If you’re looking for a fun summer movie to dazzle you with special effects, Transformers is your movie. The plot is thin but strong enough to hold—just remember to buy into it and leave the petty grievances behind. The main character, Sam (Shia LaBeouf), is pretty well developed and is certainly a good centerpiece for the drama. LaBeouf plays an awkward teenager very well and is genuinely funny without being pathetic. However, the robot characters are simply plot tools helping to carry the story but investing nothing in terms of emotional connection. The original cartoon series showcased the robots (both Autobots and Diseptikons) as realistic characters with individual personalities. Their personalities, in fact, were the main draw. Imagine the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles kicking Shredder’s ass without the witty one-liners, pizza eating, skateboarding and video game playing. It’s just not the same. It’s just not as fun. The filmmakers surrendered a golden opportunity to bring out such a character in Sam’s car named Bumble Bee. They dodge the goofball factor by not stooping to cartoon-like body language and facial expressions but end up losing a lot of that vital connection. It is fun, however, to see the Transformer Camaro feign mechanical malfunctions and tune in appropriate 80’s hits on the radio to help prod Sam along with the beautiful Mikaela (Megan Fox). All in all: it’s a decent way to flee the heat on a hot summer’s day.