What it’s about?: The uber-anticipated sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen picks up shortly after the events of the blockbuster first film. With evil Megatron’s carcass buried at the bottom of the ocean, Optimus Prime and his Autobot comrades, working together with an elite group of human soldiers, are now focused on hunting the remaining Decepticons scattered across the globe. Sam Witwicky, hero of the 2007 movie, is busy preparing for his first year at college, while his unlikely girlfriend, Mikaela Barnes, stays behind to tend to her father’s auto-repair shop. Little do they know, however, that back on Cybertron a Decepticon elder known as “The Fallen” is hatching a scheme to invade Earth, where hidden somewhere on the planet is the last-known source of energon, the life-blood of all Transformers. If he succeeds, the devastation left in his wake will no doubt spell the end of the human race. With the fate of Earth hanging in the balance, Sam and Mikaela must once again team up with Optimus and the Autobots to defeat this powerful new foe.

Who’s in it?: All the major human players from the first Transformers film are back for the sequel, including Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel and John Turturro. Newcomers include Ramon Rodriguez, who plays Sam’s conspiracy-obsessed college roommate Leo, and The Office’s Rainn Wilson, who enjoys a notable cameo as a pompous physics professor.

Of course, the actors merely serve as background filler for the real stars of the show: those titular talking-alien robots. And director Michael Bay fills up the screen with enough mechanical eye candy to dazzle even the most skeptical gearhead. Returning characters include Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironhide, Barricade, Jazz (don’t act surprised), Starscream, Frenzy and Megatron (again, don’t act surprised).

Several new Autobots are introduced to the mix: Mudflap and Skids, a pair of jive-talking, ceaselessly annoying hatchbacks; Jolt, a Chevy Volt; Sideswipe, a silver Corvette; and Jetfire, an elderly Decepticon turncoat who walks with a cane, speaks with an English accent and transforms into an SR-71 Blackbird. Additions to Decepticon side include: The Fallen, who we learn is the Decepticons’ real head honcho (consider him the Emperor Palpatine to Megatron’s Darth Vader); Soundwave, a communications specialist who sinks his tentacles into a satellite and spies on us from above; Ravage, a panther-like creature; Wheelie, a radio-controlled truck who talks like Joe Pesci; “the Doctor,” a sort of mad scientist who speaks with a German accent (naturally); and the Constructicons, a group of construction vehicles that fuse together to form a massive, four-legged beast.

What’s good?: No director does over-the-top, explosion-laded action better than Michael Bay, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen features several staggering set pieces. The CGI work on this film makes the last one look like it was designed on a Commodore 64.

What’s bad?: Any scene in which people talk – and several of the ones in which robots talk, too. Just as the action and visual effects are beefed up for the sequel, the bad jokes and cringe-worthy dialogue are as well. Highlights include two dogs humping, John Turturro in a thong, a robot humping Megan Fox’s leg, a sequence involving Sam’s stoned mom, and a glimpse of a very large pair of testicles on one very large Decepticon. The latter will likely go down as the “nipples-on-the-Batsuit” moment for the Transformers franchise.

Favorite scene?: The show-stopping climax, set in the Egyptian desert, is one extended, riotous battle royale packed with so much robot-on-robot action you’ll feel overwhelmed at times.

Netflix or multiplex?: This big-budget spectacle begs to be seen at the multiplex – IMAX, if possible. Just bring a pair of earplugs for the dialogue sequences. You might want to bring some Dramamine as well, as Mr. Bay went a little overboard with his trademark circling-camera sequences this time around.

Bottom line: Hollywood.com rated this film 3 stars.

What it’s about?: Julia is a down-on-her-luck, 40-something alcoholic. She’s at her wit’s end when she meets a woman at an AA meeting and is soon immersed in a kidnap-for-ransom scheme involving the woman’s 9-year-old son, Tom, the victim of a nasty custody battle. Events quickly careen out of control, and Julia finds herself on the lam in Mexico, kid in tow, trying to stay a step ahead of low-life local hoods who, believing Tom to be her son, nab the boy and demand the money in return for sparing his life.

Who’s in it?: Although the entire cast in this low-budget thriller is excellent, Julia is really noteworthy as an Oscar-worthy, tour-de-force display of sheer acting brilliance by the dazzling Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton), who throws herself into this blowsy, ballsy role with such abandon it will make your head spin. Swinton easily delivers the year’s best performance – male or female – so far, and it’s a shame that this independently made, tough-minded melodrama will likely get only limited theatrical exposure. Acting honors are also owed to Saul Rubinek, who plays a key role in the film’s climax as Julia’s ex-boyfriend and confidante. Kate del Castillo (Under the Same Moon) really only turns up in the film’s establishing scenes but is wonderfully effective as Elena, the boy’s volatile and colorful mother. As 9-year-old Tom, Aidan Gould is understated and neatly effective in a role that requires a range of emotions. Bruno Bichir is amusingly one-note in his best baddie mode as Diego, the lead Mexican bandit.

What’s good?: Making his English-language debut, director Erick Zonca (The Dreamlife Of Angels) keeps things moving at the pace of a speeding freight train, never letting his star come up for air and allowing her to bring many different shades to this fascinating, unsympathetic woman whose life is a complete mess. Zonca effortlessly turns what starts out as a character study into some outrageously juicy stuff. The shift in tone is seamless and will blow you away. This is one hell of a ride.

What’s bad?: At 138 minutes, the film is overlong and could have used some tightening in the latter portions when Julia and Tom get to Mexico. The portrayal of Mexico’s criminal element also borders on stereotype and is mostly played in one dimension by a group of fine local stars who aren’t given much opportunity for subtlety.

Favorite scene: A scene in the bus station where Julia arranges the ransom money to be dropped off is nail-biting, sweat-inducing suspense at its finest, allowing Swinton an ace-acting showcase to boot.

Didn’t Jane Fonda already make this movie?: Don’t be flummoxed by the film’s title. It has nothing to do with the Oscar-winning Jane Fonda/Vanessa Redgrave drama released in 1977. In fact, although not a remake, this Julia is much closer in tone and spirit to the 1980 Gena Rowlands film Gloria, which was later remade in 1999 with Sharon Stone. Have we sufficiently confused you now?

Netflix or multiplex?: Considering the indie style and minimal marketing budget, your best chance will probably be on DVD, where it is not to be missed.

Bottom line: Hollywood.com rated this film 3 1/2 stars.