By Chris Castillo
Sam’s Autobot follows him to college. That’s college life in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”
It’s hard to imagine, but the second installment in the “Transformer” franchise is even better than the first. It is filled with special effects galore, great writing and humor that helps keep the story moving at full speed.
Two years after the first movie, the Autobots have joined forces with the U.S. military, fighting side by side with our soldiers in a secret government agency known as NEST. Unfortunately, the Decepticons are back to their old tricks. They are seeking revenge against the Autobots and capture Sam (Shia LaBeouf) who starts remembering information written on the cube which started the battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons in the first film.
Since years have passed, Sam is ready for college. He wants to put his experience with the Transformers behind him and lead the life of a normal college student. He is even ready to leave his girlfriend Mikaela (Megan Fox) behind and try having a long-distant relationship with his dream girl.
The Decepticons track down Sam, and try to dissect him for information inside his brain. While trying to rescue the college student, Optimus Prime is fatally injured and all hope seems lost. It’s as if the bad guys will win.
But not so fast. Sam and Mikaela, get help from Sam’s roommate Leo (Ramon Rodriguez). Leo tracks down an expert in ancient alien languages and writings to help the trio — former Agent Simmons (John Tuturro).
When Agent Simmons comes into the picture, you know that more humor is soon to follow.
Possibly the best scenes of the film come near the climax, as Sam faces a firefight on his quest to save the world and his friend Optimus Prime. The scenes are reminiscent of “Black Hawk Down;” gritty and dangerous with a rush that just won’t quit.
At more than two hours, this new Transformer tale, rated PG-13, is worth the time and it leaves the door open for another sequel.
With director Michael Bay at the helm and Bay and Steven Spielberg as executive producers, there is no questions this is an awesome action-adventure. The only question is — with a sequel of this caliber, can Bay strike gold three times with the same franchise, leading to a third film in the series?
Chris Castillo writes Reel News for the Port Arthur News, a column that focuses on DVD releases, indie films and entertainment.
