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Sunday, July 3, 2011

[7.25/10] Transformers: Dark of the Moon [3D] (2011)


Transformers:
Dark of the Moon [3D] (2011)


Full review: Not nearly as great as the original "Transformers" that wowed us with its visuals, but definitely an improvement over "The Revenge of the Fallen", "Dark of the Moon" is the perfect summer blockbuster, despite its repetitiveness, lack of logic, paper-thin plot and messy structure. The third film is the darkest, most sweeping, and most grandiose installment in the series, but also the one with the most flaws and the biggest plot holes. Having said that, I rather doubt that someone cares about the story, since obviously, "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is all about the action and the visuals. And hey, who says less is more? Michale Bay's over-the-top direction and pompous visual style prove exactly the opposite. Filled with dynamic camera movements, tons of different angles, ultra-sharp editing, huge explosions, jaw-dropping transformations, stupendous action and thrilling chases, "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is as chaotically-shot as it's mind-blowingly imposing. Plus, Michael Bay's sci-fi robo flick boasts some of THE BEST special effects ever put on film - both, the Autobots and the Decepticons look absolutely stunning, with the newly introduced Sentinel Prime, the evil Megatron, and of course everyone's favorite Optimus Prime being the main focus, and Shockwave being the most impressive one in terms of design. The CGIs themselves are so polished, extremely detailed and realistic-looking, you won't believe your eyes. The settings are just as fantastic - the indoor environments are stylish, luxury and beautiful, and watching the beautiful Chicago being destroyed in a such a spectacular way is so much fun. (Sorry, Mel.) As for the 3D, well, it's downright phenomenal, and arguably the best and most revolutionary since the one used in James Cameron 3D sensation, "Avatar". To be fair, the acting is way better than what you would expect. The naturally-talented Shia LaBeouf turns in another passionate and highly emotional performance as the likable and charismatic Sam Witwicky. With Megan Fox's character Mikaela being dropped, Sam now has a new love interest, played by the insanely gorgeous English model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. And, oh Lord, she's a more-than-worthy substitute! Rosie is not only twice as hot and sexy as Megan Fox, but she's also a better actress, and has a much stronger screen presence than her predecessor. However, the supporting performances are easily the acting highlight of the film. Patrick Dempsey shines as the handsome, yet vicious rich man Dylan; Frances McDormand gives a stellar performance as the suspicious National Intelligence Director, Mearing; Julie White and Kevin Dunn once again deliver the laughs as the peculiar, yet incredibly sympathetic parents of Sam, but it's John Malkovich that steals the whole show as the quirky boss, Bruce Brazos.

Overall summary: The third installment in the mega-successful franchise may be an overblown mess, but "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is also the most entertaining, spectacularly action-packed and visually-stunning movie of 2011 so far, and hands down, the guiltiest cinematic pleasure of the summer.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

No worries, sweetie. Chicago's destruction and the rest of the visuals were the best part. I thought this was better than the first. Anyway, I'm writing my review right now as I saw this yesterday. I'm even going to do a companion piece about the locales destroyed in Chicago, giving you all a personal look inside.

Unknown said...

This a fantastic review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the destruction of my city like I did. :) I sat stunned with the amazing f/x. You know those wing men jumpers were real, right? They actually jumped off of the Willis Tower and flew down the river.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

They were? OMG, I didn't know that! Those people are nuts, seriously! :)
The Willis Tower was pretty impressive, especially the destruction of it. Thanks, Mel. Glad you liked my review :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I know, sweetheart. ;) I just felt I needed to say sorry, because enjoying the 'destruction' of your home town makes me a bit evil. :) I agree, it was definitely the best part of the movie, along with the rest of the visuals.

Well, I didn't think it was better than the original, because it didn't blow me away the same way the first movie did, but it's almost on par with it. I saw it on Thursday but I didn't have an access to my computer until today, so I couldn't post it earlier. Looking forward to your T3 review, and I hope you enjoyed it at least as much as I did. Wow, a personal look sounds great! Can't wait!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mel got to see her old work place destroyed - I'm sure that made her day! This matches my assessment of the film. Besides, we don't go to a Michael Bay film for plot and deep character development. We go because the special effects will rock.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, you're right, we don't. However, I think Shia's character was pretty well-developed. :)

To be able to experience the destruction of your work place is a dream-come-true for many people. Mel is so lucky. :)

Unknown said...

George, while I didn't enjoy this the way you did, I've to say that it's fair of your comments from your perspective (along with many others, including Alex and several around me).

When I put myself in your shoes, I can understand better the sentiments you've put forth of this film. I appreciated the action much better (after watching this again in IMAX 3D) and agree that the visuals (or 3D) have been some of the better ones out there.

I hope my earlier lowly opinion posted on my site didn't put you off (it's been rounded up recently, haha!), for the deductions were mostly for the plot holes and stuff. Action wise, visual wise, and sound wise, TF3 scored!

Thanks for your share George! :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

J-Son, no worries, buddy. It didn't put me off at all, I was just surprised that you didn't enjoy it as much as I expected. You know how much I appreciate your opinion - you're an amazing and very insightful reviewer, and a much better writer than me. ;) The plot holes were HUGE and the story kinda lame, but I didn't care about either of these problems, as I was so impressed by the CGIs, the action and the visuals, I couldn't think properly. LOL. :)
I'm so jealous you saw it in IMAX 3D! I bet it's been an incredible experience. Thanks for the comment, Mate. Always appreciated.

FilmMattic said...

Very good review, my man! Initially, I was going to award this movie a 7. The more I thought about it, in terms of a severe critical evaluation, the more I started to ascertain its shortcomings. But my first, most immediate visceral reaction was: damn, Bay, as he often proves, is a master of visual composition and action. So that's why I ultimately gave it a 6, which I'm quite happy with. I drew a line b/t plot cogency and visual flair. But I have no problem with your enthusiastic evaluation :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Matty, thanks. Your opinion means a lot :) You know what, critics are always too harsh on movies like this one, and it pisses me off. What the hell do they expect? Another Schindler's List?? Yes, T3 has many flaws, and its script is lame to say the least, but that's not a surprise, since we all know Bay's strengths and weaknesses as a director. And yes, he proved he's the master of action and visual execution. If I was objective, I would have give it a 6, too, but since I'm not, I rated it a bit higher. I'm enthusiastic, because I think that a massive production like this deserves more credit. :) Thanks for the comment, mate.

Lesya said...

Um. Well. You know what I think of it.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Lesya, I consider your opinion as pure girly, so I understand why you hated it that much. :) For me, it was a visual feast!

Lesya said...

Then why did I love the first two films?

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Lesya, I have no clue. It's a bit weird that you liked the second but hated the third, since obviously the latest Transformers movie was miles ahead of its predecessor.

filmrruss said...

Well, you know what my opinion is. Then when I read your review, I thought that you must have been watching a different film! The visuals were spectacular, no doubt; I just thought that a lot of the casting was unnecessary and the acting lamentable. It's a shame, because I thought the first film was fantastic.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Russ, I don't have any complains about the acting. I love Shia. I think Rosie did good, too, and the supporting cast was great. The first film was way better, but this one tops the list in terms of visuals and action.