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Bumblebee - Movie Review

Not Another Transformer Movie

Now that I have your attention. This is the sixth live action Transformers movie. Initially designed as a prequel, Bumblebee grossed the least of the six movies domestically but it also had the smallest budget. Where the movie differed was that is did extremely well outside of the US. 

Although several elements of the movie allow it to be a prequel, it was later declared a reboot of the franchise. Whether or not it the movie did well enough for Paramount to create additional movies like this one is up for debate. Personally, I hope they do. I am a huge Generation One (G1) Transformer fan. This movie gave me everything I had hoped for in the first five movies. Until this one, I would have said the the original 1984 animated Transformers The Movie was the best. If you have not seen it, I recommend you watch it before seeing Bumblebee so that you can appreciate at least one scene a little more. It is still up for debate if Bumblebee has dethroned the animated movie but it was definitely the best of all the live action movies.

Movie Review

This was the first movie not directed by Michael Bay and I for one wished Paramount would have had this director from the beginning. The lack of Bay in this movie is obvious as there is actually a story and characters you want to care about plus an appreciation for the original history of the Transformers vs mindless sex and violence. The opening scene made my day as a G1 fan seeing several characters in the original 1984 designs on Cybertron. I hope they do more stories from this perspective with these robot designs.

Although there were several Transformers in the opening scene, the movie progresses with Bumblebee and a few Decepticons. This allows for more Robots in Disguise vs senseless battles. There is a lot of humor and heart in this movie. You feel for the trials these characters go through. If this had started the franchise and the formula was kept, I would suspect the franchise would be thriving vs being on life support from the Bay era.

If you get a chance or if you only watch one live action Transformers movie, I highly recommend this be the one for you. The movie just came out this week at the typical $20 for HDX and $25 for UHD. For a few dollars more, you can get the discs with it. Note that Paramount is not Movies Anywhere compatible but here is hoping that they will join once UltraViolet ends later this year. I am extremely hopeful this movie is a reboot and that we will see more like this movie in the years to come.

Side Note

First to those who have been following my blog, my apologies for not posting more lately. Life happens from time to time. As my time is now limited, I will try to post weekly movie reviews with newer releases when applicable or unique movies when the week is slow. 

Definitely try to support your local Family Video who sell new digital copies for $8 when they have them in stock. If you are patient, Movies Anywhere has Daily Deals that show you which retailer has the best prices for select movies of the day. Some are as low as $5 for UHD.  If the movies are from Paramount, Lionsgate, or MGM, then be sure to have a wish list at your favorite retailer so they can notify you if the movies go on sale as none of these movies will be Movies Anywhere compatible.

Rating

I would give this at least a HD rating.  I would go up to $10 for purchasing the movie since it is Paramount and not part of Movies Anywhere.  I picked up my HD copy from UltraCloudHD for $7.

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