Revenge of the Fallen Transformers: ROTF User Review Thread

[DarknessOfDeath]

I wanna see it again!!! Hey Jamon!! Sup yo!?!

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I wanna see it again!!! Hey Jamon!! Sup yo!?!

Hey DIJ, another one we both enjoyed huh t:.

 

[Jake Cassidy]

I've seen it 3 times already.

 

[roach]

I love it..go ahead and throw rocks..."I WILL TAKE YOU ALL ON"

 

[DarknessOfDeath]

Hey DIJ, another one we both enjoyed huh t:.

Hell yeah uh what was the other film we both enjoyed?

I've seen it 3 times already.

WOW! I wanna see it again.

I love it..go ahead and throw rocks..."I WILL TAKE YOU ALL ON"

How many times have you seen it?

 

[samsnee]

I thought it was entertaining, and I know Bay's trying to cater to both little kids and adults, but all the leg humping and urinating just seemed way too juvenile, especially when you look at all the trailers and how this movie was marketed as being more serious in tone. You already have big effin robots. Kids will find that cool enough.

 

[roach]

Hell yeah uh what was the other film we both enjoyed?



WOW! I wanna see it again.



How many times have you seen it?

I've seen it once so far....saw it on opening night, Im in the Navy and Im on duty today. Im going to LA to take part in the MJ vigils and such tomorrow but I know this weekend Im gonna see it a few more times

 

[Spade]

Note: This review has spoilers, so do not read if you are looking for a spoiler-less one. The spoilers are relegated to the portion in quotations, which remains without tags in the interest of my essay's overall flow. If you want to read it mostly spoiler-free, skip the quoted portion.

I was dragged, recently, to go see a screening of this film by my father. My dad loved the first one and thought this one looked good. As I’m not one to contest my father, I gave up on my initial idea of seeing Up while my parents went to see this and went as a family. When I first walked out of the theater, this is what my initial thoughts were like as reflected in a review:

“I still don't understand what the All Spark does. So it creates Decepticons but not Autobots, transmits into raw power just by pointing it at a Spark, and now…it's a repository for all Cybertronian knowledge. Which itself is transmitted through touch. Even though Sam had a whole cube worth and didn't start seeing visions while he was running around with it in the last film.

As for the rest...there are a lot of things I don't get about this film. Why would robots grow old? I guess you could say Jetfire was in a state of disrepair, but the All Spark healed Frenzy in the first film and resurrected Megatron here. So what's the big deal? Then there's the notion of the Primes trying to stave off the Fallen...why? Bumblebee uncovered their tomb in a blast. The Fallen has crazy magnetic powers. What made them think fusing their bodies together was going to protect the Matrix, especially when it would've just crumbled to dust in the Fallen's hands anyway?

Also, what's up with "only a Prime can kill the Fallen"? They made it sound like Prime could do something special, but the movie doesn't show us anything that supports this. In fact, Jetfire's off tearing out his Spark just to get Prime to a state where he can face off against the Fallen properly after his revival...which kinda insinuates anybody could've offed the Fallen along with the Sun Harvester with the Matrix and some competence. So why's Optimus "the only one" that can do that again?

I give it 2 stars out of 5. ILM did a great job under Bay's direction, but between the poor attempts at humor, the lack of good characterization, and the pacing, there isn't much of a reason for this to exist.

EDIT: Almost forgot the biggest source of confusion- reviving Optimus with the Matrix. Megatron was killed by the All Spark and that was supposed to be the source of life for all Cybertronians. I won't gripe too much about that because it's the All Spark that was meant to contain that power, not a Decepticon body. But the Matrix is explicitly used to power a doomsday machine. Why would Sam think using it on Optimus would heal him and not, y'know, just make his body explode? I get people believe what's comforting to them...but then it actually works. Wait, what?”

However, I gave pause in the hours afterwards and started to think. The first thoughts that came to mind were on the nature of the original G1 cartoon. Now, while some G1 fans might sit and opine to me that Generation 1 was a masterpiece of storytelling, I grew up with Beast Wars. As far as I’m concerned, that’s where the conversation ends. The Transformers television series was fraught with animation errors, had wonky plot developments for the sake of selling toys, and simplified dialogue…”but why?” Simple enough of a question, but I couldn’t quite find the answer. I mean, kids are simple, but not stupid.

Then I remembered what the actual theatrical experience was like. You know, for some time, I really did think the tales of children crying over Optimus’ death in the original animated movie was an Internet myth. A joke gone too far. Even when I bought the anniversary DVD and saw production crew members recount the reaction to it, I thought they overemphasized the reaction. But when Optimus died in this film…well, it happened. I sat in my seat with my mouth partially agape as I heard kids crying, looking around to see a sea of them gasping with tears streaming down their faces, shoving their faces into whatever shoulder they could find. A creation of ILM computers was impaled by a similar machination and all these children cried for it, certain that it- he- wasn’t coming back.

And it was then I realized what Michael Bay’s “Revenge of the Fallen”…really, what the whole film franchise…is all about. Do you remember when you were a kid? I’m 19 years of age, and when I was a kid I distinctly remember some films simply being beyond cool. Independence Day, ID4, was one of them. It didn’t matter that Will Smith’s “welcome to Earth” line was corny or that people ran in slow motion once too often. I was too engrossed in aliens destroying the world, in President Bill Pullman losing his wife (however awkward that scene is in hindsight), and watching Jeff Goldblum and Smith take down the aliens with the magical powers of pseudoscience. I had the prequel comic, a toy replica of the alien fighting machines, and a VHS copy of the film as soon as it came out. Same goes for Godzilla. Yes, at the time, even I thought the plot twist of a pregnant Godzilla was silly…mostly ‘cause I was sheltered and still a bit confused on where babies came from, but also because it just seemed preposterous. Yet I liked it because the dialogue was obvious enough for me to understand and the special effects wondrous enough to keep me entertained.

At its heart, Revenge of the Fallen is not meant for me. I’m a teenager, which means I’m old enough to recognize the logical flaws in it, and as I grow further into adulthood I’m sure even the magic of special effects will lessen as I pursue a career in the film industry. No, it’s not a film for adults or teens. It’s a children’s movie. Some might find that hard to believe, given the profane jokes and the pinpoint accurate depiction of our military. But it is, when you look at it. Who understands the sex jokes? We do. Who can bear their way through the wackiness because it has jingoism that stirs up the patriotic part of us? The adults in the audience. Yet who are the toys being bought by? Little kids, eyes all glassed over by the awesomeness Bumblebee represents as an alien car given human shape who makes things blow up good and Sam’s outlet as the onscreen avatar of their own awe. Yes, this film sports a PG-13 rating. But that’s because it needs padding, so the parents who bring these eccentric bundles of joy to the theater don’t wish they’d be somewhere else. So the same parents will have a laugh and tell other parents that they thought it was good fun, too. Are the ancillary attempts at pulling in an adult audience essential, though? No, not at all. It’s just an extension of goodwill in the form of near universally understood humor, so you don’t feel out of place. That’s also why the romance feels underdeveloped- it’s not for you. It’s for the kids who have problems understanding what love between a man and a woman’s like. Sam has problems saying he “loves” Mikaela not because teens or adults might have a problem with that, but because the little boys who see themselves in Sam would have that very same difficulty saying it to some cooties-ridden girl.

Truth is, this is also one of the best kinds of children’s stories. This is the story of absolute good locked in the eternal struggle with absolute evil. Granted, you can’t kill off the children’s villain that is Megatron. So you show he’s not the absolute evil. Close, but not quite. You introduce the Fallen, a character that causes horrible things and spouts melodramatics but is easily disposed of. Why? Historically, it has precedence. In life, Hitler ignited half the world with his incendiary speeches and rhetoric. He died with Eva Braun in a bunker in the twilight of the European conflict, his body’s whereabouts unknown to this day. All tyrants are like that. At their core, they are so weak that they can only be pitied and written off a disappointment despite all the vitriol they let loose in their lives. It’s good thing to teach kids, that the evils of men are pathetic and deserve to be stomped upon. This also lets you tell another interesting yet simplistic tale, of the not-so-evil or powerful villain and his slimy, begrudgingly loyal cohort.

Put aside your adult logic, because if you don’t you’ll realize that it’s the Fallen’s fault that Megatron wasn’t revived sooner and not Starscream’s. In other words, you’ll lose the illusory quality of this film. For when Optimus dons on his knight’s armor of sleek black metal and says “Let’s roll”, he’s not saying that to his fellow Autobots nor to the adults in the audience. He’s saying that to the little kids who cried when he was slain and are now shouting at the screen “Go Optimus!” as he flies off to do battle with the great evils of the world. This is a film where you can believe for more than two hours that good will always find a way to win and that freedom really is the right of all sentient beings.

Will I defend Bay on all his choices? No. As a children’s movie, it faces a problem-the twins. Part of the reason adults might not like them is because of their minstrel nature, and I’d have to agree with those adults; Mudflaps and Skids gave me the same sick feeling I got when I saw D.W. Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation for the first time. But not unlike Griffith, I do believe Bay when he says it was done to bring out the zest in cinematic experience. Ill-conceived, but innocent nevertheless, born out of the kind of simple logic that only a big kid such as Bay could express. They are problematic, instead, because they draw too much attention away from the greater children’s favorite that is Bumblebee. Kids know what they adore and if you deprive them of it, they’ll yearn for what’s not being sated. Still, they aren’t without their purpose. Mudflap and Skids allow the boys to say “they’re so stupid” in a somewhat fond fashion, and the girls to laugh at the antics of two boys who believe their own hype but can’t see that they’re just stupid boys at the end of the day.

This is a big subject of debate and it could go on forever, so I'll say my peace and leave it there- kids do not need to know racism. Most kids know of racism, but they do not know racism. Black children might be more attuned to what the twin Autobots represent, but even then I doubt it’d completely register. More to the point, why should we ruin this film for kids with our adult politics? Yes, racism is bad. But children will have more than their fair share of experiences with that ugly beast in the real world as they grow up. Why not let them enjoy what they just think is a funny, silly pair of fighting robots while they’re still innocent and blissfully ignorant of what intolerance and the nature of evil is? Let them fantasize and enjoy their formative years. Some kids know intolerance, what a broken home’s like, and have experienced the loss of innocence early on. If anything, this film’s more for them than most others. Michael Bay goes up there in a list of directors with George Lucas and Steven Spielberg not because he’s as talented at storytelling but because he brings the magic of films and imagination to the little ones. For $200 million a film, Bay can make them forget whatever’s going on in their lives in a cascade of explosions and metal. That’s a trick you can’t replicate easily. I harp on Bay for his more serious endeavors, but looking at this earnestly, he does a deal of good with these Transformers films.

I could lament over the length, but there were few restless in the audience. As a whole, this is the sort of film I would bring my family to if I started one. If you want to say “kids deserve better,” then do so. It’s your right as a paying patron. But this won’t irreparably damage them. This will, instead, give them everything a film experience should impart to its intended audience- gripping drama, excitement, and that lust for more. All this said, I’d revise my score of this film to 4 ½ stars out of 5…if I gave it one. For now, I think “that was super cool!” as relayed to me by the kids coming out of the screening with me will suffice.

 

[Episode29]

*Head explodes*

 

[DarknessOfDeath]

*sighs*

 

[Episode29]

In all seriousness though, I do look forward to the proud day when I can sit my young daughter down, show her this movie, and say "See honey, one day you'll be a ****e just like all young women". Then we'll hug and I'll beat myself to death with a shoe.

 

[bullets]

AnorexicBatman is the biggest *****e bag he should get banned.

I don't know who that is but I agree.

 

[Spade]

In all seriousness though, I do look forward to the proud day when I can sit my young daughter down, show her this movie, and say "See honey, one day you'll be ****e just like all young women". Then we'll hug and I'll beat myself to death with a shoe.

She'll be ****e? Is ****e an element, like Energon?

 

[Nathan]

Heh... ****egon.

 

[Episode29]

She'll be ****e? Is ****e an element, like Energon?

Fixed. But point stands. There's something irresponsible and short-sighted at trumpeting this film as being a work of wonder for children's senses without thinking about the negative images it imparts to them. Name me one positive female role-model in this film for young female viewers to relate to or aspire to be like?

Plus, I love that you feel that taking people's minds of their troubles by way of explosions and shrapnel is a difficult and profound accomplishment. I guess that makes Roland Emmerich and McG worthy of the Spielberg/Lucas crown as well. Rich storytelling and imaginative story-telling is a far loftier and worthy cause than blowing a building/car/robot to hell and back.

 

[The Guard]

This isn't a kids movie. It isn't an adult's movie. It isn't even a teenager's movie. It's just a movie.

 

[Sarge 2.0]

This isn't a kids movie. It isn't an adult's movie. It isn't even a teenager's movie. It's just a movie.

Are you seriously going to deny that this movie is precisely aimed at the audience of horny, action starved 12 year old boys with limited attention spans and a need for constant stimulus?

 

[Sarge 2.0]

*Head explodes*

Seconded.

 

[Sarge 2.0]

Fixed. But point stands. There's something irresponsible and short-sighted at trumpeting this film as being a work of wonder for children's senses without thinking about the negative images it imparts to them. Name me one positive female role-model in this film for young female viewers to relate to or aspire to be like?

Plus, I love that you feel that taking people's minds of their troubles by way of explosions and shrapnel is a difficult and profound accomplishment. I guess that makes Roland Emmerich and McG worthy of the Spielberg/Lucas crown as well. Rich storytelling and imaginative story-telling is a far loftier and worthy cause than blowing a building/car/robot to hell and back.

Seriously. Look at a movie like E.T. or the Wizard of Oz and compare it to Transformers 2. Then try to tell me that Transformers 2 is made with a sense of childlike wonder.

 

[The Guard]

Are you seriously going to deny that this movie is precisely aimed at the audience of horny, action starved 12 year old boys with limited attention spans and a need for constant stimulus?

Congratulations, you've missed the point entirely. Sure, it's aimed at teens. But it's not only aimed at them. Bay made a movie that kids can enjoy, that adults can enjoy on some level, and that many teenagers will love.

 

[Episode29]

This isn't a kids movie. It isn't an adult's movie. It isn't even a teenager's movie. It's just a movie.

If you're responding to me, I'm criticizing his statements that the flick is important for bringing magic and wonder to "the little ones".

I agree with your statement. Although, it's definitely aimed (mentally and story-telling wise) at teenagers.

 

[bullets]

It's a good popcorn flick . I like the portrayal of Optimus and his interaction with Sam.
The action was better. Some of the humor had me rolling like the scene at the frat party with bumblebee , the mother , the taser scene , and even the twins ( stupid but funny) . The last scene in Egypt was intense. Liked the stuff with starscream and the
decepticons trap . Loved looking at Megan Fox ..wow.
There are some things I didn't like . .the twins weren't necessary , less focus on the autobots from T1 , the " i love you " thing , dwight cameo not funny , also the random wtf moments (dogs humping , robot heaven , sam's bandage - where did they get all that dressing? ) Nothing ruined the film for me though.

 

[Sarge 2.0]

Congratulations you've missed the point entirely. Sure, it's aimed at teens. But it's not only aimed at them. Bay made a movie that kids can enjoy, that adults can enjoy on some level, and that many teenagers will love.

Any kid in their right mind would be depressed and agitated by the film.

No one over the age of 25 should find this film enjoyable. If they do then they have the taste of 12 year old.

 

[bullets]

Are you seriously going to deny that this movie is precisely aimed at the audience of horny, action starved 12 year old boys with limited attention spans and a need for constant stimulus?

No 12 year old left that movie without having a megan fox wetdream that night.

 

[The Guard]

If you're responding to me, I'm criticizing his statements that the flick is important for bringing magic and wonder to "the little ones".

I agree with your statement. Although, it's definitely aimed (mentally and story-telling wise) at teenagers.

It was a general point. This isn't something I'd consider a "family film", but I wouldn't be surprised to see families enjoy it. I think it's aimed at people in general. If it was aimed mostly at teenagers, there'd be more romantic stuff, not just hints of it.

This franchise is very much about "the inner child", though. I agree with that much of his statement.