Transformers was a visual treat. The CGI was stunning and the action was packed and suspenseful. I caught myself literally on the edge of my seat!

I enjoyed it because I did not go in expecting an awesome story or some grand epic. I expected entertainment and action and Michael Bay nailed that down pat as he always does in his action films. However I was disappointed that in what seems to be a movie for the entire family there was so much shameless effort to throw in sexual innuendoes (disrespectful body camera shots, note about Sam’s pheromones suggesting he wants to mate with the female) and unneccessary effort to throw in inappropriate jokes to create laughter (mother accidently believes son was masturbating, Autobot spraying oil from his groin area). Some of these are very quick and hard to catch – “hey dad, do you want me to be the 40-year old virgin’. Also there is a general overlying disrespect of authority figures. Did anyone notice every adult in the movie is shown to be dumb and clueless?

Why does this bother me?

Spiderman 3 is full of awesome effects and great fun as expected, but what has been getting some press is the insight of the human condition depicted in the character development of the characters.

Everyone loves Spiderman. People tell me it is because unlike most ‘superheroes’, Spiderman is a real human being with real human struggle. He wanted money to buy that fancy car to impress the girl. He takes pictures of himself bc he wants to do well as a photographer. He gets mad at his uncle for being a little intrusive. Who can blame him? We all can relate in some way.

The evolution of the Spiderman seems all too realistic. Spiderman 1 Peter was just trying to understand his power and its responsibilities. Spiderman 2 was about Peter struggling to accept the role of being a ‘hero’. Spiderman 3, peter has accepted his superhero status and is slowly becoming proud as the fame gets to his head.

We know this to be true to life.