'Transformers 2' resorts to robot warfare

Sam (Shia LaBeouf) conferences with Optimus Prime in Dreamworks
Pictures' "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen."

A 150-minute running time prevents "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen" from rising to the challenge of blowing away its predecessor.

However, it is not the length in general that is the bane of the actioner's existence but rather the fact the first 90 minutes are outstanding while the latter 60 minutes are pure cinematic nonsense. This distinct divide winds up ruining what otherwise could have been an engaging summer blockbuster.

“Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen” has Sam (Shia LaBeouf) heading to college. The government has been able to contain rumors about giant robots doing battle with other giant robots but the Autobots remain on Earth in an effort to protect the planet from the evil Decepticons.

Before leaving home, Sam discovers a mysterious shard of the AllSpark – the thing that brings alien robots out of hibernation. It has an effect on his mind and grants him mental access to some of the universe's most important pieces of knowledge. That knowledge is sought by the Decepticons, who quickly send an assassin to hunt Sam down.

So, Sam's college career in cut short, as is that of his new roommate. They are accompanied by Sam's girlfriend Mikaela (Megan Fox) in an effort to flee from the Decepticons. Meanwhile, the Autobots' presence on Earth is being scrutinized so they may not be able to help Sam much longer.

What starts out as a vast improvement over the original "Transformers" motion picture turns into a special effects extravaganza pitting giant robot against giant robot. In fact, the special effects are barely even noticeable during this all-out finale because the audience has become numb to their presence. And that is never a good thing. A filmmaker aims to wow the audience, not dull their senses.

There is such a thing as "too much" when it comes to special effects. "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen" is definitely evidence of that. The first part of the flick wisely uses the special effects - the robots - to compliment the story's human characters. The latter part all but dismisses the human characters. They are there but who could see them among all of the explosions and metal-on-metal action?

And Fox can say what she wants about Bay's failure to create an actor's film but the strength of "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen" lies within its human characters. Aside from Bumble Bee, none of the Transformers feel like true characters. They are smoke and mirrors. It is Sam, Mikaela and their friends (some new, some old) who pull moviegoers into the action. They give us a sense of identification and immediacy.

LaBeouf continues his cinematic winning streak, effectively carrying "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen's" storyline. His interactions with the other characters - real and robotic - feel authentic and the fact that he is now the target of the Decepticons (with a vengeance) amplifies the intensity of the flick. Face it, when robots are fighting humans it is a movie but when robots are fighting each other it is a cartoon.

I will admit that I was greatly disappointed in the first "Transformers" motion picture. I am just not all that keen on talking robots headlining a mature adult's movie franchise. But I was pleasantly surprised coming into this sequel. Had "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen" not transformed into "Saving Private Optimus Prime," I may have actually called this entry a success.

Perhaps some may claim the flick is in fact a success based on the likelihood of it breaking $400 million at the domestic box office. But you know what they say about robots in disguise...