IN THEATERS
TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON
The interstellar war between the Autobots and Decepticons shifts into overdrive following the discovery of Sentinel Prime (voice of Leonard Nimoy) in this sequel from director Michael Bay. Only a precious handful of officials in the government and military realize that the 1969 moon mission was the result of an event that threatened profound repercussions for the entire human race. When the Apollo 11 astronauts discover the wrecked remains of Sentinel Prime on the surface of our natural satellite, they bring him back to planet Earth. But Sentinel Prime wasn't the only alien object on the moon, and when a malevolent new enemy makes its presence known, only the Autobots can save humankind from certain destruction. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Michael Bay
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, John Malkovich, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Release Date: Jun 29, 2011
Rated PG-13 for intense prolonged sequences of sci-fi action violence, mayhem and destruction, and for language, some sexuality and innuendo
Runtime: 2 hr. 37 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure
Review:
A literal orgy of action, Transformers Dark of the Moon shows that Michael Bay can adjust his style, to a certain extent at least. Dark of the Moon doesn’t correct a lot of the issues that over took Revenge of the Fallen as much as he just limits them a bit. He’s still Bay and there’s never much subtlety in anything he does. Michael Bay has always been an action maestro but the human element has always been lacking. The first third of Dark of the Moon is mostly a dreary trek through Sam’s struggle finding a job which is incredibly boring especially since you are just waiting all hell to break loose. Shia LaBeouf delivers a performance that look like it was sponsored by cocaine; he’s manic and unhinged throughout. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is a Victoria Secret model and Bay treats her as such, her acting is comprised of pervy shots of her thighs and her lower portions. She also blessed with more costume changes than a Lady Gaga concert, apocalypse be damned! John Malkovich has an interesting cameo part but is gone as soon as he shows up. John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and Alan Tudyk all show up for small roles each reminding you they are in fact alive. Of course this is all pointless; Dark of the Moon is about robot on robot action. In stunning 3D the carnage that is the last act of the film is truly impressive. A couple of the set pieces, the building collapse in particular, are insanity to the nth degree. Bay doesn’t even bother moving the story forward anymore; he just stops it to film all this madness. It’s a feast for the eyes and Bay is smart enough to move back the camera enough so that you’re always aware of what’s happening, a major change up from Revenge of the Fallen. Unfortunately it just end, the narrative just kind of stops. Credit roll but it doesn’t feel like there’s a sufficient wrap up for the level of stakes posed throughout the movie. It’s a bit of shame but not enough to detract from it all.
B-
