Bigger, badder, bawdier

Rating: 8/10 (24 June 2009)

Right off the bat, let me get something off my chest. Enough with the over analyzing of films like this. These are films based on comics turned to an animated series. The film and it's predecessor were created by a director who is not hired to give in-depth, character driven award season fare. Given all this, anyone going into this film expecting anything more than explosions, robots, glory shots of pretty people, the latest military toy, comedy and bits of drama, need just stay home and watch The Piano or something else. Your opinion is null and void to the masses who are headed to this film for all the glory a film by Michael Bay with robots, military and pretty people delivers.
Everything about this film is cliché sequel. The action and comedy are twice the level we got in the first film. The CGI is absolutely incredible to watch. Yes, at times, it is hard to distinguish robots, this is not due to quality, but just the shear numbers of robots involved. The runtime of 150mins has been commented on as being one of the negatives by those choosing to write negative reviews of the film. This is a non-issue. There is so much going on that if you are checking your watch, you shouldn't have purchased a ticket in the first place. This is an all out assault on the senses, and I say that in a good way. Those going into this film for the pure spectacle are delivered the goods and then some.
Actors/characters are pretty much ported over from the first film, minus a few supporting characters and addition of a few new ones here and there. Everyone involved gives everything to the action and it is fun to watch them having fun. Shia and Megan would in any other world/reality seem like an unlikely couple. But in this Bay universe, their pairing makes sense and both actors have a chemistry with the other that helps sell their relationship. Sam's parents this go around are even nuttier and they even share a very nice moment late in the last act. There has been much made of two new autobots being cartoonish stereotypical to the point of being offensive. Are we really going to cast stones from a glass house when there are film series like the "Friday" movies which are far more insulting and stereotypical?
Utlimately, this film is about the robots and it can be said without any hesitation that the Autobots and Decepticons are delivered above and beyond. It is a glorious site to see Optimus really show why he is the leader of the Autobots. The first film his character really didn't get a chance to show his muscle, here his strength is maximized and on full display.
I have read complaints about the comedy being too much here, whatever, the comedy is what really helps the film stand out. The audience I saw this with was having a great time and that is ultimately what these films are about. The original cartoon series has a lot of funny moments, most unintended. The comedy here is intentional and welcomed.
All in all, a great evening at the theater enjoying some absolutely fun and exciting images. Headed to see it again.