Well-constructed but no more than meets the eye

Rating: 7/10 (5 January 2008)

Since the original Star Wars took home loads of cash about thirty years ago there have been tons of directors trying of create the next great action blockbuster. "Transformers" is a noble effort in that tradition but ultimately falls a little short.
Say what you will but I think that Michael Bay is as talented a director as you will find in action movies today. Bay and the film's editors know what it takes to make a movie that rolls forward with locomotive force. The visual effects are impressive as well, though I can't recall anything that was particularly breathtaking.
The acting is pretty good, which is no surprise since Bay's pictures usually attract talented actors looking for a big payday. Special mention should go to Shia LaBeouf, who is magnetic in the lead human role. Unfortunately, a sometimes goofy script means that talented individuals like John Turturro get saddled with some especially corny lines. Luckily, the script is, for the most part, at least superficially serious. However, it is undeniably aimed at a teen audience, so expect a boy-meets-girl subplot and photogenic teens in several of the key roles.
The main problem with the picture is that it is difficult to present a story that is in any way plausible without veering too far from the original concept. That being said, the movie moves at such a pace that you don't have time to consider any of the flaws in the 'scientific' explanations. Nevertheless, the screenwriters deserve credit for producing a story that is semi-plausible yet still true to the TV show that fans grew up with.
So, if you're looking for an enjoyable action flick then I can't imagine you being disappointed with this. However, when it's over you may realize that there is nothing beneath the shiny, metal surface.