Transformers...still fun 20 years later

Okay, I admit it, I loved Transformers. It was funny, fast-paced, and brought back so much nostalgia from my childhood misspent in front of the TV. They totally nailed the voice of "Optimus Prime" and really got the quick, precise movements of the transformation from car to robot soldier really well. There were a few updates to make things more fun with new voices and updated looks for some of the cars (like the fire on the sides of Optimus Prime and a camero instead of a VW Bug for Bumblebee). Overall, the story was really compelling - and kind of magical - and kept you interested. Shia LaBoeuf is terrific as a fast-talking geek trying to be cool with his first car. He starts out very shaky as the action star, but finds his way pretty well to saving the world. The best unexpected surprise was John Tuturro as a government agent trying to keep the Robot invasion a secret. He's hysterical in a very tight-laced way. There's a huge supporting cast that actually create fun side-stories like the super-hot blond code breaker who recruits a friend to help decode the robots signal, and the equally super-hot military guys who figure out how to defeat some of the evil Decepticons. The final battle goes on a little too long, but overall, there were many more moments of hilarity (like when Optimus Prime steps on the garden fountain and adds "oops, my bad") than distractions. Great for kids, and adults alike...