"Transformers" - Where Machines and Humans Unite

Released on July 3, 2007, "Transformers" was directed by Michael Bay and written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. It was also executive produced by Steven Spielberg. This delightful action, sci-fi, adventure thriller centers around alien robots and their battle to save or destroy all mankind on planet Earth. It all started many years ago on planet Cybertron, when a war began between the Autobots, led by honorable Optimus Prime, and the evil Decepticons, led by dreadful Megatron and their fight to control the Allspark, a mystical device that grants unlimited power to whoever has it. Long story short, the Autobots smuggled the Allspark off the planet, then Megatron tracked it to Earth! Whereas, Captain Archibald Witwicky and his expedition team accidentally stumbled upon the Allspark, while on the Arctic Ocean. Before the devilishly Megatron slipped into a comatose state, he somehow places a map of the location of the Allspark in Captain Witwicky's glasses, where a transmission was immediately sent to Cybertron. Here, the stage is set.

A century has passed since that fateful period. Now, Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LaBeouf, teenager and descendent of Captain Witwicky, decides to buy his first car. While on his much anticipated shopping spree, he mysteriously stumbles upon a yellow Camaro named, Bumblebee. Even though the car appears to be outdated, unattractive, and extremely dirty, unknowingly to Sam, Bumblebee is an Autobot in disguise, sent to Earth to protect him and locate the missing Allspark. At first, Bumblebee seems to be the only Transformer on Earth. And, eventually, Sam, comes to understand what Bumblebee really is and what unique talents he possesses. But, in the desert of Qatar, the Decepticons, Blackout and Scorponok launch a major attack on a nearby U.S. military base. Here, Captain Lennox, USAF Tech Sergeant Epps, and more fight for the ultimate survival. Furthermore, Frenzy, also sent by the Decepticons, desperately tries to locate Sam and the whereabouts of Megatron and the Allspark. This is where computer experts, Maggie Madsen and Glenn Whitman finally determine who or what hacked into the U. S. Government computer system. These events prompt the Pentagon to send out their special Sector Seven agents to capture specimens, Sam, and Mikaela Banes, played my Megan Fox. We later learn that deep within the depths of Hoover Dam, Megatron is secretly held in a state of refrigeration by the U. S. Government, along with the missing Allspark.

It seems the Allspark has the ability to turn any machine or device into a Transformer, ready to terminate all mankind. So it's up to Sam Witwicky, the U.S. military, Mikaela, and the Autobots, to save the day. Thus, another war erupts where everyone, including Defense Secretary John Keller gets into the action by firing weapons to stop Frenzy's brutal attacks at the Dam. I especially like the scene where Bumblebee is released from captivity and leads the way to an unending battle. He suffered much in this movie, since he was obviously the weakest Autobot and probably the youngest. Optimus Prime seemed to be the oldest. It was also revealed, during the final moments of battle, that Optimus Prime and Megatron were indeed brothers. Go figure! This sort of reminds me of the animated classic, "Lion King" and the bad brother who tried to murder the good brother to gain power and to rule the kingdom.

Hence, I enjoyed this movie to the fullest because it says alot about mankind and their need for survival. It was also extremely saddened because one of the good guys, Jazz, died in the line of duty. He really liked the urban culture. Most importantly, I enjoyed the special effects. Cars, tanks, trucks and helicopters changing into alien robots. Talk about cool! I also enjoyed watching superb teamwork between the Autobots and the humans, as they worked hand-in-hand to save Earth. Their bravery was undeniable! I sat on the edge of my seat, cheering for the Autobots and their quest to right the wrongs created by their war with the Decepticons. Furthermore, I was touched towards the end of the movie when Bumblebee spoke for the first time (Bumblebee was silent throughout the entire film, due to damage sustained in battle to his vocal processor) and he told Optimus Prime that he wished to remain on Earth with the boy, Sam Witwicky. It was so cute the way Bumblebee looked at Sam, like a small child who found his first, real friend! This movie is truly worth watching over and over again! If you haven't seen this movie, please rent or purchase it ASAP! You will not be disappointed! Personally, I give this movie a five-star rating!

Winner of four Visual Effects Society awards and nominated for three Academy Awards, this movie grossed more than 700 million dollars worldwide. It is probably one of the most rented DVDs of all time. Autobots include Optimus Prime (18-wheeler), Bumblebee (Camaro), Jazz (Modified Pontiac Solstice), Ironhide (Modified GMC Top kick 6500), and Ratchet (Modified Hummer H2). Decepticons include Megatron, Starscream (Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor), Frenzy (Boom box), Barricade (Saleen Mustang Police Car), Bone crusher (Buffalo H Mine-Protected Vehicle), Devastator (M1 Abrams Tank), and Blackout (Sikorsky MH53 Pave Low III). Stars include Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Jon Voight, John Turturro, Anthony Anderson, Robert Foxworth, and a cameo appearance by my favorite all-time comedian, Bernie Mac as Bobby Bolivia, the used car salesman. This film is rated PG13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor, and language. Look for its sequel, "Transformers Revenge of the Fallen," due to be released in summer 2009.