Not as good as the first one, but still WOW

Rating: 7/10 (26 June 2009)

There are only rare occasions, in which the sequel is better than the original. In the original "Transformers" I thought the visual effects could not be topped, but its sequel certainly does. The CGI, sound, and sound editing design is amazing, the best I've seen in any movie. However, this doesn't necessarily mean its better in other aspects. If you're expecting an award winning script or Oscar-worthy performances, this is not the movie for you.
The story is interesting, not a bit corny, which is something I give congratz for the writers. The majority of the actors do a decent job. Shia LaBeouf is still amusing as Sam Whitwicky, Megan Fox is sexy as usual as Sam's girlfriend, and John Tuturro is basically himself as the disgraced Agent Simmons who now works in a meat shop.
The film also introduces some new characters, both human and machine. I've heard a lot of criticism aimed toward the new autobots, particularly Wheelie and Skids, both of which supply as the comic relief. Yes, they do speak jive, making it hard to understand what they are saying at times, but it adds to their characters. I personally found them hysterical. There is also new villains which are both frightening and appearance and menacing.
But if any character is considered annoying, it is Leo played by Ramon Rodriguez. He tries to act like Shia in the horny aspect, but for the rest of the film he whines like a baby. At least Shia makes up as a decent protagonist, which Leo doesn't. I was hoping his character would get his comeuppance, which unfortunately doesn't happen.
But there are some other things that I found jarring to this movie. There is a drug reference that is used for a comic effect, but it is way out of proportion to the film. It had no purpose. And there are several unneeded sexual situations that I felt were way too intense for a science-fiction action flick like "Transformers". The movie is supposed to be about stuff getting shot up and blown up, not college kids gone wild. That's the "Animal House" department thank you very much. And I couldn't help but notice that Michael Bay seems to like showing animals and robots humping each other as well as humans. Again, no purpose, very unneeded. Ten minutes of the film could have been saved from all of these things I have mentioned.
This movie is far from perfect, but it is not horrible as so many people call it. This is not one for everyone. It has great, long action sequences, big explosions, and the best CGI a person could dream up of (at least for now). If you are looking for this in a movie, you are sure going to enjoy it. If not, that's your call. If there is going to be another "Transformers" which I think there will be, I'll be in line for it on its opening weekend.
My rating: *** out of ****