The first Transformers movie was a pleasant surprise, the second a let down with a confusing haphazard plot. A friend told me that they should have left the Transformers franchise alone: “Don’t taint my childhood memories”. The best way to deal with that: skip it if you feel nostalgic about the subject matter. So, is the third installment any good? Does it bring the franchise back to its initial glory? Let’s find out.
Transformers Dark of the Moon starts with a spectacular moon landing that ties in the Transformer’s story with real history. Admittedly, this came across better in the teaser trailer than in the theatrical movie. After this, we return to the familiar character of Sam Witwicky and his sexy girlfriend this time portrayed by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The relationship between Witwicky and his car Bumblebee is put to good use throughout. In the first section Sam is eagerly looking to find a job: the comical focus of the movie. This section is relatively slow and light, which works well to draw viewers in and prepare them for the more serious tone in the later sections. Technically, the movie is full of typical Michael Bay shots: showing the main characters from an upward off-angle and movie poster like shots emphasizing the relationship between characters. All things that we have seen before in movies like Bad Boys and Pearl Harbor.
The middle section of the movie is where Dark of the Moon excels. There are a number of original plot twists there. Good supporting roles from Alan Tudyk and Ken Jeong prevent the movie from taking itself too seriously. The confusing and gripping situations in which the main characters are thrown and the fact that during most of the middle section we remain closely with them makes this part particularly engaging and memorable. However, shortly after the break, after scenes taking place in a collapsing building, the movie loses its focus. There are, for my taste, too many scenes in which Optimus Prime comes to save the day out of nowhere. The finale is also drawn out, the last sixty minutes could have been told in half the time. Although, it has to be said: lovers of an action-packed special effects extravaganza will not be disappointed by this part. The Transformers are extremely well modelled and the excellent audio design gives a familiar feel making them very believable. There are few noticeable special effect flaws, and, fortunately, the 3D does not distract and is never overused: there is very little visual strobing and jitter.
Even though it is somewhat unevenly paced, it is almost on par with the first movie in the series, and a lot better than the second: one we’d perhaps better forget about. If you like Transformers, Michael Bay movies or action-packed summer blockbusters then Transformers Dark of the Moon is for you.
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
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Tip: Watch the excellent Teaser Trailer first.