Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon

Touted as the blockbuster of the summer, there’s no doubt Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon will make a lot of money. But, unfortunately, it may be the biggest rip off of the year.

Not that it doesn’t entertain. Consistent with the first two installments, the transformations of the Bots are incredible, breathtaking, and detailed to a fault. In digital 3D, you could take a microscope to each frame and pick out every speck of dust.

Along with that, though, is an overwhelming deluge of ‘stuff’ to look at – too much, actually. So much, it is difficult to focus on any one thing, and that causes the film to fly by in a blur.

To add to the blur, the story makes no sense. As forgivable as that may be for an action flick, this time the disjointedness blares. Characters drop off the edge of plot or loose significance or never verify any reason for being in the film in the first place.

According to die-hard Transformers fans (the 30-somethings who grew up watching the cartoon on television), even the Autobots act out of character.

The disappointing factor here is that the first one held a delightful charm in its witty jokes and unveiling of a cherished mythology rooted in a line of Hasbro toys – all of which has vanished by degrees through installments two and three. This time, the jokes came across crass and forced, the mythology all but destroyed.

Saving graces? Fight scenes between Autobots and Decepticons dance across the screen like a choreographed Nascar ballet infused with color and clash worthy of the name Transformers. Like I said, the transformations dazzle. My favorite part is the sound. They should win awards for sound editing. Even when I had my eyes closed to rest from all the 3D and craziness, I could hear every clink of car morphing into robot.

Also, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I liked the girl better. Who would have thought they could out-glam Megan Fox. But Rosie Huntington-Whiteley adequately fulfills her eye-candy role.

Sure, go see Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon as it’s not a total wash. Just keep a lid on the expectations. For a sure bet, X-Men First Class delivers. Or wait for Harry Potter. If you’re a HP fan (which I am not, believe it or not), the closer will impress.

Happy Movie Watching, Billings!

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