When the first Transformers movie was released in November of 2007, it took the world by storm. The movie was unique and fresh, whilst also having the potential to be one of the best superhero movies ever made. The idea of robots transforming into humanoid forms was intriguing, and the fact that they were able to act as both villains and heroes made the story incredibly entertaining. The film also introduced us to a fresh new generation of superheroes, and many of the original cast members were able to successfully transition into a second act of their careers. The movie was undoubtedly a triumph, and one that spawned countless imitations and parodies. It’s fair to say that nobody expected the second film in the series to be as much of a critical and commercial success as it was, considering that most fans wanted a do-over from the first film’s ending. Whether or not you agree with the decision to give the second film a “fresh start”, the result is there for all to see – Transformers 2 is one of the best superhero movies of all time.
The Good
Considering that this is a review site, and not a site that normally promotes the big-budget Hollywood blockbusters that Hollywood churns out on a regular basis, it’s fair to say that the positive reviews for Transformers 2 are somewhat overshadowed by the negative reviews. The good news is that the same could not be said about the game – the good reviews for the game are very much in proportion to its popularity, and it’s a game that you should own even if you don’t mind wasting a few hours of your life on it. For a sequel, the movie did an incredible job of keeping the essence of the first film while offering up a brand new experience for the players. The cinematic quality of the animation is unprecedented, and it makes for some extremely exhilarating gameplay. The sound effects and the music are perfect, adding even more to the immersion factor.
The Bad
Critics didn’t exactly hold back during the making of Transformers 2. Many were incredibly harsh in their assessments, but it seems that everybody agreed that the sequel was a step down from the original. The story doesn’t live up to the potential of the first film – the Dark Knight Returns meets The Jungle Book aspect of the original story doesn’t feature nearly as prominently in this sequel. It’s more of an origin story than an adventure story. There wasn’t a whole lot else to criticize, though – the acting is competent if unspectacular, and the special effects are on a similar level to the first film. The worst part is that director Michael Bay essentially gave the second film a “complete rethink”, so most of the problems that fans had with the first film carried over into the sequel.
Overall
Overall, Transformers 2 is a triumph. It’s not just the triumph of a creative team aiming to follow up on one of the most successful movie franchises ever, but the triumph of everyone who contributed to making this movie possible. Sure, it might not be perfect, but it’s probably the best superhero movie ever made, and it was certainly worth the 20 years it took to bring it to the big screen. It might not be for everybody, but for those who can appreciate the sheer artistry that went into making this movie, there’s a whole lot to love.