Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon ( movie review )
Transformers – more than meets the eye.
Transformers – heroes in disguise.
Is that how the theme song for the franchise goes? Well, it’s all I know and it’s enough to set itself looping in my head every single time the word “transformers” is mentioned. Don’t know anything about Transformers? Optimus Prime? A world where people don’t actually get heart arrests from watching yellow Camaros transform into gigantic walking robots? Fret not, for Transformers 3: Dark of The Moon is almost a new start for the franchise. Sit through the movie and you’ll get a rough idea of who’s in charge. (Not pictured: Sam Witwicky)
It is absolutely riveting to watch as screenwriter, Ehren Kruger, re-envisions the widely known Space Race as a covert response to a space-wrecked Autobot ship, The Ark. The plot for the entire movie is sparked off from this very moment. The director, Michael Bay, did an excellent job as he effortlessly drafts in Presidents Kennedy and Nixon, as well as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin through actual historic video clips. If you weren’t a big fan of world history before, you certainly will be now. The flashes of historical scenes successfully managed to sell this appealing conspiracy theory – even to me! I’d say that’s an accomplishment.
Cue the Autobots, freakishly huge cars turned robots, and the Decepticons, still huge but with slightly distorted faces. Scratch that, very much distorted. Regardless, these two species of extraterrestrials are battling it out to obtain the technology that would revive their once destroyed planet. Said technology was actually on board The Ark along with the leader of the Autobots, Sentinel Prime, the only one capable of triggering the technology. A series of events occur as the trajectory of the movie plays out that would actually have us admiring the sly plan the Decepticons concocted. It results in dear Sentinel Prime turning his back on the Autobots and their allies (us humans) and working side by side with the leader of the Decepticons, Megatron.
Now while we’re paying attention to the stars of this film, the human counterparts are almost easily forgotten. That being said, it is nearly impossible to forget Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and his girlish screams. Sam is also inevitably pulled into the impending battle, dragging along his new found love, Carly Spencer (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley). It seems his role is slightly demoted in this installment and as we watch Charlotte Mearing (Frances McDormand) point out bluntly to Sam, “You’re just a messenger”, one can’t help but concede that there is some truth behind those words. However, Shia delivers an impeccable performance throughout the entire movie that almost brings yourself to ignore his whining in the film.
Much is left to be said of his new leading lady, Rosie Huntington, most likely to be found in Burberry or Victoria Secret advertisements. Her role in the film is to look good and be the damsel in distress, both of which Huntington does successfully. Considering her lack of acting experience, her presence on screen is admittedly refreshing. Nonetheless, Huntington is no Megan Fox. So few have managed to pull off good looks matched with a spunky attitude but she definitely tried, so she gets an A+ for effort.
One should definitely applaud the returning characters, Lt. Lennox (Josh Duhamel), Agent Simmons (John Turturro) and Robert Epps (Tyrese Gibson), for the ability of commanding attention whenever on screen. Newcomer to the film, Dylan Gould (Patrick Dempsey) is a pleasant surprise to most viewers. Commonly known as McDreamy, Dempsey proves that he’s not just a pretty face with the ability to save lives; he can also shed the white coat and dastardly join the Decepticons. As we approach the climax of the film, the human soldiers are given genuine moments to shine and contribute to the battle, which was most definitely inspiring to watch. Looks like the Autobots have some competition.
By now, I’m sure you’re all wondering, what about the action? Well let me first and foremost declare that Transformers 3 has the most extensive and textured CGI effects for a film so far. It is arguably the best installment of the franchise, launching itself as a strong contender for the best summer blockbuster. The relentless climax practically batters you into submission, what with all the booming effects for almost an hour. Personally, I did not watch this in 3D (sadly) but there were definitely a few moments watching this film, where the 3D potential was very clear.
Conclusively, Transformers 3 has proven to leave you literally breathless after two and a half hours. There was such a strong effort put into creating this film, not just in terms of its scope but also in its pacing, performances, and ideas. While some might wish for the film to speed past the dramatic buildup, trust me, the wait will irrefutably be worth it. It may not be everybody’s cup of tea but Transformers 3 is an amazing visual experience and it definitely appeals to the male masses. Well, watching Rosie fashionably standing in the midst of a brewing battle helps too. Tip: Watch it in 3D.
BY STEFFI NUR AFREENA
Transformers – heroes in disguise.
Is that how the theme song for the franchise goes? Well, it’s all I know and it’s enough to set itself looping in my head every single time the word “transformers” is mentioned. Don’t know anything about Transformers? Optimus Prime? A world where people don’t actually get heart arrests from watching yellow Camaros transform into gigantic walking robots? Fret not, for Transformers 3: Dark of The Moon is almost a new start for the franchise. Sit through the movie and you’ll get a rough idea of who’s in charge. (Not pictured: Sam Witwicky)
It is absolutely riveting to watch as screenwriter, Ehren Kruger, re-envisions the widely known Space Race as a covert response to a space-wrecked Autobot ship, The Ark. The plot for the entire movie is sparked off from this very moment. The director, Michael Bay, did an excellent job as he effortlessly drafts in Presidents Kennedy and Nixon, as well as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin through actual historic video clips. If you weren’t a big fan of world history before, you certainly will be now. The flashes of historical scenes successfully managed to sell this appealing conspiracy theory – even to me! I’d say that’s an accomplishment.
Cue the Autobots, freakishly huge cars turned robots, and the Decepticons, still huge but with slightly distorted faces. Scratch that, very much distorted. Regardless, these two species of extraterrestrials are battling it out to obtain the technology that would revive their once destroyed planet. Said technology was actually on board The Ark along with the leader of the Autobots, Sentinel Prime, the only one capable of triggering the technology. A series of events occur as the trajectory of the movie plays out that would actually have us admiring the sly plan the Decepticons concocted. It results in dear Sentinel Prime turning his back on the Autobots and their allies (us humans) and working side by side with the leader of the Decepticons, Megatron.
Now while we’re paying attention to the stars of this film, the human counterparts are almost easily forgotten. That being said, it is nearly impossible to forget Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and his girlish screams. Sam is also inevitably pulled into the impending battle, dragging along his new found love, Carly Spencer (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley). It seems his role is slightly demoted in this installment and as we watch Charlotte Mearing (Frances McDormand) point out bluntly to Sam, “You’re just a messenger”, one can’t help but concede that there is some truth behind those words. However, Shia delivers an impeccable performance throughout the entire movie that almost brings yourself to ignore his whining in the film.
Much is left to be said of his new leading lady, Rosie Huntington, most likely to be found in Burberry or Victoria Secret advertisements. Her role in the film is to look good and be the damsel in distress, both of which Huntington does successfully. Considering her lack of acting experience, her presence on screen is admittedly refreshing. Nonetheless, Huntington is no Megan Fox. So few have managed to pull off good looks matched with a spunky attitude but she definitely tried, so she gets an A+ for effort.
Shia LaBeouf and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in a scene for Tranformers: Dark of The Moon
By now, I’m sure you’re all wondering, what about the action? Well let me first and foremost declare that Transformers 3 has the most extensive and textured CGI effects for a film so far. It is arguably the best installment of the franchise, launching itself as a strong contender for the best summer blockbuster. The relentless climax practically batters you into submission, what with all the booming effects for almost an hour. Personally, I did not watch this in 3D (sadly) but there were definitely a few moments watching this film, where the 3D potential was very clear.
Conclusively, Transformers 3 has proven to leave you literally breathless after two and a half hours. There was such a strong effort put into creating this film, not just in terms of its scope but also in its pacing, performances, and ideas. While some might wish for the film to speed past the dramatic buildup, trust me, the wait will irrefutably be worth it. It may not be everybody’s cup of tea but Transformers 3 is an amazing visual experience and it definitely appeals to the male masses. Well, watching Rosie fashionably standing in the midst of a brewing battle helps too. Tip: Watch it in 3D.
BY STEFFI NUR AFREENA
