Michael Bay is a douche, yet also AWESOME

Rating: 10/10 (24 June 2009)

I'd like to say my 10/10 may have been an exaggeration, but this film is definitely an IMDb 8.
Most of the comments I've read have been justified, this film is over the top, there are limitless explosions and the acting is mediocre to poor.
HOWEVER...
One must remember that the basic premise of Transformers is about alien robots who turn into machines, characterisation and subtlety where never going to be the film's strongest points, let alone Michael Bay's. Nevertheless if you take this film for face value, i.e. the most epic summer blockbuster of all time you're in for entertainment not experienced since the dark knight. (I emphasise the use of the word entertainment).
I'll start with the plot, whilst some describe it as incoherent and confusing one must remember this is a SCI-FI film. Without ruining anything Orci and Co create a mythology to capture the titanic struggle between Decepticon and Autobot (involving yet not as philosophically interesting as Jedi and Sith). Whilst the human development throughout the film is weaker (and the acting doesn't make this any better), it's entertaining nonetheless, but I definitely think it's a strength to the film that it takes a back seat to the perennial clash between Megatron and Optimus Prime.
A common complaint of Michael Bay is his ridiculous cinematography and score, detached and unemotive at the best of times. However in this film it work, the panning shots and stylistic themes as the US military "brings the rain" definitely add the appeal of the film, it makes you feel like an excited 10 year after watching a rocky montage; excited about the action of the next scene.
Then there's the CGI... Many have ranted about it's awesomeness, whilst others have complained that it represents the worst of Hollywood. Both views are justified but one cannot help but marvel at the sheer elegance by which the robots move. The fight scenes could be better choreographed - there seems to be no consistency in spatial or temporal battle, but then again I remember thinking the same thing about Star Trek or the Dark Knight. I must say regardless of yours views on Michael Bay, the transformers franchise, or explosions (and there are lots of them) I think it would be impossible to come out of the cinema without a smile and thinking "that was seriously cool". It is definitely not a waste of time or money and I personally found the pacing absolutely fine.
To conclude, Revenge is an unapologetic Michael Bay epic. The scale and plot are at least entertaining, and at best ridiculously awesome. You could either love or hate this film, however if you try and appreciate it for what it is, you will feel 8 years old again, full of imagination and excitement. Bay captures the feeling of getting your first set of transformers and playing with them all day long in your bedroom, creating elaborate story plots and set piece battles. The difference is he creates a titanic bedroom!