Personification of a Summer Popcorn Movie

Rating: 7/10 (3 July 2011)

Not new news: Transformers DOTM is not the best movie ever, nor is it the best of the series, so far. The story is riddled with holes, the acting (from some people in particular) is passable, and it has more than its share of moments that make you think "really?".
That said, this is a great summer action flick. Expect an entertaining, visually and audibly stimulating movie, and your expectations will be exceeded. For all its many, many faults, this Transformers movie is fun and thoroughly entertaining.
It has some elements of the first two movies that contribute directly to the plot, but stands alone quite well. Not having seen the first two movies you would not be lost, although seeing the first two would give you a stronger appreciation for where the movie enters, character-wise. Transformers is long on action and short on making sense. Many times during the movie I caught myself wondering "how did we get here?". I believe this was the editing, which probably omitted many bridge elements of the story in favor of pacing and effect. Nonetheless, the actions sets are spectacular and, once again, found myself caught up in them cheering till the end.
For 2 1/2 hours of escapism, entertainment, and eye candy (in all its forms) I rated it a 7. Withdraw the action sequences and the non-sequitur comedy bits would leave this movie a 2, which should give you some idea the impact these elements play in the overall movie. Have the correct expectation, you won't be disappointed. Expect Olivier playing Henry V, and I'll ask you what in the hell you're doing at a Transformers movie!