Transformers: Rise Of The Fallen

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 24, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: The clash between Autobots and Decepticons reignites when Megatron's body is salvaged from the depths of the sea and he is revived.

Review: Judging by opening weekend ticket sales and lines at the theater, this film is definitely a summer blockbuster. However, personally, I didn't think it was all that great. This could have been due to the up-close view I had at the theater though. There was a lot of 'transforming' going on with the various good and bad guys changing from regular vehicles to their robot selves. After a while though, it just feels overly done. We get it. They're shape-shifters. For me, it was hard to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys in some scenes. Maybe I'm just not familiar enough with the players. The plot line wasn't anything ground breaking. Neither was the acting. I would've liked to see more of Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson, but the military took a backseat to Sam (now a college freshman) and his gf Mikaela. Shia LaBeouf did a pretty good job with all the stunts and high-intensity action. Megan Fox did as well as she could do, I suppose. They played up her looks and did slow-mo running shots. Apparently that's all you can ask of the girl. John Turturro was pretty funny in some scenes, but overall I don't think this is a must-see flick.

Watch It: If you grew up on the stuff and have been aching for more '80s flashbacks. Hang on to your seat because G.I. Joe is just around the corner.

Skip It: If you only feel lukewarm about this stuff.

Fast & Furious

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: April 3, 2009

DVD Release Date: July 28, 2009

Plot 411: Dom left the States when the law was closing in. Now he's back for revenge.

Review: The original cast is finally back together in this fourth movie about fast cars. Interestingly, I think this movie actually pushed the beautiful cars into the background and allowed the plot to take over. Perhaps the kiddies are growing up? Still, you can't escape the vroom vroom of modified vehicles when the movie is called Fast & Furious, so there's still plenty of burning rubber for Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. I think this movie just showed a little bit more heart than the others. As always, the soundtrack is not lacking any in the bass department. Neither is the movie lacking in scantily clad females. Well, it's good to know that some things never change.

Watch It: If you're a big fan of the first movie but hated the second and third films.

Skip It: If you liked Tyrese Gibson in number two or the drifting in number three. None of that going on here.

Trailer:

Death Race

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 22, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 21, 2008

Plot 411: An ex-race car driver is framed for his wife's murder and jailed in a prison that allows its inmates to race each other for freedom.

Review: Honestly, this isn't really the best action, car or Jason Statham flick, but it does have some interesting action sequences. Don't look to this film for any morals, insights or anything other than straight on action. Because Statham remains mostly inside his car, we don't get to see much of his typical martial arts extravaganza. What we do get to see is great driving and special effects. Tyrese Gibson also co-stars.

Watch It: If you're a typical action movie buff who watches every single thing Hollywood has to offer.

Skip It: If you really liked Statham in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. This will ruin him for you.

Trailer: