Their War. Our World.

Last night I saw Michael Bay's highly anticipated Transformers. Two rival robotic clans have come to Earth searching for something known as the All Spark. Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf-Disturbia) is caught in the middle of the battle thanks to a twist of fate, and the purchase of a car that is more than meets the eye.

To say I was excited to see this movie would be an understatement. In fact, I was so eager to see it, that just as the movie was being, I had a terrible feeling that it wouldn't live up to my expectations. So, when I say that it surpassed everything I could have hoped for, that speaks volumes. The movie starts with a splash and doesn't let up. In true Michael Bay (The Island) style, the films is full of explosions, crazy action sequences and is generally a thrill ride from beginning to end.

But there are some stand out moments. When Blackout makes his first transformation - the first of the robots we see in the movie - the audience responded audibly. It was a cross between and inhalation and an "ooooooo". And I was right there with them. The first site of Optimus Prime made me shimmy in my seat with excitement. Actually, pretty much every scene featuring a Transformer was pretty freaking awesome. And I think I actually stifled a cheer when Optimus said his classic line "Autobots, roll out!"

LeBeouf was in particular well cast in this film. He has just the right mix of geek and cool to be believable. Megan Fox (Hope & Faith) was admirable in a role that was basically just that of 'the hot girl,' while Josh Duhamel (Win a Date With Tad Hamilton), and Tyrese Gibson (Four Brothers) provided enough macho hotness to please both the men and women in the audience. The coup de grace, however, has to be the return of Peter Cullen as the voice of Optimus Prime. I was instantly transformed, if you will, into a little girl watching the cartoon.

In fact, for all of the non-stop action, wild stunts and fantastic CG, this movie never forgets it's roots. Transformers was first and foremost a kids show line and this film manages to keep the spirit of that cartoon that we knew and loved so well as children. In fact, this movie was so much fun, I plan on seeing it again. Tomorrow. Check it out, there really is more than meets the eye.

5 (out of 5)

Labels: Action, Adventure, Family

posted by Lisa at 5:21 a.m. |