Well...at least my 7 yr old loved it

Rating: 5/10 (24 June 2009)

First off, I loved the effects...i was mesmerized anytime a TF was on the screen. Major props to the guys at ILM.
My problem is and has always been with Bay and his brand of films. Now I fully understand why he does what he does, it's a tough task to create a film that generates $700+ mil that appeals to every demographic. However, in this and every one of his previous films he compromises on story.
He wastes too much time developing these useless human characters that add nothing to the story (i.e.: Sam's parents?), where the focus should be the TFs! I want to know more about the TF's background, I want to know more about Ironhide, Ratchet, and the rest - not about some loopy 50 year olds.
I also thought the gratuitous use of 'sex' to 'sell' is ridiculous. I'm a guy, but if i want to see sexy girls I watch a porno - i paid to see giant robots saving the earth.
There are also a lot of little things that annoyed me and just didn't make any sense. Like the Jetfire character, i was completely disappointed as he was my very first TF toy as a kid. Why would a robot age like a human - hunch over, need a cane, have bad memory, etc? Does that make any sense to anyone? Wouldn't a robot, a machine, function like he did 1000yrs before? Enough rant. I'm a hard-core TF fan and enjoy a great story. Bay at the helm of this franchise is just very disappointing for me. I just wish that they found a director who understands how to create a financially successful film that appeals to the masses, but weaves together a compelling story that makes sense. A film Where everything has a purpose and nothing is gratuitous. We really needed a Chris Nolan, JJ Abrams, or Peter Jackson on this one. I think even Jon Favreau would've done a great job.
Regardless, I think this movie will be well received by the general public - I mean my 7 yr old loved it.