http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1399103/
For the past couple of years, I have been celebrating my independence with an annual 4th. of July trip to the movie theater. Ironically, it all started in 2007 with the release of the first live action Transformers film. So, it was the perfect opportunity to go see the third installment of the franchise based on the popular 1980's animated series. A lot of you out there beat me to it however. According to imdb.com, the film set an Independence Day weekend box office record, grossing slightly under $195 million.
WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!
After two epic battles, Sam Witwicky (played by the returning Shia LaBeouf) has a new love interest, Carly Spencer and is struggling to simply find a job. Meanwhile, the Autobots now secretly work with the American government protecting our national security and the Decepticons have gone into hiding. The rivaling robots are soon again raging war when Sentinel Prime, a former leader of the Autobots that was recovered during the 1960's moon landing and kept top secret by the American government is resurrected. Optimus Prime remembers him as a great leader. But, in a shocking twist, he sides with Megatron and along with the other Decepticons, they set out to bring forth thier home planet of Cybertron here to Earth and use humanity as slave labor.
The mix of historical events with conspiracy theories as well as the factioning between robots and humans to decide to chose between freedom and justice with the Autobots or enslavement and power with the Decepticons easily make this the best installment of the series. The film is visually incredible with battle scenes that go over the top but still appear believable and not computer generated. It also maintains substance with a well written plot that contains good storytelling and a touch of comedy to relate to all demographics for a fun summer night at the movies! Grade, solid A.
