Hello and welcome to Conner’s Critiques. My name is Conner Sharp and I’m very excited to return again to do another review for this website and share it all with you. My reviews/critiques will be based on three categories: Story, Acting, and Overall. So lets begin.
If your reading this, you’ve likely watched the other five hundred Transformer movies that have been made so far by Michael Bay. This one is a bit different though. For instance, Michael Bay is only signed on as a Producer. So there is definitely that. Before I spill all the review, let’s start the process!
STORY: 7/10
The main focal point of this movie, once it starts, is about a girl and her car, which is really about a girl and her robot, which is really a place holder for the tragic story of a girl and her father. Like seriously. There are more layers here then an Ogre. That being said the story is written by a relative newcomer to the scene, Christina Hodson. I’d keep my eye on her since she is also working on the Batgirl and Birds of Prey. That being said, having seen this movie, I’m now actually really excited to see both those movies. Why you ask? Because while this is the story of a Robot fugitive from an alien civil war, it actually hits all the boxes on a pretty satisfying movie.
The first Transformer movie was really good. It was the story of a boy being thrown into a very dangerous situation between a robot, a secret government agency, and a formidable alien enemy. This movie seems to recapture the same focus and energy, not with a heartfelt story of a girl, but it doesn’t feel like it’s forced, and it’s just the story of a young “person” who is having a hard time. It’s not cheap and it’s not forced. Speaking of not forced, the comedy is situational, and pretty cute. It connects with an 80s vibe without being as cringetastic as watching a movie from that era.
Lastly the growth of the characters matches the story and all in all Christina Hodson with Kelly Fremon Craig help wrote an amazing script. It’s only getting dinged because while it’s fun to watch, it wasn’t ground breaking, or monumental in it’s story.
ACTING: 9/10
Hailee Steinfeld is amazing as Charlie. Jorge Lendeborg Jr. does a great job as the love-able goof character. John Cena is a little wooden, but it makes sense, he isn’t supposed to be a great actor in this, he does what he needs to do. The characters perform their beats, and live the rolls. The brother character is annoying but I mean it’s the dynamic that he is supposed to fill. The most amazing thing I will say about this movie is, it doesn’t specifically force a romance in it. The characters bond, and they definitely are forming a relationship, but the aspirations, and the emotional attachment between the humans makes perfect sense and is a healthy message for children.
OVERALL: 8.5/10
A billion times better then the billion other Transformer movies, made and about to be made. Travis Knight does a great job directing this film and it reminds me that Transformers aren’t cliche and over played, It’s just Michael Bay’s explosionfest that is. For the Bay-hards, don’t worry there is a big explosive battle scene in the film, it just isn’t happening every 15 minutes like normal.
Don’t be distracted though, this is not a movie about the war on Cybertron, or a movie staring all the Transformers, the bulk of the movie is just the Journey of Charlie, and her robot buddy Bumblebee.
Conner’s Final Thought(s):
Kids will love this, fans of the original series will love this. People who want to enjoy a fun and easy movie will enjoy it. No prior knowledge of the series is necessary.
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