A more-than solid action flick and what you'd expect if you have an open mind

Rating: 5/10 (28 June 2011)

To start off, I'm a big fan of Transformers. Loved the first movie. Second was iffy, but I still enjoyed it for what it was. This one however, is quite impressive for the third entry into what is supposedly only a "shallow action" series.
The movie creates a tone that is bigger and darker by far than either of the first two. Though integral to the climax of the first two movies, the idea of the fate of the world didn't seem all that imminent to the plot. In this entry however, the entire second half of the movie has that 'end of the world' feel to it, and it's pulled off very well.
In terms of pacing, I believe the first transformers was very strong here where as the second one sort of seemed to try and throw in as much action where ever it could. This one takes on a much different formula. The first two-thirds of the movie are very contemplative with only a few action scenes. They are much more dramatic than in the previous films though, and replace that comic-nature (that was pulled off in the first one, but overdone in the second) with a valid seriousness. This works well in establishing the final third of the movie, which is all hi-tech action.
I won't go into how great the CGI or 3D are, because those are a given. Nor will I go on about the Rosie vs. Megan debate, as that is only a minor issue regardless of who you favour. However, I will say that Rosie definitely holds her own.
In terms of appearance though, the Transformers seem to have a cross between the alien, militaristic style in the first one and the cartoon style of the second.
We have some new additions to the mechanical cast here, include a red Ferrari, an ancient prime and one huge mother of a mechanical worm that you may have seen tearing a building in two during the trailer. The transformers also get some new weapons and alternate modes to keep it fresh.
Annoying robots (ie. Skids and Mudflap) have been removed. Although they had some good parts, they detracted from the overall experience and made it a little silly. Wheelie's role and attitude have both been reduced so that he isn't so annoying either. Unfortunately, we now have the 'Wreckers' - who have a few of their own silly parts - but these are extremely minor and one-fiftieth as large as the role the twins played in part two.
I was disappointed that Megatron had such a small and insignificant role in this film. He is meant to be the main villain of the franchise and the leader of the Decepticons. In the first one he was nearly god-like in strength (to the point where I think Optimus Prime was hard done by). In the second one we find out that he has been mysteriously bowing down to the Fallen all along - which would seem to go entirely against his character. And in this one he is all depressed and doesn't take part in any action sequences until the very end - which only lasts for a few seconds. ***SPOILER*** His death at the hands (or hand) of a one-armed Optimus at the end was very disappointing. If I had to point out a downer in the movie, that would be it. From being indestructible in the first, and relatively even-matched in the second, Megatron is defeated extremely quickly, easily and cheaply. Even more disappointing than the ease with which the supposedly god-like Fallenw as defeated in part two.
Luckily though, Megatron isn't the central villain in this film. I won't give away which Transformer is though.
I also wanted a larger part from Shockwave. He looked menacing and got several camera angles and character remarks that suggested he would be a very important villain and character. But he doesn't have much screen time at all, doesn't do a huge amount of fighting, and only says one word in the entire film.
All in all, I enjoyed this film for what it was - a great action film. I also enjoyed it that added bit extra because I am a fan of giant talking robots, but also because the enormity of the plot, the emotion put into the character's, and the overall darker tone - really helped to make this more than just an action movie.
Definitely better than the second. Hard to compare against the innocence of the first - I'd have to watch it again to do so. Definitely very different though, which is good. Good job on concluding your series Michael Bay.
PS: Shia really steps up his performance in this one, and shows us a new range to his acting abilities.