“Bumblebee” is a new prequel to the “Transformers” franchise that was helmed by Michael Bay. Travis Knight directed this film which was scripted by Christina Hodson. Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena star in this film.
The film starts off with a battle on the home planet of the Transformers in which B-127 is sent to Earth to prepare the way for his fellow Autobots can arrive to regroup in their ongoing war with the Decepticons. Once B-127 arrives on Earth, he has a violent encounter with two Decepticons that leaves him mute and with amnesia. Disguised as a dilapidated Volkswagen Beetle, he is found by a young girl grieving the loss of her father. Steinfeld plays the mechanically inclined Charlie Watson and is pretty good. Two other Decepticons manage to find the hapless and damaged Autobot, tricking the US military into assisting them in their search. John Cena is actually pretty entertaining as the headstrong colonel with a bit of unusual wit for this kind of role.
I had a trouble getting engaged in the first half of the film, but it does get better. I admit that I never really watched the “Transformers” film series directed by Michael Bay. I did end up enjoying this movie more than I expected though. There were some great action sequences and visual effects. John Cena, who is probably not known to for his range of acting ability, was actually pretty good in this one. Steinfeld carried the movie well herself.
It has been noted that this film is likely the best installment in the “Transformers” franchise, and I suspect the consensus is likely correct there.
Reviews, Musings, and Other Things... 