Megan Fox and Shia LeBeouf in "Transformers"
courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment
"A Truly Fun Movie"

"Transformers" is now out on DVD and that is great news for kids young and old. This is a movie that gives new meaning to the term fun. It is just amazing in every way. This is a movie full of things that explode, really special special effects, and a script that incorporates humor and heart. Blend "The Terminator" with "E T" and you have what this movie is all about. 

The central hero of the film is Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf), a high school junior who is on the verge of getting his first car. He wants something sleek and smooth but ends up with something dented and dirty - and special. As he soon learns the car has a mind of its own. That is because it is an Autobot, which means it is a car that can transform into a huge robot looking creature. The Autobots are the good aliens; the Decepticons are the bad guys.

Both groups have been looking for Sam because he has the glasses his great-grandfather was wearing when he went to the Arctic Circle. This relative of Sam's actually saw a Decepticon but could never convince anyone he did. But his glasses made an imprint of clues that could lead the Autobots or Decepticons to where an energy cube is located. This cube is the secret to power between the two opposing forces.

Before the cube is found there are many, many battles and after the cube is found there is a major battle. The Autobots transform themselves into vehicles while the Decepticons turn into weapons of war such as tanks, helicopters, etc. When they do transform hold on to your seat because it is just too cool for words.

LeBeouf is the star of the movie and rightly so. He has this everyman thing down pat. He can go from awkward and geeky to heroic in nothing flat. When the high school princess (Megan Fox) falls for him it is totally believable. Speaking of Fox, she is a delight in the movie and not just because she looks like a million bucks. Her Mikeala is a girl who isn't just eye candy. She is a scrappy fighter who goes after the bad aliens with a vengeance.

Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson play soldiers who are caught up in the battle, and Jon Voight plays the Secretary of Defense. Also noteworthy are Kevin Dunn and Julie Smith who play Sam's parents. They add the humor to the film.

The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence, but you might be able to let your a ten year old watch without danger to his/her psyche. Of course it always depends on the individual child.

"Transformers" is a joy to watch and its two hour and twenty minute running time flies by. It is also a movie you will want to see over and over again. For a mindless, harmless, enjoyable movie treat pick up your copy of "Transformers." It isn't a movie that is going to transform your world but it will turn two plus hours of wasted time into two plus hours of super entertainment.

After "Transformers" all else pales but you might get some entertainment from watching "You Kill Me." This DVD is directed by John Dahl who also gave us "The Last Seduction," a favorite film of mine.

The movie is about a hit man (Ben Kingsley) who is on a leave of absence of sorts. He gets a job in a mortuary and meets some crazy characters. Then when he is drawn back into action he counts on a little help from his friends.

Kingsley is great in his role but so are Tea Leoni, Luke Wilson, Dennis Farina and Phillip Baker Hall. That is a strong cast and they make for a good movie. Add in John Dahl's unique sense of direction and you have a movie worth your time.

The hottest concert series out there this year is "Hannah Montana." Miley Cyrus is raking in the crowds as this TV pop star Hannah and her alter ego Miley. To find out what all the shouting is about pick up "Hannah Montana: Life's What You Make It." This DVD contains shows from the TV series that also stars Emily Osment, Jason Earles, Mitchel Musso and her real life Dad Billy Ray Cyrus as her TV dad.

The DVD has lots of extras that your kids will love, but mostly it is going to be just about watching fourteen year old Miley Cyrus and her adventures as herself and "Hannah Montana." Believe me folks this is the hottest thing happening for pre-teens these days.

Just in time for Halloween is a vampire DVD for your chills, thrills and enjoyment. Lucy Liu, one of my favorite actresses, stars in "Rise: Blood Hunter." She plays an investigative reporter who is on the trail of vampires, but then she becomes one herself. This doesn't stop her form hunting them down, aided by a police detective played by another favorite Michael Chiklis ("The Shield").

This is an exciting and chilling movie that will get you in full Halloween mood. Get it today and watch it with the lights off.

For those Elvis fans among you, there is a new DVD titled "Protecting the King" which is based on the experiences of David Stanley. He is Elvis' stepbrother and this movie is about his relationship with the "King." He served as a roadie for Elvis and later as a bodyguard.

The movie stars Matt Barr, Peter Dobson and Tom Sizemore. It doesn't reveal anything new about Elvis but it does offer a personal; glimpse.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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