far better than i expected after reading all criticism

Rating: 8/10 (4 October 2009)

The main reason i'm doing this piece is 'cause of the shocking contrast between what I expected to see, having read a host of bashing comments and reviews, primarily on rottentomatoes, and my actual impression of this movie!! Rarely does actual experience exceed the expectations to such an extent. Well, first of all, I would like to encourage EVERYONE (at least everyone with at least a mild interest in sci-fi movies and a fraction of sense of humor) to pay NO attention whatsoever to an avalanche of negative comments prevalent on the net and in the press. Be your own judges - don't listen to overzealous and humorless critics who prove time and again they are the LEAST RELIABLE GUIDE for a moviegoer. Rely on their opinions - and u will be most of the time watching boring wacky cr.p while missing out on decent flicks.I never trusted them, never will...
But back to the movie: without going into detail - just a few words about pros and cons:
I) PROS: 1) very impressive special effects 2) innovative characters (and humorous too - the decrepit,rusty decepticon from the space museum alone is worth a watch:)) a truly hilarious character, the two twin-autobots constantly fighting each other), the gigantic pyramid destroyer composed of a number of heavy-duty machinery units, etc.) 3) EXCELLENT humor throughout the movie, sustained by various characters and situations, starting with shia and turturo and ending with robots themselves 4) very fast-paced, dynamic,entertaining, never boring or going astray (except, probably for blowing the parents' part out of all proportions); 5) Megan fox, of course - pleasure to watch and a rare beauty 6) and finally, the movie gives the impression of a whole, consistent unit, not one fractioned into great but loosely connected pieces)
II) CONS 1) TOO MUCH PROMINENCE GIVEN TO SHIA'S PARENTS - it's totally unwarranted and sometimes plain ridiculous 2) Megan fox, of course:))) (don't get me wrong but she deserves to be in both pros and cons, because beautiful as this girl is, she is true calamity as an actor. hopefully she will pick up, but as of now she reminds me of Michael madsen - ALWAYS THESAME EXPRESSION ON THE FACE (barring one episode where she was crying naturally, which i guess was the result of Mr.Bay kicking her a.se for deadpan acting, so she just freaked out, while the cameraman filmed it all:))) 3) perhaps a touch too long (could've been 15-20 min shorter without any damage to speak of) - mostly, again, due to the overblown parents' part As far as I'm concerned, the pros BY FAR outweigh the cons - it's just beyond discussion - and I would easily recommend this entertaining, in parts hilarious, funny flick to anyone who wants to have some brainless - but high quality - fun!!
NB: IMPORTANT WARNING! - JUST DON'T TAKE THIS MOVIE SERIOUSLY - if from the very beginning you treat it as a fast-paced sci-fi comedy packed wiht action and stupendous special effects as well as featuring funny and memorable characters (among both humans and robots), you will enjoy it from start to finish.GUARANTEED!
PS:Don't hesitate to take kids along - they will be grateful to you more than u can imagine). PPS: goes without saying, a big screen is an absolute must!