Transformers

Transformers

Starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Rachael Taylor & Jon Voight

When seeing trailers for "Underdog," it's clear that some classic cartoons should stay just that. Yet, the way Michael Bay brings "Transformers" to the big screen (and to real life) is both fun to watch and distracting at times.

Shia LaBeouf is Sam Witwicky, a geeky sort of teen who needs enough money to buy a brand new car, and once he does, he gets the chick (Megan Fox). Sam and Mikalea are forced - and as time will tell - destined into a worldly battle against good and evil robots. These robots, of course, can take the form of anything mechanical and transform into their original state at will.

One step away from the original "Transformer's" cartoon is that humans play a large role in the film - more than half of it - whereas the cartoon focused on the doings of the Transformers. This is not a flaw of the movie at all. As the movie directs itself to the Transformers, it is odd and bizarre the way they speak and talk, which is probably humorous to children and idiots, but is equivocal to others. The humans are much more enjoyable, particularly new-comer bombshells Megan Fox and Aussie star Rachael Taylor who plays the very intelligent, sexy, nerdy computer freak. LaBeouf, once again, shows that a blockbuster hit can't take down his love for acting. His charisma resonates off the screen as he brings humor and wit to his character.

Not only is LaBeouf highly entertaining, but the special effects are out of this world. Every detail of the robots transformations can be seen and Bay brings all he knows and failed to do in movies like "The Island" to "Transformers." Honestly, the special effects should be the top contender for special effects for next year's Oscars.

Grade: B-

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (DVD)
Starring Roberty Downey Jr., Shia LaBeouf, Chazz Palminterri, Rosario Dawson, & Channing Tatum

This is one of those goldmines in modern cinema. "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints," written, directed, and based on the book by Dito Montiel, tells the true-life story of life in Queens during an era of violence, racial prejudices, and hopeful teens. Dito's story is illustrated through the memories kept by his older self (Robert Downey Jr.) of his once innocent and naive teenage self (Shia LaBeouf). Dito, friends with the rumbling brawler Antonio, impeccably played by rising star Channing Tatum, is bombarded with mixed emotions and situations from every level of the playing field. Jealously of Antonio sets in when Dito's father, Monty (Chazz Palminteri), becomes quickly fond of the street hooligan. Love ignites between Dito and Laurie, a local girl played by Melanie Diaz in the past and Rosario Dawson in the present, who wants more than just puppy love and is led on by Dito's promises. A Puerto Rican gangster hits Queens as he graffittis the streets and terrorizes Dito and Antonio.

Dito's only mode of survival is escaping Queens. Hope finds its way into his life through a Scotish kid named Mike (Martin Compsten) who helps Dito find a job walking dogs and brings dreams of setting off for California. Dito is determined, but single-minded Monty thinks differently.

"Recognizing Your Saints" is explosively heartfelt, especially in the scenes between LaBeouf, Palmenterri and Tatum. This trio of talent grasps your insides and twists them around. Their portrayal of their characters is admirable and saddening that movies like this don't come around often. Downey Jr. and Palmenteri also have great on-screen caliber, when the older Dito comes back to Queens to take his sick and bullheaded dad to the hospital.

With wonderful performances for its supporting cast including Dawson, Diaz, Dianne Wiest, Anthony DeSando, and a long list of unknown talents, "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints," a paramount coming-of-age story, is not only one of the best movies of 2006, but one of the best I've ever seen.

Grade: A