Movie Review: Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Just when you thought giant talking robots with machine guns couldn’t get any better, Optimus Prime pulls out a jetpack, battle axe, and a deadly trailer of justice.

Following the original Transformers (2007) and its sequel Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Transformers: Dark of The Moon makes up for the weak second film with a dramatic finale.

The Autobots and Decepticons are at it again, and the United States government finds itself in a battle of wills between the great former leaders of Cybertron. Apollo moon landing conspiracies, Russians, and top secret revelations push the plot forward.

Unfortunately the first two acts are hit or miss, as the story and character arcs build up slowly and the film is overly long at 157 minutes.

But it’s tied together admirably in the end, as the third act satisfies your desires with city eating robots, hand to hand combat, exploding paratrooper helicopters, resurfaced rivalries, huge explosions, fire fights, humor, drama, surprises and even more explosions.

Director Michael Bay could be faulted for his near constant use of the slow down camera amidst conflicts, but you know what? It’s fun! The role of this movie is to be a summer blockbuster, and it plays that role well.

The stars are both human and computer generated.

On the human side, Shia LeBouf returns as Sam Witwicky, the ally to the earth defending Autobots. Megan Fox is gone as the sexy girlfriend, replaced by Rosie Huntington-Whitely as Carly. While not the most amazing actress by herself, their on-screen relationship is believable. The film also stars John Malkovich, Patrick Dempsey, and a recognizable cast of dozens more.
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As far as voice acting goes, Transformers has some of the best, and the robots are vitalized with genuine emotions. Peter Cullen reprises his role as Optimus Prime, accompanied by Hugo Weaving as Megatron, and Leonard Nimoy (Spock from Star Trek) as Sentinel Prime.

3D cinematic effects are appropriately impressive, accompanied by a professional display of lighting and specialized camera work.

The Decepticon robot called Shockwave is remarkable: A giant metallic tentacle beast that can devour entire buildings. Its sharp metallic body appears smoothly organic as it constricts around a rectangular glass and steel tower.

The PG-13 rating is there for a reason. Sam’s overbearing parents are sexually crude and annoying, just as in the previous films. Swear words are spoken for the sake of being edgy. And the ultra robot-on-robot violence, while entertaining, is also graphic. Simply because they’re robots it seems okay.

Ultimately, this installment of Transformers satisfies where it matters most. The climactic showdown between Optimus Prime and the bad guys makes the entire movie worth the price of a ticket.

Autobots, roll out!

[etRating value=“ 4.0”]