BrianAndPamela.com

Just got back from seeing Transformers.

Short answer:  I really liked it. Read on for the full review.

Long answer: The movie did what it tried to do.  It wasn't deep, there was a fairly simplistic plot and the acting was acceptable but not terrific.  That wasn't the point though.  This was from start to finish a Summer SFX popcorn movie.  And in that regard, it was a raving success.   Let's break it down a bit.  First the visuals, because that's what an SFX movie lives or dies on.  Stunning. The guys at ILM did a fantastic job with the FX, but even beyond that the film LOOKS good.  It's bright and crisp, with the high contrast look you need in a movie like this.  I saw it in a sub par theater (older projector and sound system) and the movie was still very pretty.  

As for the visual effects, there were a few drawbacks.  Someone who really knows what to look for will notice the faster than average cuts and the fact that you rarely see the robots standing still.  (The motion helps to mask things that would seem "unreal").  But that's a VERY minor gripe, and one I don't think most people will even notice.  The non-robot FX (pyro, particle effects, tanks being tossed like toys) were done very well.  There were very seamless transitions and intermingling between CG, miniature and green-screen live action.  Someone with a better eye than mine might have an easier time distinguishing how different effects were done, but I really didn't care.  There was nothing really to interrupt my suspension of disbelief.  

As for the other things like plot and acting… they were perfectly acceptable.  We've been subjected to much worse lately.  The storyline is similar to the Transformers from back in the day though if I recall my Transformers mythology, there are differences.  Essentially, Decepticons=bad and Autobots=good.

That's the only downside I can think of, the robots aren't the focus of te story.  Which makes sense because they are so freakishly expensive to animate.  No the story revolves mostly around Sam Whitwiki and his new car (who happens to be Bumblebee rein-CAR-nated as a 2008 Chevy Camaro instead of a VW bug).

I've been concerned about it, because my 8yo is into Transformers in a big way and now I have a REALLY hard decision.  I think he's right on the edge of being able to handle it.  YMMV, and I saw some parents there with kids younger than he is. But there is some language, and there are a few scenes which would require some rather uncomfortable explanation.  (One scene has the mother pointedly asking Sam if he has been masturbating in his room… it's really a funny scene, but I'm not ready to field that question yet.)  The violence would also be pretty intense for a young child.  There is very little blood and no gore that I recall, but several people are obviously killed in a violent manner.

So that's it.  It's a good summer blockbuster SFX type movie, and should be seen in a good theater if possible.  I doubt it will have the same effect even on a good home theater.  8.5/10