My Movie Review on Transformers (2007) · 12:24am Aug 29th, 2021
Yo, what's up, Kemosabes?
This is your friendly film, TV show, and episode reporter here with another review.
Today, I'm gonna give you guys my take of "Transformers". The 2007 film directed by Michael Bay, to be precise.
Here's the rundown of it:
In the year 2007, a raging civil war between the heroic Autobots (lead by Optimus Prime) and the devious Decepticons (led by Megatron) finds its way to Earth. Each team is particularly looking for a relic called the Allspark. The Autobots wish to use it in order to restore their home planet, Cybertron, as well as to end the war; the Decepticons want to use it in order to conquer the universe, expand their army, and destroy their enemies for good.
With the war threatening to destroy the planet and cause the extinction of humanity, the Autobots decide to team up with a team of humans in order to put an end to the conflict once and for all. The human team in question consists of two highschool lovers named Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes, U.S. Secretary of Defense John Keller, an army rangers team lead by Captain William Lennox, a former NSA data analyst named Maggie Madsen, and a hacker named Glen Whitmann.
Will the Autobots and their human friends find the Allspark before the Decepticons do? Or will Earth's fate be to become that of a mere dustball just like Cybertron did?
In all honesty, this movie was something I had in mind to review for quite a while, particularly out of an interest in seeing more Transformers-based content. That, and I was requested to review both this movie and its four sequels by a friend of mine on FiMFiction.net: TheClownPrinceofCrime, who is a big fan of the Transformers franchise.
The one trouble I had was that in the time I was interested in seeing the movie, it wasn't available to watch on any streaming service for free. Everywhere I went, it was only available to either rent or buy. The best I could do in order to watch the film was rent it on Apple TV, which was connected to iTunes. Conveniently, I was able to sign my account on the Apple TV service on my Roku, so I didn't have to watch "Transformers" on any small screens. Through there, I watched the film two times in a row in preparation for reviewing it.
So, what do I think of this movie after finally seeing it for myself?
Well, admittedly I didn't think this movie was perfect.
The prime nitpick I have is that the camera shots hardly kept still during the action sequences. The camera would get shaky, and the shots often didn't focus on the characters on a frontal point. An example is that there was this one moment where the camera was upside down during the demise of Blackout before rolling right side up, which was honestly dizzying to watch. Overall, the camera shootings needed much more firm planting for the action sequences to be absorbing.
Other than that element, though...I really must say that this movie turned out to be a blast in more ways than I expected!
For instance, the direction by Michael Bay, the story by John Rogers, Roberto Orci, and Alex Kurtzman, and the screenplay by Orci and Kurtzman, were surprisingly fun and well-worked.
One of the biggest things I've noted was that despite the movie's overabundance in characters, everything managed to tie together and come full-circle in the long run. The characters drove the story like they were the beating heart of it all, and I can't recall there being any details that weren't without purpose. The movie also had tons of comedic and witty moments that were unexpectedly entertaining; and despite how action-oriented the movie was, there was a great amount of friendship, romance, and family bonds to give the story emotion. Having previously read a few times that Steven Spielberg was involved as an executive producer, I can definitely tell that he was all-into this movie and didn't restrain himself from lending his own creativity.
The special effects were spectacular, if I may add.
Next to the Autobots' and Decepticons' appearances in "Bumblebee", the robot characters looked so real that it was like there were actual robots on the camera. Their overall designs were very appealing, although I will admit that I felt critical of the facial design of Optimus Prime whenever he deactivated his cowl. The transformations of both the Autobots and Decepticons were entertaining too, and whenever the movie was at a scene taking place in space it literally looked as though the camera crew were actually up there.
The music by Steve Jablonsky was marvelous as well.
Coming from a guy who doesn't recall seeing many movies that Jablonsky composed for before, I thought the film provided a great introduction to his work. His music carried a resonance that helped the movie be instantly cinematic and full of emotion, and the melodies greatly reflected the overall tone splendidly. The usage and incorporations of songs like James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)" were entertaining too.
Finally, the acting, casting, characters, and character development were fabulous.
Along with both the Autobots and Decepticons looking like real robots that can transform into vehicles, the performers voicing them portrayed their parts wonderfully. They gave their characters awesome personality, emotion, and sense of power with just their voices alone. In my opinion, the people who gave the best vocal performances were Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, Robert Foxworth as Ratchet, and Hugo Weaving as Megatron (despite the character himself not having much screen time).
Additionally, the human-visible cast members each provided the film with an enjoyable presence. They looked like they were having all-the-fun in the world being part of the movie, and they each portrayed their characters with excellent personality, accurate emotion, wonderful commitment, and a great sense of humor. The ones who instantly stole the show for me were Anthony Anderson as Glen Whitmann and Bernie Mac as Bobby Bolivia (despite his character only being featured in one scene); and the performers that I believe gave the most powerful of performances were Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky, Megan Fox as Mikaela Banes, Josh Duhamel as William Lennox, and Jon Voight as John Keller.
The character development in articulation was excellent too. No matter how small a character's role was or how little screen time they had, the film featured characters that weren't without growth. The Autobots, Decepticons, and leading-human characters were the ones that developed the most, of course.
In conclusion, "Transformers (2007)" isn't what I'd classify as a flawless endeavor. But, it nevertheless manages to accomplish being something that's entertaining and enjoyable. Next to the 2018 "Bumblebee" film, it's also a great place for newcomers of the Transformers franchise to start with.
So, I rate "Transformers (2007)" 4½ out of 5 stars.
the one that started a saga.....
Still one I dream and imagine about.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this. I definitely agree that this film is far from perfect but still is a fantastic way to start a great franchise.
Be prepared for the next movie though. Let’s just that the sequel is gonna be... interesting.
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Do you mean "Revenge of the Fallen" or the upcoming "Rise of the Beasts"?
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The former.
I actually first saw this film in theaters when I graduated from High School. And Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime was a real thrill, especially since he's been the voice of the character since 1984 when the original G1 cartoon first premiered on TV.
To be honest, without this movie, I won't be into Transformer today. So I say, beside the Bumblebee movie, I say this movie is really good to watch
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The first live action movie of Transformers was pretty decent and a pretty fun popcorn flick. If I had to be honest I really like this movie. Unfortunately I couldn't say the same for the sequels at least the ones done by Michael Bay.
Sure if you're only looking for action pack and overall casual fun popcorn flicks, than the sequels are fine. But if you're watching the movies for some sort of well written story....The bayformers are not it. The overall story is downright convoluted and all over the place, it's a right mass to be sure.
Especially with Extinction and Last Knight. Ugh...
So the Bumblebee Movie was kinda a blessing in disguise, because it was sort of a soft reboot for the entire series of live action transformers movies. Plus Michael Bay wasn't the film director just the executive producer. Thank. God.
So with all that said. Here's hoping the other film director does a better job with Transformers.
I was eager to read a review about the first live-action film about the Transformers, and I'm totally agreed with everything you have posted.
It wasn't perfect but neither it let the audience down given the fact it was the movie about characters of our childhood, and the one movie that saved the franchise from oblivion - too bad the following movies didn't catch it up.
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I agree, the BumbleBee movie was a blessing
I know some hated Bayformers, but to me, I only like the first one, third one, and fourth one (my personal favorite), the rest, I didn't like.
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Whether it’s just me is something I don’t know. But, considering the fact that Steven Spielberg executive produced every live-action Transformers film that’s come out so far, I’m surprised that he didn’t decide to actually direct one.
I’m hoping that he could direct a future Transformers movie, that’s for sure.
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Who knows. Given the fact how some franchises got a reboot, its possible to see that happening.
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OMFG! That would be something to see for sure. I mean the guy always did like making movies about good or bad aliens. So Transformers is right up his alley.
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I say it's possible. We have to wait and see
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fine by me.
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Yeah, there was so much potential when they first started. We were hoping for a great epic like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars. Unfortunately that's not quite what we actually got.
Michael Bay is not exactly what you call a good storyteller. He's more about being flashy than having actual substance with his movies. Most of his stories tend to be mediocre at best.
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and yet, look what it has become, despite all that.
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Hmm, true. But than again that's not going much does it?
Looking for an action pack popcorn flick no problem. Looking for a movie with a great story. Sorry bayformers are unfortunately not it.
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Have you ever seen Bay’s work on “The Rock”, by any chance?
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Who hasn't it? Granted I only watched once when it first came out in the 90s. What about it, friend?
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I was just wondering.
I remember reading that it was considered Bay’s best work. I saw it one time not too long ago, though, and...I thought it was a good film, but not a great one.
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Yeah, but than again let's not forget his work on Armageddon and Pearl Harbor. Sure on the side of special effects, a lot of explosions, and pure action no problem. Story side not so much.
Especially with Pearl Harbor. I mean come one trying to make a romance story during one of America's darkest history of World War II.
Sure James Cameron managed to get away with that with Titanic. But Michael Bay with Pearl Harbor not so much I'm afraid. Just saying.
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Most of his movies are likewise often known for having pretty stiff and unnatural dialogue, which was an issue I had with “The Rock” looking back on it.
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Yeah, that too. But than again mediocre storylines and stiff dialog. what do you expect from someone who used to direct porn films before making to the mainstream film industry of Hollywood.
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I remember learning that his time as a producer for “Bumblebee” was surprisingly different compared to him being director of the other Transformers films.
When Travis Knight was directing the movie, Bay was very supportive with every decision Knight made. Bay simply sat back and didn’t force Knight into doing anything, and he must’ve liked where Knight was going with the film.
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Well, yeah. Seeing that he was using updated designs of the G1 Transformers. Which were pretty good looking I might add. I'd say Mr. Knight truly understand Transformers and its fandom. At least that's what I think.