You’ve likely noticed the surge of Hollywood blockbusters featuring female protagonists. From Rey in Star Wars to Carina in Pirates of the Caribbean, and Wonder Woman dominating DC, the trend is clear. With the return of Tomb Raider, a slew of Disney animations, and upcoming releases like Captain Marvel, the new Charlie’s Angels, and a Harley Quinn solo film, it’s evident that female-led movies are on the rise. Not to be left behind, the Transformers franchise is also jumping on the bandwagon.
Traditionally a male-dominated saga featuring battle robots, the Transformers series initially employed Megan Fox and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in roles that were fairly straightforward. However, after a couple of installments starring Mark Wahlberg, the franchise needed a fresh approach, and what better way to rejuvenate it than a prequel featuring a female lead? Enter Bumblebee, which reinterprets what a “Transformers movie” can be.
Does this mean the film lacks epic action scenes? Not exactly. While the typical installment might feature ten such sequences, director Travis Knight (of Kubo and the Two Strings fame) includes around three. Knight’s focus is primarily on his heroine, Charlie, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld, who appears to have been plucked straight from a John Hughes movie. She’s a relatable outsider with everyday problems who unexpectedly finds herself embroiled in a Spielbergian world-saving adventure.
Knight approaches the story as a classic teenage science fiction tale, giving precedence to character development over CGI spectacle. The result? A film that arguably could stand alone even without the high-octane action scenes—a definite plus. Steinfeld delivers a convincing performance, portraying a gamut of classic teenage experiences, all backed by a retro soundtrack that periodically reminds us we’re in the ’80s.
So, forget the giant Victoria’s Secret billboards and collapsing skyscrapers. Also, put aside the often-stilted acting and worn-out robot dialogues we’ve endured in the past. Bumblebee is a refreshing family action movie that you can enjoy with both sons and daughters, without the post-cinema pressure of buying a slew of plastic robots. Knight understands that the ’80s weren’t just about aggression and destruction; they were also about fun, playful adventures. For the first time since the original Transformers film, we finally have that experience again. Hopefully, Paramount will take note and continue in this direction.
Watch Bumblebee For Free On Gomovies.