Review of Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) by Ubaldo O — 24 Nov 2014

I dunno man, I'm kinda on the fence with this one.

This third instalment in Michael Bay's blockbuster franchise really kind of feels like two separate movies for me. Overall, I wouldn't say it's a terrible flick. It has some stuff going for it, but I can't deny that they kinda sorta repeated many of the same mistakes in the first half of the movie that made the second one so bad. First of all: they threw in more of that stupid humour that the franchise is now sadly known for, and it seems as if they were trying to be a wee bit too serious with the plot, despite its gleefully over-the-top premise. What I loved so much about the first Transformers is that it had a pretty simple narrative, that didn't take itself too seriously, and had a positive energy about it that just made it so derpy and loveable, which was severely lacking in the first half of this movie.

However, when the shit starts going down, this movie actually starts to get interesting. Michael Bay is at his best when things on screen are epic and dynamic, which are the two words that best sum up the final, 45 minute long final battle sequence. The battle of Chicago is hands down one of the coolest sustained action sequences I have ever seen, and is bolstered by some truly fantastic special effects. All the action is very well shot, coordinated, and is just flat out fun to watch.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a 50/50 deal. If you can get though the opening parts of the film, you will be rewarded by one hell of an action packed third act that almost makes the whole thing worth while.