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Transformers take on the big screen

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by Jane Sissons

The new hit film Transformers is accurately described by Variety Post’ s Jay Weissberg as “big, loud and full of testosterone-fueled car fantasies.”

Director Michael Bay has successfully created a film that will live up to the expectations of any Transformer-obsessed fan. Exciting chases and animated transformation sequences put into live action make this film a thrill ride for all ages.

Transformers are fictional alien robots who come from the planet Cybertron and are divided into the heroic Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, and the evil Decepticons, led by Megatron. They are able to rearrange their bodies and transform into cars or aircraft, which is reflected by the lyrics in the theme song, Robots in Disguise.

The film tells of the fight between the Autobots and the Decepticons, as they search the Earth to look for the notorious Allspark (a really huge cube containing power). The Decepticons simply want to get hold of the cube to receive domination and control.

Shia LaBeouf, who plays teenager Sam Witwicky, becomes involved in this situation because his grandfather’s glasses hold a clue to the location of the Allspark. For Sam’s graduation, his father buys him a car which turns out to be an Autobot called Bumblebee.

Actor LaBeouf was outstanding in this film. He is appealing without being the typical pretty boy, and the witty humor of his character was definitely the glue that held the entire film together.

Although fans will be happy to know that the fight scene between Optimus Prime and Megatron is one of the best parts of the film, many will be dissatisfied with the lengthy alley scene where the rest of the Autobots are introduced. Plus the film’s back story is explained in a mind-numbing way that reminds you that this is, at heart anyway, a cheesy science-fiction story.

I had no interest in Transformers during my youth, and I had no knowledge or preference while I was watching it, yet I was able to follow the story and understand the characters without difficulty. In terms of utter spectacle, Transformers is a film not to be missed and it certainly seems like every cent of the $200 million budget was well spent.

With a combination of special effects, fast cars, an awesome soundtrack and some effective light humor, it definitely feels as if Transformers is one of the few movies in cinemas at the moment that is actually worth the $14.50 admission fee.

To get a taste of this testosterone-fuelled thrill ride, visit the movie’s offical website and watch the trailer.

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