Bumblebee

Bumblebee (2018)

Image From IMDB

I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for this movie. As much as I'd grown tired of the Transformers movies by the end of the third one, Bumblebee takes the right approach to create something a little different. It feels like an indie film in part, mixed with an action adventure for kids. It has enough of a different tone to allow it to be its own thing, and brings back the joy Transformers used to give.

Bumblebee follows the story of Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld) who wants nothing more in the world than to have her father back, and to get a car. She gets the latter in the form of Bumblebee, and after discovering the cars secret (it’s a Transformer) the pair fond a bond and work through their grief together, while being pursued by the relentless Decepticons, and a vengeful agent (John Cena)

The movie is about healing, and creating bonds that where once lost, but its also about giant robots smashing things up and the military battling anything made of metal. It’s about navigating a fractured family unit, but it’s also about explosions, car chases, and the anticipation of whether Optimus Prime will turn up. And honestly, Travis Knight does a great job of balancing all this.

We get awesome Transformer scenes. Cool battles. Vehicles being tossed in the air, but we also get teenage angst, and struggling parents. We get the beginnings of a young relationship, while at the same time we see Bumblebee tortured and our young heroes in danger. It’s an action adventure, probably more in the spirt of Goonies than the latter Transformers. It’s still a big movie, but only when it needs to be.

Holding everything together is a fantastic central performance from Hailee Steinfeld. She is the soul of this movie in every single way, making Charlie’s heart pound off the screen, while also being dynamic and brave throughout. Easily my favourite character in any Transformers movie that isn’t a giant robot.

Bumblebee doesn’t have the scope and utter Bayham of the first Transformer movies, but it has heart. It has indie sensibilities, while not losing sight of the fact that it’s still a Transformers film. It blends the action and drama well, and looks gorgeous with some beautiful cinematographer and a lovely colour grade. I’d definitely recommend it for any fans of the franchise, or for anyone who just wants to watch a sweet action movie.