I've dreamt of seeing this movie since I was 8 years old....

Rating: 9/10 (28 June 2007)

I was a Transformers kid. I loved the toys, the cartoons and even saw the original animated film on the day it was released in my home town in 1987.
As I stood in line waiting to go into the theater last night (28-06-07)to see Transformers, I noticed how excited I was feeling. A few feet away, some guys were waxing on about all the things they assumed would be bad about the movie.
This kind of saddened me, it was almost like they were waiting to see the movie fall flat on its face, or perhaps this cynicism was a defense mechanism. Were they were preparing themselves for the worst? We finally filed into the theater, and after nearly half an hour of commercials and promos, Tranformers finally began.
The first thing that I have to say, is that this "is" a Michael Bay film. It has big action, it is populated with broad, shallow characters and has more than a few cringe worthy gags.
But where this film rises above the excessive chaos of his previous films, is in the casting of Shia Lebuff who is both funny and believable. A lesser actor, really would have hamstrung this film. Shia grounds it with his wonderful, relatable performance.
And then there are the Transformers themselves. A wonder to behold. The Autobots have made the transition from cartoon to big screen, with all of their courage and nobility intact. The thrill of seeing these compassionate, giant robots defending their human wards, stumbling through cultural differances and dealing with issues of scale filled me with a childlike happiness.
These characters are more than special effects, and sound design. They really are amazing.
I loved this movie, at it's worst moments it's dumb fun, at it's best it's like watching Jurassic Park for the first time all those years ago. I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing! Interestingly enough, the same trench coat wearing geeks, that were bagging the film as we went into the theater, whole heartedly stood and clapped as it finished.