Alex's Movie Review of The Transformers (2007)

Transforming Summer Movies Again
Alex - wrote on 07/22/07

[Update: I saw this movie again and still feel the same way. It is the best summer movie since Armageddon (if you liked that movie) and is a truly good movie. Light on the cheese and very well paced.]

When you think of summer movies what is the first one to pop into your head? Depending on how old you are it might be ID4 to some - also known as Independence Day. Others are War of the Worlds, Star Wars, Mission Impossible, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Armageddon. Add this one to the list. While there are a lot of short comings, The Transformers is one of the better brainless movies I have seen probably since Armageddon (and I personally really enjoyed War of the Worlds).

Let me explain why I gave it 3.5 stars. Upon first viewing, I may have overlooked a lot of the cheese and a lot of the bad acting - though Shia Labaeaef or what ever his name is, a very talented young actor. I admit, I am jealous of his skillz.

But it's good points are this: Great action scenes, well designed robots with some superb voice acting, incredible special affects (though knowing from animation courses - robots are easier to create than people), good acting (for a summer movie), and not too much over the top cheese. Also the pacing is very well done.

So why is not a 4 star movie and why don't I consider it a great movie. Well, the 3.5 stars is for comparision of what the subject matter is - an action movie. It does not have a well developed plot. I am not familiar with the cartoon so I don't know the back story. Also, there are some cheesey lines and some things that should never have happened (a heavy, huge robot being towed by a GMC tow truck? I don't think so).

One thing is for sure, the lead is not a wooden actor. He is Shia LaBeouf. I am happy to finally see a childhood actor with the intelligence and "ungiving in" to Hollywood rich life to maybe propel himself for a very long successful career. Though he will not be a Tom Cruise or a Leo DiCaprio, he could generate yet another different kind of star. I look forward to it.

By the way, this movie is recommend to action and sci fi fans who want a good mindless summer movie. If you don't want that, do not watch this movie.