There's something wrong with every scene in this movie in terms of writing. The screenplay really sucks; which is both a surprise, and not a surprise. It was written by Christina Hodson (The Flash (2023), Birds of Prey, and Shut In.) She can't write. However, she received help from Kelly Fremon Craig who wrote and directed Edge of Seventeen, and that was a great movie, especially in terms of writing. And that also starred Hailee Steinfeld. But apart from maybe the emotional scenes, she didn't have much say in the script. If they had a better writer attached to the project, or if they just hired Craig, it would've been so much better!
"It's a kid's movie. Stop being so critical." If you think this way, you're wrong and stupid. "Yeah, kids movies are never good." Oh wait: Fantastic Mr. Fox, WALL-E, The Lego Movie, Aladdin, Coraline, The Lion King, etc.
The villains aren't exactly smart and effective in what they do. I feel like they're not even trying to win. Same can be said about Bumblebee in places.
- Yeah, Bumblebee. Stab Blitzwing in the shoulder and back. Don't go for his head or neck. (And don't you make that argument, "It's a kid's movie. You can't show that." Dropkick gets his arms torn off, and Cliffjumper gets cut in half.)
- Take your time killing your foe, Shatter! (Don't you just love plot armor?)
- Don't interrogate him, Blitzwing! Just rip out his voice transmitter!
- Don't fly up as he throws that chain at you, Dropkick!
- Just do nothing as he rips one of the missiles out of your arms and sticks it in you, Blitzwing.
- "That's not the Air Force." Just tell them to get the hell out of there!!
Why are the Cybertronians speaking English on their planet? Oh, it's a kid's movie? I don't care.
Why did the movie tell us we were on Cybertron? "Thanks! I thought I was in Egypt!"
Why did this movie feel the need to wrip out his transmitter? What's the point? I thought these movies aren't supposed to be connected to the Bayverse?
The fight scenes, while having some cool moments, were kind of clunky.
Lots of bad dialogue: "Hey, buddy. Are you still in there?" No, he shed his skin! "After I kill you, I kill her!" Etc.
No bully would ever bring up a dead parent to offend their victim! Bullies are pathetic, sadistic losers, but they still have a soul.
There are scenes that were ripped straight out of Iron Giant.
John Cena's character has a point: "They're called Decepticons." EXACTLY!!! They're clearly bad!!
Why does his blaster turn humans into water?
I could go on and on, but I'm not going to, for the sake of my happiness and my fingers.
With all of that said, Hailee Steinfeld is really good in it, as per typical. Angela Bassett did a good job voicing Shatter, but she's good in everything. Justin Theroux was fun as Dropkick.
I find it strange when the female character who is being bullied is more attractive than the supposed hot girl bully.
The 80's aesthetic adds something!
John Cena looked like he was having fun.
This is a personal point, but I would've had a fan-favorite Decepticon be the antagonist. Like Soundwave! He's awesome!! If Hal 9000 was a Decepticon. Or maybe keep Blitzwing around longer?