Film Muser

Film Muser Rating : 4 / 5
Release Date : July 2, 2007
Running Time : 144 minutes
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Transformers is based on the 1980′s cartoon and the Hasbro toy line by the same name. The Transformers are a race of sentient alien robots who have arrived on Earth in search of an object known as the Allspark – a giant cube that was responsible for the existence of their race. The Autobots are the noble half of the Transformers that can that can take the shape of Earth’s automobiles. They are dedicated to retrieving the Allspark before the evil Decepticons can get their hands on it. With the Allspark, the Decepticons, led by their ruthless leader Megatron (voiced by Hugo Weaving) plan to transform all of Earth’s technology into robots like themselves. The only problem is that no one knows where the Allspark actually is, and it turns out that the key to finding it lies with an awkward teenager named Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf). Led by Optimus Prime (voiced by the original cartoon voice actor Peter Cullen), the Autobots set out to protect young Witwicky as they try to locate the Allspark.

Directed by Michael Bay, Transformers seems to be the movie he was born to make. Bay is known for using non-stop action and big explosions to drive his movies, resulting usually in bare-bone, mindless stories. That sounds a like a pretty good fit for a Transformers movie. This is not a movie you go and see for its gripping story or for Academy Award performances. This is a movie you go and see for the heart-pounding action and incredible special effects. And if you grew up watching the Transformers cartoon (which I did) or playing with the toys, it also serves as a great trip down memory lane.

The film stays fairly true to the Transformers universe, but there are definitely aspects of it that were changed. To the fanboys, I’m sure they consider them blasphemous, but I personally didn’t have a problem with them. Transforming (all puns aside) a cartoon for the big screen requires certain changes to make the movie accessible to a broader audience, and just to prevent it from being completely dated.

Shia LaBeouf has been showing up in a lot of movies lately, and he tends to give pretty strong performances (I especially thought he was good in Bobby). In this film he plays the leading character, a 17 year old kid that is desperately trying to fit in with his peers. He’s definitely on the geeky side and we do get some of that cliche, “nerd ends up with the hot girl” stuff, but this side of the story is pretty funny, and I found myself quite entertained. I was very happy to hear that Peter Cullen was returning as the voice of Optimus Prime. Growing up watching the cartoon, it just wouldn’t have seemed right to have someone else play the part. Megan Fox plays Mikaela Banes, Witwicky’s love interest and partner throughout most of the movie. Her character is very cliche as well, playing the hot girl who is fed up with her popularity, and who just happens to know more about cars than most mechanics.

The main problem I have with this movie is in regards to the Decepticons. There is almost no dialog between them, and they play nothing more than the role of the villains. They essentially just show up and go to battle with the Autobots. I don’t like comparing it to the cartoons since it is a standalone movie, but it’s difficult not to. In the series, the Decepticons had some great side stories, especially the rivalry between Megatron and Starscream. The movie devotes one line to this huge piece of the Transformers lore, and it really seemed like a lost opportunity to give some depth to the Decepticons.

This is definitely a movie that you need to see in the theatre. Seeing these large transforming robots in all of their glory is magnificent. The story is solid enough to keep your attention, while the special effects and action are used more as a tool, rather than a crutch. Even if you weren’t a fan of the cartoon, this movie is great entertainment that anyone can enjoy. It has a little of something for everyone – action, romance, comedy, and giant robots that can turn into cars and planes. What more could one ask for?

Memorable Scene
At the beginning of the film, Sam Witwicky’s father buys him his first car. As it turns out, the old beat up Camaro is actually an Autobot known as Bumblebee. While Sam is trying to impress Mikaele with his new car, Bumblebee’s radio keeps playing classic songs to narrate the story. For example, when Mikaela starts to walk home after getting in an argument with her boyfriend, Bubmlebee cues up, “Drive” by The Cars. It’s quite amusing.