By Frederic A. Germay
Truth be told, I didn't really want to see this movie when it came out. Cars transforming into robots seemed like a rather lame idea, and it the whole concept felt like it was geared towards children. However, my brother insisted that I give the film a chance, and I decided to go in hopes that the film would dispel my preconceived notions about its quality. My brother loved it...I didn't. The director, Michael Bay, seems to think that the most important aspect of an action film is the action. While that sounds like it makes sense, I feel as though the action should compliment the film -- not BE the film!
The story is about a bunch of robots coming to earth to find some kind of legendary cube of power. The Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, are all about destroying the cube and preserving the life of the humans. Whereas the Deceptecons led by Megatron, are hell-bent on retrieving this cube and obliterating all life forms in their path. The humans that befriend and understand these robots are all enjoyable, especially Shia Lebouff's character, but they are all, towards the end, quite forgettable.
The actions sequences do not disappoint, and I can see why my brother seems to strongly enjoy these films, seeing as Michael Bay barely lets any story time go by before he introduces another jaw-dropping battle sequence. It seems as though the film is pure action, and there doesn't seem to be much need for anything but fighting robots. My problem with the battles is that they seem to be rather the same. After watching robot pummel robot, it feels that I'm watching the exact same battle in a different background. If that wasn't enough, it seems as though the visual effects weren't done properly -- the robots almost seem 'cartoon-ish!'
Despite the multitude of insignificant or unforgettable characters, there are some gleaming performances. Shia Lebouff, an up and coming film star, delivers a truly amusing, heartwarming, and most importantly, believable performance. However, I was quite disappointed with a disgusting aspect of the film that was beyond avoidable. After watching "Ebert & Roeper's" review of this show (something that I normally do before watching a film), the guest critic brought up a point that I originally dismissed, and then I was lead to revise my perception after noticing this glaring defect all throughout the film. Michael Bay consistently portrays women as eye-candy, and most painfully, displays all African-Americans in the film as screaming, incomprehensible loons. Being a minority race, I was particularly offended by this rather repulsive general depiction of a race. Absolutely appalling!
In the end, the film wasn't moving in any respect, but I wasn't left feeling as though I had wasted my money. There are some gems buried throughout the rubble, but the film still is mostly rubble. If a fascinating plot is something that you care about, then prepare to be entertained! However if you wish to have some thicker substance to your film experience, you may want to skip this. Judging by this film's success, there will probably be several sequels. Apparently there is an audience for mindless action.... I give this film a 6/10.
