A movie based on a cartoon based on a toy...seriously, what do you expect...

Rating: 5/10 (2 July 2007)

After finally seeing the live action movie based on a cartoon I watched and toys I owned as a child and reading all the reviews posted here, I must admit I am astounded by the highly negative and highly positive reviews, as the movie itself falls somewhere in between.
The Godfather and Citizen Kane it is not. Nor is it as bad as all the fanatical fan-boy postings make it out to be (possibly still upset over how awful the Fantastic 4 sequel was). And frankly, we should move past a 20+ year old cartoon that hasn't exactly stood the test of time, falling somewhere between the Smurf's and He-Man & The Masters of the Universe).
The movie is exactly what the vast majority of humans believe it to be before even walking in the theater; a big, loud, fairly entertaining summer blockbuster that will make you forget about the outside world for a little less then 3 hours.
Is it cheesy in places? Yes. Does it make sense all of the time? No. Is it a giant commercial with lots of product placement? Yes, for Hasbro. Will it hold your attention long enough to give you your money's worth? Probably for 90% of you.
The CGI is simply amazing, probably one of those big step forward moments in movie making that seem to happen every 10 or so years. The actors are serviceable; pretty people doing pretty things made to look ugly, but still with their hair neatly in place. The story is a formula you've digested many times before and will probably continue to digest in years to come. And the director, the oft loathed Mr. Bay, is not at fault here. He did after all put big explosions, a so-so plot line, and pretty actors in a movie about toy robots.
I give it a 7 of 10, because it was entertaining from beginning to end and the CGI was impressive. But just remember before you settle into your seat for something deep, meaningful, and otherworldly; this movie is based on a cartoon based on a toy from the early 80's. If you are looking to make an emotional connection, a date with a stranger would provide you with better odds.