Transformers

I’m gonna have to admit, I loved this movie. It completely delivered – and then some. I myself am caught off guard by this reaction, seeing that I had absolutely no expectations going in, or really any idea of what this whole Transformers thing is all about. I never watched the old TV show (I was busy watching something along the lines of The Muppet Babies and Rainbow Brite), which I can number down to two reasons why: its target audience was/is young boys (of which I was/am not) and because I had an older sister, which meant that I watched what she watched (Again, My Little Pony, Popples, etc.).

So, with having no bias, and the lack of being able to criticize the film based on inaccuracies of the Autobots and what not, I pretty much sat down at the theater with a John Locke mindset – that is, with a blank slate, ready for whatever might come my way.

What I enjoy most about the film is that it is legitimately funny – the film knows this, and runs with it. Shia LaBeouf has perfect comedic timing and great delivery. I loved the rapport between his character, Sam, and his parents, making for some entertaining dialogue, like when his dad asks, “Why are you so dirty and sweaty?” Sam obviously replies, “I’m a child – I’m a teenager!”

The film is also very heavy on the action scenes, but nothing too gruesome or dreadful happens, which keeps it good for the youngsters. Also, an eclectic group of characters, including an uber-smart Australian chick(what does she do, exactly? Can someone please tell me? In heels, no less…), a military squad, and even the Secretary of Defense, keeps things interesting. But once again, I have to say that LaBeouf steals the show (human-wise), with his smart, quasi-geeky persona, who makes quick, witty responses to everything thrown his way. Oh, and extra brownie points to the wardrobe consultant who put him in a Strokes t-shirt (!) for a good portion of the movie.

The special effects are ridiculous, considering the mind-boggling detail that went into every scene where the Autobots transform. It would have been interesting to know more about each ‘alien robot’ in more detail, as the film talked very quickly about their history and why exactly they were on Earth to begin with – but I suppose this is where watching the show comes in handy.

Overall, I was very pleased with this movie experience. Not only were there great pop culture references (The 40 Year Old Virgin!) and thankfully not an overbearing love story (that seatbelt line WAS really smooth, though), but Transformers kicks some major Decepticon ass. I also think the movie worked well by not having any super famous actors involved. It was fresh, and it was fun. And clearly I am not alone, as the whole audience was really getting into it. The couple next to me really loved the “Satan’s Camaro” line. Seriously, they could not get over it. But then again, part of my likeness of the film is based on a character wearing a shirt of my favorite band. So I guess I do have some biases after all.

Directed by Micahel Bay
Runtime: 144 minutes