Transformers 2 has more of everything, like it or not

Randy Mitchell Staff Writer

June 29, 2009 12:03 pm

— The new ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ is a rock ‘em sock ‘em thrill ride full of action, great special effects and plenty of unnecessary things thrown in for whatever reason.
Part two begins shortly after where part one left off. Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), is college bound and getting prepared for a long distance relationship with girlfriend Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox).
Witwicky is far too busy to worry about Autobots and saving the world from Decepticons until he is dragged into the battle after touching a sliver of what’s left of the All Spark.
The Decepticons want Witwicky and pursue him with a vengeance. Megatron is brought back and he’s not the worst of the bunch. There’s another Decepticon whose bigger, badder and uglier.
The plot is decent and this movie is full of all sorts of twists and turns that only a true Transformers fan can follow. The action is second to none — so far this year — and the special effects are incredible.
A word of caution: This film is rated PG-13 to the 25th power! It has enough foul language to make an Adam Sandler blush.
It also has a drug reference, innuendo and some unnecessary sophomoric comedy. I’m not sure what the creators were thinking putting ignorant humor which appeals to fourth-graders into a movie geared for teens and young adults.
The drug reference involves Sam’s mother eating some brownies laced with marijuana and going on an energy crazed rampage. Marijuana gives people energy?
With a running time of 151 minutes, 30 minutes of vulgarity and stupidity could have been left on the cutting room floor and this movie would have been the best action movie since T2.
Sadly, it was left in and those with at least half a brain must suffer. Besides the decent plot and brilliant action, the movie does have other good points.
There is a strong sense of family, honor and how good must triumph over evil. LaBeouf’s sharp wit and acting are very good and at least Optimus Prime stands out as a creature of honor and dignity who doesn’t curse like a sailor.
This movie borders on the absurd throughout but big time Transformers fans will like the action and the story. I loved the Transformers cartoons of the 1980s and I love what Director Michael Bay has done with the special effects and quick action scenes, but I wonder why a movie which is based on children’s toys and cartoons has been transformed into a dumbed down, free-for-all cursefest. See at your own risk!