Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Film and Plot Synopsis

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” is a science fiction action film released in 2009, directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg. It is the second installment in the “Transformers” film series, based on the popular Hasbro toy line and animated television series. The film follows the ongoing battle between the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, and the Decepticons, led by Megatron, as they search for a powerful artifact hidden on Earth that could tip the balance of power in their favor.

‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ Movie Summary

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” picks up two years after the events of the first film. The film opens with a flashback to ancient times, when a group of seven Primes, the original leaders of the Autobots, sacrificed themselves to defeat the Fallen (Tony Todd), a rogue Prime who sought to harness the power of the AllSpark, a mystical artifact that grants life to Transformers. The Fallen seeks to build a star harvester on Earth that would deplete the Sun’s energy. The Primes used the Matrix of Leadership to seal away the AllSpark and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

In the present day, the Autobots, having formed an alliance with the United States military, continue to work tirelessly to protect humanity from the threat of the Decepticons, who remain determined to conquer Earth and rebuild their shattered empire. At the same time, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), the protagonist of the first film, prepares to leave for college at Princeton University, leaving behind his Autobot guardian, Bumblebee, and his girlfriend, Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox). Before he leaves, Sam discovers a shard of the AllSpark in his things at his parents’ house. The shard brings many of the kitchen appliances to life, which attempts to kill Sam and his parents (Kevin Dunn and Julie White). They are all rescued by the timely arrival of Bumblebee. Sam gives the shard to Mikaela for safe keeping. Mikaela later captures a small Decepticon known as Wheelie (Tom Kenny) who tries to steal the shard.

Once at school, Sam struggles to adjust to his new life as a college student, haunted by visions of ancient symbols that seem to hold the key to a greater mystery. Sam is seduced by a girl named Alice (Isabel Lucas), who turns out to be a Decepticon pretender. Alice attacks Sam, Mikaela, and Sam’s college roommate, Leo Spitz (Ramon Rodriguez). All three are eventually captured by the Decepticon Grindor (Frank Welker) before ultimately being saved by the Autobots. However, the Autobot leader, Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen), is killed by the resurrected Megatron (Hugo Weaving) while saving Sam. Sam escapes with the surviving Autobots. Megatron was resurrected by the Fallen to assist the ancient Decepticon in finding the Matrix of Leadership.

I rise… you FALL! Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen)

Meanwhile, the Decepticons, led by Megatron and his powerful apprentice, Starscream (Charlie Adler), plot their revenge against the Autobots and humanity. They work with the Fallen to find a new source of Energon to create a new army of Decepticons capable of conquering Earth and enslaving its inhabitants. Megatron believes that Sam’s visions will lead the Decepticons to the Matrix of Leadership. To accomplish their goals, the Decepticons launch a series of coordinated attacks on key military installations around the world, stealing classified information and laying the groundwork for their ultimate plan. Megatron and the Decepticon Soundwave (Frank Welker) hijack Earth’s telecommunications systems, which allows the Fallen to send a message demanding humanity to turn over Sam to the Decepticons.

As Sam struggles to decipher the meaning of the ancient symbols that plague his dreams, Wheelie offers to help him unlock their secrets. He helps Sam, Mikaela, and Leo find an elderly Decepticon turned Autobot named Jetfire (Mark Ryan) at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. The trio uses the shard to revive Jetfire, who teleports the entire group to Egypt. Once there, Jetfire sends them to locate the Matrix of Leadership, the star harvester’s key, which Jetfire states may be used to revive Optimus. The group finds the Matrix in Aqaba, but it disintegrates into dust upon touch.

Meanwhile, government forces and the Autobots land near the Giza pyramid complex with Optimus’ body. They are all attacked by the Decepticons. A group of Decepticons known as the Contructicons combine to form the giant robot Devastator. Devastator reveals that the star harvester is hidden inside a pyramid before being destroyed. Many Decepticons are destroyed, but Megatron manages to kill Sam. The Primes speak to Sam’s dying mind and tell him that the Matrix must be earned, not found. They inform him that he has the right to bear the Matrix by sacrificing himself for Optimus. The Primes resurrect Sam and grant him the Matrix. Sam rushes across the battlefield and resurrects Optimus. However, the Fallen steals the Matrix from a weakened Optimus and uses it activate the star harvester. Jetfire sacrifices himself to allow his parts to be used to strengthen and enhance Optimus. Optimus uses his newfound powers to destroy the harvester and kill the Fallen.

In the aftermath, Megatron and Starscream retreat to fight another day. With the threat of the Decepticons finally neutralized, the world celebrates the heroism of the Autobots and their human allies, who have saved humanity from certain destruction once again. Sam and Leo also return to college.