Film Reviews by GS

I’ve been out of the gaming loop for a while. A long while in fact, so I have no idea to which the story lines have developed within the latest installments for fans of this ever popular ‘beat em up’ franchise. What I do know, is whether or not I care about a characters, and in this case an ensemble cast of characters motivations.

The fundamental question for me, along with many other failed video game adaptations is why does this exist? Why should I care and invest in the characters? Something it can be argued, certain beat em up games can dispense with. 

As much as I liked seeing these iconic characters don their classic costumes, deliver special movies and execute their fatalities the character motivation and story telling is left somewhat to be desired. Again! There is also some needless expository dialogue that, combined with a cast of relative unknowns, gives this film a low budget flavour.  

There is an argument to be made, that certain audiences will only want to see the cool moves and special effects, but there’s no reason why this gaming franchise couldn’t be turned into something more gripping. It seems to have an inbuilt mythology and unique IP to do so.

Could there be a live action series? Think Cobra-Kai with character detail, appropriate fight scenes but more aimed at adults.

All in all, the charitable side of me did have some fun at points, but just wishes this IP could be treated with more respect for its potential.  

This is a series that I had come to loathe over the past decade. Many reviewers have explained in great detail why the Michael Bay offerings leave a lot to be desired, so I would have nothing to add on that front.

But by gum , they have finally given us a taste of what many audience members have always wanted from a Transformers film. Not to damn it with faint praise. The first 5 minutes is largely for those 80’s nostalgia addicts, and gets us off to a neat plot setup. However, the real heart and story here is the central emotional narrative of a girl named Charlie, and her gone but not forgotten father.

It’s a formulae that’s been used many times before, but the performances and it’s sweet innocence carry you through with a smile on your face. The supporting cast is great, albeit sometimes underused (Pamela Adlon), but this is a solid family film with simple joys and good pointer towards what could be a much improved Transformers franchise. Gladly Travis Knight’s direction offers a refreshing take on this series, with real heart. Pleasantly surprising!

Ultimately I thought this was a well directed film. Although you could argue there were some pacing issues, I feel this film had a an affect of what the characters (particularly Elio) feel themselves, in that if you don't enjoy every minute, it may be too late to realise what you have together. The vividness of the two leads times together one summer is emotive yet understated.

I for one, wish I had paid more attention to the film's earlier scenes, as the ending was good enough to place what I had just seen into perspective.