I’m 60/40 about “Revenge” – I 40% liked it and 60% did not. I know it’s practically treason not like this movie, but, personally, I need more than CG and loud noises to enjoy an action flick. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like bits and pieces, but not enough to over rule the rest. The sequel to Michael Bay’s 2007 film, based on the toys by Hasbro, is louder, larger, geographically wider, and 6 minutes longer (it feels like 6 hours) than its predecessor. Some initial hype indicated there was more of a plot this time around, but, not surprisingly, there isn’t. The plot is just more complicated. Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro come together again and Ramon Rodriguez is a great addition to the cast of a not-so-great movie.
Pros:
- A Moment Here and There – There are a couple moments in “Revenge” that made me smile (or show some emotion other than disappointment). Any scene with Sam Witwicky’s parents is solid, relatable and genuine (with one exception). Scenes cover situations such as holding emotions back when your kid leaves for college, to fighting for their safety. The parent/kid relationship in this movie is very well written and plays authentically on screen (if you’re wondering what the “exception” is – it’s a scene where Sam’s mom eats pot brownies and runs around campus – it’s a stupid scene, but all others are great!). Another “Pros” moment takes place in the library. Particularly funny is when Sam gives Kaela a 10 second count down indicating when he will speak to her again. Anyone in a relationship will find the humor in this particular “must we do this now” type scenario.
- Ramon Rodriguez – I didn’t like the character of Sam’s college roommate…at first, but he grew on me. Turns out, Rodriguez (and his character) are pretty darn funny and is a refreshing addition to the robotic franchise.
Cons:
- Troublesome Characters - Man, what I wouldn’t give to have been a fly on the wall at the board meeting with Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg when they decided on the two ridiculous characters - Skids and Mudflap. I mean really, MICHAEL BAY and STEVEN SPIELBERG sat down one day and consciously chose to have these characters in the movie. Consider my mind blown.
- Louder Does Not Equal Better – More noise, faster robot transformations, expanded destruction and chaos on speed does not combine to create the greatest movie ever made. Not even close. Side note – at one point in the beginning of the movie some sort of robot destroys a city and breaks through an overpass. There is a lot of loud metal noises, but no sound effect for the crushed concrete and rebar, which for me made the movie that much sloppier.
- Clichés, clichés, clichés – There are three writing credits for “Revenge” and two of the writers also wrote for this year’s “Star Trek” and currently write for the show “Fringe.” With that said, it is unacceptable to have such overly used, 100% UNorginial lines as “Revenge will be mine” screamed from one of the Decepticons! Where’s the creativity - even an ounce? It’s like the writers gave up knowing that the CG would steal the show.
Summary:
The only folks I’d recommend this film to are people who want to waste nearly 3 hours of their lives and who want to leave with a headache with only a slight smile remembering the few sparse funny moments during “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” If that sounds like you, then by all means, check out this ridiculous film.
What did you think of this movie? Is it a good sequel? What are your thoughts on Transformers 3?
"Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
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