More Than Meets the Eye!!!

Well, yes the line is used in the movie. And it riles up the nostalgia like no other in this action-packed thrill ride, which can be at times nauseating for the inexperienced moviegoer. Yes, I am talking about Transformers the movie. And what a movie it was. No, this isn't just some cheap cop-out revitalization of an archaic toy franchise (although every boy in the world will want the action figures all over again). This is an awesome modern day execution of the essence of all that is Transformers. Giant robots kicking major ass.

The opening credit that says "A Michael Bay Film" actually only helps this movie a lot. You know why? Because it's the subliminal signal to turn your Schindler's List critic brain off, and your adrenaline rush senses on. The movie is two and a half hours long but you only end up wanting to see more by the end. I won't give anything away, as it hasn't come out in the States yet. I just got lucky since it was released on June 28th in New Zealand.

Some people have complained about the storyline and the character designs being too busy and the camera moves too shaky. First of all, the storyline is giant robots come to Earth. One side wants to kill humans, the other side doesn't. Michael Bay is great at throwing us in the middle of this chaotic action. I mean, it really felt like you were there with a camera trying to capture everything but in a frenzy. The character designs were slick and cool and although different than the original cartoons' blocky simplicity, they were a welcome eye-candy treat, making the whole alien technology theme a little more grounded in reality. Also, the distinct core personalities of each autobot and decepticon more than made up for any aesthetic confusion for me.

Also, hearing the original voice of Optimus Prime in the loud booming theater was awe-inspiring. I instantly turned into a little kid when the famous voice graced the surround sound at the Embassy theater. On top of this, the movie was actually pretty campy and cheesy, but in a good, hokey saturday morning cartoon sort of way. Highly entertaining exchanges between robots and humans.

All in all, I had a blast and couldn't stop talking like Optimus Prime for the rest of the night. I also saw Kevin and Kristin's names in the animator credits, which is awesome! Congrats, guys and a job well done! Transformers receives my stamp of summer blockbuster approval!