The transformers franchise has been primarily for a younger audience, of preteens and teens, possibly harkening to the older generation that remembers Transformers from its seizure inducing Sunday morning cartoons of the 80's and 90's. Perhaps this is why Bumblebee trots out a clumsy list of iconic items from the 80's within which it is set. These retro set pieces may tug at the old nostalgia, even if they are painfully shoe-horned into the script. If there is a criticism that stands best of this film, it is the shoe-horning of almost everything in the story.
Michael Bay may have put the Transformers on the map for explosions and robot-on-robot action sequences, and that is where Bumblebee shines. The combat is visceral and enjoyable as robots use both ranged and melee weapons to dice their enemies or tear them apart. The classic moments of smooth transformation are well rendered and the acting is both organic and suitable to the actors imaginary counterparts. Although Bumblebee is unable to speak for most of the film - something the adult viewers may find a relief after hearing the voice he's given early in the film - the animators do well to empathize through anthropomorphic use of Bumblebee's components including his shoulders, face and hands. This makes the relationship with the main character believable and you see their relationship progress throughout the film. Some items are shoe-horned in, and this is where some degree of dissatisfaction will be found for some of the audience.
If Transformers was guilty of objectifying women's bodies, Bumblebee takes obvious opportunities to take of guy's shirts, without any cause coming from the story. The story develops in a similar manner, with the camera and the actors struggling to identify the correct emotions for the scene. Why is the editing, music and the actor behaving in fear, when the story is suggesting the character is angry? The protagonist repeatedly reminds us that they are missing their father, how does Bumblebee meet that need? He doesn't. This leaves some startling gaps in the narrative, with a prickly and unlikable protagonist, who appears cold hearted and bonds by committing felonies together - crimes with consequences which are never resolved, including almost killing a police officer.
Need to break into an airforce base? Super easy, barely an inconvenience for a couple of 18 year olds on a moped. These are just lazy film-making problems, and overall won't likely detract from the primary audience's enjoyment.
The movie is made for young people, and for a family friendly film, it gets most of its content decisions right - little to no swearing, almost no sexual content, and tasteful violence. What it lacks is the depth of story and feeling that could make it a great movie.
Michael Bay may have put the Transformers on the map for explosions and robot-on-robot action sequences, and that is where Bumblebee shines. The combat is visceral and enjoyable as robots use both ranged and melee weapons to dice their enemies or tear them apart. The classic moments of smooth transformation are well rendered and the acting is both organic and suitable to the actors imaginary counterparts. Although Bumblebee is unable to speak for most of the film - something the adult viewers may find a relief after hearing the voice he's given early in the film - the animators do well to empathize through anthropomorphic use of Bumblebee's components including his shoulders, face and hands. This makes the relationship with the main character believable and you see their relationship progress throughout the film. Some items are shoe-horned in, and this is where some degree of dissatisfaction will be found for some of the audience.
If Transformers was guilty of objectifying women's bodies, Bumblebee takes obvious opportunities to take of guy's shirts, without any cause coming from the story. The story develops in a similar manner, with the camera and the actors struggling to identify the correct emotions for the scene. Why is the editing, music and the actor behaving in fear, when the story is suggesting the character is angry? The protagonist repeatedly reminds us that they are missing their father, how does Bumblebee meet that need? He doesn't. This leaves some startling gaps in the narrative, with a prickly and unlikable protagonist, who appears cold hearted and bonds by committing felonies together - crimes with consequences which are never resolved, including almost killing a police officer.
Need to break into an airforce base? Super easy, barely an inconvenience for a couple of 18 year olds on a moped. These are just lazy film-making problems, and overall won't likely detract from the primary audience's enjoyment.
The movie is made for young people, and for a family friendly film, it gets most of its content decisions right - little to no swearing, almost no sexual content, and tasteful violence. What it lacks is the depth of story and feeling that could make it a great movie.
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