Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen – Film Review

Posted by Samuel Walters

Overview

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen is one helluva film. For starters, it’s not nearly as bad as the majority of critics make it out to be. But, then again, no one should mistake this for a really good film, either. The writing and acting are, at times, overly frantic and, at others, rather humdrum – often combining for some rather cheesy and awkward moments. The film is decidedly juvenile. And it slightly overstays its welcome. But it’s also fun. The action and effects are breathtaking and heart-pounding. And if big-action, shoot’em up–blow’em up flicks are your thing, you’ll thoroughly enjoy Revenge. It sure pleased the crowd at the theater. And for what it’s worth, I enjoyed myself, too.

Analysis & Criticism

The strength of the film, aside from the effects and action, is a story that is surprisingly coherent and evocative. We’re not talking deeply profound material, but there are enough scenes to keep the film grounded in a story about finding and fulfilling one’s destiny at the moment of truth. The plot is built around the concept that Transformers have been on Earth a lot longer than anyone had previously thought. Indeed, they once built a contraption to harvest our sun for energy (leaving it a dead, cold star). The Decepticons, led by an ancient leader known as “The Fallen,” are keen to find and reactivate this device – allowing them to fuel their wars of conquest, at the expense of all life on Earth. Standing in their way, of course, are the Autobots and Sam Witwicky, who just wants to be a normal college kid. Sam has the knowledge to find and activate this device, and thus the race is on.

In terms of story elements, I enjoyed the backstory involving the Original Primes and the “Fallen” Prime who broke with his brethren on ancient Earth. It makes for an epic “mythology” for the film which nicely plays out onscreen – particularly when we’re dealing with Optimus Prime’s ultimate sacrifice in the forest. The entire sequence, between the battle and his ultimate fate, is very well-done, creating an emotional center to the film that was entirely missing from the first installment. Indeed, it’s a deeply motivating element for Sam that was also missing from the previous movie.

One of my biggest criticisms of the first movie was its lack of characterization for the robots. Here, in Revenge, there’s a good deal more effort to compartmentalize the personalities of the robots. Most prominent are Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, but Megatron, The Fallen and minor characters like Wheelie, the Twins, Starscream, Soundwave, Jetfire, Arcee and Ironhide all have a very distinct and noticeable presence on-screen. The level of character work still isn’t as prominent as it was in the ‘80s cartoon, but it’s a clear improvement from the original film. Also, while I still thoroughly detest the visual design of the robots, this film made a much more concerted effort to make the prominent characters visually identifiable.

As for human characters, they do suffer a bit as a result of the more explicit attempt at focusing on the robots. Mikaela has a much diminished role, even as far as the gratuitous eye-candy is concerned. Sam’s parents have a few humorous scenes but are otherwise plot fodder. Sam faces the call of destiny and answers it, but the moment is seemingly lost in the din of action and explosions. Perhaps the most endearing character is that of Agent Simmons – the really annoying dude from the first film. But none of these shortcomings really hinder the film.

All of which is to say that this is a better film than the original Transformers installment. The characters are more readily identifiable, the story is more balanced, the action is bigger and better choreographed. And the visual effects are, without question, some of the most impressive placed onscreen. Yes, the film has its flaws. There isn’t a whole lot of depth or meaning (aside from Prime’s statement, “Fate rarely calls on us at a moment of our choosing.”). Many of the gags are decidedly juvenile (how many scrotum jokes can you pack into a film, really?). The movie is basically one long, extended-action, CGI sequence. The dialogue is often atrociously cringeworthy. The characters aren’t exactly Shakespearean.

But it’s fun.

And, really, what more do you want from a summer action-blockbuster? Revenge is, miles and away, a better film than either Terminator: Salvation or Wolverine, the two other high-octane offerings of the 2009 summer season. And while it doesn’t feature the character or thematic work of Star Trek, its action, humor and crowd-pleasing moments mean that it ought to be a success with many a movie-goer, either at the theater or at home.

Overall Grade: B-

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen is, without question, a sequel that surpasses the original – which places it in some rare company. Sure, no one will mistake it for The Empire Strikes Back, or The Godfather, Part II, or even Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Classify it as a guilty pleasure if you wish, but at the end of the day, it’s a fun film to experience. Enjoy!