Enjoyable

Rating: 8/10 (5 June 2009)

I don't know why you go to the movies. Maybe there are people who enjoy taking a break from real life by going to see a plot that adds even more complexity to their lives. If you're one of those people, I don't suggest reading the rest of this review. But if you go to the movies to be entertained, to enjoy yourself, to have fun, then Transformers will not disappoint.
The plot takes very predictable turns, but it progresses at a comfortable rate. I never found myself getting bored with the way the movie unfolded. The characters were likable, decently portrayed. I found Megan Fox's performance rather vapid, but what she lacked, Shia Labeouf made up for, portraying exactly what we'd expect from a kid seeing his car transforming into a giant robot.
Now, onto my big three, the real reasons I enjoy or dislike a movie. This holy trinity is Visual Effects, Sound Design, and Score.
Visual Effects - Spot on. Giant robots pummeling the living daylights out of each other. Explosions. Rockets. The visuals were great - I was absolutely thrilled by every scene involving the Transformers themselves and I applaud the incredible effort put into them by their creators.
Sound Design - Hand in hand with the visual effects. This movie was a treat for sound junkies such as myself. As a Transformer unfolds, there is literally a sound for every motion. Explosions. Rockets. All were incredible sounding and made this movie incredibly engaging.
Score - Jablonsky delivers. His mentor, Hans Zimmer, has taught him well and the score constantly pays tribute to the great maestro himself. I bought a few of the songs immediately after seeing the film - Arrival to Earth and Scorponok are two great examples of Jablonsky's work on this film. I look forward to his future work because his soundtrack work here was incredible.
Overall, this film was ENTERTAINING. I had FUN. Isn't that worth going to see a movie for? 8/10