Sci Fi Day: (Part Two) Transformers (2007)

Unlike the rather complex Donnie Darko, you only need half a brain to enjoy our last film of the day. So if you’re thinking of watching Transformers then turn on your TV and switch off your brain for some mindless robot on robot action. The film follows a high school student whose mediocre life becomes fantasy when his old Camaro transforms into Autobot Bumblebee: The boy’s guardian in a war against the evil Decepticons.

The film is non-stop entertainment from start to finish with some very cool robot fighting footage seen throughout this action adventure. The graphical imagery was all pretty impressive and it all seemed very real. It's amazing how much attention to detail they have put into making it look this good. Although most of it was composed with CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery), Spielberg encouraged Bay to restrict the use of CGI to the robots and background elements in the action sequences which, I think, gave the film more of a realistic feel. At times the robot fight scenes were extremely close-up and in your face which made the super-sonic action a bit difficult to keep up with. I hope Bay will hit the minus button a few times on the 'zoom' front where the next film is concerned!

My favourite performances of the film are delivered from the Autobots themselves. They all have their own personalities which make them all the more loveable and amusing to watch. It avoided any opportunity where you would be calling any one of them an “it”. Peter Cullen, the voice behind Optimus Prime's character was wise and worldly and he was quite paternal which made him appear extremely comforting and an all round good leader. Did you know that Cullen once was the voice of Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh?

Bumblebee was just a gesturing genius. Despite having lost his voice during battle, his actions throughout the film suggest more than words ever could. He is a man's best friend and is there definitely more than what meets the eye through his yellow and black exterior (don't forget to notice the bee hanging on Bumblebee's windscreen which reads "Bee Otch"- check that attitude!) As for the humans in the film, I'm not entirely convinced. Shia LaBeouf (pronounced SHY-uh luh-Buff) in particular I thought was generally ok if a little flawed in his role as Sam Witwicky.

There were moments in the film where I felt his reaction wasn’t quite the appropriate or believable for the scene at hand. It may be an opinion many may not share with me, but I'm afraid he just doesn't do it for me (sorry ladies... oh and Ian hehe). As he’s a current Hollywood favourite, I’m hoping he will change my mind someday. The rest of the characters deliver a promising performance. This film's an all round entertainer- a definite recommendation for anyone who enjoys some straightforward action-packed Sci Fi madness. Bay’s next chapter from the franchise is just around the corner- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is due to be released in the summer of ’09- can't wait!

For Ian's take on Transformers, click here.

Thanks for your patience with our slightly extended version of Sci-Fi Day. I hope you guys enjoyed our line-up and will equally enjoy our upcoming genre which will be announced in the near future so watch this space.

Beeeeee Goooood!