After the 2014 disaster ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’ many fans (myself included) feared that the 'Transformers' franchise had passed its prime (excuse the pun). Now, Director Michael Bay returns and his latest instalment ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ takes a giant leap towards returning this once thrilling series to its former glory.
The war between humans and the Autobots (who, after years of protecting Earth were declared public enemies in ‘Age Of Extinction’) rages on and now, Optimus Prime has disappeared leaving the surviving Autobots without a leader. His timing couldn’t be worse as an ancient and powerful enemy has awakened and has set its sights firmly on Earth. Facing their greatest threat to date humans and Autobots must throw aside their differences and work together before both races are destroyed; but to save their future they must look to humanity’s past and the long-forgotten history between mankind and transformers.
Set after the events of ‘Age Of Extinction’ the film sees the return of many of the franchise's favourite characters and delves deeper into the history of the Autobots, combining some of mankind’s greatest myths and legends with actual historical events and science fiction to create a rich storyline which flows effortlessly from start to finish.
Mark Wahlberg reprises his role as unlikely hero Cade Yeager who, along with London socialite Vivian Wembley, (a thoroughly enjoyable Laura Haddock) is charged with the seemingly impossible task of locating an ancient weapon which could save (or destroy) our world. The secretive nature of this new instalment allows Wahlberg to add some much-needed depth to his previously two-dimensional character; while Haddock’s character morphs from a stuffy upper crust Londoner to a Lara Croft-inspired heroine and it was refreshing to see a strong, female lead (something the franchise has previously been lacking).
Josh Duhamel returns to his role as soldier (now Colonel) William Lennox while John Turturro makes a fleeting, yet incredibly entertaining appearance as the ever mad cap Agent Simmons.
Young actress Isabela Moner delivers a stand-out performance as the courageous orphan Izabella while acting heavyweight Anthony Hopkins delivers a surprisingly action-packed performance as the hilariously eccentric Sir Edmund Burton.
‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ unfolds in a similar manner to 'The Da Vinci Code', with each new discovery serving as a piece of a larger (and incredibly inventive) puzzle and the film's many action-packed fight scenes are entertaining without being gratuitous. When it comes to special effects, fans have come to expect a lot from the 'Transformers' franchise and this newest instalment certainly won’t disappoint (particularly if you see it in 3D as I was lucky enough to).
Full of action from start to finish, ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ is an enjoyable viewing experience which has rekindled this fan's faith in the franchise.
