Transformers: Dark of the Moon

*** 
3 out of 5
directed by Michael Bay. Screenplay by Ehren Kruger. Running time: 2hrs 34mins PG-13.


This Third Installment of the blockbuster series has a great opening which re-examines the Apollo Moon landing mission, and reveals a big secret that was hidden from all mankind. Right from the start, the film feels different from the previous two films. The cast this time around, is of much higher caliber. Actors such as John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Patrick Dempsey now inhabit supporting roles which previously might have gone to lesser known actors. I don’t know how much of a difference it’s going to make to the film’s success, but it was interesting to see them popping up one by one. There is also a cameo by the awesome Buzz Aldren himself, which was a treat. Much of the action sequences are saved for the end, and Bay concentrates more on the Story and character development for a change. Sam Witwickey has moved on, and is now searching for a job while living with his new girlfriend Carly...played by a Victoria Secret Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. I have to say I did not miss Megan Fox and Huntington-Whiteley's acting wasn’t bad for her first film either. Shia is great as usual. He is a great dramatic actor and offers much of the comic relief, especially in the scenes with his crazy parents. There is also a new Transformer which is introduced and is voiced by none other than Leonard Nemoy. I like this film and I think it’s better than the last one, but Bay needs to cut back on the crazy over the top actions and keep the film around two hours. He does not need to include every little thing he thinks up no matter how cool it may be. There were a whole bunch of action sequences that could have been omitted and the result would’ve been a shorter, tighter film. The 3D is good, but nowhere near “Avatar” or any of animated films. “Transformer: Dark of the Moon” is not the best action film, but it's there in the top 10 for the summer…. like # 10. Go see it!