Transformers
There’s no question that Transformers is a movie targeted squarely at the young male demographic. Everything-but-the-kitchen-sink action sequences. Mass destruction and explosions. Extensive military hardware. Robots that turn into hot cars between giant brawling fist fights. A racially balanced squad of buff soldiers. A fat black man for comic relief. And hot, permanently sweaty girls with a knowledge of cars, cryptography and a soft spot for the geeky hero.
In other words, it’s your standard Michael Bay movie.
It’s actually surprising to see massive movie-making muscle like Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg behind Transformers, which is, after all, a movie based on a 1980s toy line and animated TV series. The subject matter doesn’t seem like it would be worth their while.
However, from the moment the film begins, you recognise the polish they bring to this explosive, special effects extravaganza. Obviously DreamWorks and Paramount are serious about setting up a very respectable, and profitable, film franchise. And that means treating fans’ memories with some big budget respect.
Transformers is at its best during the jaw-dropping action sequences – where human characters scatter as the 2 alien robot groups, the heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons (who turn into decidedly cooler vehicles) battle for a mysterious, life-generating cube called the Life Spark. The fluid transformation sequences, with the robots morphing into and out of cars, trucks, tanks, planes, and even a mini hi-fi, are outstandingly detailed. In fact, sometimes you wish these sequences would slow down just so you can truly come to grips with what you’re seeing.
Transformers’ only real downside is a ridiculously silly plot, a lack of characterisation for the Transformers themselves, and a weak middle portion.
Once the Autobots have revealed themselves to young human hero, Sam Witwicky – played by a very appealing Shia LaBeouf – it’s as if the filmmakers switch their focus from thrilling action to cheesy comedy. Presumably this is to please a much younger, or simple-minded, audience, but it doesn’t quite work. New supposedly comical characters, like John Turturro’s Sector 7 agent, appear but are never developed and vanish inexplicably later on in the film.
Fortunately, once the climactic final battle begins, it’s easy to succumb to the engrossing action and eye candy once more. It’s just a pity that such a dull portion, complete with an overly forced “boy and his robot” moment, precedes it.
Transformers is a thrilling and fun popcorn movie, but you’ll need to disengage your mind to really enjoy yourself.
In other words, it’s your standard Michael Bay movie.
It’s actually surprising to see massive movie-making muscle like Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg behind Transformers, which is, after all, a movie based on a 1980s toy line and animated TV series. The subject matter doesn’t seem like it would be worth their while.
However, from the moment the film begins, you recognise the polish they bring to this explosive, special effects extravaganza. Obviously DreamWorks and Paramount are serious about setting up a very respectable, and profitable, film franchise. And that means treating fans’ memories with some big budget respect.
Transformers is at its best during the jaw-dropping action sequences – where human characters scatter as the 2 alien robot groups, the heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons (who turn into decidedly cooler vehicles) battle for a mysterious, life-generating cube called the Life Spark. The fluid transformation sequences, with the robots morphing into and out of cars, trucks, tanks, planes, and even a mini hi-fi, are outstandingly detailed. In fact, sometimes you wish these sequences would slow down just so you can truly come to grips with what you’re seeing.
Transformers’ only real downside is a ridiculously silly plot, a lack of characterisation for the Transformers themselves, and a weak middle portion.
Once the Autobots have revealed themselves to young human hero, Sam Witwicky – played by a very appealing Shia LaBeouf – it’s as if the filmmakers switch their focus from thrilling action to cheesy comedy. Presumably this is to please a much younger, or simple-minded, audience, but it doesn’t quite work. New supposedly comical characters, like John Turturro’s Sector 7 agent, appear but are never developed and vanish inexplicably later on in the film.
Fortunately, once the climactic final battle begins, it’s easy to succumb to the engrossing action and eye candy once more. It’s just a pity that such a dull portion, complete with an overly forced “boy and his robot” moment, precedes it.
Transformers is a thrilling and fun popcorn movie, but you’ll need to disengage your mind to really enjoy yourself.
Comments
There seemed to be moments in the film that hinted towards a truly awesome car chase sequence - which you would expect of Michael "Bad Boys" Bay, like you said. But suddenly all the build-up would deflate and something else would happen.
Considering the vast majority of Transformers chose cars as their alternate forms, you'd expect the mother of all car chases... which actually didn't happen.