Transformers (2007)

Michael Bay has been lambasted in the past but this Spielberg production is an awesome display of what a modern blockbuster can accomplish when real talent reigns in a mercurial one.
The effects are astonishing. They have the same level of realism as War of the Worlds-they never dominate the surroundings but compliment them beautifully. The Transformers themselves are as wonderous as the dinasours in Jurrasic Park, jaw-dropping, stunning, and full of character.
In terms of action Transformers has it in spades. From the opening attack until the climatic street battle; it rivals T2 in "pinch yourself" moments-you can't quite believe the destruction unfolding up on the screen. But unfold it does at a frantic pace which drags the audience kicking, sreaming, and laughing without noticing the running length.
And at the centre of it all is young Sam who steals the movie from his CGI counterparts. Smart, funny, geeky; Sam is like a young John Cusack in The Sure Thing or One… more »

Michael Bay has been lambasted in the past but this Spielberg production is an awesome display of what a modern blockbuster can accomplish when real talent reigns in a mercurial one.
The effects are astonishing. They have the same level of realism as War of the Worlds-they never dominate the surroundings but compliment them beautifully. The Transformers themselves are as wonderous as the dinasours in Jurrasic Park, jaw-dropping, stunning, and full of character.
In terms of action Transformers has it in spades. From the opening attack until the climatic street battle; it rivals T2 in "pinch yourself" moments-you can't quite believe the destruction unfolding up on the screen. But unfold it does at a frantic pace which drags the audience kicking, sreaming, and laughing without noticing the running length.
And at the centre of it all is young Sam who steals the movie from his CGI counterparts. Smart, funny, geeky; Sam is like a young John Cusack in The Sure Thing or One Crazy Summer- a loveable loser who just wants to get the girl.
His parents are a delight. The sequence where Sam tries to stop them discovering his clumsy robot pals is hilarious. A farce on a gigantic scale that Laurel and Hardy would be proud of-a pure Speilberg moment.
Transformers does what any blockbuster should do-entertain. It is light years ahead of Pirates 3 and even it's political subtext is clear and concise-not a messy pop at the evils of Empire building but one of cooperation.
Simply brilliant.