Transformers

Director: Michael Bay

Starring: Shia LeBeouf, Megan Fox, Jon Voight, Tyrese Gibson

Imagine a talisman, the Allspark, which grants unlimited power to whoever possesses it; it’s the cause of a literally earth-shattering battle taking place on our planet. It is not a war between men, however. It is purely a matter of metal. The Autobots (the good guys for all those not initiated into the Transformers franchise) led by Optimus Prime, are seeking to find this talisman before Megatron, leader of the Decepticons.

It is the traditional battle of good versus evil with the notable twist that mankind is relatively inconsequential in these proceedings; however, this is not the case for long since Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen) teams up with artfully, even if inexplicably, with Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes (played by Shia LeBeouf [Constantine] and Megan Fox respectively). This is counterbalanced by the interference of government agents, led by Defence Secretary Keller (Jon Voight – Mission Impossible) who accidentally aid in the restoration of Megatron (voiced by Hugo Weaving – The Matrix), enabling a battle of epic proportions.

Guaranteed to revive the 8-year old child in all those who loved Transformers – and make those who didn’t feel like they missed out - Bay’s Transformers perfectly captures the 1980s vibe, keeping in line with the original themes, which would certainly keep the faithful happy.

Catered for, but not exclusively for, the die-hard fans, Transformers is a fantastic blockbuster of a big-screen adaptation. The transition from comic to movie shows a remarked improvement from the original film of 1984. It is a typically lovable movie for summer viewing: much action, a few laughs and more action.

Ben Sparshot