Transformers One 3D Movie Review

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Transformers One

3D Movie Review

Movie Review by: Jacob Scarberry

3D

Based on several clips from various social media pages by RealD, this film seemed like it was going to be “more than meets the eye” in its 3D presentation. Sadly, the 3D turned out to be much more subdued than I expected. When considering the potential of 3D, I imagined constant pop-outs, with the bots aiming their weapons directly at the audience, explosions leaping off the screen, and particles hitting us in the face. Instead, we got very few pop-outs. Most of the time, when the bots are about to fire, their cannons aren’t aimed directly at the viewer, but off to the side. However, when we do get a direct view of the barrels, it’s glorious. We also occasionally see particle effects and dust entering the audience, and there’s a great shot during the climax (which would spoil the ending) that’s full of depth and visual flair—it’s simply delicious.

The depth and dimension are fantastic and feel natural, despite the film being a 3D conversion. It’s one of the better conversions in recent memory. Overall, while it’s a bit disappointing that it lacks the impactful pop-outs and immersive moments it could have easily delivered, the film’s depth makes up for most complaints from the average viewer. It’s definitely worth the extra few dollars for the 3D experience, just lower your expectations. In closing, Transformers One looks very good in 3D, but it should look amazing in 3D.

Final 3D Verdict: 7/10

Movie

It’s been nearly 40 years since the last Transformers animated movie hit theaters. 38 years is a long gap between animated Transformers films. While there have been occasional animated series or TV movies to fill the void for fans of the robotic vehicle soldiers, we’ve had a smorgasbord of live-action films since 2007, which have received middling to dismal responses from fans. Yet, that hasn’t stopped people from watching the films in theaters and buying merchandise ranging from video games to action figures and comic books. It seems fans can’t get enough, which brings us to Transformers One, an origin story about how the bots we know and love came to be.

Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) is a lowly miner bot who becomes best friends with fellow miner D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), a standout in the role. Orion is always trying to be more than what he is, constantly getting into trouble by breaking into the old archives and attempting to piece together what happened to the original Prime Bots. He’s is caught, and D-16 has to save him. While working in the mines under the leadership of Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson), a collapse occurs, and Orion is promptly demoted.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm), the leader of Cybertron, has been hunting for the Matrix of Leadership without success. He declares the next day a no-work holiday and orders a race to give citizens a break from worrying about the dwindling Energon resources. Orion and D-16 enter the race, despite not having transforming abilities, and they do surprisingly well. Eventually, they meet B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key) and reunite with Elita-1. The four bots learn the secrets of the past and are given the transformation cogs, needing to become “more than meets the eye.” The group works together to save their world from a traitor and fulfill their destiny.

The plot is fairly standard for an origin story, with predictable outcomes, but the journey is fun, treated with reverence for the source material, and serves as a good entry point for newcomers and long-time fans alike. The cast is solid, with Chris Hemsworth being his usual self for most of the film but shining when Orion transforms into the character we know and love (Optimus Prime). Brian Tyree Henry stands out, delivering a layered performance as a friend evolving into a leader. The rest of the cast does well, with Key as the comedic foil and Johansson as the smart, serious partner to Orion. However, Steve Buscemi feels miscast as Starscream, the leader of the High Guard. Overall, I enjoyed both the cast and the story of Transformers One.

Transformers One is a beautiful movie, though a few issues bugged me. The facial animations are a bit odd, with the mouths looking too human and not mechanical, but the film is otherwise visually stunning. The landscapes, especially the breathtaking surface world of Cybertron, are beautiful, with photorealistic shots of the sun. Kudos to ILM Animation for creating such a gorgeous film overall.

The score, composed by Brian Tyler, is typical action movie fare, with familiar beats of action, awe, comedy, and seriousness. It’s predictable and safe, like most blockbuster scores. However, the sound design is top-notch and deserves to be experienced in full surround sound (I wish my theater had Dolby Atmos to really crank up the decibels).

My main gripes with the movie are the excessive exposition dumps and the screenplay’s predictability. Written by three people, the screenplay is as serious as a PG-rated film can be. The comedy doesn’t overshadow the serious moments, and it stays mostly faithful to the animated series and Marvel Comics adaptations.

Overall, Transformers One is a very good movie. I wish it had a less predictable plot, better-handled exposition, and sharper comedic writing. But with strong visuals, great sound, respect for the source material, and a solid cast, it’s easily one of the best Transformers films to date, and I’m definitely ready for a sequel.

Final Movie Verdict: 7/10


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Official Website:

https://www.transformersmovie.com

©2024 Paramount Animation, a Division of Paramount Pictures. Hasbro, Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. ©2024 Hasbro

Deadpool and Wolverine 3D Movie Review

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Deadpool and Wolverine

3D Movie Review

by Jake Jarvis

3D

First, let's talk about the 3D. While the 3D is well done and deserves a great rating, it falls short of the Editor's Choice standard. Several fight scenes lack depth in the mid-range shots, which is disappointing given that the movie does feature some incredible 3D moments. One particularly jaw-dropping shot involves a back window, capturing a comic book-accurate scene in stunning 3D. Unfortunately, the movie doesn't have many 3D pop-out scenes, but the few it does include are well-executed. Despite the issues with some mid-range shots, the action scenes are visually impressive, with the 3D adding a poetic depth to the violence. This movie is a must-see in 3D and makes me wish the earlier Deadpool films had been made in 3D as well.

Final 3D Verdict: 8/10


Movie

When it was announced that Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman would team up in a Deadpool and Wolverine movie directed by Shawn Levy, my expectations were sky-high. Levy and Reynolds had already worked together on Free Guy, a surprisingly good 3D rom-com about NPCs. Remarkably, this film not only meets but exceeds my highest expectations, delivering a blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments that will delight fans of both characters. For comic book superhero movie fans looking for more substance than fan service and R-rated laughs, this might not be the movie for you.

 

From their first scene together, the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman is electric. Reynolds' Deadpool is as irreverent and hilarious as ever, with his fourth wall-breaking antics providing a constant stream of laughs. Jackman's Wolverine brings a gruff charm and emotional depth that perfectly balances Deadpool's zaniness, and he delivers some great laughs himself. The dynamic between the two characters is the heart of the movie, and watching them bounce off each other is an absolute joy. It also helps that many of Deadpool’s friends from the earlier films are included, delivering both funny and heartfelt moments. Director Shawn Levy masterfully blends action and comedy, creating set pieces that are as thrilling as they are funny. The action sequences are top-notch, with Wolverine's brutal combat style contrasting beautifully with Deadpool's chaotic, over-the-top approach. Levy's direction ensures that these scenes are not only visually spectacular but also packed with witty banter and character moments that fans crave.

 

This is a hard R movie, with language that includes almost as many F-bombs as The Boondock Saints and more bloody violence than most slasher movies. THIS IS NOT A KIDS MOVIE! Fans will be thrilled by the many surprising cameos and in-jokes peppered throughout the film, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for those familiar with the wider Marvel universe. Some of the jokes are brutal, with lots of meta humor and digs at the current state of MCU films and the distinguished competition. 😉

 

The film also delves deeper into the characters' backgrounds and motivations, providing moments of genuine emotion amidst the chaos. Without giving too much away, there are scenes that will tug at the heartstrings and add a new layer of complexity to both Deadpool and Wolverine. Several characters get surprisingly great extended cameos, righting some of the wrongs of pre-MCU Marvel films.

 

Visually, the movie is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography is vibrant and dynamic, and the special effects are seamlessly integrated. This movie cost more than all the other Deadpool films combined, and it shows. While a few scenes could benefit from better CGI, they add to the film's absurd humor, intentional or not. The various fight scenes are incredible and epic. The soundtrack is near perfect, adding to the overall energy and irony of the movie. It's a shame no Sparks songs made the soundtrack, as that would have been perfection.

 

Deadpool and Wolverine is nostalgia porn fan service at its finest, delivering all those moments geeks have been dreaming about for decades. Sure, the plot is threadbare and just enough for a Disney Marvel TV episode, but the fights and the rapid-fire jokes and references will keep you entertained.

 

In conclusion, the Deadpool and Wolverine movie is a triumph of fan service. It's the CALIGULA of nostalgia porn; delivering all those fan service moments geeks have been dreaming about for decades. With stellar performances from Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, sharp direction from Shawn Levy, and a script that delivers humor, action, and fan service, it is a must-see for fans of the Marvel universe. Whether you're there for the laughs, the action, or the quirky absurdism, this film delivers on all fronts and then some.

Final Movie Verdict: 10/10


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Despicable Me 4 3D Movie Review

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Despicable Me 4 3D Movie Review

By: Jacob Scarberry

Despicable Me 4

3D

 

Illumination has done it again, releasing one of the best 3D films in quite some time and continuing a winning streak of stellar imagery in the third dimension. Not only was the depth and dimension of the picture naturally spaced and the horizon stretching to near infinity, but there were also constant pop-outs throughout the entire running time. Limbs, faces, lasers, and particle effects all came out to the audience at a regular pace that was simply shocking in how often this happened. The standout scene was in the first ten minutes of the film when villain Maxime Le Mal extends his arm towards Gru with a cockroach in his hand, and it felt like you were in danger of getting your eyes poked out, it was so close. This will probably be the best 3D visuals of 2024; it's that good. The 3D aspect of Despicable Me 4 is simply magnificent.

3D Final Verdict: 10/10 , Editor’s Choice 3D Award

Movie

Your auntie's favorite Facebook memes are back for another “movie”!

 

After Gru's last adventure in Despicable Me 3, where he teamed up with his long-lost brother Dru to stop the villainous Balthazar Bratt from destroying Hollywood, his life has stayed the same for the most part. Gru (Steve Carell) and his wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig) still work for the AVL (Anti-Villain League) and take care of their three adopted daughters along with a new child, Gru Jr., and all the Minions with their shenanigans. Gru's next mission? He is to attend his high school alma mater Lycee Pas Bon (a funny joke if you know French) and apprehend his nemesis, Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell), who is hellbent on using the power of the cockroach to turn Gru Jr. into a pest (how Maxime knows about Gru Jr. is never explained).

 

While initially successful in arresting Maxime, he escapes from the AVL prison with the help of his girlfriend Valentina (Sofía Vergara), and Gru and his family are placed into witness protection. Shenanigans ensue as Gru deals with new neighbors, Lucy gets a salon job, and the Minions' chaos. This all leads to Gru saving the day.

 

I remember back in 2010 (feels like VERY long time ago) being absolutely smitten with the first film in the Despicable Me franchise. Despicable Me was funny, well-animated, and quite touching in places, fully proving that Illumination has the capability of producing high-quality work on significantly smaller budgets than its competitors over at DreamWorks and Disney/Pixar. Sadly, the allure of the almighty dollar has tainted this once-promising studio (for the most part), usually delivering products made with the lowest common denominator and the highest profitability margins in mind. Despicable Me is high proof of this, with not only four films in the main franchise but also a spin-off film with its own sequel, not to mention short films, tons of merchandise, toys, and food-themed items. It's hard to review this as a "film" because it's clearly just a profit-maximizing product for Illumination, but I have to continue.

 

As for the story, there is practically none beyond loose threads of several side quests, with Gru's being the only one with anything resembling a through line. There is no depth to the characters, no growth (literally, the kids haven't aged!), and the villainous plot is rather tame and low-key compared to his previous nemeses' heinous acts of moon-napping, world domination, and city flattening. Lucy and the girls have very little to do, with the Minions providing most of the entertainment, as they have in the previous films since part two.

 

Are the Minions' shenanigans still entertaining? Sure, they're practically the saving grace, but the silly minions act is getting old, and getting old fast. The new gimmick is that the AVL has created the “Mega Minions” program that is tested in the city, and it predictably goes awry. Sadly it is the highlight of the film, but I hope this isn't a litmus test for a fully-fledged Mega Minions-based film - Ugh.

 

The animation is well-done, and there are some funny background gags that are fun to look out for. The cast is all having a blast, which reflects in every frame of the film. The soundtrack is filled with radio hits of the '80s and '90s, along with film references that no kid would get at all and are simply there for the adults to chuckle while their kid laughs at a goat pooping on the floor. It truly is a family film, and the families in my audience laughed, as did I a few times, but this is one that barely musters any enthusiasm from yours truly to see any more of this series. So, I guess I'll see you again in two – three years with Despicable Me 5: Minions 3 - The Search for More Money.

Movie Final Verdict: 5/10

Update July 6th 2024:

When we initially published this review we gave the movie a score of 6/10. The score has been updated, and lowered to a 5/10.

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We reviewed the previous Minions movies, you can see those reviews here:


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