Since I feel I lack the objectivity of being able to review this movie, this is less of a review of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Movie and more of some random thoughts on what I like and didn't like.
Some Spoilers Below, so consider yourself warned!!
Anyone who goes into Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen expecting it to be the next Citizen Kane is going to be sorely disappointed. However, if you are looking for big alien robots and even bigger action I’ve got your ticket right here. Despite scathing critical reviews the film has gone on to gross $201.2 million dollars in a mere five days, which should definitely ensure a sequel. I usually don’t agree with the up-tight, pretentious film critics anyway, and based on those stunning box office figures it appears the majority of film goers agree. Transformers: ROTF is the epitome of summer popcorn flick filled with two and half hours of in-your-face action, provocative eye-candy, and mind blowing special effects. I loved almost every minute…almost!
You may recall last time I posted a note that I was anxiously anticipating the films released and may have overhyped the film in my head, fearing it would not live up to my expectations. Well I am glad to inform you that it did in fact live up to those expectations, and in some ways exceeded them as well. There are just a few facets of the film I want to mention that are worthy of criticism.
The first is the inclusion of some superfluous scenes and characters. I hold the same criticism of the first film regarding Anthony Anderson’s character and the hot Australian chick whose name is not important. Those characters and their scenes seemed entirely unnecessary, and should have been left on the editing room floor. The same could be said in this installment of Sam’s (played by Shia Laboufe) college roommate. The character was totally unnecessary and though he may have been intended to serve as some type of comic relief he was nothing more than an annoyance. Ever since his introduction I was holding my breath for a Decepticon to step on his head.
I enjoyed the addition of Jet Fire who has always been one of my favorite characters. The take on him in this film is not what I expected, or would have preferred, but in the end he served his purpose. There was one expository filled scene however involving Jet Fire that could have easily been cut in half. A little time would have been saved, and the same points could have been made. The scene did serve as a break in the action, but actually pulled me out of the film a little bit.
People not intimately familiar with Transformers continuity may assume that the Fallen refers to Megatron (which it sort of does), as opposed to an actual character known as the Fallen. I would have much rather seen Megatron as the main villain this time around to; though the film does a good job building on Megatron and Starscream as individual characters as well as their relationship it could have gone further, and I hope to see that continue in the third installment. That being said it does not mean that the Fallen does not work as a villain because he certainly does. He also helps expand the legacy of the Transformers by building its history.
A welcome addition to the Decepticon Ranks was another of my childhood favorites, Soundwave. I am looking forward to seeing this character again in the next installment, and hopefully he will take on a more prominent role. We were also treated to an awesome Ravage, and Devastator who totally lives up to his name.
The Decepticon’s were not the only ones with some great additions to their ranks. The Autobots were joined by Sideswipe, and Arcee; both of whom I hope to see more of in the future.
Other than some unnecessary scenes, my one other criticism isn’t of the movie itself but rather in its marketing, which is no fault of the Director, or the cast, but of the studio. The movie is rated PG-13, and it earns its rating with intense action, over the top sexuality, coarse humor and foul language. All of these items are the typical ingredients in a movie I would love, but are not appropriate for a child still watching Sponge Bob Square Pants. This movie has been promoted heavily on channels like Nickelodeon, but it’s not a kid’s movie. Many will argue that it should be a kid’s movie because it’s based on a kid’s toy, but Transformers are not necessarily kid’s toys. I can prove this by giving any child a transformer toy and watching them dismember it while attempting to transform it. I did not feel that advertising it every commercial break on Nickelodeon was not appropriate, and in poor taste by the ad guys at the studio.
All in all I loved this movie for exactly what it was, and that it embraced what it was as opposed to masquerading as something it wasn't (does that sentence make sense?), and will definitely be seeing it again before it leaves theaters. It is long in some parts, and not appropriate for younger audiences, but it has none-the-less lived up to my own hype!
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