Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon (2011)
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Action, Sci Fi, Adventure
Director: Michael Bay
Running Time: 155 minutes

Hesitantly I went to go see the third (and apparently last) installment of the Transformer franchise this past weekend, and in 3D to add that punch. My feelings were due to the second atrocity that Michael Bay titled: Revenge of the Fallen. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh - there were a few "cool" factors in the second film, amidst the Revenge of the Fallen's: ridiculous sex-driven close-ups, racist, offensive and unnecessary characters (whose likely purpose was for comic relief), a completely wrecked Shanghai with a ridiculous government excuse for a cover up, etc.. Nonetheless, giving the next adventure a shot, I would!

At this point, the autobots continue to work with the United States government as self-protection against human threats (still a part of NEST), while keeping an open ear to news of anything Decepticon. A Ukrainian government representative asks that the USA checkout something odd at an infamous location, Chernobyl. Lennox's team arrives only to be attacked by Shockwave after discovering what Optimus Prime tells us is a fuel cell from a ship that left Cybertron decades ago. Optimus is furious that the government hadn't told him about this discovery. The source of the discovery is revealed: the true intent of the United States' desire to be the first to set foot on the moon was to discover what had crashed there, (camouflaged from the American people) and they had brought back some souvenirs. I'll not get into the whole story/summary as it is already written for you! You can either read it on Wikepedia or on IMDB, or simply go see the movie ;) I'm simply going to note a few of the arresting features, and that which may help you determine whether or not to go check this out.

Known to most folks who have seen the first couple movies, Megan Fox, supposedly due to creative differences (and her not knowing when to keep her mouth shut, even if Michael Bay is horrible to work with), does not return. Sam Witickey (Shia LeBeouf) is dating Carly Spencer (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley), a ridiculously pretty girl he met while at the White House awhile back.

The ocular experience was quite pleasant. At a running time of 155 minutes (2.5 hours), I thought I'd get to the point where I would be anxiously waiting for the credits but time flew by. One of the more noticeable (and pleasant) features were the transformations themselves. They were much clearer than the last installment (all I remember from Revenge of the Fallen were clashings of metal on metal that apparently conveyed the metamorphoses of vehicle to walking machine and vice versa). I could make out more of what was going on and as a result, was much more visually stimulating. The transformations were amazing - the computer graphics team who worked on this movie did an impressive job. One item of difficulty with respect to the transformers themselves, is the lack of pigment to any of the Decepticons. With all the layered and twisted metal this army is made up of, it was difficult to differentiate between which bots were which. A knowledged individual informed me that in the original story, the Decepticons too had color, not just the Autobots. While I realize that the design for each are likely unique (the team rendering each Decepticon I'm sure can provide a list of differences), in all the metal, fighting, twisting, transforming, war... I couldn't tell which Decepticon was getting its butt kicked!

The storyline was straight forward, yet with a few historical twists and plots (the coverup/truth about man landing on the moon, appearances by JFK & Richard Nixon) and the visit to Chernobyl. We also get a deep conflict; Sentinel Prime, the original leader of the Autobots, gets revived by Optimus however he does not share the same commitment to the sanctity of all life. This exchange between Optimus's honorable desire for the good of all, vs. Sentinal's intent to utilize Earth's resources as their new home, while "employing" humans as their servants, is memorable. To imagine that one you've admired your entire existence and whom you've not seen for many years, is not who you knew him to be, and possibly to the demise of all you've come to care for.

There was, of course, plenty of fan-service; naturally Sam Witwickey's gal worked at a job in which minidresses was welcomed & apparently proper attire. She didn't fail to impress while amidst the battle scenes, could still run in stilettos and not have a scratch or smudge of dirt on her at the cessation of the movie.

While I'm sure you've heard about this scene (whether you've yet to see the movie yet or not), I would be crazy not to mention the incredible car chase involving Sam & Bumblebee in which Bumblebee transforms with Sam in the car, he gets catapulted through the air, Bumblebee catches him and transforms back into the car with Sam in the driver's seat. I must say - kudos Bumblebee; I'd like to also be your friend. If you can look out for someone in such a way that you can disassemble and reassemble yourself while not accidentally taking off a foot or finger all while racing down a highway - I trust you completely. Tremendous action scene.

We had comic relief via two miniature autobots; a bit obnoxious but much, much, MUCH better than the ones featured last time. No illiterate, gold-teeth wearing, ghetto-type bots for us this time around, thank goodness.

There's much more to share but I believe that it is time to bid adieu and conclude that I think it was worth the time & money. The 3D experience was fun. :)

I give this three out of five frames.



A trailer (for your eyes only!):



Head on over to the forum or shoot me an email at pictureonawall@gmail.com with all opinions!

Danae signing off!

Source: wikepedia,com, imdb.com, traileraddict.com