Christian Gould

I’m writing this review because I’m disappointed by a franchise that had a great working formula. The Bumblebee movie for example, was one step forward. Unfortunately this is a giant leap backwards. The plot and script writing is weak and often far too contrived. It doesn’t capture the strengths that some previous transformers movies have been able to capitalize on. The story line could have worked, but the plot choice *** SPOILER *** of killing off a key autobot made absolutely ZERO sense, so he could come back and say “I’m back baby!” - Whoever made that decision and thought this would be a good idea should be ashamed of themselves. I appreciated the acting (in fact the actors should be commended!) but the voice digitizations are a bit of joke. Also, this movie doesn’t respect the character scope of Optimus Prime, he’s reduced to a frustratingly weakened leader. Optimus Primal (yes that’s a “Maximals” character’s cheesy name) says “He’s not the prime I thought he was” - indeed, I couldn’t have said it better myself. As the movie progresses, action scenes and some nostalgic references to the transformer’s canon (the historical and accurate past movie events) can’t make this movie much better. Bad one liners, and even worse dialogue, are cringe worthy. The tropes, weak character development, attempts at jokes and trying to show some good values of team work like “fighting as one”, “or we are all united” and flip flopping dialogue just gets more awkward, which is a shame. There’s a lot of potential. The autobot’s still look cool, but some aren’t even named, like some of the “Maximals” characters. The end sequence included some epic fight scenes but again, it’s contrived and pretty typical. The greatest downside to this movie is the missed potential and the lack of substantial character development, as well as lines that just feel too cliche. Perhaps, if this is any indication, you will simply want that two hours back that you lost watching this movie.

I enjoyed this film. Despite my own expectations not being fully met because sure it's not perfect, the story is still great fun and often-times perfectly comical, fast-paced, and engaging, but it also has serious themes. Granted there could be more backstory, more high-brow jokes, and more character development, but it's a good journey; it's funny, cute, and I would even go so far as to say it is an epic sci-fi story about identity. Google's Review rating for 'Lightyear' is currently a measly 2.7 Stars. This far undervalues the movie. Perhaps expectations were too high and some parts of the film just don't appeal to some typical ideals or values.

Overall, a good movie. I’d give this about 4.15/5 stars if possible on Google’s review. It’s not as “cerebral” as it ironically is about, but carries itself well and certainly doesn’t feel like a waste of time. A rather interesting dystopian “New World” setting, with some important themes of misogyny, guilt, deceit, and power, versus trust, feminism, family, and something like ‘lost puppy love’ are traced through the film. Unfortunately common tropes include racially stereotyped religious zealot, silent and voiceless natives, sexist alpha-male leader, and some typical plot twists get in the way of a decent story. Some more character development and sci-fi symbolism or sequences/events would help perhaps. Ultimately, if you’re looking for something a little bit more than half-decent to watch on a Sunday afternoon or an evening’s excuse for some procrastination, this would be it.

A rather profound movie that ticks all the right boxes. A very pleasant surprise indeed. When you have low expectations and a movie of this calibre provides a strong sci-fi story, strong acting, and a solid plot, you come away saying to yourself “thankfully I did not just waste almost an hour and a half” because this kept me interested and provided thought provoking questions. Although I had some issues and reservations about one character: The combat AI director. His character was at various times grating on my nerves, but not a big deal. Still recommend this movie for any one who likes sci-if. Also, lastly, this movie almost made me wish I knew Korean, because I’m sure there are some important points or humour that was probably lost in translation. The voice overs were solid tho’ and on point, but I got the feeling that the script would be better understanding this in its native language.

Having watched up to episode 7, I have to say I’m enjoying this almost as much as The Mandalorian. The deliberate focus on rebellion (and security) without The Force or Jedi mastery to support it, as well as the plot arcs that include the lives of common people and their struggle with oppression, greed, and power, is quite refreshing. The perspectives of civilian life and The Empire’s firm response, again through a more narrow lens, much unlike other Star Wars forays, is honestly a needed shift. Andor may finally start to unravel some questions that exist in Star Wars and in canon through an entertaining and yet serious way, which ideally helps build a more complete and compelling Star Wars universe. Andor definitely isn’t as action packed as other Star Wars spin-offs, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a heroes quest wrapped in a story about the rights of passage people must take to earn freedom from overwhelming oppression, or the choices and actions that intersect with both morality and injustice, especially when cruelty, fear, hate, and desperation forces one to question their survival. I’ve appreciated how intent and mistrust are explored in this timeline of the Star Wars universe, providing for an opportunity to unveil human weakness, lack of empathy, as well as hope and calculated risk. Ultimately, Andor gives us a clearer take on peoples’ lives and a “reality” of living under the dominant and merciless iron fist that is The Empire, with all the struggle for power, control, intrigue and guile, at the expense of those that are less privileged, brings with it.

Thoroughly enjoyed this series (season 1 at time of review). Plot lines, sufficient and often excellent acting, settings and scope were great. There could be more character depth arguably, but I feel it was more than worth my time.