Transformers Trilogy

I finally managed to sit down and watch all three films, or rather watch the first two and see the new one in theaters. I decided that since I watched all three I'd critique them as a group. Caution: May contain some spoilers.

Transformers follows the basic plot of the classic television series. Autobots and Decepticons are still at war even after the destruction of their home. However, their war has crossed onto our planet Earth. While following the classic story they further explore the idea of 'More Than Meets the Eye'. Sam Witwicky is the classic nerdy high school kid who can't get the girl (Mikaela). His father takes him to purchase a cheap car when one chooses him. It is revealed that his car is a transformer named Bumblebee (definitely Japanese-^_^). He is one of the soldiers that fights for the Autobots. The Decepticon's current mission is now to capture the Allspark to 'Punish and Enslave' Earth. Through a surprising turn of events Sam's grandfather came across the 'Ice Man' who places a map for the Allspark onto his grandfather's glasses. Sam is pulled into their war, and must attempt to assist the Autobots while getting the girl.


This film is a surprisingly believable story, and I was surprised that their was so much doubt about this film in the beginning. The effects were great for this action sci-fi flick. The transformations were made believable (for a car turned into a humanoid robot). Shia was a great pick for this film, and Megan Fox was... a kitten. She was picked, obviously, for her looks and not her acting ability. She didn't place much emotion into the acting, but the film editing really pulled it together. It made her acting look decent, but I was glad to find out that she did her stunts. Michael Bay did a great job taking this film from the, old toys, television series to film. There is also an ending epic battle-creating a great action conclusion.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is the sequel to the first Transformers film. It brings back many of the old favorite characters, Autobots, and Decepticons. It also features three female Autobots (or one female Autobot-depending on how far you go back with the Transformer story)... ^_^ (The ARCEE Sisters). In this one the Decepticons have found a new way to enslave Earth. They need the coordinates that will lead them to a device that belonged to the Prime's. Bumblebee and Mikaela get left behind as Sam goes to college, but not forgotten. A piece of the Allspark was left in his jacket, and managed to leave an imprint on his mind that would lead the Transformers to the device. Once again Sam is pulled back into the war to help protect Earth.


This is a great sequel to the first. It brings back the old cast, and presents some new ones. It also features a new Decepticon called the Devastator. This creature is massive and highly dangerous. It was worth the effort and time to place him into the film. I must also confess that I was surprised at how well tanned all the actors were in this film. I enjoyed the changing landscape from America to Egypt. I'm also glade that the film kept as much of the old cast as possible. The film showed respect to the old Transformers iterations with a robotic cat and nano transformers. This one does not disappoint with the ending epic battle.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is the third part of the series. This film will entice fans of the other two films. As a reverse of the the second film, Sam is living life wishing he could become a hero once again. Sam's new girlfriend, Carly, wants him to be normal. Either way the Decepticon's new plan is unfolding. The Decepticon's and Autobot's learn about Cybertron (Internet Movie Data Base called it Cybertonian?) that was hidden on the dark side of the moon. Earth space explorers discovered it first, and were afraid of its contents. The war takes a new turn as the Autobots and the Decepticons fight for their old home, or for Earth.


This has a very familiar story line with a few new turns. If you hate repetition, you might get slightly frustrated, but this is still a great film. The effects are amazing, and the new Decepticon (Shockwave) is wicked. Sadly, you will find yourself comparing the old and new actress, Megan Fox and Rosie Huntington-Whitley. Opinions will vary based on preference. However, everyone still asks the question of what happened to Mikaela? There is never a real definitive answer. At first I was worried that the acting persona's were going to be over the top. They had a familiar actor Ken Jeong (surprisingly) from... the Hangover... ? He did get to be much for the films dark action tone, but his part ends with enough dark humor to eclipse it. Simmons makes a reappearance and I must confess following all three films shows his amazing transformations. He begins as a agent in the first film. He turns into a butcher, with his mother living with him, who posts alien conspiracies on the web in the second film. In the third installment, he's a famous bookseller with a unique body guard.


This one also goes further into the idea of the governments fear of the robotic aliens being on their planet. It also goes deep into the idea of who is a villain and who is a hero. Since we're humans we view anyone who fights for Earth as a hero. However, in this one the Autobot's actually fight against their old home and the Decepticon's are fighting for the survival of their old home (even if it does make mankind slaves). It is a really tough call when really thought about. Either way, the film turned out great in the end-even with it's length (157 minutes-go with an empty bladder). The ending battle is still epic, and many of the old favorite characters return in this film (Except for the surviving ARCEE Sisters...Sister?). It is definitely worth viewing at least once.