Transformers

Reviewed by:
Pete Hammond

It's the toys or us in the awesome sci-fi blockbuster, Transformers, which takes the beloved trucks-turned-robots of the '80s and whips them up into a CGI-laded extravaganza that is not only one amazing, entertaining ride, but also the best movie of its kind in light-years. It's an irresistible combination of fun and thrills that will probably have you lining up more than once this summer. Shia LaBeouf is cast as dweeby high school student Sam Witwicky (yes, that's his name), whose new car, a beaten-up used Camaro actually turns out to be Bumblebee, a friendly Autobot, which is the advance team for a group who comes from the outer reaches of space to search for the all-powerful Allspark, a cube-like contraption that gives its owner unlimited control. Sam unwittingly is the key to their quest and becomes the main figure in their battle against the evil Decepticons, who are out to grab it and destroy the human race. Along for the ride is Sam's untouchable fantasy girl (the aptly named Megan Fox), who provides some nice visuals to go with the truly incredible special effects that blow every other film this year out of the universe. They are expertly engineered by director Michael Bay (Armageddon, Bad Boys), whose trademark car chases and mayhem have never been used so effectively. Executive producer Steven Spielberg's hand is all over this project, with elements recalling the human dimensions of his own earlier alien epics like E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The spectacular battles against the invaders also involve a group of soldiers (including Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson) and a secret organization led by John Turturro, which know more than they are letting on to the government. Transformers is bound to produce several inferior sequels, but the pure joy of discovery from this kick-ass original is not to be missed.

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