HOLLYWOOD—After “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” I thought the series was coming to an end. It had the happily-ever after story that the audience expected. Oh, was I wrong. The transformers are back and they are not alone.
Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots are back, as are the Decepticons, and new additions from the Dinobots, which make “Transformers: Age of Extinction” the perfect summer treat. If you’re expecting to see Sam Witwicky, than look elsewhere, cause he’s not in this movie.
This fourth installment introduces audiences to a bevy of new faces including Mark Wahlberg who portrays Cade Yeager, a struggling robotics inventor trying to make ends meet to support his family which includes his daughter Tessa (Nicola Peltz). When you think of a hero for these films, Wahlberg is not the first person to come to mind, in fact, he’s a bit old when you ask most people.
Wahlberg is a solid performer in the movie, but I couldn’t wrap my head around Shia LeBeouf not being in this picture. He brought a lot of charm and goofiness to the character, which made it that much more fun to root for him. Cade comes across stoic, a bit lost at times, but his love for his daughter is quite prevalent, especially when it comes to her boyfriend, race-car driver Shane (Jack Reynor).
The movie takes places several years after the previous film, with the government up in array once again about the Autobots being threats to the national security. Isn’t it ironic how that is never the point, when the planet is in complete disarray and being attacked by robots that are nearly impossible to kill? Efforts to ensure the elimination of all robots in disguise is put in place thanks to a special CIA division led by Harold Attinger, a juicy, villainous role for actor Kelsey Grammar. Attinger utilizes Lockdown, a transformer bounty hunter to exterminate all remaining Autobots. Try to stay with me as we decipher all the robotic chaos that is taking place.
Joshua Joyce (Stanley Tucci) is a mad scientist some would say, who has discovered the lifeline to the transformers, which he utilizes to create his own robots. The bulk of the story revolves around Cade discovering Optimus Prime and finding his family threatened by the government. That unveils a conspiracy between the government and the alien race to obtain a unique power that can have devastating effects on the planet.
“Age of Extinction” doesn’t have the easiest story to follow, but honestly what “Transformers” movie does. Fans will be thrilled to see the return of many favorites including Bumblebee, Hound and Drift, but the excitement comes from the introduction of the Dinobots, which are a treat to see on the big screen. It’s hard to fathom such entities in real life, but director Michael Bay immerses the audience in a world that only he is capable of doing.
The script by Ehren Krueger, the guy who butchered the “Scream” franchise with the hasty “Scream 3” is solid, but not great. Tucci and Grammer are well developed characters, while our heroes Tessa, Cade and Reynor falter in some respects in my opinion. More could have been done to take these characters to new heights. Tessa is nothing more than a damsel in distress, how about a “Transformers” movie where the female lead is a butt-kicking action fighter. I mean it’s so long overdue in my opinion.
Beyond the script hiccups, the movie is a beast when it comes to visual effects. The scenery of Chicago at the root of the chaos once again, not to mention the visual prowess of Hong Kong (which was actually filmed in Detroit for those not in the know) is phenomenal to witness on the screen. Did I forget to mention the battles between the Decepticons, Autobots and the Dinobots? Just imagine Optimus Prime riding a Dinobot as he does battle. Yeah, it’s that great to witness on the big screen.
For those thinking “Transformers: Age of Extinction” is a short movie, think again. It’s the longest in the franchise clocking in just less than three hours. Trust me the time will fly by, as you’ll be immersed in all the craziness; your watch will be the last of your worries. While it’s not a perfect picture, it’s indeed a solid installment in the franchise which is aiming to reboot itself by targeting a new audience, beyond the action seekers.
By LaDale Anderson
