Return of the Bay-hem!!!! Transformers Return in Most
Explosive Entry Yet!!!!
By: Brandon Porter
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| The Rules have Changed |
Story
Four
years ago, Optimus Prime and his brave collection of autobot teammates helped
humanity stop a massive decepticon siege of planet earth. Since then, both the
autobots and the decepticons have vanished without a trace. However, the siege
in Chicago has rocked humanity to it’s core and now the government has issued a
hit on all transformers…including the very autobots they once called allies.
Hunted down by the very people they fought to protect, Optimus and the autobots
find themselves in their biggest ordeal yet. But soon, a single father and
mechanic (Mark Wahlberg) and his teenage daughter (Nicola Peltz) make a
discovery that once again threatens the lives of millions of innocent lives.
Forced to reveal themselves to the world despite being hunted, Optimus,
Bumblebee, and the Autobots must stand for humanity to combat an enemy that
plans to place the human race on the path to extinction.
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| Cade Yeager inspects a seemingly broken down semi-truck |
Analysis
Over the course of it’s eight year existence, the
Transformers franchise has seen it’s share of praise and criticism. With
praises coming all around for the action and visual effects but criticism for
the acting, length, and underdeveloped characters, the on screen war between
the autobots and the decepticons has grabbed the attention of the entire world.
The latest installment, Age of Extinction returns the “robots in disguise” to
the big screen…whether the critics and fans like it or not. Faced with the task
of taking over the box office once again, critically, audiences and critics
responded about what you expected…negatively. Critics hammered the film hard
with a harsh 16% rotten rating on Rotten Tomatoes despite a passable 60 fresh
rating from audiences. Despite the negative reception, it didn’t stop the film
from dominating the box office. The film grabbed a tremendous 100 million at
the US box office and $301.3 million worldwide in its first weekend. The
Transformers may still be ridiculed by hard core movie lovers, but with box
office numbers like these, it is safe to say that these bots aren’t going
nowhere for a while.
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| Top: Optimus, Drift, and Crosshairs mount Grimlock, Spike, and Slug Bottom: Optimus and Grimlock take on the Deceptiocons in Hong Kong |
Review
It has
been a total of three years since the “Robots in Disguise” graced the big
screen, since their last adventure, a lot of things have changed. An archer
named Katniss Everdeen has taken the throne of the young adult movie genre,
this franchise known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe rules the box office, and
the sequels of beloved franchises like Star Wars and Jurassic Park are now
about to make their return. Now, the Transformers are back in their latest
ordeal with new robots and new human companions. After seeing it in IMAX 3D, I
only have six words to say…It’s good to have them back!!!! Age of Extinction
brings the widely recognized “Bayhem” back to audiences. There is a reason I
love this franchise. It is because it has the uncanny ability of delivering
amazing action with great orchestration and style. In terms of action, I’d
expect no less from a Transformers movie. The film delivered the fast paced, consistent,
and flat out epic action spectacle that has made me fall in love with these
movies. I can always count on Michael Bay to bring life to the summer in the
only way he knows how…blowing stuff up and doing it oh so right. It was also
great to see Bumblebee and Optimus on screen again. The two of them are the
heart of these movies and to see them again was a terrific sight. Now, as for
the human characters, they are hits and misses. Mark Wahlberg is solid in the
lead role bringing his own unique personality to the table as Cade. A pleasant
surprise for me was Stanley Tucci. I really enjoyed his character’s progression
and growth through the course of the film. He also brought solid humor to the
table and became a decent comic relief. As for the youngsters Nicola Peltz and
Jack Reynor, they were good but not standoutish. Peltz as the lead female
character doesn’t have the unique presence of a Megan Fox or a Rosie Huntington
Whitley, but she dose good in her role and has redeeming quality near the end
of the film. Hopefully, if she is in future movies she can possibly surpass Fox
and Whitley. Reynor is basically a breathing wedge between Cade and his
daughter. It seems like all he’s there for is to make things awkward or be a
smartass. The jury is still out on him whether or not he is a viable addition
to the cast. As far as downsides, I would have liked to have some backstory on
what happened to other characters like Sam, Carly, Epps, and Lennox and what
their fates were. I understand this is kind of like a semi-reboot in a way, but
it would have been nice to have some closure on the previous era of films. All
in all, Transformers Age of Extinction is a terrific entry into the big budget
franchise. Of course, the film or films themselves have their share of haters,
but you have to commend Michael Bay to sticking to what works and satisfying his
film instead of his critics. When you live in an age where most films have to
be dark, gritty, and depressing to be good, it is good to know the Transformers
series continues to step to its own beat and embraces what it is: a stupid,
dumb, popcorn action film that isn’t trying to be serious or please it’s “haters”
who can’t connect with it. This is why I continue to support this franchise
because it isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It knows what it is and wears
it like a badge of honor. I look forward to seeing how the next few planned
films usher in the new era of Transformers series.
Rating and Final Thoughts
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High octane, fast paced action and solid performances make
this latest entry one heck of a fun ride and begins a fresh new start for the
action franchise.
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The Bots are back and whether you like it or not, it appears
they are here to stay!!!
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