For all the Transformers fans out there that are still scarred by how Michael Bay made the movie series all about explosions instead of decent plotlines, Bumblebee is the saving grace of the movie franchise!
In case you didn’t know, the Transformers franchise is about alien robots from the planet Cybertron. These robots are socially split into two sides: the Autobots who fight for freedom and the protection of others, and the Decepticons who fight for power and cause tyranny. After their home planet is destroyed during a civil war, the Autobots flee to planet Earth, swearing to protect the humans from the harm of the Decepticons. On Earth, the Transformers take the form of human machinery. Bumblee is a prequel, set in the 1980s telling of events before the five main movies in the series.
When the trailer first came out over the summer, I was kinda worried as to what direction this movie would go, and if it would only put the franchise in a bad light once again. But once I saw the movie, it really exceeded my expectations! The movie brought about the right combination of humor, action, drama, and emotion. Michael Bay handing the reins of directing to Travis Knight made all the difference, and the cast itself executed their performances very well.
Hailee Steinfeld’s performance was outstanding and perfectly executed the role of an 18-year-old girl struggling as she faces more than her fair share of problems while coming to terms with her father’s death. In her discovering Bumblebee as a beat up car, she finds a friend that helps her discover something inside herself helping her move on in life.
The animation and designs of both the Autobots and Decepticons pay homage to their original designs when the franchise first came to life in the early 1980s while maintaining a modern look for the viewership. Bumblebees personality was very childlike, making his venture on a new world believable and fun. With the help of his new human friend, he begins to get the hang of life on Earth!
I recommend this movie to fellow nerds or those with an interest in sci-fi/robotic movies. I’m confident that this movie will make you want to know more about the Transformers series and wonder if the car you’re driving is really a robot in disguise!