Transformers starring Shia LaBeouf

In 2007 when the movie Transformers (starring Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, and Jon Voight) was released, I automatically assumed it was based on and would be exactly like the children's cartoon from the 1980's that my eldest son had enjoyed watching. I remembered watching the cartoon with him to make certain the subject matter was appropriate. The Transformers was a great cartoon, especially if you like Science Fiction, but definitely for children. Why would I pay to see a children's movie at a theater? I'm over 40 years old. My husband is older and he has problems sitting through full length movies. I am very particular about the movies I see in the theater, especially at around $7.50 per ticket. Why I usually wait for a movie to come on DVD and rent it. Just like I did in this movie's case.

That was a decision regretted. I was completely unprepared for what I saw when I actually viewed this movie from a rented DVD. This movie was based on the cartoon, but better; filled with action, great special effects, and good acting. Definitely geared for pre-teens, teens, and adults. It is a PG-13 movie. Transformers was GOOD Science Fiction.

The main theme was the standard good (autobots) vs evil (decepticons). The movie covered how a robotic society anhiliated its planet, and why the "Transformers" came to Earth to find a cube that would help their planet become alive again. It pointed out how mankind and the "Transformers" were not so different even though we are made of flesh and they metal. This film showed how humans and intelligent-sentient machines could jointly live on Earth peacefully. Together the autobots and mankind rescue Earth from being obliterated. Great messages!

Yes, the movie includes war scenes with tons of special effects, but these were handled expertly (showing only what was necessary) instead of grossing an audience with tons of blood and gore (unlike the "Alien" movie series). Most of the battle scenes were machine vs. machine; machines were destroyed or broken. Obviously the director Michael Bay was keeping in mind that his audience would be pre-teens, teens, and adults. There are no producers and directors who like families walking out disgruntled from a movie theater. They want everyone who pays for their movie tickets happy.

Planning on seeing all future Transformers movies now that I know they are fabulous Science Fiction which instills one to think about how mankind and our government would treat pro-human plus not pro-human aliens if Earth was visited. I do recommend seeing Transformers, especially if you enjoy the Science Fiction genre.