying to be racist to any ethnic group. Not for nothing, people who start nit-picking two characters that are meant for a little humor and comedy relief and then calling them social issues are people who need to look at their own issues. In no way was Mudflap and Skids offensive - they're funny ridiculous characters that are nothing more than giant cartoons. With all of their wrongs the quality that remains is that they're still heroes fighting for good and they have their shinning moments while battling Devastator. The cartoon; that's another issue - I'm so sick and tired of jackasses saying "Michael Bay ruined my childhood." Are you people actually comparing these films to the 80s cartoon? Are you the same movie goers who think the plot, dialog and everything else suck in these films because I hate to break it to you but as much as I love the 80s cartoon, they're terrible! The stories; the dialog; it's all ridiculous as it's meant to be. As in many things, it's not about the overall plot or mythology - it's about the characters; Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Starscream, etc. Think about why we love those characters and you'll start seeing why you love this franchise. For example; Optimus Prime. Why do you think people love Optimus? It's not because he has some incredible story arc in the cartoon or films, it's because of his quality. He's a leader with conservative values - he believes in the founding Primes and what they stood for. He believes in freedom for all, justice and liberty and he won't hesitate to kill his enemies. That's why we love Prime and those are the things we need to look at when criticizing characters. I'm still waiting to hear an argument that will convince me otherwise, so feel free to disagree with me and make some points as to way I'm wrong about Skids and Mudflap.
I love the fact that we were able to dig a little into the mythology of the Transformers and the original Primes. I've read several comments with people making fun of the fact that at a certain point Sam sees the Primes, they speak to him and stuff happens. THAT WAS AWESOME! C'mon, how cool was that?! It makes sense, at least to me, because the Original Primes "souls", for lack of a better term, are now within the Matrix of Leadership and since it's made clear earlier in the film that Cybertronian tech can effect the human brain, why wouldn't the Matrix be able to do the same.
On to the issue of acting; In short, I thought everyone did a fine job including Megan Fox who improved big-time from the first film. I'm not just saying that because I think she's hot - compare the two performances if you'd like. Here she shows a lot more emotion and skill as an actress than she did in 2007, however, people will never admit to that because, well, I don't know. Some people bask in saying that a hot actress isn't a good actress as if it's a cliche or the thing to say. People still say that about Angelina Jolie which I find amazing because she's clearly a remarkable actress. Sure, Fox isn't at that point yet but we can at least admit she's becoming a better actress. As for the rest of the cast, A-ok and very entertaining, particularly Jon Turturro and Ramon Rodriguez. Even Isabel Lucas was pretty great although she felt more like a Terminatrix than a Decepticon.
I've rambled on way to long already but I think you get the point. I loved Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and I'll defend it to the haters for as long as I can because, quite honestly, it's the same thing as the first film except larger in scale with more action. If people loved the first film, I don't see why they wouldn't love the second film. Transformers: ROTF indeed has a screenplay filled with plot holes and ridiculous dialog, it's directed by the most predictable and cliche director in the business and at some points the movie can be incomprehensible when it comes to robot on robot action but the bottom line of Transformers, it's a perfect summer blockbuster that does exactly what it's meant to do. That is, to provide ass kicking action, humor and an overall fun time at the theater. It may not be as satisfying as Star Trek but it's without a doubt the best action flick of the summer and one of my favorite films of the year so far. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen easily scores a solid 8.5 out of 10. And remember, if you take anything away from this film, know that "Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing."
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 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen(2009 dvd)  US $8.26
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 TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN (DVD,2009) US $9.00
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 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (DVD, 2009) SEALED US $10.61
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I liked this movie. I didn’t love it like you did, but I did like it. My thoughts on what you wrote are basically short and sweet -
1) The Twins are offensive - Maybe they are to people who it hits too close to home for, but the same people who called the twins offensive are the same jackholes who said that Episode I was a racist movie because the Trade Federation had Japanese/Chinese accents and Jar Jar was an ethnic slur. Whatever. It was a kids movie, he wanted them to have cute little accents. Get over yourselves, people. I did not like the fact that so much of the movie focussed on the Twins, because I thought they were boring, but they were not really offensive.
2) I was promised more robot dialogue and a little more character development, and I didn’t get it. That was what really kindof made me mad. I wanted to see more of Shia’s character growing into a relationship with Mikaela - that came off like a running gag. “You didn’t say you loved me” “HA HA!” Fneh. I also wanted to see Ironhide talk about kicking ass in the past, and maybe see more humanizing for the robots - my biggest problem with these films is, except for Optimus and Megatron, all the robots do is react to what the humans do. That’s not the essense of Transformers - Transformers is about robots trying to command their own destinies and how they change as characters. Or at least it should be.
3) This movie had a WILDLY uneven feel to it, much more so than the first film. It was like one minute it was a sitcom, one minute it was an action film. You could tell where Bay helped “write” the script after the strike started. I hope he never writes again, personally.
4) I thought it took too long to get anywhere. I never felt in the first film like I was looking at my watch. In this film I kept wondering when certain scenes were going to end (like with Jetfire in the desert and like with the setup for the battle in the desert. Too damn long, not enough to keep it moving).
Those were my four gripes. They are small gripes. I still liked the film. I still walked out of the film smiling, which is all that it takes to make me happy. I just was not as Wow’ed as I was by the first film.
Pretty much summed up my feelings right there, Phil. I loved this movie. Was it a “good” movie, by Oscar standards? Oh @#$! no! But it was *fun*!
Personally, I laughed at the twins… and was kind of ashamed of it, because I found them annoying. I honestly don’t see how they can be called a racial stereotype, unless its against white people, because they radiated “redneck.” That was their joke. Remember the Malloy Twins from Ocean’s 11? That’s who these two yokels were supposed to emulate. I won’t say they succeeded, and I would have liked to have seen less of them in the film for more time with, say, Ironhide and Ratchet, but they did make me laugh, so mission accomplished.
My next complaint lies with the roommate, who was *really* annoying in my book once we got past the first act. He *really* needed to be toned down a notch. Much like the “hacker team” in the first movie, you can remove him completely from the film… and nothing changes except you lose a couple of mediocre gags and a bunch of hysterics.
Finally, each act felt like a different part of a trilogy. Act I was the college sitcom with terminator subplot. Act II went off into a quick National Treasure adventure. Finally Act III was Bay at his finest with action and drama and more explosions and badassery than I could shake a stick at. Much like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, part of me feels the story might have been better served as a two parter.
Anywho, I enjoyed the crap out of this movie and can’t wait to see it again. Screw the critics. I figured out long ago they exist purely to trash anything that doesn’t belong to whatever genre/film-style they hold as sacred.
“I loved Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and I’ll defend it to the haters for as long as I can because, quite honestly, it’s the same thing as the first film except larger in scale with more action.”
Well, I couldn’t stand the first one…so if this movie’s just the first one with more bullshit…it’s probably much worse. 20% on RT, and those are reviews by professional critics, not hackjob bloggers.
It is very hard not to be disappointed with this movie.
I grew up with Transformers and this had very little of the spirit of the show.
I didn’t expect anything more then the last movie which was passable at best.
We could go through all the points, but let me say there was no reason this movie couldn’t be smarter have a plot and have dialogue for the transformers beyond catch phrases.
Issues not mentioned:
Prime is a high moral leader, having smack talk a deception who is already defeated and then blow him away.
The movie is transformers, introduce the transformers in play and let them have the kills not the military.
Before someone yells its a kids movie, remember the number of graphic human deaths and sexual moments.
Visually very cool. I didn’t feel as though I got cheated out of the 6 bucks I paid to see the movie. Story wise, it was a shotgun approach.
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