Transformers (2007) Rated PG13 Starring: Shia LeBeouf, Megan Fox, and Jon Voight Rating: out of

For the uninitiated -- such as I was entering the theater -- Transformers is about a conflict between two types of giant robots: Autobots and Decepticons. The Autobots are good. The Decepticons are evil. Both types can transform into any mode of transportation when they see fit. There exists a powerful talisman called the Allspark, which can grant unlimited power to whoever possesses it. Fearing the Decepticons would misuse such power, the Autobots have hidden the Allspark on Earth. Megatron, the leader of the Decepticons, tracked the Allspark to Earth but could not locate its whereabouts.

As the movie opens, a renewed attempt to find the Allspark is beginning. Two Decepticon robots, Scorponok and Blackout, attack a U.S. military base in Qatar and try to hack into the Defense Department's military network for clues on its whereabouts. Before they can succeed, the military shuts off access to the network.

Meanwhile, somewhere in suburbia, teenager Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf) buys his first car: a 1976 Camaro. Soon, Sam learns that his new car not only enables him to win the attention of Mikaela (Megan Fox), the hottest girl in school, but it's also the alternate form of an Autobot named Bumblebee. Sam doesn't realize it but he holds the key to the location of the Allspark and soon he is thrust into the middle of the Autobot/Decepticon battle.

Transformers is a movie based on an animated series that was derived from a line of action figures. In other words, the story requires a complete suspension of disbelief. Once that's accomplished, Transformers provides an action-packed -- if sometimes confusing -- moviegoing experience.

The special effects -- most involving the CGI-rendered robots -- are phenomenal. Unfortunately, the action sequences are more often than not hampered by a shaky camera which is so close to the action it's hard to decipher what's actually happening. Since I was not completely familiar with the individual robot characters and their different forms, it was hard to tell who was fighting who until the winner appeared later. The confusion effectively neutered many potentially exciting sequences. On a technical level, however, the action is very realistic. The opening combat sequence, in particular, is outstanding.

One might expect a movie based on a line of toys to be relatively childish, but Transformers is surprisingly adult-oriented, which was a pleasant surprise. Parents should take note that the film is rated PG13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor, and language.

For those who weren't fans of the original series, Transformers still provides an entertaining two and a half hours at the movies. While better editing and the elimination of some story elements that go nowhere could tighten things up a bit, the movie is never boring and never takes itself too seriously. It's a good summer movie: mindless and loud, but ultimately quite entertaining. If you are a fan of the original series, feel free to add a star to my rating.

Trivia: It took approximately 38 hours for the animators at Industrial Light & Magic to render one frame of the CGI animation to portray the Transformers. (Source: The Internet Movie Database)