Transformers

Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Anthony Anderson, Rachael Taylor, Megan Fox, John Turturro, Jon Voight.  DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures. Sci-fi. Written by John Rogers, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman.  Directed by Michael Bay.  Opens 7/3/07.

REVIEW: Now, for those of you unfamiliar with Transformers, they are beings from another world who are able to change into various objects such as cars, planes and other technological wonders.  The Transformers are the good guys.  They are careful of us puny Earthlings and do their best to protect us from the Decepticons (they can also turn into cool cars), who want to rule the galaxy.  With the aid of high schooler Sam Witwicky and the tough hottie Sam has a crush on, the Autobots battle to prevent the evil Decepticons from getting a device that will give them unlimited power.  The humans duck and cover a lot, while the giant metal beings from other worlds break up a lot of buildings and roadways as they wrestle for ultimate control.  Sound like your kind of movie?  I have to tell you I kinda got caught up in the intense action (incredible special effects and never-ending action sequences – no expense was spared).  Action packed, witty and with a heart, the Transformers is a winner for the 14-year-old boy in all of us.  Couple this feature with the new Die Hard film and you’ll be buzzed all week.  

That said, I have a concern.  While it has a comic book feel, and I just assume the concept was designed for a younger audience, the amount of visceral violence gained the film a PG-13 rating.  Because of the amount of violence already aimed at kids by the world’s entertainment community, I question this film’s suitability for the audience it was made for.

In so many action films out this summer, the lives of minor characters are cheap.  This one opens with US soldiers getting blown-up and tossed around by the Decepticons.  The film’s background characters serve no purpose but to get whacked by the bad guys.  This was also true for the recent Live Free or Die Hard.  These are throw-away people.  We don’t know them so it doesn’t matter that these “extras” are killed to further the story.  I’m concerned that this is desensitizing.  Maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe it’s just a release.  But when these minor characters are killed on screen, they are given no more thought by the audience.  We only care about the main players.  Again, I’m not sure if this is a legitimate concern, but the special effects and action sequences seen in summer blockbusters becomes more chaotic and noisy in each new release.  Is this harmful on young psyches?  Or anyone’s for that mater?  

I can just hear some of you – “Lighten up, Phil.  It’s only a movie.”  Okay, okay.  They’re your kids.

PG-13 (six obscenities (the s-word) and a couple of minor expletives; also, at one point, a woman gives authorities a rude gesture; the action is endless and intense with huge robots battling each other, causing the destruction of high-rise structures, roadways, etc.; several soldiers and secret service agents are killed by the bad robots; the teen girl dresses provocatively in her first few scenes; there’s a comic conversation between parents about masturbation; one obscene gesture; a married couple has wine with dinner; contains positive messages including self-sacrifice and caring for others). Running Time:  140 min. Intended Audience: Teens and older

For other free reviews from Phil Boatwright’s perspective, go to: previewonline.org.

(Disclaimer: These are the views of the author and not necessarily the staff of JesusJournal. Given the synopsis and content, concerned parents and moviegoers can decide if the new releases are suitable for viewing.)