Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye

Easily the best film of the summer 2007, if not the best film of the entire year, Transformers finally opened in theatres on Independence Day 2007 after much anticipation. And it was well-worth the wait. Fully living up to all of the hype and buzz about the film, Transformers did not let down audiences looking for an incredible cinematic experience.

Every teenager comes to a point where they really want their own car. Such is the case for Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), who meets the requirements set forth by his father (Kevin Dunn). As promised, Sam's dad takes him to a car dealer where they purchase an old, yellow sports car with black pinstriping. Little does Sam know that he just became the owner of Bumblebee, one of the Autobots sent to Earth to protect the human race from the evil Decepticons. Both the Autobots and Decepticons are of an alien robotic race called the Transformers.

With his new-found freedom, Sam finally gets to drive the object of his affection, Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox) home from a party. Soon, the two find themselves stuck in the middle of this robotic war.

What war? Long story short, the Autobots and the Decepticons are both searching for the Cube, also known as the All Spark, which crash-landed on Earth a very long time ago. This item is the source of creation for the Transformers. The Autobots want to destroy it, while the Decepticons want it to transform all of the machinery on Earth into Decepticons and take it over, thus extinguishing the human race. Unbeknownst to Sam, he holds the key to finding the All Spark.

You would never think that Shia LeBeouf, who has often appeared in geeky roles (such as in Disturbia and Bobby), would make a good action hero. Well, he doesn't... He makes a great action hero. Not only is he an awesome actor, LaBeouf is in amazing shape. The guy runs more in Transformers than Olympians run while training for the Olympics. He has chemistry with all of the actors in every scene, including the inanimate Transformers. And, hey, he's pretty cute, too. I can't wait to see him in the upcoming Indiana Jones flick this May.

Upon first look, Megan Fox looks a little old to be portraying a high school student. However, once the action begins, you don't think twice about Fox being 21. She doesn't do much more but run around with Sam and look hot, but that's all that she really needs to do in this film. The CGI and LaBeouf do all the rest for her.

Speaking of CGI, there has not been such a spectacular display of CGI since the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day (which, by the way, was also released on July 4). You simply cannot tell what is real and what is not. Plus, the speed at which the vehicles transform into the different Transformers is absolutely incredible. The visual effects, especially within all of the battles, are unparalleled by any other film ever made.

It is crystal clear that director Michael Bay played with the Hasbro toys released in the 1980s. For those that played with Transformers toys, watched the cartoons, or even watched the animated Transformers films, this one will absolutely blow you away. Bay brings all of the characters to life, including the metal ones. You will find yourself actually feeling sorry for the robots throughout the film.
Plain and simple, you must see this film.

If there is a way for you to catch it on the big screen, do so. Otherwise, the DVD is a great option for you.