Batteries not included

Rating: 8/10 (4 July 2007)

Explosions, computer effects, guns, global annihilation. If a film has any or all of these parts it is most likely costly and will reel in a hefty load at the box office. But outside of the cinema gross and DVD sales, the film is most likely lost in the mix of the action-adventure genre. Sometimes, a film breaks out of the jumble and gets noticed.
Michael Bay is known for big explosions, CGI effects throughout, big and nasty looking weaponry, and of course, the threat placed on our planet of total and complete destruction. After six films using and abusing all of these elements, it was time for a change. He found his answer in the unlikeliest of all places: A toy.
Transformers have been a kid favorite. The ability to make a car or a helicopter "transform" into a alien robot has dazzled the minds of youngsters for years. Now this concept, this world of alien robotics has made its way to the big screen in a big way in Bay Transformers.
The battlefield is Earth and the humans are caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between the Autobots (good guys) and the Decepticons (bad guys). Each side is after the All Spark, a cube that contains the power to transform a machine into a fierce warrior robot. Megatron, leader of the Decepticons, wants to use this power to take over Earth and create the army that he needs. Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots, wants to destroy the All Spark before it gets into the hands of Megatron.
Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) is the new owner of an old Camaro which just so happens to be Bumblebee, one of the Autobots. His plan was to impress Mikaela (Megan Fox) but ends of bringing her into this ordeal. Sam and Mikaela are dragged into the thick of things because Sam holds the key to finding the All Spark in his relative's belongings. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and the rest of the Autobots, vow to protect Sam and to find the All-Spark before it gets into the hands of the Megatron and his gang of Decepticons.
The film right from the get-go starts off with a "BANG!" and doesn't let go until the final frame. The action in this film is comparable to few films that I have seen. Transformers interact with the real environment and wreak havoc everywhere. Cars are tossed aside like used tissues and the ground is as soft as butter where this metal goliaths roam. Destruction is unavoidable with these guys around. Bay's blend of real-time explosions and effects mixed with the power and awe of the transformers is stunning to say the least.
One thing that films of this caliber usually lack is weak acting due to a weaker script or just plain old bad acting. The cast seems to fit nicely in their roles and the dialogue isn't too unpleasant. Action films are full of clichés to begin with but Transformers has a nice balance of action, story, and comedy.
From start to finish, Transformers just won't ease up. It is a joy ride that will leave you dumbfounded and simply amazed at what Bay and his team have created. This is more than an action film. Be careful, these toys could be hazardous...