This origin story details how the Transformers ended up on Earth. The first to arrive took the form of a yellow VW bug. Hailee Steinfeld plays the frustrated teen (with convenient mechanical skills) who repairs and befriends him. This approach feels more like “The Love Bug” than it does the previous more robotic iterations. The visual effects make him and the transitions seem much more convincingly real. He’s scrappy (literally, you can see various car parts on his transformed body), but with a sweet personality. Director Travis Knight, who’s had previous success with 3 animated films, has brought his skills to add humanity, humor and warmth to what feels more like Disney’s version of the franchise. NOTE: Stay thru the short credits for one final bit.

 

(3.5 / 5)

 

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