Transformers: The Last Knight: Review

Transformers: The Last Knight is once again directed by Michael Bay and stars Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins and Laura Haddock. With transformers and humans at war and Optimus Prime gone, Cade (Wahlberg) - with the help of others - must delve deeper into the history of mankind in order to protect earth from world devourer Cybertron. 

At one point Bay may have wanted to create a genuinely entertaining spectacle, however Transformers has become hollywood's biggest cash cow, and Bay is clearly determined to milk it till it's dry. The original was certainly no instant hit, but saw plenty of room for a fun popcorn romp. And the franchise has indeed gathered a large fan base over time. Sequel by sequel the films have becoming increasingly less stimulating and down right sloppy. Five films in, Michael Bay has delivered, quite possibly, the poorest entry into the robotic saga. 

Over the ten years of live action robots in disguise, there are some fresh ideas added to the series and the historical aspect of T5 can be rewarding. However the main problem lies with Bay's reckless command over the films, resulting in a two and a half hour mishmash driven by an overkill of special effects. Bay must finally learn: main stream audiences have grown to enjoy more than just dumb action and are partial to a more telling adventure, think (Civil War and latest Bond entires).

The Last Knight is a movie based around its stellar action scenes, a style of filming no director in the industry should choose to follow. It picks up small subplots and mesh them all into one in-cohesive storyline, resulting a clunky free for all. Most worryingly, whatever direction the film chooses to take each outcome is as predictable as the other. No surprises, No twists, just overly complicated structure. 

Undeniably Wahlberg plays better as the film's lead than Shia LeBeouf ever did. However is still too weak to carry the bulk of the film alone and is purposefully used as the basic hero fill in. Haddock also serves as a much better female lead than the sexified Megan Fox and offers more of the films more imaginative moments. Although it really is saying something when a 'knock-off C3PO' is the most compelling character of the entire cast. Sure the robots are fine, and bumble bee will definitely keep you somewhat buzzing. 

​In the end Transformers: The Last Knight's impressive action will satisfy some however lacks the fun the previous films in the series had. If you wish to see an unfiltered Sir Anthony Hopkins scream at his co-stars and jarring camera work, all wrapped up in a wafer thin plot, you'll probably find some enjoyment in this clunky mess. Hopefully The Last Knight is the last outing for the autobots. 

2.7/10