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"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" is completely honest and unapologetic about its two primary purposes: being the quintessential summer blockbuster, and selling toys. This frankness is pretty much what makes the movie so enjoyable.
The Transformers franchise is unique in that most major movies and cartoon shows undoubtedly will result in merchandise to make more money, but Transformers was originally a set of action figures that inspired shows and movies with the main purpose of advertising the toys. This, of course, did not stop the occasional cartoon series from actually being quality entertainment. It's pretty incredible how elaborate and deep the Transformers mythos became over the years, considering that its starting point was a bunch of toys.
I can't say that I have owned that many Transformers toys over the years or that I have an in-depth understanding of the mythos. I do, however, know enough to have a pretty good sense when watching "Transformers, Revenge of the Fallen" (TROF for short). For someone who has no understanding of who Optimus and Megatron are, it would probably be pretty confusing. The bigger battle scenes, when it's basically just giant robot versus giant robot, can be especially confusing, and you don't even know whom to root for half the time.
I would recommend if you want to see the movie but have know idea who the characters are, that you go with someone who does. My sister, who saw it with me but has no understanding of the Transformers universe, at least had the chance to occasionally lean over and whisper, "Who's that?"
Though I am no expert, I know a summer blockbuster when I see one. TROF covers just about all the bases. Big budget film? Check. Sequel film in a major cash-cow franchise? Check. High profile director? Michael Bay is a check. High-profile teen co-stars? Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox earn the double-check. High special effects extravaganza? Let's just say the word "awesome" doesn't even begin to cover it. This film is pretty much one big robot battle scene separated by brief attempts at plot.
TROF picks up two years after the first Transformers movie left off, but as far as sequels go, this is pretty much a stand-alone movie. What happened in the first movie is conveniently explained by a government agent whose only role in the movie is to be annoying and cause problems. While he is explaining this, the Decepticons (the bad guys) are conveniently listening in, making it extremely easy for them to retake the upper hand after being beaten pretty definitively at the end of the first movie. In other words: instant conflict.
The movie relies on conflict, because after all, the plot isn't the point. It's an excuse for a bunch of really cool giant transforming robots to beat on each other. A movie like this isn't going to win an Oscar for its actors but rather for its special effects, so why bother?
I say this because after coming home I decided to go online and find out what the critics thought of it. Long story short: They hated it. I was puzzled. It later occurred to me that the critics were looking for something that TROF just couldn't possibly deliver. It's a movie about giant action figures blowing stuff up to help sell more action figures.
But you know what? That's just fine with me.
E-mail: freestyle@lnpnews.com
