You did the third one right.

Rating: 7/10 (4 August 2011)

Having watched the Transformers cartoon as a kid, my expectations were tempered when Paramount Pictures announced that a live-action movie was forthcoming. Once the film came out though, I couldn't wait to see it. The cartoon I grew up watching, was now a real live action movie and there I sat in awe. I recall watching the first time Bumblebee transformed and getting chills at the sight and sound. Once Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was released, I was terribly disappointed. Instead of a worthy follow-up to an enjoyable first movie, what was delivered was an insulting piece of garbage, but that's a review for another day. It was inevitable that a 3rd movie was going to be produced, I was simply hopeful for major improvements being implemented to move the franchise forward. I'm happy to say that my hopes for the movie were far exceeded. The script far exceed that of the first two films; the action was again on a grand scale and the acting.well, it was OK. It's difficult for real-life actors and actresses not to be overshadowed by the sheer awesomeness of the Transformers. Michael Bay has made amends with me, whether he wanted to or not.
Director Michael Bay has shown that he loves devastation, often times excessively; i.e. Bad Boys, The Rock, Pearl Harbor. The one thing about Bay's movies though, is that they never lack excitement and entertainment. Transformers: Dark of the Moon meets the required criteria, with non-stop action and massive destruction from start to finish. Shia LeBeouf's Sam Witwicky is once again thrust into the middle of the war between Autobots and Decepticons. I've enjoyed LeBeouf's portrayal of Sam throughout all three movies. In Transformers: Dark of the Moon, he plays the role with humor, such as his interactions with his parents and while interviewing for a much needed job; and he plays the role with a convincing intensity, which is necessary in action movie of this magnitude. Bay added big name talent to the roster this time around: John Malkovich, always a pleasure to watch, in a small but humorous role as Sam's boss; the talented Frances McDormand; Patrick Demsey; and the hilarious Ken Jeong, who continues a strong run of supporting roles. Reprising their roles for a third time are Josh Duhamel, Tyreese Gibson and the highly amusing John Turturro.
Without a doubt, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a HUGE improvement over Revenge of the Fallen. There's a lot to love about the effects, and even the storyline.yes, it has a solid storyline, which revolves around the race to land on the moon in the 60s. I think it's a safe bet that the Transformers are here to stay and that more movies will be coming. Hopefully, should Bay decide against returning as rumored, that the studio replaces him with someone capable of continuing to move the series in the direction he just left it....pointed towards the stars and the planet Cybertron.
Oscar worthiness: Special effects and Sound Summer movie Grade: B (my son, who is 7.5 gave it an A+) Age appropriate meter: 10+ (some excessive language, A LOT of violence, one sexual situation in the very beginning, some scenes may be deemed too scary for younger children)
visit our site at www.twodudereview.com