Transformers: Age of Extinction MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammar. Written by Ehren Kruger. Directed by Michael Bay.

FILM SYNOPSIS: An automobile mechanic/inventor discovers the damaged leader of the Transformers and does a whole Jiffy-Lube thing on him, restoring him to his former self. This the inventor does against the wishes of his teenage daughter and, of course, the government, which believes we need to get these beings off our world in order to find peace and prosperity.

PREVIEW REVIEW: If I may use a word confiscated by the generation this film was created for, I’ll say it’s awesome. It’s a popcorn-munchin’ rollercoaster ride and may be the best in this particular series. Still, I have concerns about the content.

Now, for those of you unfamiliar with Transformers, they are Autobots (cars that transform into giant robots) from another world. The Transformers are the good guys. They are careful of us puny Earthlings and do their best to protect us from other giant robotic creatures who want to rule the galaxy. Which certainly raises the question of why the government wants our protectors to go away.

My major complaint with this film would have to be its length. The endless attacks, beatings, chases, gunfire and explosions make up each effort in the sci-fi actioneer genre lately. In the case of the latest Transformers epic, I think the credits are still running.

And if you number yourself among those of us who are weary of objectionable language in nearly every film, here the filmmakers continue to use one particular obscenity as their go-to word. The s-word has become this era’s “darn it,” and it’s used by man, woman and beast in most of today’s movies. How come movie creativity is given a free hand in the special effects department, but nearly forgotten when it comes to wit and perception in dialogue.

Okay, I have another concern – evidently not one shared by most who critique films. While it has a comic book feel, the amount of visceral violence gained the film a PG-13 rating. I’m still asking if the amount of violence aimed at kids and teens via the entertainment community’s products is having a negative impact on our psyche. Nobody’s answering. Nobody’s even asking the question any more.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Paramount Pictures