Transformers: Age of Extinction

Without wishing to resort to puns, I really am surprised this Transformers franchise has made it to four films without becoming extinct itself. I felt a trilogy was rather good going, as a concept which didn't start out as that mind-blowing, though it did start out as fun and visually intriguing, seemed to rapidly deteriorate as time went on.

Age of Extinction is a clear attempt at a reboot whilst trying to keep numerous core elements intact. On the face of it, you might just make it to the end thinking that has achieved, just. However look a little closer and one finds that various elements of this film, old and new, are not nearly clear cut and well executed enough to put the Transformers legacy in a strong place.

First up we have some major casting alterations for all to see. Shia LaBeouf is gone - hallelujah! Though the Transformers films are clearly what LaBeouf is most famous for, and I would not have blamed producers for giving him another shot I am surely glad they did not. His character was the most grating, idiotic, brash and loud element of the whole first three films (which in the case of the latter two is saying something!) and replacing him, and his supporting cast with that of Mark Wahlberg fourth time around is definitely a good move.

Whilst there isn't much in the way of subtlety about Wahlberg's performance, he definitely carries off the action hero well (just about balancing that with the "distraught/tough single dad" vibe). Though this film seems to be wanting to come from a more desperate place emotionally, Wahlberg does not seem to be that convincing in this area - funny and bad-ass yes, emotive no. He may have enough acting ability to carry off the lead and interplay with Autobots better than LaBeouf, but surely that is not saying very much! 

His supporting family cast is refreshing in its novelty, the individuals involved don't make that much of an impression. Nicola Peltz ticks the "hot teenage female" box that was first established in these films by Megan Fox, but in terms of portraying the rebellious daughter in a crazy world; the attempt is there but the substance is not. Add to that "the hated boyfriend" played by Jack Reynor (whose Irish accent is sickeningly sporadic and unconvincing, aka 'shite') and quite a few human elements of this film are falling fast.

Another human newbie to the cast is villain Kelsey Grammar. This high profile name looked promising, but sadly Grammar's twitchy, trigger happy lunatic does not do much to add to any form of conflict in the film. Though I will say the great man's melodic voice is used well.

One shining beacon of hope in the new human cast comes in the form of the great Stanley Tucci. His role as billionaire Joshua Joyce is not subtle by any means, but Tucci delivers with just the right combination of humour, passion, charm and gravitas that make him a steady rudder through the mire of poor acting that punctuates this film. 

In terms of the Transformers themselves, the only major constants are Bumblebee, and Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime. Whilst these faces are fun and familiar, and very welcome, they struggle to make a mark (despite some extensive re-modelling and great lines) in an ever-changing cast of glittering robots. Though one new inspired addition is the foul-mouthed John Goodman as Autobot Hound.

OK, I admit the child in me always loves these films. Yet I do feel that the franchise is rapidly running out of steam and cannot afford to release such disappointing and dragging clangers as Age of Extinction; not if it wants to survive.