Today’s Prayer Focus
Oscar® Nominee for Best Visual Effects, Sound Editing, and Sound MixingMOVIE REVIEW
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
MPA Rating:
for intense prolonged sequences of sci-fi action violence, mayhem and destruction, and for language, some sexuality and innuendo.
for intense prolonged sequences of sci-fi action violence, mayhem and destruction, and for language, some sexuality and innuendo.
Reviewed by: Daniel Thompson
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | Offensive |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | Teens Adults |
| Genre: | Sci-Fi Action Adventure Sequel 3D |
| Length: | 2 hr. 37 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2011 |
| USA Release: |
June 29, 2011 (wide—3,900+ theaters) DVD: September 30, 2011 |
Relevant Issues
| Featuring |
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley … Carly Miller Shia LaBeouf … Sam Witwicky Ken Jeong Josh Duhamel … Lt. Colonel William Lennox Hugo Weaving … Megatron (voice) Tyrese Gibson … Robert Epps Patrick Dempsey … Dylan Goul John Malkovich … Bruce Leonard Nimoy … Sentinel Prime (voice) Alan Tudyk … Dutch Frances McDormand … Charlotte Mearing John Turturro … Simmons See all » |
| Director |
Michael Bay |
| Producer |
Paramount Pictures Hasbro Di Bonaventura Pictures Kenny Bates … co-producer Michael Bay … executive producer See all » |
| Distributor |
 Paramount Pictures Corporation, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS |
It’s that time of year again: summer. It’s hot outside, and cookouts with fireworks are just around the corner, so it’s only natural that American cinemas should be filled with explosions. When it comes to blowing things up, nothing in recent memory tops the display of the “Transformers” movies. The third film in the franchise, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” hits multiplexes across the nation just in time for all the explosions one could possibly want.
The plot to “Dark of the Moon” is pretty standard fare for the franchise. It is revealed in the opening credits that there is evidence of robotic life located on the dark side of planet Earth’s moon, which was the real reason for the countless trips to the moon by the United States and Russia. This life is now threatening the peace on Earth that is being given by the Autobots led by Optimus Prime. It appears the Decepticons, led by Megatron and Shockwave, are still out to conquer Earth.
As you might expect, the plot is even more convoluted and inconsequential than the aforementioned paragraph. The bottom-line is that it’s yet another battle for Earth between the Autobots and the Decepticons, with American governmental forces, along with our hero Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) will try to help, but mostly just get in the way. But you didn’t come for the plot; you came for the fireworks, right? Let’s hope so, because there are plenty to be seen.
There are several bits of good news regarding “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”. The first is that while it does not equal the original, it is miles ahead of the last installment in the franchise, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”. While that film was a rusted, metal mess of a movie, “Dark of the Moon” at least contains a logical plot. Also, the effects in the film are some of the best you will ever see. If you are able to see this movie in IMAX, I would highly recommend it. “Dark of the Moon” contains the best use of live action 3D to date. The last hour of the film is a singular battle scene of epic proportions, and within it there are four or five action sets that, when viewed in 3D, are worth the price of admission.
The acting in “Dark of the Moon” is also better than the previous films. New to the franchise are John Malkovich as Sam’s crazy boss, Patrick Dempsey and the hilarious Ken Jeong. All three of these additions give the movie some legitimately funny moments, and it’s important for a movie like this to not take itself too seriously. Also new to the cast is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as Carly, Sam’s new love interest. After Megan Fox backed out of the project right before filming, director Bay chose model Whiteley to replace her as the talentless, yet attractive, female lead.
Unfortunately, while it’s better and funnier than “Revenge of the Fallen”, “Dark of the Moon” still has issues. Even though the effects are great, it all becomes numbing after a while. The film clocks in at over two and a half hours, which is far too long. The script is also terrible, filled with some of the worst dialogue you’ll ever hear (“Retirement is whack”). Director Bay insists on treating the audience like they’re imbeciles by doing things like explicitly telling them that a nuclear weapons manufacturing site in the Middle East is “illegal”.
Michael Bay has a formula that he sticks with for each and every “Transformers” film. The following could be a spoiler, but should not be to anyone who has seen the previous two installments of the franchise. It is inevitable that the last hour of every “Transformers” movie will play out something like this: Sam needs to save the girl, the Decepticons have captured or injured Optimus and Bumble Bee, all hope is lost, and the Autobots prevail amidst a sea of destruction that seems to destroy everything, except all of the principal leads of the film. It’s understandable that the audience expects certain things from a “Transformers” film, but would it kill them to at least mix it up a little bit?
From a content perspective, the third installment is on par with the previous two “Transformers” films. Carly is seen in various revealing outfits, including just her underwear. There is some sexual dialogue scattered throughout the film. The foul language is not gratuitous, but constantly used, with a mouthed “F” word and over 10 uses of the God’s name in vain. Violence is obviously present from start to finish, but there is very little blood or realistic peril.
If summertime means mindless action movies to you, then “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” may be your movie. Its eye-popping IMAX 3D experience is certainly a sight to behold. It does not, however, do anything to improve upon the first “Transformers,” nor does it distinguish itself as anything more than predictable from start to finish. Simply put, fans of the series won’t want to miss this one, but most everyone else will.
Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Moderate
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
Positive
Positive—I thought overall, it was very entertaining. The effects are incredible. The storyline somewhat predictable. No matter what, I still feel emotional whenever there is interaction between the character of Sam and the Bumblebee. I think the movie was missing the chemistry and history between Shia and Megan Fox. Rosie was nothing more than eye candy strutting around in fashionable clothing. As a Christian, I really did not like that they had to show Sam and his new girlfriend living together. It wasn’t really relevant to the movie, except maybe to show the audience that he loved her, since he was living with her, and, therefore, this would drive him the way it did.
If they do a Transformers 4, I hope they go into how a transformer takes human form as it did in #2. They did not elaborate on this. See, I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
If they do a Transformers 4, I hope they go into how a transformer takes human form as it did in #2. They did not elaborate on this. See, I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Lettym, age 48 (USA)
Positive—…seeing this film in 3D is a must. The visual effects are amazing, and it’s probably the best use of 3D since James Cameron’s “Avatar.” So pay the $3 extra bucks to see this film, because I promise it’s worth it. …“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is the 3rd installment in Michael Bay’s Transformers trilogy, and, in my opinion, the best of the three, by far. The acting is better, and the plot has a lot more depth. While the film is still flaws, such as a weak script and the fact that it is very, very long. But, other than that, it is your perfect summer blockbuster. It’s just one of those films you wanna watch to just get away from it all and have a little fun. Movies are entertainment, remember?
…from a Christian’s point of view, yes, the film does have some offensive content. There is some mild sexual content, along with language. Compared to other PG-13 movies, this movie is nothing though, in terms of language and sexual content. And, of course, there is violence, but there is no blood or anything like that. So kids under the age of like 13 or 14 shouldn’t see this movie.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
…from a Christian’s point of view, yes, the film does have some offensive content. There is some mild sexual content, along with language. Compared to other PG-13 movies, this movie is nothing though, in terms of language and sexual content. And, of course, there is violence, but there is no blood or anything like that. So kids under the age of like 13 or 14 shouldn’t see this movie.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Tommie, age 18 (USA)
Positive—Transformers 3 is a fantastic movie. There are about 25-30 swear words in it, mostly minor words. A few uses of “s**t” get thrown around. No “JD“s, no “GD“s, and minimal uses of God’s name being taken in vein. As for the sexual content, it is honed back from RotF. No inappropriate scenes like last time, and this time there is only one scene of too much skin being shown, and that only lasts for a few seconds. Sexual humor is also notched down. The violence is non-stop, brutal, and “oily”.
I would recommend this movie highly to anyone who loves a good action movie. Only minor reservations about letting your kids under 13 see this one.
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
I would recommend this movie highly to anyone who loves a good action movie. Only minor reservations about letting your kids under 13 see this one.
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Dillon D., age 18 (USA)
Neutral
Neutral—I agree with the reviewer when he says it’s got the best live action 3D to date, and that seeing it in IMAX 3D is well worth the few extra bucks. I disagree with Daniel about the first being the best so far, I think that the third installment blew the first two (emphasis on the two) out of the water. I honestly liked the story line. It’s not as complex and mind-bending as “Inception” or as inspiring as “The King’s Speech,” but really… the movie is about robots blowing each other up. I didn’t really notice much of the music in the film, I mean it was there… and got the job done, but nothing like the music in “300” or “The Matrix.”
The reviewer did a good job commenting on the morality of the film, there’s an awkward scene in the men’s washroom, some stupid “oooh look at this girl” shots and some language that may offend, but my wife and I thought it was better than the previous ones in this regard. I loved it, and I recommend it, especially in IMAX 3D.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
The reviewer did a good job commenting on the morality of the film, there’s an awkward scene in the men’s washroom, some stupid “oooh look at this girl” shots and some language that may offend, but my wife and I thought it was better than the previous ones in this regard. I loved it, and I recommend it, especially in IMAX 3D.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Cody, age 23 (Canada)
Neutral—As a Transformers fan (the cartoon that is) growing up, I had not been impressed much with the series, to this point. Obviously, the special effects deserve their due, and this is without a doubt the most impressive special effects filled film that I have ever seen. The story line is much better than the last film and features a more human element than ever before. Humans give the film a tad more realism, but not much. Sadly, as the previous two, the film contains way too much vulgar language and sexual content. It seems like the filmmakers go out of their way to really work it in, when it is so unnecessary and pathetic. As a Christian, it has no edification to the mind or soul and would be the reason I would discourage any of the films in the series.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Eric, age 37 (USA)
Neutral—Another waste of your 3D dollars. Please just save your money and see the 2D version. Admittedly, there were scenes that appeared to have depth to them, but nothing really popped off the screen at you. This movie had all the ingredients of your average PG-13 action movie. Drama, intrigue, suspense, action, comedy, blood, violence, death, and, of course, cursing throughout the movie, and implied sex. In fact, one of the first scenes was a close up shot of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s hind parts, after getting out of bed with Shia LeBeouf. I guess that was intended to demonstrate to the audience that he’s not a little boy anymore. But in the movie, he’s still a teenager and is already sleeping with his girlfriend-thus cementing the image in our teenagers” minds that you’re nothing if you don’t have a hot girlfriend with whom you are having sex.
They’ve, also, quite considerably stepped up the blood and violence in the movie. Not just between robots, but also between robots and people. And for the life of me, I don’t know why they had to include robot blood and drool in this movie. Overall, this movie had a lot of excitement, and despite the bad reviews I’ve heard about, all the teens I know loved it. Please be warned however, that to me, the movie seems to be slowly progressing (or should I say degenerating) into more foul language and violence.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
They’ve, also, quite considerably stepped up the blood and violence in the movie. Not just between robots, but also between robots and people. And for the life of me, I don’t know why they had to include robot blood and drool in this movie. Overall, this movie had a lot of excitement, and despite the bad reviews I’ve heard about, all the teens I know loved it. Please be warned however, that to me, the movie seems to be slowly progressing (or should I say degenerating) into more foul language and violence.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Frank, age 42 (USA)
Neutral—Although I can see how this sort of movie would appeal to a lot of people (particularly young viewers), my personal opinion is that this film is not worth going to. First and foremost, it’s very questionable from a Christian perspective—there are several instances of sexual immorality (the lead actress is a model in real life and flaunts herself freely here), profanity (including multiple uses of God’s name in vain), and quite intense violence, which was almost unrelenting for the majority of the film. Aside from this, the movie does little to stimulate one’s mind—again, there is such a saturation of heavy violence that it becomes numbing after a while, with little focus placed on things like dialog quality or character development.
The special effects in the battle scenes are quite impressive, and it’s clear that a lot of time and effort went into them, but the movie seems to want little more than to provide a feast for your eyes—rather than for the mind or soul. All in all, I found Transformers too unintelligent, too predictable and too morally lacking for it to be enjoyable for me, which was a shame, given the potential it sometimes showed.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
The special effects in the battle scenes are quite impressive, and it’s clear that a lot of time and effort went into them, but the movie seems to want little more than to provide a feast for your eyes—rather than for the mind or soul. All in all, I found Transformers too unintelligent, too predictable and too morally lacking for it to be enjoyable for me, which was a shame, given the potential it sometimes showed.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
James, age 18 (New Zealand)
Neutral—I found this movie to be VERY entertaining, with all the visual effects, action sequences and over-the-top energy. If you go see it, do so in 3D, that is what makes it so good. I did NOT care for the opening scene of the girl in her panties. Or the language that was used in many different scenes. But this is Hollywood in its glory! They want to feed us the sex and foul mouths that they want us to use and see. This movie is viewed by millions of pre-teens and teens across the world, and this is what Hollywood wants them to see.
I do NOT recommend this to anyone under 15, and if they are younger spiritually, I would go lower than that. Be careful what your children see, they WILL emulate you and all other things that come their way!
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
I do NOT recommend this to anyone under 15, and if they are younger spiritually, I would go lower than that. Be careful what your children see, they WILL emulate you and all other things that come their way!
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
Larry Barber, age 48 (USA)
Neutral—I went to see this movie, and I think it is great. Because it was in 3D made it even better. There were some things that they could have left out. Like at the starting showing the girl’s bottom, the two characters in the bathroom stall and the cussing. I like that they had nearly all the branches of the army in it. I think it was totally pro-America. All in all, this was a great movie. I only approve it for teens and adults.
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Joanna Childress, age 21 (USA)
Negative
Negative—Despite some childish moments, I really liked the first “Transformers” movie. I was hoping that the third installment would be more like the first… nope! Like its predecessor, this movie was a disaster. I wanted to leave when it wasn’t even half-way over. But I thought, “Hey, Josh Duhamel hasn’t gotten to do anything cool yet,” so I waited. And waited… And watched Shia LaBeouf scream his head off and act like a total jerk.
Question: Why would a robot have hair? or drool? or spew spittle? or vomit? or gush buckets of blood? You might say that it was just oil; but it was red, and there was a LOT of it. See all »
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 2½
Question: Why would a robot have hair? or drool? or spew spittle? or vomit? or gush buckets of blood? You might say that it was just oil; but it was red, and there was a LOT of it. See all »
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 2½
Lily Baille, age 19 (USA)
Negative—First, let me issue a warning to anyone going to see the movie—immediately after the title of the movie is shown on the screen, they cut to a shot of the underwear-clad backside of the female lead walking up the stairs—yes, literally—all you see is a close-up of her butt—long before you see her face. There were many fathers and their very young sons in the theater, and not one of them looked away. In fact, the opposite, leering men and little boys was the most sad thing I saw—for them, their souls, and our country. Those are the fathers that are contributing to the ruin of our country’s families… and the future morals of those young boys (and I’m talking around 5 years old!!!).
Overall, I thought this movie was a supreme flop. The 3D was not worth the money; it just looked like Hi-def and the only real 3D was a couple of embers and flying papers that only about 5 times in the movie did they grace the viewers with! See all »
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
Overall, I thought this movie was a supreme flop. The 3D was not worth the money; it just looked like Hi-def and the only real 3D was a couple of embers and flying papers that only about 5 times in the movie did they grace the viewers with! See all »
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
Paulette, age 46 (USA)
Negative—The series has really jumped the shark. At times it feels like a rehashing of the first two films, others a little bit like “Live Free or Die Hard,” the second “Matrix” film, or even “Skyline.” I reference the first two films because of their hokey action sequences: literally jumping onto a jet hovering in midair and fighting multiple Agent Smiths with an all digital cast, respectively. Yep… those same loony antics manifest themselves in related ways in “Dark of the Moon.”
Transformers 3 just feels so borrowed, overused, and completely unable to deliver on any seminal new thought or idea. Megatron’s backseat role in the movie doesn’t help either, as I’m a huge fan of the big guy. I find the inclusion of the girlfriend to be nothing but shameless eye candy. She serves no purpose in the film. You can’t even argue her inclusion bolsters Sam’s resolve, in any way, shape, or form at any given moment. Sam is so dedicated to the bigger picture, he doesn’t need the babe. Worse yet, she invariably winds up being collateral damage. And this is where defenders will argue she moves Megatron to action. So what if she ruffles Megatron’s feathers? Anybody can do that. Her presence simply adds to the film’s overarching problem of TOO MANY CHARACTERS. mSee all »
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Transformers 3 just feels so borrowed, overused, and completely unable to deliver on any seminal new thought or idea. Megatron’s backseat role in the movie doesn’t help either, as I’m a huge fan of the big guy. I find the inclusion of the girlfriend to be nothing but shameless eye candy. She serves no purpose in the film. You can’t even argue her inclusion bolsters Sam’s resolve, in any way, shape, or form at any given moment. Sam is so dedicated to the bigger picture, he doesn’t need the babe. Worse yet, she invariably winds up being collateral damage. And this is where defenders will argue she moves Megatron to action. So what if she ruffles Megatron’s feathers? Anybody can do that. Her presence simply adds to the film’s overarching problem of TOO MANY CHARACTERS. mSee all »
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Mega Tron, age 25 (USA)
Neutral—A note to “Mega Tron” above: the previous movies are in no way the fault of writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The screenwriters aren’t in a position to overrule changes made by the director, and if you read interviews from them, they make it clear, in the most tactful manner possible, that every terrible idea was Michael Bay’s. In fact, it’s generally believed they stepped down from the screenwriting position on this project, because they were so uncomfortable about the racistbot “twins” in the previous movie.
Here’s a quote from them on the subject: “It’s really hard for us to sit here and try to justify it. I think that would be very foolish, and if someone wants to be offended by it, it’s their right. We were very surprised when we saw it, too, and it’s a choice that was made. If anything, it just shows you that we don’t control every aspect of the movie” Let’s face it, with Bay in charge, you wouldn’t be able to tell if the script was written by William Shakespeare or William Shatner.
Here’s a quote from them on the subject: “It’s really hard for us to sit here and try to justify it. I think that would be very foolish, and if someone wants to be offended by it, it’s their right. We were very surprised when we saw it, too, and it’s a choice that was made. If anything, it just shows you that we don’t control every aspect of the movie” Let’s face it, with Bay in charge, you wouldn’t be able to tell if the script was written by William Shakespeare or William Shatner.
Tim, age 28 (United Kingdom)
Negative—I had never seen any of the other Transformers movies, but the promised technical spectacle of this one made me curious. I knew going in that hoping for an engaging story was unrealistic, but, once again, I was going for the action. Now I know: all action without anything to make you care one iota for those on the screen is, ultimately, worthless and, yes, boring.
Oh, and EVERY SINGLE TIME a robot opened his mouth to blather on and on about their purpose for being, or whatever was on their philosophical little mind, life came to a complete stop. And that happened a LOT.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
Oh, and EVERY SINGLE TIME a robot opened his mouth to blather on and on about their purpose for being, or whatever was on their philosophical little mind, life came to a complete stop. And that happened a LOT.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3
Greg, age 51 (USA)
Comments from young people
Positive—“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” was way better than the 2nd, but not the first. It’s a very good popcorn movie for a Friday night. I saw it a special time on Tuesday, and man were the special effects incredible. First off, there were its problems, like suggestive gestures, and Sam’s girlfriend he lives with is shown with her bottoms laying on him. Language not a problem, but some words offensive. The action was the best part, but the violence is kind of strong, with shooting humans and watching them explode, briefly, with some blood.
As a christian, in God’s eyes, some parts disappoint him. Overall, best action movie of the summer!!!…
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
As a christian, in God’s eyes, some parts disappoint him. Overall, best action movie of the summer!!!…
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Diego, age 13 (USA)
Positive—I do not see why anyone wouldn’t like this movie! It is by far the best movie this summer; my mom, dad, and sisters all loved it. It has a lot of violence, but nothing gory. But also remember that in the second one, they started using some blood for the Transformers, and there is that in this movie, as well. The profanity is moderate; Sam does mouth the word “f**k,” and, in another scene, he is talking to his parents, and if you remember in the first movie the very awkward scene… there is another one of those. There is a scene where you see Carley’s (Sam’s new girlfriend) butt, but in panties.
Her acting was not very good at all… Megan Fox was a much better actress. Overall, this movie was phenomenal; in the first week, it has raised 98.4 million dollars, so if that tells you anything. It is a very good movie, that I say would be good for any family.
Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Her acting was not very good at all… Megan Fox was a much better actress. Overall, this movie was phenomenal; in the first week, it has raised 98.4 million dollars, so if that tells you anything. It is a very good movie, that I say would be good for any family.
Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Braden, age 15 (USA)
Negative—The whole movie is sexist. It disgusted me to the core. Don’t waste your money.
Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
Anna, age 16 (USA)
Positive—Very good movie in my opinion! I was never a fan of the original transformers (being a girl)… I had heard of the toys, but it was more of a boy thing I thought. A lot of my friends from school (girls as well as guys from a Christian school) had told me how awesome they thought the first two movies were.
So yeah… I decided to watch them… and I was happily surprised that indeed they were right! The movies were very well written, and had good themes and Christian themes. Good prevailed over evil in all three movies. The main Autobot Optimus Prime was truly the best character… he showed compassion for the humans even though they really don’t deserve it. Also, he consistently is willing to sacrifice himself to save others… almost all of the other Autobots are the same way… especially Bumblebee.
These movies do have obvious Christian morals. I do have to agree with some of the negative comments though… the are many negative things to observe. There are multiple bad words including the f-word and much sexual innuendo. And too much focus on the new lead actress as eye candy. However, in my opinion this movies and the previous movies are good quality and very entertaining! Wonderfully made! Hoping for a 4th… there are still more Decepticons out the for Optimus and the other remaining Autobots to destroy!
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
So yeah… I decided to watch them… and I was happily surprised that indeed they were right! The movies were very well written, and had good themes and Christian themes. Good prevailed over evil in all three movies. The main Autobot Optimus Prime was truly the best character… he showed compassion for the humans even though they really don’t deserve it. Also, he consistently is willing to sacrifice himself to save others… almost all of the other Autobots are the same way… especially Bumblebee.
These movies do have obvious Christian morals. I do have to agree with some of the negative comments though… the are many negative things to observe. There are multiple bad words including the f-word and much sexual innuendo. And too much focus on the new lead actress as eye candy. However, in my opinion this movies and the previous movies are good quality and very entertaining! Wonderfully made! Hoping for a 4th… there are still more Decepticons out the for Optimus and the other remaining Autobots to destroy!
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Marley, age 17 (USA)
Positive—I thought the movie was better than the second, but not as good as the first. It was definitely the scariest and most violent out of all three. The language was not as bad as the second, nor was the sexual content; I did not, however, like that Sam lived with his girlfriend, and there were some very inappropriate jokes. Overall, not the best movie morally. The special effects were amazing, and the battle scenes were definitely the best out of all three!
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Addison, age 15 (USA)
Positive—This was a great movie, especially since I love demolition derbys. It was just as great as the first, and wayyyyyyyyyyy better than the second. The only REALLY offensive moment was close to the beginning with Carly in her underwear. Besides that, there was language peppered throughout, and a little vulgarness. They really did a lot to develop the characters. It brought more of the human element to it, and helped the audience feel the fear and courage that the characters felt. It, also, had a very “war brings peace” message, which I liked. The liberal media is bombarding us every day with an anti-war sentiment. All in all, it was fun demo derby for 13 and up.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Joshua T., age 14 (USA)
Neutral—In the movie Transformers 3 they mouthed the f-word once, and they use God’s name in vain often, and they say the s-word repeatedly.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
D'artagnan, age 11 (USA)
Positive—This movie is sure an epic one! It’s got good filming and CGI scenes, especially if you watched it in 3D. Wow! I gave it an “Average” rating, for the fact I didn’t find it that offensive, but “somewhat offensive.” The things I found offensive, putting aside sexual content or action scenes, was the extreme swearing. Of course, all the Transformers movies have swearing, but I did think this one was a bit intense—that was followed with fighting and killing. It’s the only thing that overshadowed the whole series was the swearing.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Andre, age 15 (Canada)
Positive—Come on people enjoy a movie for once. I am 12. There was no sex. Wow, we saw a girl in her underwear for 5 seconds, and now its offensive. You see I never get offended by that stuff. Or language. Or violence. Or anything. It was great, too. The special effects were great. Probably my favorite after the first. …This is a clean movie. …
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Tyler, age 12 (USA)
Negative—This movie is a great quality film, ruined by the lusty scenes and tremendously bad language. There is a sexual scene showing the lead girl’s butt, straight after the opening scene, and I had to look away. There was also a lot of the f and s words, throughout the movie, and this ruined the clean parts of the movie. The action was great, but weird, at times.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Joel, age 13 (Australia)
Comments from non-viewers
Neutral—Sigh. There is no “dark side” to the Moon. Yes, there is the far side of the Moon from the Earth, but it receives just as much sunlight as the near side. I have not seen the movie. But the scientist in me had the urge to rant.
Deanna Marquart, age 40 (USA)
Negative—There was a time in my life when I did not think twice about watching these kinds of moves. I saw the first two Transformers movies. But, then, I was born again, and there was born in me a hatred for ungodly media that was sensual, immoral, blasphemous, etc. My flesh may be tempted to watch such a movie, but the Spirit in me tells me that God hates this stuff and won’t let me watch it. Why watch something that is not edifying? Why watch something that obviously does not bring glory to God.
Some professing Christians think it is ok to watch this stuff. This movie and 99% of what comes out of Hollywood is the “world”. There is immorality, sensuality, vulgarity, blasphemy, etc. The Word of God tells us what our relationship should be with that which is at enmity with God… the “world”. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4).See all »
Some professing Christians think it is ok to watch this stuff. This movie and 99% of what comes out of Hollywood is the “world”. There is immorality, sensuality, vulgarity, blasphemy, etc. The Word of God tells us what our relationship should be with that which is at enmity with God… the “world”. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4).See all »
James, age 36 (USA)
Positive—I do not know why people like James judge Christians’ salvation over seeing movies like “Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon.” Rejecting Christ is what keeps people out of Heaven, not watching a dumb movie. I do agree that many things in this movie were uncalled for (mainly Carly’s sensuality and a reference to Obama), but, for the most part, this movie does promote self-sacrifice and heroism. To anyone who judges fellow brothers and sisters in Christ over watching a movie, let me say Matthew 7:1-2. Instead of hatred, try praying for people.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 2
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 2
Peter, age 22 (USA)
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5