Michael Bay's Best Film

Rating: 8/10 (3 July 2007)

TRANSFORMERS
**** stars out of 5 (8/10).
I tend to like or dislike Michael Bay's films, more often for the latter. His latest movie, "Transformers", is a big success. It is funny and thoroughly entertaining.
Sam Witwicky (SHIA LABEOUF) is an isolated teenager who buys an old camaro with the help of his father. In fact, the car is a transformer, here with his comrades to save the human race from destruction. There are evil transformers (forgive me die hard fans, I don't recall the name) who are trying to steal a cube that helps form planets. Instead of using it for good, they plan on using it to dominate the earth and create a planet more fit for themselves. The Autobots (the good guys) understand the human viewpoint and want to help. All the while, the government tries to figure out what is going on, and determines how to stop the machines.
In the end credits, the movie says it's based on the action figures. I'm sure they borrowed from the old t.v. show as well, but I'd never thought this would happen; being blown out of my seat at a movie inspired by toys. By my plot description above, the movie doesn't sound funny at all. Let me tell you something; it's hilarious. The audience and I were cracking up for about two hours. In fact, it is one of the movie's strongest points. The sharp writing and the quick delivery makes it all the better. Even the transformers are able to crack one-liners and it's all a whole lot of fun.
Shia LaBeouf is in top form here, as he was in "Disturbia". The beautiful MEGAN FOX gets the job done as Mikaela Banes, the school babe who is more than meets the eye. The other standouts would be ANTHONY ANDERSON and JOHN TURTURRO who give us two more hilarious performances. JOHN VOIGHT is worth recommending, because he hardly delivers a mediocre role. This movie is non-stop entertainment. The action scenes are exciting and well-directed. The amount of effort that had to go in this film must be staggering. The CGI is beyond stunning, and the film reaches a certain level of art.
The movie has a few teen romance clichés, and the end climax is too long and can be overwhelming. The giant robots deliver cheesy lines about how they're going to dominate each other. Nonetheless, it is well-shot and very fun.
That's what this film is; fun. There's not much else to it. Everyone on and off camera appears to be having a great time and they deliver one great roller coaster ride; one of full of laughs and stunning visuals.