Transformers (2007)

TRANSFORMERS

How curious… to create a film from such source material. When one creates a piece of cinema from a toy line, eyebrows may raise. Yet things are not as they may seem. Yes, the film has an MTV feel to it (i.e.: Linkin Park in the credits). Yes, some of the dialogue is a bit silly.

No, this is not a bad film. In fact, it’s a rather good one. It is also better than the first three of the trilogies (Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean, Shrek; Rush Hour to be released in August). Though it’s not saying much, this is also Michael Bay’s best work.

Direction: With that being said, Bay adds his own personal touches. I must ask: why is it necessary to overkill slow-motion? Why? The dramatic emphasis isn’t there, and it makes a movie look ridiculous. Yes, but I’m being critical… but that’s my job. I pay money to watch a film I actually really like, and the likes of Bay, Goyer, and Raimi take me to Matrix-land. It’s utter nonsense. Aside from that, Bay gets good performances out of his live, animated, and voice actors. Score: 7.

Production: One may expect something silly, given Bay’s history. Yet it’s very effective. The buzz surrounding this film has been long in wait, but the reward is excellent. Pay attention to the details, as it will enhance the moviegoer’s experience. Score: 9.

Cinematography: Bay’s films are known for breathtaking visuals. Transformers is no exception. Mitchell Amundsen’s work is spectacular… each shot meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. Score: 9.5.

Editing: I’m taking off points for the slow-motion, which just pisses me off. Save that, the edits are average… in the vein of Spider-Man 3. Score: 6.

Script/Story: I dislike it when filmmakers force-feed the plot down your throat, as it discourages the audience to become genuinely engaged in the story. That sums up the first 20 minutes. However, the plot points are intelligently written and the characters are sincerely engaging. The problem? The Stephen Sommers Syndrome returns, in cheesy characters (John Turturro) and overdone dialogue. It’s not terrible, but it is for freaks like me to rave about. Score: 6.5.

Costuming/Art Direction: Bay and crew are actually defining a genre and initiating a franchise. The costumes are good, and the art is well conceived. The principal characters are essentially feeding from great art—and that’s a good thing. Score: 9.

Special Effects: Seamless. Unfortunately, the slow-motion rears its ugly head. Score: 9.5.Score/Soundtrack: Much like Ghost Rider, many of the songs are inappropriate. Yet, who am I to say? This is a summer blockbuster, and it’s in the business of making money. The film does have a likable score, though. Score: 7.

Primary Cast: When I learned of a teenage hero, my nostrils flared and I instantly became nauseated. Yet, like Rodriguez’s reinvention of Rose McGowan as an actual actress… Bay makes Shia LaBeouf give an effective and encompassing performance. Megan Fox is sex on a stick, which delights my male parts yet lends me to believe that she is distracting me from the slow-motion. Score: 7.

Supporting Cast: Stealing the show are the robots themselves. Peter Cullen and Hugo Weaving’s voices are fantastic and ultimately under-utilized. John Turturro has no business in this film. I fell in love with Bumblebee. So sue me. Score: 9.

Keep in mind, that most audiences simply do not care about the technicals. That’s good for profit, and bad for the filmmaking craft in general. Yet Transformers is a good, fun film. I hate Michael Bay for his use of slow-motion (as I overkill the criticism of such, it was over-killed literally once every 10 minutes), though adore him for getting a quality performance from his lead actor.

If the story wasn’t shoved into my retinas, I would’ve given this film a higher score. It’s worth seeing once, and probably twice. Have fun!

Total Score: 79.5

Final Score: 8.

Ranking: B/B+