I have actually been a fan of the previous Transformer movies. The first one was a solid action flick and was a lot of fun. Sure the second one is definitely worse but it still had some cool action scenes, plus don't we go to these movies to see giant robots kicking each other's asses? I'm pleased to say that Transformers: Dark of the Moon is the best of the franchise. Not only does it have great action scenes with the Autobots and Decepticons battling each other, but it also has somewhat of a story, some funny new cast members like John Malkovich and Ken Jeong. I also believe that Transformers: Dark of the Moon is the first movie to fully utilize 3D technology since Avatar.
The story begins with humans actually making contact with the Transformers in the early 1960's when an Autobot ship crashes on the moon. This event is what actually started the space race between the U.S. and the Soviets. This backstory is actually kind of interesting and it gives the viewers relief that Bay and the producers actually thought up a story unlike what they did with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. It is also revealed that humans are actually working with the Decepticon's so that when they take over the world they will be spared. While this is all going on we catch up with LaBeouf's Sam Whitwickey who is a recent college graduate who is looking for a job. After saving the world twice Sam just wants to matter again. But this is a Michael Bay film so this is pretty much as far as the story goes. So this obviously leads to Sam and another one of his hot girlfriends (Huntington-Whiteley) teaming up with Optimus Prime and the Autobots to foil the latest evil plot of the Decepticons amid destruction in Chicago. LaBeouf is doing his usual schtick here screaming and running away from evil robots. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley definitely cannot act but hey at least she looks good, right? I can hear Michael Bay pitching that to the studio. Once again Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson show up in meaningless roles that add nothing to the film. John Turturro shows up again as some former government agent. Turturro definitely did not need to be in the film again and I believe he is meant to be funny but isn't, at all.
Some new additions to the cast that worked for me were John Malkovich, Ken Jeong and Patrick Dempsey. Who would have thought that they would all be in a movie together. Malkovich plays Sam Whitwickey's boss. He brings some zany humor to the film that balances with the action quite well. Ken Jeong also brings some humor to the movie and once again it works well for the film. After seeing the bad Hangover: Part ll, I grew tired of Ken Jeong's schtick but luckily he makes this role work and he is only in the movie for about 5 minutes. Patrick Dempsey makes a good villain as one of the humans working with the Decepticons. I was surprised by Dempsey and he is one of the few people who actually can act in the movie.
As for the Transformers, Peter Cullen who voices Optimus Prime does great voice work. His voice is epic, commanding and heroic, as is Optimus Prime. Leonard Nimoy from Star Trek fame also does some good voice work as Sentinel Prime who was the leader of the Autobot's before Optimus. Let's just say that Sentinel may have other motives. Hugo Weaving is back as Megatron and does fine as well, though Megatron has a smaller role this time. Seeing the Transformers battle each other in 3D was amazing. Finally here is a movie that utilizes the 3D technology. The 3D was not an afterthought like most 3D movies these days. There is one scene where military men are soaring through the skies of Chicago amid the huge epic battle. Those scenes are visually astonishing. I saw this movie in IMAX 3D and I urge you to do the same because it is worth every penny.
Look, this is a Transformers movie and like I said most people (including me) go to see these movies for the giant robots kicking each others asses. In my opinion these movies are fun action spectacles that keep me entertained throughout. Is there great acting in these movies? No not at all. There was also probably about 20 minutes of the movie that could have been cut without affecting the plot. These flaws aside, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a visually stunning action romp that will keep you entertained throughout.
B+