Bumblebee, set in 1987, is a prequel to the “Transformer” series.
As I prefaced in my “Aquaman” review, I’m not a fan of cartoon/comic-based movies. I do remember seeing a part of the original Transformer movie. Something about an outcast teenage boy, with a Camaro I think, trying to impress a popular girl at school. I’ve never seen any of the
many sequels that followed.
So, having a limited background in the ‘Transformer series” I viewed this as “Bumblebee” itself. The first few minutes is pure computer generated Transformers. On the world called Cybertron, the Decepticons (bad Transformers) are fighting, and kicking the metal/steel butts, of the Autobot resistance (good Transformers). The Autobots are sent out into the universe with the plan to eventually regroup and take on the Decepticons. Naturally the Decepticons are tracking them down, and they are hot on the trail of B127 aka Bumblebee.
The human star of Bumblebee is Hailee Steinfield as Charlie. I know what you’re thinking…a female lead in a Transformers movie? All I can remember from that first Transformers movie was the teenage boy trying everything to get the hot girl. Well, get this, our female lead isn’t chasing a boy!! She spends her time working to earn enough money to restore her dead father’s car. So she’s working selling Corn Dogs, her father is dead, her mother has moved on and replaced dead dad with Dad 2.0, and she’s riding a moped!!! Worse yet, it’s her 18th birthday and her Mom gives her a flowered decal bike helmet to wear when riding said Moped! Add on that Dad 2.0 gives her a book for her birthday “Smile for A Positive Future”!!
Poor Charlie can’t catch a break. But, along comes Bumblebee, disguised as a beat up yellow VW bug. She brings him home (goodbye moped) and starts cleaning him up and lo and behold he transforms right there in the garage. This is where we go a little E.T-ish but in a good way. There is some very good acting here, and a decent storyline.
There is character development both with Charlie and Bumblebee. I know, it’s crazy!! You know what else is crazy, Charlie has a friend who is a boy, and he’s just a friend!! And she’s 18 years old. Take that original Transformers movie.
John Cena plays the military hard ass-chasing Bumblebee. I enjoyed “The Blockers” John’s movie from a few months ago. John is developing as an actor, and his scenes with Charlie weren’t Oscar worthy, but surprisingly good.
Set in 1987, there is some great music thru out this movie, and it was crazy to see gas was 93 cents per gallon.
All in all Bumblebee isn’t bad, but it’s not really great. Bumblebee is a great movie for tween and teen girls to see. Charlie is an empowered young lady, not boy crazy and focused. A positive role model for girls. “Bumblebee” is rated C plus. If you can’t make it to the theatre, definitely get it at Red Box, no coupon code necessary.
FYI don’t leave the theatre when the credits start, there are bonus scenes.
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