Transformers » Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen » Wheelie (2009)

Transformers Review —

Wheelie (2009)

The concept of Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Wheelie is something of a mind-bender. Consider: Wheelie is an actual Transformer that takes the form of a toy as his disguise, and Hasbro has taken said character and made a toy version. Think about it too much and you’ll likely start to feel like you’re flying.

Wheelie’s radio-controlled toy Monster Truck vehicle mode is ridiculously out of scale with the rest of the Autobots from the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen line. It is neither to scale with the rest of the vehicles, nor scaled as an actual Monster Truck, nor scaled 1:1 with the actual radio-controlled toy featured in the film.

On its own merits, Wheelie’s vehicle mode is suitably detailed (if a little plain); cast in blue plastic with grey details, transparent windows and metallic blue painted lights. Sadly, Wheelie is not actually radio-controlled.

Wheelie unfolds quite naturally into a tall, spindly (and creepy) robot. If the vehicle looked strange next to the other Autobots, then the robot mode is positively pariah-like.

There is something familiar about Wheelie’s look. It could almost pass as a “WHEEL-E”. Though, more in keeping with the character’s behaviour in the film, “HORN-E” might be more appropriate.

Except for an unimaginative “Mech Alive” feature that rotates the Autobot symbol to show a Decepticon one, Wheelie has little to offer in robot mode. The eyes can be adjusted to offer a rather despondent expression.

Aside from completists wishing to collect all of the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Autobot characters, there’s nothing particular that stands out to recommend Wheelie, and even then it looks out of place. Wheelie, what is the point?

Transformers Review, verdict 2 stars out of five