#20 - TRANSFORMERS

Plot: Shia Lebouf and Megan Fox choose sides in the ultimate battle between good and evil and the destruction of Planet Earth. A big cube, magic spectacles, Jon Voight and massive alien robots are also involved.
Why is this a contender for Best Movie. Ever?
From the opening action scene set in the Middle East, you can tell that this latest blockbuster by immortal auteur Michael Bay is going to be a politically conscious film that takes itself seriously. That's not to say that it isn't fun; on the contrary, Transformers is one of the most rollicking summer movies in years. But Bay has taken a much more cerebral approach to his explosion-ridden trademark. From obvious allusions toward situations in Iraq and 9/11, to some very funny lampooning of then-US president George W. Bush. While many may balk at the loose premise of the movie, the ingenuity of the film is in the details. Yes, the film contains very flashy robots that look amazing and exude a ton of charming, hilarious personality. Yes, Shia Lebouf is the next Nicolas Cage in the making, with this performance showcasing he has everything it takes to fill those shoes. And yes Anthony Anderson, who is quickly becoming one of my favourite actors working today, also deserves a shout out for his relatable renegade videogame player whose amateur-hacking abilities are required to break into secure American military intelligence servers. But the heart of the movie lies in the fact that it's really a coming of age tale with a whole lot of cool stuff and CGI heaped on top to make it that much more appealing. Clearly, everything is handled with wit and precise writing so as nothing appears schmaltzy. Instead, Transformers stands for everything a summer blockbuster should be. It should be a symbol of our times, and if that were all Bay set out to do, then he did a hell of a job. Further more, he has crafted one of the greatest visual displays one can ever hope to experience from cinema, and with this movie has defined himself as one of the most important and skilled storytellers of this generation. Simply, you must see this film.
Best scene: Try not to split your sides laughing when Shia Lebouf's parents give their son a talk about sex, masturbation and how it's okay to be gay, whilst giant robots hide outside and Megan Fox hides in the closet. Talk about embarassing!

Shia. Isn't he just the greatest of all?