Perfection in disguise.

Rating: 9/10 (17 April 2011)

Before I start my review I just want to confront and question some of the points in some dreadful reviews on IMDb (usually giving Transformers 1 star). What I find most odd is that pretty much all of them go on to state that they hate Michael Bay movies. Why go to see another Bay directed film if you hate his style?
Some of these hilariously 'bad' points made in some of these ridiculous negative reviews include;
"Day turns in to night instantly" - what?
"Character cannot speak for no apparent reason" - referring to Bumblebee's lack of a voice, which is clearly explained by Prime and Ratchet when they first confront Sam. LISTEN!
Lamenting what Megatron said when he unfroze where he stated his name "I am Megatron" - I'd probably want to state my real name after hearing being referred to as NBE-1 for nearly a century.
And probably my favourite; Lamenting the fact that the scene's in the bunker below were 'bad' because the bunker resembled a scene from Terminator 3...
Not all is perfect with Transformers. No film is perfect, and this isn't a true classic in the sense of the word based on the fact that most classics aren't in the 'summer blockbuster' category.- it's a family summer blockbuster aimed at the masses that, in my opinion, cannot be put down for having too much action and too much noise, like some reviews have touched on on here.
Tramsformers looks beautiful. The robots are sublime and transform in a way that left me in awe. Adding to the overall experience was the sound effects added to the transformations - they were perfect.
Some complain of not being able to tell who the robots were in combat. I think the complete opposite. Most of the robots have very distinctive features or colours. It was surprisingly humorous reading someone stating that in the final battle between Prime and Megatron that they couldn't make out who was who. I'm sorry but it was as clear as day - a red, blue and chrome vs gun metal grey. It's unmistakable.
The fight scenes are a refreshing mix of cool and deadly. A combination that reminded me of the King Kong vs Dino fight in the 2005 remake. Awesome stuff. And I know I keep referring to other' reviews of Transformers, but it's the reason I decided to write this so must base my analysis against them; Some describe the fight scenes style as shaky- cam and confusing. I really do beg to differ. They really are clear, cool, decisive and rewarding.
Shia LaBeouf was great and his natural comedy shows in droves. He's a natural confident actor and fits the script well.
I loved the little references to some of the robots that were left out of the movie (notice the truck that Megan Fox drives with Bumblebee on the back). And note the little nod to fans re the car choice given to Bumblebee, who in the originals was a VW Beetle.
What did the film miss?
While the character development was acceptable to good, it would have been nice to see Starscream (love that name by the way) 'lead' more in Megatron's absence and even confront Megatron's leadership when they get him back - just like in the cartoons I remember from being a child.
What was Bad?
While I thought the film was funny, Sam's parents were just plain annoying - over-thought comedy script that simple wasn't needed and mostly not funny.
I know it's an American production which may nullify this point, and I have nothing against anyone, but I am sick of seeing American soldiers being able to do things others simple can't - I refer to when the 'main' solder (Lennox) jumps on a crashed motorbike, speeds towards a Decepticon, jumps off the bike at full speed, proceeds to slide under the bot and fire a perfect shot at the 'weak spot' under the chest. Something that the Autobots can not muster with any of their shots. It's a long point to point out a small gripe, but it's a gripe I have with a lot of films.
Overall the film is remarkable for what it is. It doesn't need strong dialogue. It does need strong effects and big drastic noise - and it doesn't disappoint in either of those departments. Most of the humour is welcome and rather funny and characters are mostly strong, even if some are annoying or not needed.
I've watched it a couple of times on Blu-Ray since and want to watch it again right now. Very enjoyable.