Movie reviews: The Transformers (2007) – Part 72

Like many women of the world, I agreed to go and see this film under the pretence that my somewhat regressed boyfriend was hell bent on seeing it. However, secretly, I had been looking forward to seeing this since the first advert releases. And I was not disappointed.

It is an overarching phrase, too widely used, but this film truly does have something for everyone. From slick actions sequences and performances that are only robotic in physicality, it is a thoroughly enjoyable film from start to finish that doesn’t let up, and has left room for a sequel.

Shia LaBoeuf, of Even Stevens fame, takes the lead as troubled young teenager Sam Witwicky, a young man with relentless girl troubles, popularity issues, car troubles, just about the most loveably embarrassing parents you could hope to find in film history, and not to mention a mission to save the world, on top of it all. Though new to Hollywood, he manages to handle his own and is not outshone by the presence of formidable, twenty foot robots, with his perfect comic timing and believable portrayal of a frustrated and awkward adolescent. And, although slightly young, he provides the women watching with some definite potential in the hearthrob stakes with his boy-next-door looks and quirky personality.

Megan Fox, also part of the new influx of young Hollywood, gives a feisty and strong performance in support of LaBoeuf as popular socialite-type Mikaela Banes, adding real depth to a character that could so easily have been a two-dimensional airhead. Despite that, she has her moments of undeniable foxiness, which are definitely in there as a bit of eye candy for the boys. However, she is not hateable for this reason, because of the performance and storyline delivered, and manages to build a definite relationship with the women in the audience. Who hasn’t at some point fallen for the class geek, or someone we’re told we shouldn’t go for?

But then there are the robots, who, despite excellent human performances, do undeniably steal the show with their breathtaking graphic prowess; the graphics team in this film have certainly gone all out, and it has paid off hugely. From Optimus Prime to Megatron, each robot has its own unique identity, and manages to develop a rapport with the audience, with particular reference to the robot Bumblebee and a very moving sequence involving him. There were certainly tears in the eyes of every true Transformers fan in the showing I saw, male and female alike. They are beautifully crafted, and definitely tip the balance, making this film an immediate success and immediately liked.

With witty humour, hilarious moments that we can all relate to, slick action sequences that simply don’t let up, and just about destroy everything in their way across astonishing sky and landscapes, characters, both flesh and metal, that help to form a film that doesn’t rely purely on the action and amazing graphics like other films have done, and a well-structured storyline that is extremely well-written, this film truly succeeds as a tribute to the original series and its nostalgic, iconic status. My only criticism is that some main characters, such as Megatron, are in it very little, which will disappoint many fans and, in my opinion, it’s a bit long. Also, some sequences seem a bit pointless, which can be slightly offputting to the story but, if you bear with it, the film is entirely worth it as a whole.

If you were not a fan before, after seeing this film you will have no other choice but to become one.