Prime Time

The truth is that Transformers were some of the coolest toys of the eighties. They provided a dual purpose. You purchased a militarized robot that could also change into a car, truck, plane, or a handgun. The toys, however, were deeply flawed. It took too long to transform them back and forth, so having a battle took hours as opposed to the minutes it took to put a grenade launcher into the hands of a G.I. Joe. The movie, like the toys is deeply flawed too. It lacks a tight script and pays too little attention to its cast (robots included). I sat in the theater and thought to myself, “What is this movie?” It is bad…bad ass. This movie, Transformers, with all of its flaws is undeniably fun.

Transformers stars Shia LaBeouf (Disturbia) as Sam. LaBeouf is a star in the making and I hope he continues to pick roles that really show how talented an actor he can be. Transformers isn’t the movie that will define his career, but it is the sort of spring board that will launch him into better roles. LaBeouf’s Sam is the typical high school boy. He is love sick for the local hottie Mikaela Banes (Meghan Fox) and summazizes that the only way to get her is to have a car. His wish is granted in the form of Camaro. Sam soon discovers that his car is also a robot and has its own personality. This is played out well in a few entertaining scenes involving Sam and his potential girlfriend. This is where Transformers could have turned into an E. T. type movie or Iron Giant. Both options are avoided in favor of Autobots (good guys) and Decepticons (bad guys) destroying everything in their paths.

I was more than happy that director Michael Bay chose the direction of Autobots and Decepticons obliterating each other. Bay has always been chastised for providing audiences with little in terms of a good script, but let’s face it, this is Transformers. The action sequences are some of the best I have scene in recent history. There are distinct details given to each robot and the slow motion action scenes allow the audience to see just how unique each character is when using their specialty. This is the best work ILM as ever done and the fan boy in me almost wishes they had waited to make the new Star Wars trilogy. The robots/cars transform seamlessly and the “CGI” is rarely identifiable. This movie is a rare case where special effects really do tell the story.

Michael Bay has done something special here. He has created a FUN summer movie. There is no “dark side” or deep mental issue. It doesn’t involve pirates and their daddy issues and there are no green ogres. This is a movie that defines summer, a big bucket of popcorn and huge smiles. The eight-year old boy in me had a blast and I can say with confidence this movie is more than meets the eye.