Read about Bumblebee on UHD 4K Blu-ray.
As a dedicated Transformers enthusiast, with the Autobot emblem permanently inked on my right shoulder, the initial announcement of Steven Spielberg producing and Michael Bay directing the first film sparked immense expectations. The 2007 release of Transformers, however, proved to be a visually overwhelming and ultimately disappointing experience. While the script lacked depth, Shia LeBeouf’s portrayal of Sam was adequate, offering some redeeming qualities to the film. Nevertheless, several aspects were irritating, including Bumblebee’s transformation into a Camaro instead of the classic Volkswagen Beetle—reportedly due to Volkswagen’s refusal to participate. Furthermore, Optimus Prime’s design, with its flame accents and incorrect truck model, deviated significantly from the cartoon series and toy line. More concerning was the film’s overall lack of substance, excessive noise, and strained attempts at humor. Two years later, the sequel amplified these issues, delivering an even larger, louder, and equally hollow experience. Part two included questionable elements such as racist stereotypes and a Transformer robot sporting prominent steel orbs… I can’t recall specifically which film features Bumblebee urinating, but it remains a regrettable moment. The third installment arrived promptly two years later, escalating the annoyance. Megan Fox’s departure, while perhaps not a significant loss, was compounded by the inadequate replacement of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley; portrayals of women this poor are rare in recent cinema. LeBeouf’s performance seemed to lack its previous spark, and the overwhelming destruction overshadowed any emotional connection to the characters. Despite these setbacks, Hollywood persevered. In 2014, Mark Wahlberg assumed the lead role, injecting a degree of woodenness, yet the scaled-back approach and the inclusion of the Dinobots prevented a complete failure. The previous year marked the premiere of Transformers: The Last Knight, which, for the first time in the franchise, underperformed financially. While surpassing 600 million dollars in revenue is respectable in most contexts, it fell short of expectations within the Transformers universe, especially considering that Transformers: Age of Extinction (the fourth film) had grossed over a billion dollars. A shift in strategy was clearly necessary, leading to Hollywood’s favored solution: a Reboot. The initial trailer for Bumblebee initially suggested a conventional reboot, sparking minimal interest. However, closer inspection revealed two crucial details: This was not a reboot, and Bumblebee held the potential to be the best Transformers film to date.
Bumblebee (Dylan O’brien) narrowly escapes the conflict on Cybertron and, pursued by the Decepticons, crash-lands on Earth. Severely damaged, he suffers memory loss and transforms into a yellow Volkswagen Beetle, finding refuge in a junkyard. He is later discovered by Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), who mistakes him for a typical car and takes him home. However, on their first night together, she discovers that her new vehicle is far from ordinary, thrusting her into the ongoing conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons, endangering the entire world.
This film is truly exceptional. It took eleven years to finally witness a Transformers movie that lived up to expectations. While comparatively minimalist and featuring fewer Transformers robots, the impact of those included is undeniable. Written by Christina Hodson, whose prior filmography was limited, the script for Bumblebee demonstrates a remarkable balance. Teen angst is skillfully interwoven with humor and robot battles, fostering a genuine emotional connection with both Bumblebee and Charlie. These characters are well-developed, making audiences deeply invested in their respective destinies.
Dylan O’Brien (Mazerunner 3: Death Cure) voices Bumblebee. While the character traditionally possessed the ability to speak in the animated series, he was rendered mute in the live-action adaptations. This film explores the loss of his voice, which paradoxically enhances the character’s depth. Through expressive body language and nuanced mimicry, masterfully executed, his thoughts and feelings are effectively conveyed. Bumblebee’s smaller stature compared to his adversaries heightens the impact of each blow he endures, creating a palpable sense of vulnerability.
The human male lead Memo (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.) and Charlie’s (Hailee Seinfeld) relationship feels realistic.Hailee Steinfeld (recently the voice of Gwen in Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse) portrays Charlie, presenting a stark contrast to Shia LeBeouf’s Sam Witwicky in the earlier Transformers films. Charlie is a fully realized, three-dimensional character, eliciting genuine empathy and strengthening the bond between her and Bumblebee, who becomes her first true friend. It’s refreshing to see a well-developed female lead who transcends typical character tropes.
While John Cena might appear to be the film’s antagonist, the filmmakers cleverly avoid creating a simplistic, one-dimensional villain. Instead, they portray him as a sympathetic and humorous figure, acting on limited information and following orders. The true antagonists are the Decepticons, Dropkick and Shatter, voiced by Justin Theroux and Angela Bassett, respectively.
These two villains are sufficient, standing head and shoulders above Bumblebee in both size and strength, creating an imbalanced battle. Furthermore, Bumblebee is also pursued by the human military, raising the stakes despite the film’s smaller scale compared to other Transformers installments, because the audience is invested in the characters and their fates.
Director Travis Knight‘s prior experience consists primarily of animation, a common background for debuting feature film directors he has previously collaborated with. While the choice might have seemed risky on paper (recalling, perhaps, Mortal Engines), the direction is ultimately successful. Although the script is strong, effective direction is essential for bringing the story to life.
In conclusion, Bumblebee undoubtedly stands as the best Transformers film to date. While it possesses a few minor flaws, primarily concentrated towards the ending, the overall quality is undeniable. Despite its originality, Bumblebee does fall into somewhat predictable patterns in its final act.
The brief sequence on a bridge near the film’s conclusion, lasting only approximately 30 seconds, evoked tears of joy. In my enthusiasm for praising this film, I almost neglected to mention the brilliance of setting the story in the 1980s, complete with period-appropriate music, fashion, and aesthetics. Bumblebee is highly recommended for both Transformers fans and newcomers alike; you are unlikely to be disappointed.
