This megabudget threequel needs little introduction at this stage, so massive have the previous two Transformers movies been. Despite their many, many detractors, together the previous movies have been an absolutely enormous success, even managing to bring in the coveted billion dollar box office. But even so, Michael Bay and co. had a lot to do when creating a follow-up to Revenge of the Fallen, as while it was a huge hit, it was victim to a haphazard script, overstuffed with robots and burdened with more than a few questionable characters (hello, Twins). So this time, they had to fix all of that. Did they?
Well, if you aren’t a fan of the first two movies, walk away. In fact, you probably already know that you’ll hate it if you didn’t like them, so there’s no surprise there. In style and scope this is very much in line with the previous two movies, so no change. However, if you are a fan, or even if you just like big, fun blockbusters then you’re in for a treat. I should disclaim that I am a massive Transformers fan anyway but even so, Dark of the Moon is a pretty spectacular summer movie in almost every respect.
The plot has similarly ‘what?!’ moments to the first two movies, and really is only of secondary importance as we see that the Transformers had a hand in the Space Race of the 1960s, and that leads to all-out war in present day. That’s the good stuff. For the first half hour or so we get to see Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBouef) struggling to be a normal guy and get a job. It’s something that could have been covered in about ten minutes but instead takes up the whole beginning of the movie, and for a while you might start tapping your foot waiting for some proper bot action. BUT DO NOT DESPAIR because when it comes, you won’t want to blink. I’m not exaggerating when I say there is a solid hour of stunning, visceral action.
Say what you like about Bay – he has an eye for style and action like nobody else. There are dozens of highlights to numerous and exciting for me to spoil, but the movie manages to top both previous installments and then some. The 3D, for once, works fantastically – at first it seems a bit odd but there are a number of scenes where it’s so good they’re worth the ticket alone. All the effects are immaculate, with the Transformers getting lots more screentime too – finally fans will get to see Soundwave do more than float in space, and Starscream even gets a few proper lines! There aren’t many new characters but the new ones we do see are welcome, key to the storyline and never annoying or offensive. Lazerbeak is a particularly great addition. Human-wise, again John Turturro steals the show but Frances McDormand, as a National Security Advisor, does great work too. Rosie Huntington-Whitely isn’t exactly Meryl Streep but she’s far more likeable than Megan Fox ever was, and Shia continues to scream and be anxious like we’d expect.
Like I said, I’m a die-hard Transformers fan so perhaps I found it more exciting than others would. I can see, too, why some people may be turned off by the loud, in your face attitude and complete lack of subtlety (hence my 4 stars instead of the full five!). But to expect otherwise is to expect a different movie entirely. Some may bemoan the storyline being somewhat secondary to the spectacle, but there’s no doubting the amazing visuals and effects, and the impressive sense of scale and use of 3D.
Dark of the Moon is a blockbuster that isn’t afraid to be a blockbuster – it embraces the characters and setup and never sets out to be anything other than hugely entertaining. One of the reasons I love blockbusters, and movies in general, is that whilst there are countless stories that challenge and entice us, there are also movies that are made just so you can have as much of a laugh and as much fun as possible in the cinema - complete escapism .For that reason, it’s absolutely wonderful.