Transformers 4: Age of Extinction (2014)

Director: Michael Bay

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor , Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer

When humanity allies with a bounty hunter in pursuit of Optimus Prime, the Autobots turn to a mechanic and his family for help.

‘Age of Extinction’ takes place 5 years after the events of Transformers 3. The Autotobots are no longer considered Earth’s friends and are being hunted.

The film has a new cast and I must admit I really enjoyed the characters. They have more depth and I cared more about them. It also did not have the annoying romance interest set-up that was present in the previous films. Mark Wahlberg makes a credible hero and breathes new life in the franchise. Stanley Tucci stars as billionaire Joshua Joyce, an engineer who now builds his own Transformers. He is such a great actor and I enjoyed him in this installment. 

The visuals and action scenes are once again spectacular. The photography is the best in the series so far. The cinematography is also outstanding. This was INCREDIBLE!! For a film almost 3 hours long, this fast-paced action fantasy thriller was never boring. I must be honest, I did find the first half better, as the second part becomes incredibly CGI-heavy. It was nevertheless still entertaining and amazingly well done. We’re also introduced to a few new Transformers.

The only thing that really annoyed me, was the American flag. I mean, it was just everywhere and always in frame! Michael Bay is oh-so-patriotic. That was just too much…

‘Age of Extinction’ was the second highest grossing film in the series, earning more than $1 billion on a $210 million budget.