Bumblebee Review (2018)
Table of Contents
Introduction:
Bumblebee (2018) OMG!!! Where have you been for the last 30-ish years? This movie filled the Transformers-shaped hole in my soul that Michael Bay era began in 2007. Director Travis Knight apparently listened a lot more to Producer Steven Spielberg’s advice over Michael Bay’s (thank goodness). This is essentially an 80’s movie in every respect, from the music to the plot, and time frame, and Spielberg is the master.
This movie is a prequel to the Michael Bay films, and I have to say, that linking it to them is the single worst thing about it. Those movies are so bad, from the close-up action where you can hardly see the Transformers, to “comedy” like a Decepticon having wrecking balls.
In the opening titles, and following scene on Cybertron, we get a wonderful treat! This movie feels like a live version of the Gen 1 cartoon. The Transformers finally look and give the feel of the cartoon Transformers. Prime freaking looks like Prime! Soundwave looks and sounds like Soundwave! Getting to see Decepticons flying around, and the Autobots waging their battle to destroy them is amazing. I will probably see this again, if only just to watch the opening sequences. Don’t get me wrong, the rest of the movie is pretty damned good (and all Transformer), but that opening is sooooo good. If you like The Transformers, I assure you, the opening will completely be worth the price of your ticket!
Robots in Disguise:
Bumblebee ends up on Earth, to defend it until the other Autobots arrive. While there, we learn why his voice circuits are jumbled, and why he is in the condition that we see him in in the later Bay films.
Let me be up front, Bumblebee was never my favorite Transformer, but after this movie, he has a huge new fan. He is totally (80’s) awesome. The relationship that he forms with Charlie (Haliee Steinfeld), is totally cute, and they have a bunch of really great moments. They watch 80’s movies together, and when Charlie tries to get him to listen to different music he “ejects” some of the poorer choices. BTW, Bumblbee is a hardcore, cold killer Autobot. Don’t let his nice facade fool you, will seriously get in a Decepticon’s face, and ending them. His MMA moves are awesome. It’s a joy to watch him take down bigger Decepticons, and put them in their place.
The Decepticons who show up are new to the films, but they are really great additions. Angela Bassett voiced Shatter, and she is brilliant. She is creepy, evil, and badass. I didn’t realize it was her while watching it, but I did know that whoever was voicing her was nailing it.
Music:
As I mentioned earlier, this is 100% an 80’s movie. The soundtrack only contains 80’s songs, and it’s got the touch to be right up there with Peter Quill’s Awesome Mix 1 and 2 in terms of being an amazing mix of classic 80’s tunes. They actually have a lot of fun with the music in the film. Some good 80’s movie clips are included, with a ton of references to them and their music. They do Rick Roll the audience. If you need a solid double album of 80’s music, this soundtrack would be perfect. The only way it would be better is if it came out on K-Tel!
Best Transformers Film:
OK, Transformers the Movie will always be the best Transformers film, but this one got it. It is clearly the best live action Transformers film. It feels like the cartoon was just transformed into a live action film. That made me so happy! This movie hits all the nostalgia points, and the Autobots, Decepticons, and actors really pull this off. It’s so good. You know most of the points that they are going to be going through, but the quality of production makes this so work!
Not Michael Bay:
It’s not Michael Bay. Bumblebee goes into the deep dark place that Michael Bay was afraid to go- quality storytelling, character development, and having a story. I don’t know what sort of influence Bay had on the film, but thankfully it wasn’t much, or at least didn’t appear to be much on the final product. Knight did a great job, and all of the issues (everything) that Michael Bay brought to the other films was left out. He did a great job.
Final thoughts on Bumblebee Review:
Official Synopsis:
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee the Autobot seeks refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach town. Charlie, on the brink of turning 18 years old and trying to find her place in the world, soon discovers the battle-scarred and broken Bumblebee. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns that this is no ordinary yellow Volkswagen.