Review: Transformers - Revenge Of The Fallen

Jun 19 2009 by Barbara Hodgson, The Journal

THE robots in disguise continue their age-old feud in the eagerly-awaited sequel to one of the biggest box office hits of 2007.

Director Michael Bay (Armageddon, Pearl Harbor) returns to the helm to destroy large swathes of Earth in a miasma of pyrotechnics and computer-generated imagery.

The second film pushes the visual effects envelope with more outrageous slam-bang thrills, apocalyptic set-pieces and skirmishes between the noble Autobots and their sworn enemies, the Decepticons.

At times, the screen becomes a blur of entangled, shiny automaton limbs and it’s difficult to work out who has the upper hand until the dust settles or, as in the film’s most heart-tugging moment, one of the metal monsters powers down for good.

The booming orchestral score begins at an ominous growl for a throwaway prologue in 17,000 BC and steadily increases in volume to match the on-screen crash, bang, wallop.

Two years have passed since high school student Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and his Autobot friends defeated power-hungry Megatron (voiced by Hugo Weaving).

In the intervening period, humankind has forged an alliance with Autobot leader Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) to create a top-secret military division, NEST, which hunts down the last remaining Decepticons.

Field commanders Major Lennox (Peter Duhamel) and USAF Master Sergeant Epps (Tyrese Gibson) lead these covert missions, flanked by Ironhide, Jazz, Ratchet and some new additions to the Autobot fold.

Meanwhile, Sam prepares for his first year at college by bidding farewell to his parents, girlfriend Mikaela (Megan Fox) and robot protector Bumblebee.

In class, he experiences visions of hieroglyphs and, as these hallucinations become more intense, he senses that Autobot leader Optimus has been keeping secrets from him.

Sure enough, the Decepticons are preparing to return to Earth in even greater numbers to fulfil an ancient prophecy.

The film overstays its welcome by at least 30 minutes with a middle section that sags badly, as Sam tries to unravel the mystery of the symbols.

The introduction of a Decepticon called The Fallen echoes Star Wars, while chaotic scenes of appliances in the Witwicky family home coming to life are an obvious nod and a wink to Gremlins.

Bay orchestrates action sequences with customary aplomb and lack of subtlety, employing slow motion ad nauseum as American pluck once again rescues humanity.

LaBeouf uses his impressive comic timing to highlight Sam’s vulnerability as his reluctant hero is thrust into the middle of a titanic battle.

Fox reapplies her lip-gloss unseen during each bravura stunt sequence. While entire cities fall, her pout remains lustrous.

If Major Lennox would melt Megatron using sunlight reflected off those lips, the Decepticons would be banished sooner and we wouldn’t spend the last half-hour glancing nervously at our watches.