Transformers
Who needs Soundwave?
Review by Sirus

“Transformers” is the latest in the long list of modern movies being made based on older franchises. The movie tells the story of an age old battle between alien robots that finds its way onto Earth putting humanity in the middle of it. It all starts at a military base in the Middle East where a soldier detects an incoming aircraft that shouldn’t be in the classified airspace. When communications with the craft fail, the soldiers start firing on it, causing it to transform into a giant robot and fire back. The base is presumed lost with no survivors. The only thing the U.S. Military knows about the incident is a single sound that they heard while the giant robot was hacking into their intelligence network. The military creates multiple specialized teams to analyze the sound and determine its origin. Soon after, we are introduced to Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), a high school boy who is giving what appears to be a boring presentation to his class on his genealogy. During his story, we learn that he is the descendant of a man who discovered a giant robot in the ice while looking for the Arctic Circle. Both of the story arcs are developed enough that the story is believable (as cartoon stories go) and the action feels justified.

Shia LaBeouf does a fantastic job as Sam. Despite being a total nerd, he comes off as likable and is a great main character. The voice acting for the Transformers themselves is great with Peter Cullen, the original voice of Optimus Prime from the cartoon, reprising his role. The movie is littered with references to the series and a ton of little references that the nerds in the audience will enjoy greatly. The movie’s score is fittingly epic and thankfully strays from the average blockbuster score by adding in a few electric guitar tracks. Michael Bay does a great job infusing the “Transformers” movie with military action so that it will appeal to more than just the die hard Transformers fans. Anyone who wants to spend a few hours in a loud, fast summer blockbuster movie will find a lot to like in “Transformers” from cars and guns to huge explosions. The movie is also infused with enough fan service that the average nerd will find himself in a nerdgasm for a good portion of the movie. July 4th weekend is famous for massive blockbusters and “Transformers” delivers on that front.

Final Score: 4.5/5

Second Opinion by Dack

I'm a big Transformers nerd. I own the DVD's, and about 30-40 sealed transformers. The great thing about Transformers is that you don't have to be a loser like me to have fun in this great movie. Transformers does a great job staying faithful to the great hasbro toys, and classic animated show, while at the same time infusing new elements that enhance it's journey to the big screen, and make it more accessible to the general public. The special effects are mind blowing, being some of the best I have ever witnessed. The great acting from up and coming stars, Shia LeBouff, and Megan Fox (Who is stunningly beautiful) really helps the movie stay away from coming off cheesy. The only problem Transformers has is that it sometimes suffers from "Blockbuster Syndrome", making Transformers feel like a movie you've already seen. The summer of 2007 is redeeming its self, and Transformers is at the head of the pack.

Final Score: 4.5/5

Overall Score: 4.5/5