Common Sense Media Review
Toys come to life in big, boomy explosion fest.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
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Transformers
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 58 parent reviews
Based on 169 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is an action-packed sci-fi adventure filled with plenty of violence, explosions, and battles between giant robots. While many enjoyed the entertainment and spectacle, they also noted the presence of strong language, some sexual content, and suggestive themes that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
- action-packed
- strong language
- sexual content
- intense violence
- not for young kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In TRANSFORMERS, a live-action film based on the 1980s cartoon series, the Decepticons, an evil race of alien robots, attack a U.S. military unit stationed in the Middle East. Meanwhile, back in the States, Secretary of Defense John Keller (Jon Voight) learns of a secret U.S. project involving Megatron (voiced by Hugo Weaving), a bad robot that crash-landed in the Arctic decades before. In the film's civilian side story, teenager Sam (Shia LaBeouf) buys a used car, unaware that it's an Autobot—a good robot. Neither does Sam realize that he has in his possession the key to the all-powerful cube that all of the robots, good and bad, desperately want. The film's many characters collide with the help of the Autobots' brave leader, Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen), to save the world from the Decepticons.
Is It Any Good?
Big and boomy, this toy-based movie skimps on plot and trades meaningful characters for spectacular explosions. Though Transformers' opening voice-over offers a brief backstory, it hardly matters why these giant robots have come to Earth. The point is much simpler: They blow stuff up. Just keep in mind that this Michael Bay-directed film is most likely too intense for the kids who are the most interested in playing with Transformers toys.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why kids want to see Transformers. Is it because of the story or because of all of the toys and other tie-in products?
How does this Transformers movie compare to the different TV shows, movies, and games in the franchise? What stands out, and what remains constant?
How are women like Mikaela and Maggie depicted in the film? Are they empowered, or do they fall into stereotypes about women?
How are Black and Latino men portrayed in this movie? Is it acceptable, or inappropriate? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 3, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : October 16, 2007
- Cast : Megan Fox , Shia LaBeouf , Tyrese Gibson
- Director : Michael Bay
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , School ( High School ) , Robots
- Run time : 144 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor, and language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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