Transformers Review
“It’s like watching a porn, except substitute sex for robots.”
Robots in disguise…ahh the sound of those words to my ears were so appealing…when I was 6. Now I get to hear them 16 years later, in the form of a big screen, summer action movie with the pop-action movie maestro Michael Bay at the helm. What more could a pre-pubescent, under-developed male ask for? Herego, any movie based around robots who transform into cars and conversely blow things up rocks in my book. As the 1980′s retro look becomes the attainable style for pop-culture these days, it is no surprise to see that influence bleed into the medium of film. Shall we all agree that perhaps there is a dirge of resources with which to make movies for the Gen-Y generation, or as I like to call us the “A-Little-Too-Late-for-John-Hughes” generation? Transformers, as a toy, was the perfect fodder for mid-summer action fare.
And it doesn’t dissapoint, if your into over the top action with little to no intellect. Transformers gets it right with balls to the walls action, explosions and effects. What it doesn’t get TOTALLY right is the story. But then again, do we really need a story? Transformers is about robots who turn into stuff who blow things up; they’re toys. Toys are meant for enjoyment. Do we look at toys and analyze there purpose? And if so, is that merited? Especially here, it isn’t. The story has it’s issues, and mostly a B+-level cast, featuring the ever-so-quirky and increasingly likeable Shia Leboeuf, who if it weren’t for him, would have been boring in the moments robots weren’t fighting.
So it’s a little watery on the story side. But by the time you realize you’ve spent two and half hours trying to buy into a plot thinner than Dunkin Donuts New Iced Tea!, you’ll have realized you’re witnessing a spectacle. Bay once again flexes his explosive might in the most positive way; making you forget that the story is ascinine. The action sequences are intense and erratically fun, with the robots being the characters the audience cheers for, long after they steal the spotlight from Shia. There is no one better in Hollywood than blowing shit up and making car commercials with stories than Michael Bay. ‘Nuff said.
Let me get around to it. Transformers was a fun fare, a spectacle and eye candy for 2 1/2 hours. Having seen it twice, I can say it’s a bit harder to watch the second time around, kind of like a rollercoaster doesn’t lose it’s fun factor after the first ride, but doesn’t measure up to it’s first ride the second time around. Transformers doesn’t get a free pass from me for just being spectacle, but if I wanted to see it twice, it must have excited something in me. Perhaps that excitement comes in watching parts of childhood on the big screen or perhaps the few endearing moments of the film were good enough to make me want to see it again. This doesn’t try to do too much and certainly accomplishes more than enough with cool action, cool robots and some comedy. Theres no thinking here; just preverse fun. And the reason why it works, is because it’s not trying to be more. Like a toy, this is meant for enjoyment. I’m giving this an 8 out of 10 Bones for being a true summer action movie, and losing 2 Bones for not conquering the potential of better story.
RATING: