Transformers (2007)

The four-star rating indicates a positive verdict on Bay’s oversized sci-fi adventure. The review notes its familiar echoes of E.T. and other popular fantasies.

Schager condemns the film as a shallow, militaristic spectacle with little interest in its characters. He praises the elaborate sound design, while criticizing the chaotic action and the film’s treatment of its characters.

Nathan finds the film an exuberant, goofy action spectacle, despite its weak script and loose logic. He especially praises the intricately detailed, spectacular robot transformations.

Honeycutt finds the film noisy, entertaining fun, though its action and story lines sometimes snarl. He praises how Michael Bay coordinates the stunts, animation and characters, while criticizing the overly loud sound and forceful score.

Mackie finds the film ludicrous but entertaining in fits and starts. He praises the transforming robots’ kinetic movement and occasional funny lines, while noting that the comedy and exposition clank.

The two-star review is skeptical of the film’s premise. It singles out the cars’ environmental implications amid the explosive action spectacle.

Ebert finds the film loud and incoherent, with little substance beneath its spectacle. He singles out the robots as its main appeal, while criticizing how hard it is to follow the action.

Lane is sharply critical of the film’s noisy, toy-driven spectacle, though he calls it Bay’s first truly honest work of art. He singles out Bay’s sincere fascination with machines, while faulting the film’s thin characterization and borrowed plot.

The review strongly recommends seeing Transformers on the big screen, especially in IMAX. It praises the clearer, easier-to-follow climax but says the added footage offers little value.

The critic finds the film weak in its characterization and padded with pointless military and comedic subplots. They praise Bay’s car-chase direction, polished visuals, and especially the freeway fight featuring Optimus Prime.

The critic finds the film entertaining in flashes but ultimately a tedious, poorly written spectacle. He praises the astonishing visual effects while faulting the frenetic editing and noisy action for undermining them.