SYNOPSIS: Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. When a mysterious event from Earth’s past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us. 

REVIEW: 

Mission Control: We are not alone after all, are we? 
Buzz Aldrin: No, Sir. We are not alone.

Can you imagine if a cover up like that were actually true? Mysterious and scary, don’t you think? But let’s just enjoy this movie first and worry about that later. And enjoy the movie you will if you can answer yes to any of these questions: Did you at least kind of like either preceding Transformers movie? Do you like Michael Bay style movies? Do you like good ol’ fashioned in your face sci-fi action movies? Again, if yes to any of these, then put this one on your to watch list. Michael Bay has received his share of criticism for the work that he does. It is baffling because for the most part, his movies have been successful. So what gives? Look, I really don’t care how you cut it, chop it, dice it, shred it, or rip it apart, Michael Bay can make a damn good action movie that at a minimum is entertaining for that very action alone. Correct me if I’m wrong but I always thought that one of the main reasons we go watch a movie is to be entertained. But of course, like it is in the case of all art forms, the appreciation for that piece of art work is in the eye of the beholder. Our job as critics is to help guide your decision making, which takes me right back to the qualifying questions above. There is no doubt that this is a Michael Bay film and arguable one of his best so far. It is beyond epic and beyond your normal action flick. It is intense and dark and at the same time funny and very sexy. The plot is quite intense too actually thanks to the story having some substance. The most intense aspect though is undoubtedly the Transformers themselves and the indescribably good special effects that accompany them. The next most intense thing is Shia LaBeouf reprising his role as Sam Witwicky. He has got one of the best wits (no pun intended) and line deliveries in the business and he is a pleasure to watch. After Shia comes Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as far as intensity is concerned. Hey, I’m a guy and I have to call it as I see it and I see a very hot and qualified replacement for Megan Fox. She is a different character altogether and even though there was plenty of speculation as to her being cast in this movie, considering it’s her first one, she wasn’t too bad. My teenage daughter was turned off by the amount of attention given to her character and her relationship with Sam, but I didn’t seem to mind . . . go figure. It’s always great to see the same performers playing their respective roles such as Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, and of course Sam’s parents. This go around we get an interesting bunch of additional cast members such as Patrick Dempsey, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, and Ken Jeong who brought the house down. Hugo Weaving is also back as the voice of Megatron and wait till you hear who plays the voice of one of the new Transformers in this installment, Sentinel Prime. What a treat! The retro scenes and actual footage of the Apollo mission to the Moon and surrounding events were combined nicely and very well done. This is another testament to the excellent special effects as well as the stunning cinematography. The fight sequences between the Cybertronians were much better this time because it was clearer and there was a lot more use of slow motion which made it easier to follow. Priscilla, however, would have been turned off by what she likes to call a blatant disregard for human life because this film has a lot of that. I, on the other hand, have come to consider that as the norm for today’s cinematic experience, even though I also don’t exactly approve of it. But let’s end on a positive note shall we? Many are considering this third chapter to be as good as if not better than the first one and that’s saying a lot. Enjoy!