Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) Movie Review

Synopsis:

Teenager Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) looks to distance himself from the Autobots. His life is soon interrupted when he starts receiving cryptic symbols. As a result, the evil Decepticons target him, drawing him back into yet another alien conflict.

Review:

Director Michael Bay returns to helm his sequel to the box-office hit of 2007, Transformers.

Transformers wasn't a great film when it came to its characters or its story. Despite this, its visuals and soundtrack entertained most audiences.

What’s unfortunate is that Bay dials up his style to 11 here, harming the movie. First off, let’s discuss the plot.

Revenge of the Fallen wants to convince the audience that there’s a story. Each sequence of events, though, is devoid of coherency.

This concerns how the film wastes time with obnoxious, juvenile humor. It also has a wasted villain in the presence of The Fallen.

Considering he’s part of the film’s title, audiences would assume that The Fallen would be an interesting villain with unique abilities.

As a whole, these have appropriate visual flair. Despite this, it is never explained how he obtained those powers.

Also, his appearance never leaves a lasting impression. This is because of a very limited amount of screen time.

What also contributes to this film's unfocused narrative is how each human character is a stereotype.

One of Sam’s college roommates in this film is Leo Spitz (Ramón Rodríguez).

Other insulting, downright irritating characters also include Sam’s parents.

On a positive note, the visuals and soundtrack are the movie’s most consistent elements.

Yet again, Steve Jablonsky’s score complements the action well. Revenge of the Fallen focuses on more Autobots and Decepticons this time around.

Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen) has one major action scene in a forest that is tense and fun to watch.

Most other action sequences apart from this come across as more cluttered. This makes it difficult to determine who is fighting who.

Conclusion:

Revenge of the Fallen is a disappointing sequel, where it is clear that Michael Bay’s worst tendencies are on full display.

Also, Megan Fox is once again treated as a mere object on screen. Her character has very little development in this sequel.

Characters are living jokes or make questionable decisions. This transforms an already mediocre plot into a worse one.

This film's visuals and action are more than serviceable. Regardless, they aren’t enough to save this half-hearted attempt at filmmaking.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 4/10

Story - 4/10

Action - 7/10

CGI and visual effects - 7.5/10

Soundtrack - 7/10

Overall score: 5.9 out of 10