Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is everything that a summer action flick should be.

Like the best summertime fare, it alternates seamlessly between clever and explosive. Director Michael Bay has amped up everything. There are more jokes, more robots, more battles, more special effects and, of course, more Megan Fox. In fact, there's nothing more a Transformers fan could ever ask for.

In this follow-up, Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky is now in college, but he's still got his robot pals by his side. How could he ever part ways with Bumblebee, really? However, there's a disturbance in the "normal" order of things, and an ancient sect of Decepticons known as "The Fallen" are about to wreak havoc on the world. Once again, Sam and his metal-head friends are the only ones that can stop impending armaggedon.

The storyline is easy to follow, and it opens up the door for some of the most bombastic action sequences that we've seen yet. The battles—everywhere from Egypt to the forest—are simply stunning. On IMAX, Optimus Prime looks 30-feet tall. In his big woodland melee, all Hell breaks loose in the most beautiful way possible. Sparks fly off of a Decepticon's chassis, as the rumbling sound envelopes the viewer. Transformers remains utterly immersive. There's also something strangely enchanting about two giant robots beating each other to oblivion. It takes you back to being a kid, and it's pretty gratifying for anyone that grew up with the Transformers lore to see it so vibrantly.

Bay ups the ante with the effects, but all of the actors have stepped it up equally. Shia's Sam still balances his girlfriend, eccentric parents, school and saving the world in a convincingly endearing fashion. Fox adds a certain sensitivity to Mikaela that makes her even more sexy in that she-might-actually-be-attainable way. A standout performance comes from Ramon Rodriguez as Leo Spitz—Sam's conspiracy theory-obsessed, kitty calendar-slinging room mate. Rodriguez has some of the film's best lines, and he adds some hilarity to the more fiery moments. Once again, Tyrese Gibson's Sgt. Epps is both philosophical and badass, showing the performer's versatility. Each actor plays his or role with the right amount of charm and charisma perfectly making way for the real action.

The robots of course are the main attraction. Technology's advanced immensely since Transformers first hit the big screen, and these robots move more fluidly, fight harder and look sleeker than ever before. Starscream is especially creepy with all of his serpentine qualities shining through.

Ultimately, this is the perfect popcorn flick. It delivers on every single promise of being bigger and better than the original. What more could you ask for? Breathtaking, brilliant and bombastic, it's fun for the entire family. Put yourself back into that moment in the '80s when you got first Transformer, this is that feeling version 3.0.

—Rick Florino
06.29.09