29. Transformers: The Last Knight

Transformers is onto it's fifth film - another franchise making this milestone of late (See post 25 for my review of Pirates of the Caribbean 5). I find it difficult to see how directors and producers think that film number 5 is a viable venture, but then I am more than ready for Shrek 5 and I predict it will be a lucrative venture. I'm waffling now.

Anyway, I remember when Transformers came out, and I remember seeing it at the cinema, and loving it. But I never saw any of the film's follow ups, and I've never really been that interested in watching them. I was intrigued to see if I'd enjoy it, or, 10 years on from the original, it wasn't my type of thing anymore. Let's face it, I'm probably not the part of the demographic it's aimed at.

The film starts by giving a history, and taking us back to the Dark Ages, where Transformers answered Merlin's call for help in an epic battle. Merlin was provided with a very powerful staff, which can only be controlled by certain people.

Then we come back to the modern day, where Transformers and humans are at war. Transformers are in hiding, in what seems like an area 51 type get up. Few humans believe that humans should work with, and not against the Transformers, including Cade (Mark Wahlberg) and Izabella (Isabela Moner). They play the part trying to resolve the conflict, but taking the Transformers side, you can probably guess how the plot pans out from here. 

Viviane (Laura Haddock) ties the past to the present as a professor of history, who explains the myths and legends of the Dark Ages in her job at a museum, but also dispels them as untrue, and made up. Viviane gets caught up in the war, and soon realises there may be truth behind the myths. 

I find the concept for the film quite interesting, and I like the historical element; using fascinating myths and legends and amending them to fit the films reality. I think using a technique like that can make the movie quite immersive. 

However, the plot and the story itself complicates itself. There was too much crammed into over 2 hours, when a simpler plot, and 45 minutes less, could have produced a better result. I thought at one point it was coming to the climax, and yet 20 minutes later we were into another big epic scene and there was still more to come. 

Because of all these twists and turns, you may think it's exciting, but for me, I found it made it less memorable. What was the big scene? What was the main bit? Because there was so much action, it made me feel like I didn't know which bits were crucial, or which bits were meant to tell a story.

Overall, this is something you could definitely give a miss. 10 years on from the first film, is it still relevant? Did we need a fifth film? I guess if you're a die hard Transformers fan, you'll still like it, and enjoy the historical element, but from anyone else, you're not missing out. I'll give it 4/10, I have seen worse films, but perhaps not that many. 

28. Despicable Me 3

It's no secret that I love Despicable Me; a fun cartoon with lovable characters and hilarious Minions. That's right, I fall on the 'love 'em' side of the marmite flavoured annoying yellow creatures. If you don't already know, Despicable Me is centred in a world full of heroes and villains, full of battles to either be the best, or the baddest. The central character in our film is Gru (Steve Carell), and since 2010 (yes, that's 7 years ago, do you feel old?) he has flitted between the baddest baddie, and a hero, served by his adorable Minions (we last saw them in 2015 in their own film).

The antagonist in this film is Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), who previously was a child star, starring in his own show 'Evil Bratt' where he did just that. Upon the TV show's cancellation he took on the character, and is aiming for world domination. Clearly it is up to Gru to sort this out!

We discover that Gru has a twin brother, Dru, who is quite the opposite to Gru- cheery, charming and full of beans. After the initial annoyance, Gru and Dru team up to take on Bratt.

Amongst story lines about catching unicorns, a high speed car chase, and an island full of pigs, Despicable Me 3 holds the attention of the audience, whichever generation they sit in. The thing about these films is that they really work for those of any age, without alienating anyone.

Unfortunately, with 2 other films and a spin off behind it, Despicable Me 3 is not the greatest in the series, and it is more than likely the worst. The plot wasn't the most memorable, but it was rather predictable, and to be honest, there simply wasn't enough Minion action for my liking. The best bit of the film by far was a Minion pretending to be an air hostess, welcoming his peers onto the plane 'Bello, Bello, Bel-lo, Belllllo....' had us in stitches for ages.

If you have kids or nieces or nephews or what have you, I'd definitley consider taking them to watch the film, especially with the holidays coming up. You will end up giggling as well as them, and it is genuinely not a bad film choice. If you are watching it as a true Despicable Me fan, it is still worth a watch, but don't be expecting miracles. I can only give Despicable Me 3 6.5/10 for trying!