LuckyWillTRANSFORMERS 2: REVENGE IS SWEET
June 26th 2009 15:28
Some reviewers have criticised this film for lacking a plot but you be the judge. Revenge of the Fallen takes place 2 years after Megatron’s death. Starscream has gladly assumed control of the dark robot army which has now gone into hiding across the Earth as they search for a way to revive their leader. Meanwhile the Autobots and humans have begun covertly hunting down the fleeing Decipticons until a dying villain reveals a message from their past. We gradually learn that a powerful ancient race of Primes (ancestors to Optimus) once travelled the universe destroying the suns of uninhabited and unnecessary solar systems requiring their power to keep them alive. One day, one of these Primes decided to attack the sun of an already occupied solar system and, with this being a great Primal no no, the debauched would-be dictator was stopped by his brothers. The fallen Prime (you see where I’m going with this?) was exiled and awaits his inevitable return to Earth to finish the job.
As for Sam (Shia LaBeouf), he is off to college while his Mother (Julie White) has a breakdown and his father (Kevin Dunn) lives in denial at the loss of their son to the working world. Mikaela (Megan Fox) remains behind, straddling a motorbike seductively working as a mechanic with her paroled father. Just when Sam thinks normality has returned to his life he finds a shard of the Cube stuck in his jumper and receives a shock much like his grandfather received when he stumbled upon the frozen Megatron. (All this makes sense if you saw the first film). Sam then begins stuttering and seeing strange symbols which attracts the attention of the rising Decepticon army who believes Sam is the key to their victory . John Turturro returns but no longer as the arrogant agent Simmons. After the closure of sector 7, he now works as a butcher with his family but soon proves the fire is still burning as he rejoins the fight to save the world.
All these stories come together with a few more twists until reaching a magnificent final battle in Egypt featuring a world record breaking pyrotechnics explosion and a heap of satisfyingly destructive action sequences. There are also a few other elements that hail back to the cartoons and while prior knowledge of these, like the Matrix (not related to Neo) is helpful, it is still very enjoyable and easy-to-follow without.
So what was that about no plot? These reviewers clearly weren’t paying attention.
In any case this is a non stop action film. It features almost every conceivable type of Transformer from Constructicons, to Beasts, to geriatric transformers plus a few that I have never heard of. Some people say it’s too long but they still can’t fault the action sequences which are well worth a look. I can’t deny it was a long film but I much prefer a long film where you really get to see everything you want to and leave with no regrets. The alternative would be an ending like Spiderman 3 in which the whole movie builds to a fantastic climax but leaves no time for the final battle to really get going and ends prematurely. Revenge definitely does not end prematurely.
There is some more humour incorporated through the introduction of some new characters to the cast. As usual Sam and his family are awkwardly hilarious but his college room mate Leo (Ramon Rodriguez) appears to be crafted from the same comedic mould and fits in nicely with the team. A few new faces for the Transformers also contribute some laughs along the way though they do take some getting used to.
Linkin Park’s ‘New Divide’ is the throbbing pulse of the film with the chart topping title song providing some clever advertising long before the blockbuster arrived on the big screen. It also features alongside Greenday’s “21 guns” throughout the film adding (if it’s even possible) more power and energy to the explosive action scenes.
If you want to enjoy this film, you should be familiar with the first one. Then it’s simply a matter of sitting back and letting the pretty lights and sounds of the sequel dazzle you.
I rate this 4 mind numbing battle sequences/ 5
IN DEPTH
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT
One of the greatest scenes in this film sees Optimus Prime make amends for his poor effort in the first film. Where his arse was previously handed to him by Megatron at the end of Transformers, Optimus shows he has clearly learnt a few combat moves from his allied marines during the long break between features. Amidst a sparsely populated forest, Optimus tests his mettle against a trio of Decepticon foes (including Megatron) in an awesome forest fist fight. It is amazing to watch as he flips around, dodging and damaging his enemies with speed and graceful precision. He dominates much of the fight until he tries to look for Sam. Big mistake. The effects are incredible; it’s detailed and explosive and one of the best action scenes I have ever seen.
Megan Fox is challenged for her title of “resident hottie” with the inclusion of bad girl Isabel Lucas, or Alice, as she’s known in the film. This Aussie glamour plays the part of a seductive Decepticon capable of taking human form, and teaches Sam a lesson in loyalty when he gives in to a near fatal kiss. She may not last long but she certainly provides some entertainment when she’s around.
Lastly I must mention the Constructicons. Towards the end of the film, our heroes find themselves in a seemingly innocent Egyptian quarry. Suddenly a tractor moves; a crane comes to life; and a cement mixer rattles its engine. What follows is a confusing mess of cables spewing out from each machine, engulfing others into an evolving mass. A morbid curiosity draws you in, watching as more trucks nearby, pieces of the puzzle, become hands and feet before the mass assimilates them into its gigantic form. Finally it leans forward into a red clump and twists around until its newly acquired head locks into place creating a very cool beast of a transformer that is so big it can’t even stand up!
Barricade is still M.I.A.
By Will
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