After 2017’s Transformers: The Last Knight did not perform well with audiences and critics alike, the series decided to head in a new direction with the next film, the result being the prequel Bumblebee.
Bumblebee symbolises a fresh start for the series. It has changes to its setting – being set in the 80s era, having a family friendly tone as compared to its predecessors in order to appeal to more audiences, its script being much more centred on the characters in contrast with the action driven plot of the previous films, and having series regular director Michael Bay assuming the role of producer.
New director Travis Knight brings in a new vision and feel to the Transformers series, that resembles the cartoon series of the 1980s. The story sees the titular Autobot (the heroic Transformers) escaping the destruction of his home planet Cybertron, with the mission of discovering a new planet suitable for the habitat of Transformers. As Bumblebee seeks refuge on Earth, he forms a friendship with Charlie Watson, played by Hailee Steinfeld. Bumblebee must also battle two Decepticons (the antagonistic Transformers) bent on destroying the Autobots; and outrun military forces with the same goal.
The film does a good job of being more in line with the 1980s cartoons, as previously mentioned, and has a well structured and emotional story to tell. The dynamic between Charlie and Bumblebee mirrors the one we had seen in the first Transformers between Shia LaBeouf’s character Sam and Bumblebee. Hailee Steinfeld gives a great performance as Charlie, however her portrayals reminds the viewer of her other film The Edge of Seventeen. The action and drama aspects of the film are executed perfectly and the visual effects are as impressive as ever.
However, while some viewers will appreciate the new approach to the film series, it leaves a lot to be desired at times. By focusing on the character and drama such as Charlie’s personal struggles, the film drags and a little screen time remains for the action scenes between the Autobots and Decepticons, which might bore audiences who have grown used to Bay’s style in the Transformers series. John Cena’s performance as a military officer is the weakest or worst performance in the film, and Cena definitely needs to up his acting game.
Bumblebee is a very mixed bag for me. It impresses as well as disappoints. It is definitely an improvement over the recent entries of the franchise such Revenge of the Fallen, Age of Extinction and The Last Knight. Go watch it if you are seeking something new from the series and if you want to be reminded of the early Transformers era.
Texts of A Pop Culture Buff 