Brilliant - true Michael Bay with a touch of Spielberg masterclass!!

Rating: 10/10 (2 July 2007)

I walked into the theater expecting a great movie, but even I was dazzled by the sheer magnificence of what hit me. From the opening massacre up until the end credits rolled, I physically was unable to move from my seat. The best directorial combination I have seen in years - Michael Bay's best decision was to be advised by the big man himself. Spielberg's touch is evident in the development of the characters and pardon the repetition of the relation between Bumblebee and Shia Leboeuf being a throwback to boy-and-ET. Computer graphics can not go unmentioned in relation to this movie, and dreamworks really outshone themselves. Great acting as well by Leboeuf. I felt he was one of the brightest things about Disturbia, and he's brought that same depth, innocence and intensity to his character in Transformers. While relations between the Transformers themselves could have been developed a wee bit more, it wouldn't improve much on the movie as it is (I'd mention scenes, but I'm keeping this review spoiler-free). Also detracting from sending this movie down in history as one of the best was probably an abundance of humour, which I believe was slightly overdone. While certain moments (think "pheromones") were pretty original and appreciated, some others were just cheesy (think "S7 vest") and, in my opinion, and provoked unnecessary giggles while they could have furthered characters. That being said, the movie still comes out smelling like roses - Michael Bay is here to stay. Last but definitely not least, no review is complete without a mention of the soundtrack. While I have heard a couple of people complain about how the soundtrack could have been more grand and less hip, I feel that the relative lack of orchestral scoring was well in keeping with the not-too intense mood of the film, and that at appropriate moments, the right kind of music (including some grand 'Lord of the Rings' stylised tunes) was used. As an Australian movie-goer commented, "this movie couldn't have used those songs and still been what it was. It was amazing. Truly awesome. The music DID match the film very well. If I'd seen this list before I saw the movie I probably would of agree with all of you but the fact of the matter is that a lot of the songs break from each respective band's usual style. It worked. Believe me." Let me conclude by stating firstly, that this is the first movie in which I stopped halfway through the movie to recognise just how perfectly the music flowed with the mood generated on screen. Secondly, the Bay-Spielberg combination was a marvel, but I believe they should leave well enough alone, and in my opinion, neither should agree to a sequel, as it can only disappoint after the stratospheric standards set by this film. Lastly, while this is no Lord of the Rings, look for a couple of Oscar nods, and a massive box office taking.
To summarise - Not flawless, but as close as humanly possible!!