The latest addition to the “Transformers” franchise has already made waves in theaters with a $100 million opening weekend. “Transformers: Age of Extinction” is helmed by the legendary Michael Bay, but beyond that the similarities between this and the other “Transformers” films are few and far between. While Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf were the iconic characters in the previous films, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” features a whole new cast, including all-new Autobots.
“Transformers: Age of Extinction” picks up where the last film left off. Chicago is leveled, and humanity is convinced that the Autobots are menaces rather than saviors. It has been five years, and the government is still struggling to rebuild. A young mechanic named Cade Yeager stumbles upon an old truck that holds some unimaginable secrets about past events. As he suspects, the truck turns out to be Optimus Prime from the first three films, and a mysterious group is in hot pursuit of him.
As it turns out, the group works for an otherworldly bounty hunter who is convinced that all Autobots are a grave threat to humanity and must be erased at all costs. Cade is convinced that the Autobots and Decepticons are completely different species and that the Autobots are humanity’s only hope of being pulled back from the brink of extinction. Cade and his family manage to escape with Optimus, embroiling them all in a fight for their lives as well as humanity itself.
Mark Wahlberg takes on the leading role of Cade in this film, a stark contrast from the unassuming main character portrayed by Shia LaBeouf. Critics have praised Wahlberg’s performance as a compelling leading man who must find a way to protect his family amid the chaos. Cade and Optimus form an instant connection thanks to Cade’s knowledge and mastery of all things mechanical.
One of the film’s most dramatic aspects involves Cade’s hesitation to further involve his family in such a dangerous predicament. He must find a way to help Optimus and the other Autobots while protecting his family and keeping them out of the deadly bounty hunter’s line of fire. “Transformers: Age of Extinction” boasts one of the most complex plots in the “Transformers” franchise and has some of the most compelling character development. However, what audiences truly expect when they sit down to see a Michael Bay movie is stellar special effects, larger-than-life Transformers and epic battle scenes.
“Transformers: Age of Extinction” delivers above and beyond on all counts. A major plot point of the film is that the earliest Decepticons were responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs when they planted genetically altered seeds on Earth. Millions of years later, the dinosaurs are out for their revenge and take the form of Dinobots. The Dinobots bring something to the franchise that has not yet been visually accomplished. The perfect blend of primal fury and mechanical brilliance, the Dinobots are an unstoppable force to be reckoned with on all sides.
As always, the CGI in “Transformers: Age of Extinction” is impeccable. The fight scenes are a blend of realism and just enough graphic imagery to be reminiscent of the classic animated series. Larger-than-life Autobots and foes take over the big screen and make suspension of reality completely possible for the film’s duration. With such impressive graphics and a fast-paced plot, it is no wonder that “Transformers: Age of Extinction” has drastically surpassed all other films at the box office, including “22 Jump Street” and “Maleficent.”
No other franchise has managed to capture the thrills and in-depth world-building experience for which the “Transformers” franchise is known. Underneath the flashy character designs and unbelievable fight scenes, there is still a strong human element to this film. Cade’s relationship with his daughter Tessa is touching if strained throughout the movie. Audiences get to witness Cade’s transformation from an irresponsible dreamer to a hero not only for his own family but for all of humanity.
“Transformers: Age of Extinction” is one film that action fans do not want to miss. The visual elements in this movie are unforgettable, even when compared to the rest of the “Transformers” franchise. The acting is the best of any of the movies, and nothing compares to the rich and compelling plot that pits the modern world against ancient beasts. In a battle with only one ultimate winner, it is impossible to say which species will come out on top and which will face complete and utter extinction. Either way, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” is one thrilling ride audiences are sure to remember.