July 4th. Independence day. A day for celebrating America’s freedom. Fireworks, BBQs, Family, Friends, and Giant Alien Robots that mechanically alter themselves to form cars, trucks, airplanes, and boom boxes and then fight each other to the death on planet earth. What’s not to like?
Transformers was the most hyped movie of the summer, so it was really easy to go into it with HUGE expectations. I was able to subdue that a little, because I have, on many occasions, been very disappointed in a move after hearing way too much hoopla before seeing it. Now, 
that being said, I really liked Transformers. It really did live up to the hype, and I predict that, when all the dust has settled, it will be the defining movie of Summer 2007.
The special effects were simply, the best ever, I really don’t think that there’s ever been a movie that could compete. This is, of course, what I expected from the director of Pearl Harbor, Armageddon, and Bad Boys. Definitely some of the most intense, effects laiden action sequences in cinematic history. There are a lot of Michael Bay haters out there these days, but I really think that with Bay, you’re not often going to be surprised (at least you shouldn’t be). You’re going to get ridiculous amounts of action, loads of special effects, and not much plot to speak of.
The plot centers around the Transformers’ (Autobots and Decepticons) reason for being on Earth. I won’t give anything away other than that. It actually was a good idea, to give the whole history in order to let the audience know the who’s, when’s and why’s of it all, but it was a little too comic-booky for me. Maybe its just because it wasn’t was I expected, but I definitely would have been happy with a more in-depth plot. That being said, I certainly won’t condemn the movie on that alone.
The actors – This is one of the best groups of actors they could have assembled for a movie like this. Shia LaBeouf is becoming, if he’s not already considered, one of the best young actors today. He plays the awkward high school kid in a way that is so realistic and so true-to-life, that it is scary (and often hilarious). This is his follow up performance to another great high school role in Disturbia, which was also a very unique and very good film. Now for my next big prediction – Megan Fox will be on EVERY “who’s hot” list in the next year. This is her breakthrough performance (with several sitcom roles and a role in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, alongside Lindsey Lohan) and she will, in my opinion, absolutely EXPLODE on to the scene at this point. She is incredibly gorgeous and plays the vixen role to perfection. Its also exciting to me that she is from Memphis, TN. But trust me, she’s the next big thing!
In addition to these stars in the major roles, there are also a couple of other stars of note. Jon Voight as the secretary of defense, John Turturro as the a-hole secret agent, the always funny Anthony Anderson as the comic relief/computer-hacker who helps figure out some important information, Josh Duhamel (Tad Hamilton and star of TV’s Las Vegas) as a US soldier stationed in the Middle East who also plays a key role in defeating the Decepticons and of course, Bernie Mac as a used car salesman.
To be honest, I NEVER expect an action movie to have great acting. And I certainly wouldn’t say that Transformers did, but what it did have was solid acting by actors who were cast EXTREMELY well. Every actor fit their role perfectly and that made for a solid set of performances. The casting director did a great job here and I definitley took notice.
So, all-in-all, Transformers absolutely did not disappoint. It was non-stop adrenaline and it took me back to my childhood. The special effects were probably the best ever, and that’s something that I think most people will be able to appreciate. Definitely go see it! Tons of fun!
***Spoiler Alert***
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I realized that the only Autobot that died was Jazz, the “token black guy”. Ohhh Hollywood…
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July 5th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Adrenaline is right. I haven’t heard the crowd so vocal (in all the right ways) at a film in ages. When the fight ended between Prime and Bonecrusher, it was like listening to a rock concert encore cry.
July 5th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
I enjoyed the movie as much as you did. Let’s hope that the sequel is more like X-Men 2 and not like Speed 2 Cruise Control
July 5th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Yes it was a pretty kickin’ movie. I didn’t think I could enjoy action movies anymore after being disappointed so many times…I have to say that one of my favorite touches was the little girl with the My Little Pony…of course I notice these things…I am a girl who grew up in the 80’s!
July 5th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
I loved the flick. When I found out the man doing the voice of Optimus Prime was the same man from the cartoon series, I was really excited. The movie lived up to the billing, as well as how I always envisioned the Autobots and Decepticons. I loved the modern vehicle usage too. I recommend it to all those living in the past and to all those growing up right now.
July 5th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
The CGI effects made this movie worth seeing. I’ve loved Transformers since I was a kid, so I had to see this movie and I wasn’t disappointed. You gotta know that the dialog and plot were pretty thin though. As long as you go expecting summer blockbuster escapist entertainment, you’ll love it. I’m not quite as excited about it as you are, but I did enjoy it.
Nice WordPress theme by the way. Did you create it yourself?
July 5th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I have to disagree a bit on a few things. I will AGREE with you on the FX though. I don’t think it’s even a question that these are the nicest looking effects EVER put to film. Perfect from start to finish. The compositing was unbelievable.
As far as the actors go, yeah, there’s one or two big names with Voight and Turturro, but that’s about it isn’t it?
LeBeouf is the only other star here and really the only one that had much of any substance in the film. I agree that he will be a big name star in the not too distant future.
I don’t completely get the Megan Fox thing. She’s pretty hollow as an actress and yes, she’s good looking (if you’re into the whole fake tan, too much make-up, Abercrombie and Fitch thing I guess). But otherwise… meh.
The script was non-existant and plot threads were left abandoned or shattered like glass.
The ONLY thing this movie has going for it are the effects. Luckily the effect are so good, that they overshadow the ineptitude of the rest of the film to actually make seeing it a worthwhile experience.
Cheers.
July 5th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
I was literally open-mouthed the whole time I was watching the movie. The kid in me was very much satisfied. Never mind the robots not taking the Gen1 look, we have to adjust with the time and evolution of technology.
I want to see a Dinobot in the next Transformer movie! That would be too awesome!
July 6th, 2007 at 1:10 am
DLay! Your blog rules. Keep up the good work man!
July 6th, 2007 at 3:38 am
This is great movie, i like your reviews.
Nice blog
July 6th, 2007 at 5:00 am
Hey David
Thanks for the comment. It really was a good movie and reminded me of my childhood too.
–
Duane
July 6th, 2007 at 5:48 am
I noticed the black guy Jazz died in the end too
Thanks for the comment.
July 6th, 2007 at 6:17 am
Hey, I liked your review and thanks for stopping by Blogadilla.com and showing us some love!
July 6th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Nice review!
It’s a great summer action flick… not the best movie ever, but great popcorn-munching viewing. And the humor was very well interlaced with the “big” moments and worked surprisingly well.
July 6th, 2007 at 9:11 am
great movie. I enjoyed every minute of it. The humor was good and the action was good. It was just a good movie. good review David.
July 7th, 2007 at 12:44 am
I’m 30 now, so when I say Transformers was my favorite show growing up it must be put into the right perspective of expectations. Going back with an older eye and watching the show and even the movie was painful when done for more then a few minutes. Only a few scenes such as Optimus’s fighting entrance in the Transformer’s movie of 1986 (which I saw in the theater by the way) can I still see without grimacing. Though I remember clearly as a child the excitement and awe when watching the series and animated movie.
This new movie has tread on sacred soil and so must be judged harshly. Special effects will never be enough alone, simply because the technology will keep getting better. If all the movie has going for it is its special effects then its value will be nil in ten years.
If this wasn’t about the Transformers I could simply enjoy it as an empty popcorn flick.
But there’s a little more that aggravates. The screaming black men cliche was irritating, as was the hot chick who just so happened to be an awesome mechanic. At least she didn’t beat up twenty guys with her bare hands.
The story was choppy and jarring. Minor things like Megatron speaking English after being frozen for two thousand years hinted that those that made this movie don’t respect the audience.
Sigh
It wasn’t as bad as 300. But then I paid to see that one, so maybe that accounts for the difference.
Maybe I’m just too old for this crap.
btw
your comment on my blog had a link here, was this done to increase your site’s standing in some way?
July 7th, 2007 at 7:00 am
Hated it! This was a sucka ass movie.
July 7th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Wow man. You made this movie sound all perfect. Haha! But yeah, it is a good movie. I think there might be a second.
July 7th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Holy Crap man…. 17 comments? You approached the blog thing head on.
Well done.
Sandy
July 11th, 2007 at 9:31 am
After a afternoon of disk golf in some crazy heat, we all needed some A/C. Decided to see a movie, ended up being transformers, and i didnt expect much.
I was soooooo wrong. What a great, yet cheesy action flick. Insane effects, great casting, and it still kinda felt like the old cartoon i grew up watching.
And…
Megan Fox!!!