TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN (REVIEW)
The
shape-shifting robots are back for more heavy metal demolition, but amazingly
providing little imagination and an incohesive story.
What
does plot matter when objects are constantly being blown up? Definitely not for
director Michael Bay - responsible for such artistic fare as 'Bad Boys' and 'Con
Air'. Picking up right where the first instalment left off, the Autobots (good
robots) have teamed up with humanity and the aid of an intense strike team to
hunt down what's left of the Decepticons (bad robots) who have recently escaped
confinement.
A small hint that the battle between the two
entities may not be over just yet comes when the fighting goes global when a massive
confrontation in Shanghai wipes out several miles of highway. Both parties are
searching for a little piece of precious metal and will stop at nothing to obtain
it. Before you know it, the president is being taken to safety and a war of a
very different kind is declared. Armageddon is looming if that little piece of
metal gets into the wrong pincer!
Meanwhile, our unlikely hero
Sam (Shia LaBouf) is off to college leaving his cool mechanic girlfriend Mikaela
(Megan Fox) behind. Sam is avoiding using the 'L' word as Mikaela wants their
relationship to be forever. This submissive interlude only serves as a brief romantic
moment to keep hearts fluttering amongst the mayhem.
For what
is in the most part such a fast moving film, this sequel is dull, but it would
be impossible to nod off as booming through the cinema speakers is one crunching
explosion after another. However, an amazing scene involving an aircraft carrier
and a jaw dropping clash around the ancient pyramids of Egypt are certainly highlights
that use digital effects to the extreme.
For 150 minutes,
there's a lot of yelling and smashing clinking metal. There is also an abundance
of evenly placed juvenile humour which may keep open-minded viewers smiling but
does nothing for the film's credibility. The morphing robots have their moments,
the most likable is Bumblebee, Sam's guardian angel and hot rod all rolled into
one. The unmistakable voice of Peter Cullen gives the great one, Optimus Prime,
a certain presence, while leader of the evil Decepticons, a determined Megatron,
is voiced by a snarling Hugo Weaving.
Current hollywood 'it'
girl, Megan Fox pouts her way through the action while quoting many cheesy one
liners, while Shia LaBouf is an energetic and likable leading actor. It's worth
noting that one time 'Home & Away' star, Australian starlet, Isobel Lucas,
is quite good in a small role. As bookworm Alice, she catches the eye of Sam and
provides competition for Mikaela, if that's possible.
Entertainment
value is imminent, 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' is the definition of
a popcorn movie - cinema junk food. Great while its on but unsatisfying in the
aftermath. This however won't stop it from being a worldwide box office hit so
what do I know.
Shane A. Bassett
