The first Transformers movie was so good. I think that happened because it had a simple story where we got invested in the characters involved. In the first movie we really saw strong relationships develop between the human characters and the Autobots. It was also cool to see our childhood toys become such badass machines on the big screen. That first movie also had the perfect match between an action movie and comedy. Since then, Michael Bay has certainly steered this franchise off course.
This is going to be a weird statement, but in these fantastic action movies I want things to feel real. I know that does not make sense, but I think the best action, super hero, fantasy movies, feel real. It does not take too much for my imagination to believe batman could be real, or that these space aliens could exist. In The Dark Knight we get this real world action with fantastic characters who have a deep and interesting story, and maybe that is too high of a standard to request. I think the realism comes from the acting, and sadly Transformers: Dark of the Moon provides the most annoying unrealistic characters!
Not to hate on Shia LeBeouf, but he might be the most annoying action hero in a generation. Sam Witwicky is not really funny, just annoying with his constant complaints and tirades. It felt like he was trying to play the rants Vince Vaughn plays so well, and Shia can’t pull it off. Witwicky also constantly finds himself in unrealistic, fantastic situations, where he believes he should be revered. Then to top it off the Secretary of Defense decides out of all the people in the world this unemployed kid is the genius link to all of our problems. Also, Shia or Sam should not be able to keep getting super model girlfriends, but the new one in this film, while good to look at, also is a terrible actress who does not add much to the film. Overall, I was just hoping that eventually one of the decepticons would kill Shia, as he has basically been in the midst of their battles several times now and really, they should just be able to help us out and finish him off!
Now that I got that off my chest, on to the cool fun stuff! It was awesome to see these robot creatures in new and different worlds. The sequences on the moon were very fun to watch, and I really enjoyed the fun twist on the space race and Chernobyl. It was also so much fun to see the decepticons destroy Chicago. Who doesn’t want to see famous landmarks just get destroyed, and an epic battle to take place in the cities we love. The special effects in these scenes were awesome, and make this movie worthwhile.
Overall, I left Transformers: Dark of the Moon feeling a little empty. I remember how awesome I felt after the first movie, and the difference I was feeling right now. This film is traditional Michael Bay, big explosions on an epic scale, funny moments sprinkled in, and crazy stunts. So head at and enjoy those parts of the film, but don’t expect the first Transformers, and the magic that happened the first time these great characters were brought to the big screen! (1 ½ out of 5 stars)
