Transformers

What was Michael Bay thinking when he signed on to produce Transformers?

Did the Pearl Harbour producer really think that this was a good idea? Tackling a multi-million dollar blockbuster developed entirely off the back of merchandising?

Considering that fact that toy manufacturer Hasbro has it's name right up there on the credits, Bay might have been forgiven for thinking that this would turn out to be a recipe for disaster. But you know what?

It wasn't. Against all odds, it worked.

Transformers is a live-action version of the infamous 80's cartoon, which told the story of alien robots that came to earth disguised as car, trucks and planes. Each cartoon was basically a 20 minute commercial for the Transformers toys, which made sponsors Hasbro a fortune as they stocked the shelves of Toys R Us with Bumblebee and Optimus Prime action figures.

But strangely enough, the stupid plot really appealed to my generation and the Transformers cartoon holds a special place in the heart of any boy between the ages of 18 and 30.

Which is why turning it into a movie seemed like such a terrible idea. The fan boys out there (men my age who still dress up as transforming trucks) would be brutal if a director messed with the 'source material.' But how could anybody come up with a half decent idea of putting these crazy robots onto the big screen? It's such a ridiculous idea for a movie!
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But somehow - some CRAZY how - writers John Rogers, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman manage to do it.

The succeeded by doing exactly the opposite of what the fans wanted. They didn't write a two hour piece of "Robot Porn." Instead, Transformers became a funny, exciting action movie that just happened to feature gigantic scary robot monsters.

The film focuses on nerdy teenager Sam WitWicky, who gets adopted by a '77 Camero that turns into a robot when the sun goes down. Sam is played brilliantly by engaging and hilarious Shia LaBouef. He's an unlikely hero, but lovable, funny and sharp. Plus he drives around in a Camero, which makes my day!

The script presents his life as an engaging backdrop for the alien adventure. Small details, like Sam's whimpering Chihuahua and his crush on gorgeous Megan Fox, make the film very human - which is a talent considering the movie's about robots.

Michael Bay gently leads us into the plot and it's almost half an hour before the Transformers really show their stuff. That really works - concentrating on a human story makes the non-human one that much more compelling.

When the action finally does kick off, you can rest assured that it's breathtaking. Robots fight in their full screen glory, kicking, spinning and mutating like... well, machines. The computer graphics must have cost a fortune, but it was worth it just for the level of believability and detail that goes into putting Optimus and his pals on the silver screen.

My only complaint is that the 'robot porn' can be a little intense. There's more concentration on movement than action and the final battle scene was so long and lively that my eyes hurt after trying to keep up with the actions on screen. But for those that kept up, Michal Bay rewarded us with amazing stunts and special effects. It was incredible.

At the end of the movie, I left the theatre with a smile on my face. Transformers is definitely worth the $10 to go and see it, even if you're not a fan of the old cartoon.