Transformers delivers exactly what it promised

Rating: 9/10 (4 July 2007)

I went to see Transformers on opening night with a group of friends. I went in expecting a lot of action, some cool looking transforming robots, and of course Megan Fox. The movie delivered exactly that, and to my surprise, a little more. The special effects are unlike anything I have ever seen. Industrial Light & Magic should be handed their visual effects Oscar right now - the competition is probably over.
However, several of my friends were disappointed with the movie. They claimed that the acting wasn't great and neither was the storyline. I thought, "What were you expecting?" While their gripes were mostly true - the acting isn't anything spectacular, clichés were abound, and there are a few unnecessary scenes that could have been edited out to cut down on the film's long run time - I didn't care. I loved all of it because it was fun as hell. Robots morphing into fighters jets and back again in mid-air, a tiny CD-player robot that later turns into a cell phone, Megatron and Optimus Prime beating on each other, smashing through buildings and jumping across rooftops. It's really a spectacle, and that really isn't ALL that the movie delivers.
Shia LaBeouf is excellent again, returning from Disturbia-mode with the same awkward teenager humor. I thought he was hilarious - check out the scene when he talks to Megan Fox for the first time as he gives her a ride in his new car. John Turturro's appearance halfway through the film was a warm welcome. He shows his oddball side to good effect. Bernie Mac and Anthony Anderson's small parts were hilarious; par for them. And I can't talk about the actors without mentioned Megan Fox. It sure as hell doesn't hurt a movie like this to have one of the hottest females on the planet appearing in most of the scenes.
All in all, despite its shortcomings, Transformers packs enough of a punch with its incredible special effects and several diamond-in-the-rough non-action scenes that it will live on as a classic, especially if the two reported sequels can match its flare.