In 7 words or less: Giant battle bots change into stuff
What's it all About? The transformers are a race of sentient robots that transform, strangely enough, into various things such as cars, tanks and dinosaurs (go Grimlock!). The heroic Autobots battle the evil Decepticons not just on their home planet of Cybertron but also on Earth. This time however a new threat has emerged that could spell doom for all transformer life.....Unicron!
Best bits? Obviously the Optimus Prime v Megatron duel and the ending where Hot Rod is confronted with his destiny are both goose bump giving moments. The voice acting is perfect. I'm talking spot on perfect.
Did it make you think thoughts? If you don't like this movie you must be dead...or a girl. This is what the 80's was all about. Here was a franchise that had amazing toys, a great tv show and then ultimately an in-your-face, hulking-robot, smash-downfest of goodness. It can be daunting if you don't have any transformers knowledge but that doesn't detract in any way from being able to enjoy it as a stand alone piece of popcorn entertainment. The animation is pretty good for the time and still holds up well.
Amidst all the action and transforming there is a cracking story that made me contemplate how this film is full of real world examples of hardship, heartache and triumph. We witness Megatron's path as he rises to attain leadership of the decepticons (off screen), challenge Optimus to battle only to fall himself and be cast away by the upstart Starscream. This highlights the fragility of leadership and the perils of being 'the top man (or robot)' as others seek to usurp and discredit those in positions of power. There is also redemption, if short lived, as a bruised and battered Megatron is rejuvenated and, ironically, transformed into the seemingly all-powerful Galvatron. This is surely an illustration that everyone can and should be given a second chance in life. Does Galvatron use this second chance wisely? Do the wronged always seek revenge? If you've seen this you'll know the answer. The story also highlights that although rebirths are possible it is almost always at the behest of others and Galvatron exemplifies this by being caught in a symbiotic needs-must relationship with his saviour and in doing so becomes a tragic parody of his former self. Life lessons we can all learn from I think you'll agree.
Elsewhere the subject of religion rears it's head in the form and mysticism of 'the creation matrix' a life giving other worldly force that is worshipped by the autobots. Their faith is tested when Ultramagnus asks the matrix to, 'Light our darkest hour', but slumps into a funk when his prayers fall on deaf ears. Ultimately though, we learn that the power of the unknown (matrix) is the greatest force in the universe and we are led to believe that destiny is unavoidable.
More real world scenarios are present in the form of a back water planet that has a corrupt judicial system (according to our own standards of what is right and wrong) and a ruling class that dominates the proletariat. We are also told that through violent insurgency and the opposing of though in power, the breakdown of society is ever possible.
Would you watch it again? You're crazy right? I might even watch it again tonight
Rating (out of 100%): Forget about the recent Michael Bay travesties, this here is the real McCoy. I give Transformers: The Movie a more than meets the eye 94%
Would you watch it again? You're crazy right? I might even watch it again tonight
Rating (out of 100%): Forget about the recent Michael Bay travesties, this here is the real McCoy. I give Transformers: The Movie a more than meets the eye 94%
