Transformers Details

It should have been great

Pros:

1)There is some great CGI

2)When the Decepticons first begin to reveal themselves, it's pretty sinister and dead exciting.

3)Shia is good value and Megan is truly a fox.

4)There are some great comedy moments.

Cons:

1) It's far too long. Bay makes the mistake of trying to fit too many scenes in, when there isn't enough subject matter to go around. This means that even the action scenes drag and you want the film to end about half an hour before it does.

2)Although the robots look great, the fighting is often too fast to keep up with.

3)The little robot that does the hacking is really, really annoying.

4)The script, although funny in places, often feels like it was written by a 12 year old.

5)The plot is patchy, at best.

6)Why is John Turturro in this film?

7)It is very, very cheesy.

In summary, although I loved Transformers when I was a kid, this was a pretty big disappointment. It probably could have been saved by editing out about an hour of the detritus, or by cutting down on the cheese factor, but even though I gave it more than the benefit of the doubt (I was trying desperately hard to like it), I almost wish I hadn't been to see it.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Michael Bay, please stop!!

Oh dear, I'm sooo disapointed. I was very excited about Transformers. Ever since downloading the first teaser trailer. Even though it was being directed by Michael Bay I thought even he cant screw this one up. How wrong I was. Don't get me wrong, the transformers looked great. I even thought changing Bumblebee from a Beetle to a Camaro worked well (with a little nod to his roots). but THATS IT! Now, I wasn't expecting much from the story, as the fact is it's merely a vessel to see giant transforming robots fight each other. No, the real problem is the OTT 1980s cinematography (Even Tony Scott doesn't direct films like a 1980s Tony Scott film any more). It was also REALLY LOUD! except the dialogue, which occasionally got lost. Basically, Michael Bay has never grown up as a film maker. He also hasn't grasped the concept of less is more. this film should be 90 minutes long, as it is it's about 2hrs 20. This means i spent huge swathes of time looking at my watch, even during action sequences! Please don't let him direct the sequel! Hey, how about Paul Greengrass? That would rock!