Better Than I Expected

Rating: 9/10 (16 March 2009)

When I came into the theaters to see "Transformers" two years ago, I didn't expect much. In fact I was turned off from the trailers at the physical appearance of the robots and I was thinking, oh great another shoddy remake based on my childhood memories, lowered down by Hollywood and its cheesy remakes. However after the movie was over, I had to eat my words.
In the end I found the film to swift pass all that I expected. A loyal hats off to director Michael Bay for bringing this action thriller to life. In it's two hour and twenty duration, it was never once dull and the action is nonstop, just like the cartoon series from the 1980's. The backgrounds were beautifully nuanced and the human actors had a chance to shine and were not usurped by the giant robots. What adds to the atmosphere is that this action film has a very unique origin to it, the way a debut should always commence. The introduction wasn't rushed like in many action flicks as it provided enough depth to make is easier to follow and it flows through nicely. Even those who never heard or even watched transformers will be able to understand the story of their origins and how the war between the good Transformers vs. the evil Decepticons came about.
The robots come off physically different and their characteristics light up the screen as each of them were highlighted splendidly. The CGI is at its very best here.
Before anyone starts to quip about "Transformers", try to take time to realize that there are so many versions of Transformers featured on television for many years, with each one holding a different perspective to the franchise. I suggest you watch each of the series' pilot episode and you can clearly understand that they are all different from each other. This movie is another new series only this time it's transferred from the set to the screen.
Don't be judgmental and just randomly put it down by saying it's stupid and not real. It's a sci-fi action thriller, it's not meant to be real. I would like to add this to my collection of movies as it's finally graced the screen to hopefully enlighten a new generation of fans today as to what it accomplished in the 1980's.