Prolonged sequences of Sci-fi action violence, mayhem and destruction and that’s what the MPAA thought of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. It’s all that and more in this exciting alien robot adventure by action director Michael Bay. If you are a gamer, a science fiction movie lover or just get your thrills from astounding CGI then Transformers: Dark of the Moon is your ticket to ride.
In this third sequel of the Transformers we find Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) entering the work world following his graduation from college. High on life he has dropped his old flame Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox) and has upped his game living with high stylish Carly (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley). Holding on to her however get tough for Sam with no job and he finds himself conflicted. From here on out in the 154-minute film Sam’s conflict continues in the middle of a hellacious battle between Autobots and Decepticons vying for control of the Earth.
Michael Bay goes all out in Transformer’s 3 kicking it up several notches with a plethora of explosive scenes. He also does a little tribute to his awesome Armageddon with a space shot that out does the Bruce Willis flight. The buildings in Transformers 3 get toppled in ground zero Chicago much like New York in Cloverfield, but that’s a good thing here since the treacherous bots bring about some incredible devastation.
The last 30 minutes of the film and scattered skirmishes between the soldiers and the robotic nemeses are absolutely amazing. This time you get to see the relentless destruction of Chicago by a mega force not seen in the previous three Transformer films. That’s the fun of Transformers: Dark of the Moon and worth the nearly 2-hour wait.
There are many silly relationships played out in the film including Sam and his meddling parents, Carly unwittingly involved with the enemy, Sam confronting Mearing (Francess McDormand) the head of security with his hero medal, a jealous interaction between Carly’s boss Dylan (Patrick Dempsey) and Sam, and so on throughout the film. These are just distractions that only interrupt the film from the real reason you purchased a ticket, the battling transformers.
The 3D here is quite good especially in scenes where Sam slides down buildings and Autobots fight the Decepticons. And the sound gets incredible with bullets whizzing behind you and explosions all around. I can only imagine what this film would be like in IMAX 3D.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon is rated PG-13 for intense prolonged sequences of sci-fi action violence, mayhem and destruction, and for language, some sexuality and innuendo.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A witless story but an amazing display of sci-fi excitement. (C+)
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
