I would like to start off by making clear, this review will have spoilers of the subject film. I will avoid revealing any twist or important details. This review will be somewhat of a critique and I will break down specific scenes. This will allow me to elaborate on what I enjoyed, as well as, what I did not enjoy. This will also allow me to assess what is on the mind of both the fans of the franchise and the ones who despise the film.
First, I would like to come out and say that I enjoyed the movie very much. It was a thrilling, action packed, blockbuster and while not my favorite this summer, I can't deny the movies, deserving status as number one. My Wife especially Loved it as did all of my friends. This was the only film that I have seen this summer that had actual applaud in the Theater. During key action sequences as well as after the film, the audience was compelled to show there approval. Something I did not see happen in any of the other Blockbusters this summer.
So on that note lets get into the Film. The Story of the film is centered on the Autobots once again doing battle with the Decepticons. This time a spacecraft from the Transformers home world Cybertron, has crash landed on "The Dark of the Moon" and it contains a deadly weapon that can destroy our world. The 2 sides are at odds, with the Autobots trying to obtain the weapon and protect humanity. While the Decepticons are hellbent on destroying all that we know. A simple yet functional plot that also goes well into the world that now knows of there Existence. I was wondering how they would handle this at the end of the previous movie.
The movie starts off with a great, basic presentation of the plot and follows it with scene that truly sets the tone for the visual effects. This is then followed by a sequence that shows the War on Cybertron, which honestly makes a prequel sound like a great Idea. The next scene looks almost exactly like a Victoria Secret Commercial and introduces Rosie. Which presents us with Sam Witwicky, the hero of are franchise played by Shia LaBeouf. They handled establishing this new relationship and status of the character quite well. They also managed to explain the Transformers role in all of this, though not much has changed from the previous film.
Now let me go into the cons of this film and why I can see a film student would be pissed if watching in theaters. The Paragraph above essentially breaks down the introduction of the movie. The above explained scenarios can be broken down into about 20-30 minutes worth of film. That is not the case in this movie, the above mentioned portion is literally no more then 10 minutes of film. They literally set up the plot, catch you up to date with the characters, introduce a new character, and have 2 solid action scenes in under under 20 minutes. The whole film plays out this way and if you think about it, it can get irritating.
The Movie continues with the plot unfolding and the spacecraft that being inspected by the Autobots. A brief explanation of the weapons function is given and the introduction of a new Autobot. We get to see Sam searching for a job as well as his parents return to the film. One thing I appreciate is the constant reference back to how he and Mikaela were no longer together. I am as much bothered by a re-cast, as I am to a complete disregard of a non-returning characters existence. There is also an expansion on the cast, which included some returning and some new.
On to some more gripes, I can not stand Patrick Dempsey in any *Movie* role. To me he was just horrid in this film. He overacts and no sells every line. To me he was so bad at points that I just felt uncomfortable. Another issue here is that at this time we have 2 new Autobots introduced. Yet again there is somewhere around 3 to 5new Decepticons presented. It really shows how badly Michael Bay wants to present us with completely Expendable characters. Which leads me to the finale.
The final act of this action packed, 2 hour and 45 minute film is concluded with all hell braking loose on earth. There is now an army of Decepticons invading, Chicago is torn to bits and pieces and there are literally people Blowing Up! Of course this leads to the heroes interceding and the epic battle to unfold as well as the true motive of the device under possession of the Decepticons. We are introduced to more Human soldiers and a few new little tricks and gadgets. A fantastic series of battle ensue and there is an intense and touching scene that had my Wife all nervous(lol).
Michel Bay went F*ck*ng nuts and I believe Optimus Prime was his minds in film representative. He said everyone and everything can DIE! I was literally taken back by the Humans just blowing up! A large beam would strike them and we would be left with dust, smoke and bones. Yes, they make it very clear that these people died by showing rolling skulls. Though the sequence was a little much for a somewhat family film, it is also a little refreshing to see them go "yeah, that is probably what would happen."
Many were taken back by the Autobots Final strategy and by Optimus Primes personality change. I personally see where he was coming from, it was no longer the normal heroics that were needed. This was war, something the Autobots are very familiar with. We seem to forget that Optimus Prime is essentially a Military general, and he showed just why in the films climactic ending.
I feel this movie was a great send off to a fantastic Trilogy and would love for them to end it here. Reason I would love to end it here is because I still love the films. If they Carried on the negatives would become far to annoying for me to keep my love going. At the end of the day these movies look like there filmed by a Car/Lingerie Commercial director. Every act felt like a 35 minute trailer and there were so many scenes that are just Pointless.
A perfect example would be a scene were Tyrese Gibson's character is reunited with Sam. They go out to gather some help for the upcoming battle. The scene then flips to Decepticons destroying ChiTown. It then cuts Back to a group of Militia style soldiers are loading up and jumping in to the back of truck. Then cuts back to More ChiTown Destruction. Then the Militia roles into town. I couldn't help but think, "who the hell are they, do they have training for battle scenarios and where do they get there equipment? In fact do any of them even have name?!!?"
All in all, I Enjoyed the hell out of this movie. It was very entertaining and I consistently had me and my companies attention. It was without a doubt the Best Blockbuster of the Summer Thus far and the 3D was Phenomenal!
I say check it out and give it a 3.5/5 stars.
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon is in theaters now!