Watchable but flawed.

Rating: 7/10 (13 May 2009)

Let me start by saying Transformers wasn't a film I rushed out to see when it was theatrically released. I grew up with the 80's TV series but for one reason or another never felt compelled to see this in a hurry. In fact, I watched it for the very first time only yesterday and honestly didn't know what to expect.
The plot involves two groups of shape-shifting robot aliens from the planet Cybertron, the Autobots & the Decepticons. Both are looking for a mythical object called the All Spark Cube, both for differing reasons. One to protect the Earth, the other to destroy it. Although he does not know it, High School student Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf) is the key to finding it.
So what's good/bad? Well, the majority of the characters are well casted. The return of Peter Cullen as the voice of Optimus Prime is perhaps the most notable, giving a nostalgic link between the before mentioned TV series and this new re-incarnation. LaBeouf performs the role of high school outcast turned saviour of the world better than anyone that readily comes to mind. Megan Fox will never be a bad choice for blockbuster eye-candy. Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson & Jon Voight all deliver the goods in their respective supporting roles. The only exception to this is John Turturro, whose performance as Agent Simmons is ridiculously over-the-top. Whether this is how the character was supposed to be I don't know, but it seems an awful waste of an actor of Turturro's talent.
The comedic touches throughout the film were an unexpected surprise. Kevin Dunn & Julie White who played Sam's parents, along with Anthony Anderson & the late Bernie Mac all supplying moments of hilarity.
The Transformers & Decepticons are a dilemma. They look as authentic as they possibly can. The problem lies in the fight scenes between the two. How can a battle between two giant CGI'd robots be made interesting? I don't know the answer & seemingly neither does director Michael Bay. Unfortunately all they seem to do is smash into each other which, dare I say it, becomes rather dull.
The plot is also a concern. I didn't expect 'Memento'-esque twists & turns but I did expect sense. Why would they decide to move the all-important All Spark Cube from the desert to a major city where civilian casualties would obviously be high? There are other equally frustrating examples all the way through.
Overall, its a very watchable film without being truly memorable. Now the characters have been established I retain great hope that the forthcoming sequel is everything this movie should have been & more.
7/10