Transformers: Dark of the Moon

The 1960s Space Race was motivated by the discovery of an Autobot Spacecraft which contains technology of interest to both Decepticons and Autobots. Back in modern day, Sam Witwicky is struggling to find a job. When he finally does, his previous involvement with the Autobots means he gets involved in discovering, and then fighting, the secrets of the dark side of the moon.

Off the back of the hugely successful yet critically derided Revenge of the Fallen, it comes as a surprise that the stakes are raised even higher this time around. A statement of confidence permeates through the film: the changes brought to Sam's situation are not glossed over, they are embraced and worked to their maximum potential. Take Megan Fox's absence for instance: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has been brought in as what can only be her replacement, given the way her opening scene is filmed. However, she is not simply the girl-that-holds-Sam-back-and-needs-saving: she is the bread-winner, is central to the plot and actually shows some brains as well as other parts of her anatomy.

In another courageous move, the battle scene is long, but does not feel long: it is made up of various strands that come together in a very satisfying way which keeps the viewer on edge. Michael Bay has learnt from his mistakes, yet not by removing what after all makes his films successful - big explosions, action scenes and special effects - but by understanding how to make them work as well as possible.

There are some great action scenes and some comedy, and all in all Dark of the Moon is everything you'd expect it to be - solid entertainment that doesn't take itself too seriously.