Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

Everything about Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen is the very definition of “sequel” in the strictest sense of the word. There’s nothing particularly inventive in this sequel: it’s basically the same plot, the same characters, the same themes – only bigger, louder and longer.

Now, the most important question is, does that matter? If you’re someone who is looking just for entertainment for entertaiment’s sake, or if you’re an intelligent viewer who has the capability to turn their brain off for several hours and just immerse yourself in some eye-popping visuals, than this is summer blockbuster manna.

Like previously stated, the gang from 2007’s hit are all back. This time Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf) is about to start college, two years after the Autobots (the good robots) first landed on earth. He’s excited about starting a new stage in his life, one that’s normal and alien-robot free. Mikaela (Megan Fox) is majorly in love with Sam – as he is with her - though the main conflict between the two of them throughout the film is that neither of them can actually bring themselves to say the “l word.”

As he’s packing up to go, a sliver of the All-Spark from the first film, catches Sam’s eye, and makes a major imprint on his brain, causing him to see the Cybertron’s language everywhere. It turns out the symbols he sees are a map that both the Decepticons and Autobots need to find a source of energy that will take the earth’s sun for it’s energy.

So, the race is on to find where this source is before a resurrected Megatron and a whole list of new baddies can locate it.

Like I said, same plot, just bigger. Way bigger; the movie clocks in at right around two-and-a-half hours, when it could have easily been far shorter.

The acting is nothing spectacular. LeBeouf is hilarious in those awkward moments he always seems to find himself in, and there’s momentary glimmers of some real leadership power, but it gets buried under an avalanche of clichés. Fox is as gorgeous as ever, but she gets stuck playing the role of girlfriend/piece of luggage. Despite these facts, the two have genuine chemistry and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I thoroughly enjoyed their scenes together. There’s a genuine wit and sexiness present there and I blame their performances on the lack of material and characters written in such a one-dimensional way, that there’s not much they can do with it.

Of course, the real reason most will be going to this is for the action sequences, and those don’t disappoint. Just like in the previous film, the sound and visuals of the Transformers as they do their thing will pop your eyes. If only the scenes didn’t get bogged down so much with lame new “comedic” characters, they’d flow a lot better.

For all of this, I found myself enjoying Transformers 2. I guess I have the ability to turn my brain off and just float along with the movie. If that’s your idea of a good flick, or if you want to seem some major visuals, this is the movie for you.