I knew there was no way Transformers: The Last Knight could be worse than 2014’s Age of Extinction, and - not to brag - I was right. But in all honesty that means nothing with how bad its predecessor was. It may in fact be the worst film I’ve seen in years. Age of Extinction aside, there was the usual good, bad, and ugly that a Transformers film includes in Michael Bay’s fifth installment to the franchise.
To start, the film sets up the story with a scene taking place during the time of King Arthur. In a battle with the Saxons, Arthur waits for his mentor; the iconic wizard Merlin (played by the impeccable Stanley Tucci) who, having discovered the Transformers who gifted him with a weapon, sets out to give Arthur a push in his war with the Saxons. Following this, the next hour or more was boring, uneventful, and random due to cramming in new characters (played poorly by actors Isabela Moner and Jerrod Carmichael who were annoying additions to the film), adding unneeded action sets (although well done), and including dialogue that didn’t further the plot in any way. The filmmakers then decided to actually explain the plot and further the story around the mid point, while also developing somewhat interesting characters. Mark Wahlberg, newcomer Laura Haddock, and veteran Anthony Hopkins create a convincing threesome with top notch chemistry that revives the film which had been dead up until that point. Add some comic relief in new transformer Cogman, and for a short while, the film was riding right alongside the first film in terms of quality.
Mark Wahlberg (left), Anthony Hopkins (middle), and Laura Haddock (right) gave the strongest performances with a chemistry that added life to an otherwise dull cast.
Then the film began its now usual, long, and boring course by setting up the finale; at this point it was way past the length of any average film, hitting the one hour and fifty minute mark. With a "meh" section in a submarine that visually was stunning but didn’t interest, it once again was given an electric jumpstart by way of an epic duel between Optimus Prime and Bumblebee on top of an ancient Cybertronian ship as it ascends out of the water, which infused the film with some fresh energy. A masterpiece in terms of visuals, artistry, cinematography, set pieces, and action sequences, this is what the Transformers films are about, with this scene topping any action set in the series sans the “forest fight” in Revenge of the Fallen. Then the finale begins and I’m expecting the usual 30 minute battle that drags... and drags... and drags…
You get the point.
But no.
Full of well executed slo-mo and beautifully crafted action, the finale is shorter and sweeter in comparison to the other Transformer films. It certainly didn’t hurt that Michael Bay’s signature shaky cam (ugh) was missing for the better part of the film. Hallelujah, people. Seriously. A spectacle of effects and massive set pieces that make you feel puny, it’s end was satisfying enough that I *almost* forgot about the bad beginning, meh part two thirds into the film, and overall length. A good ending helps wash away some of the bad taste from any poorly done moments or sections. That was the case here.
A boss fight between the two most popular Transformers, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (above) served as the film's highlight of the fifth installment.
Transformers films have always pushed the boundaries for special effects and action sequences. The Last Knight was no different. Using IMAX cameras for 98% of the film, the effects were breathtaking. Beautiful yet intimidating, The Last Knight was the most artistically crafted action film I’ve ever seen. It’s hard to do that with action, but Bay, of all directors, somehow managed to do it. So props for that. If you love big, smashing, and stylish action, you’ll love this movie. Improving in almost every way to it’s predecessor, this still isn’t a great film. It’s probably not even “good”. But it’s manageable. What kills it is its usual lengthy run time. But considering everything, it works better than past films in the franchise.
Big sets and ahead of it's time special effects helped boost The Last Knight's overall atmosphere, creating a surreal experience in the theater.
Mark Wahlberg sadly won’t return for The Last Knight’s sequel; same for director Michael Bay (although I can’t say anyone will miss him). He (Wahlberg) has been a great protagonist for the two most recent films, even rising above the horrid Age of Extinction as one of that film's rare highlights. You will be missed, Mr. Wahlberg.
Wahlberg (above) gave two back-to-back high quality performances in a series that's wearing down.
With so many ups and downs, this film hits the mid range of overall quality but it doesn’t deserve it’s incredibly low 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I will admit, number six will be the last one for me before I clock out of this long running franchise that’s pretty much worn out its welcome.
Fun side note: The Last Knight is by far the most family friendly film in the franchise. It does have strong language (no F-Bombs), but no nudity, and little to no innuendo. Add it’s amazing spectacle and action, and your younger teens will be blown away in the theater and you will not need to be worried about the content nearly as much as previous entries in the film series. Not saying it’s squeaky clean, or what ages it's suited for (parents can decide), but if you’re good with a Marvel film, you’ll *probably* be good with this. It’s all on your own judgment. 👍
Final Grade: 5.5/10
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