The Sci-Fi/Action film “Bumblebee” hit the theaters in December 2018 and is part of the Transformers franchise. The story is set in 1987 in a California beach town where a teenager, Charlie Watson, who is played by actress Hailee Steinfeld, is struggling to find her place after a loss in her family, stumbles across a yellow car in a junkyard but soon realizes it’s no ordinary car.
Starring actress Hailee Steinfeld and actor John Cena, this film is sure to deliver quality entertainment to its audience. Steinfeld has been nominated for many awards including an Oscar back in 2011, a Golden Globes Award in 2017, and four Critics Choice Awards. Her co-star John Cena, has also made appearances in popular movies such as “Daddy’s Home” and “Trainwreck”.
Hailee Steinfeld’s performance is brilliant. She stays true to the nature of her character and really portrays a grieving teenager who just lost her father and can’t seem to find her purpose. She appeals to the audience’s emotions in this way and is committed to delivering her lines in the best way possible. John Cena plays Agent Burns and does it excellently. He is committed to his character and although we may see him play the same types throughout his acting career, he did great in this film and was a fitting casting choice.
This movie is refreshing to see because it gives a nostalgic feel and offers a different representation of the “Transformers” franchise. It is a soft film centered around Charlie’s bond with Bumblebee. We see in the beginning Bumblebee fighting when Autobot B-127 rips out his robot voice box then beat him leaving him with a loss of memory and purpose. Meanwhile, Charlie is going through something very similar; trying to overcome the emotional pain she is dealing with. She was a one-time swimming champion but after her father’s death, she hasn’t stepped foot into a pool leaving her to question everything in her life.
The lesson of this story might be the power of nonverbal communication. Bumblebee can’t say a word through about 98% of the film yet he and Charlie have created a very special bond. He finds different ways to communicate with her and express his emotions.
I would recommend this movie to all age groups. It is rated PG-13 and with such a broad audience it is impossible to please everyone who watches it, but if you’re a fan of an 80’s setting with The Smiths soundtracks and a heartfelt film then this just might be the movie for you.
By Kimberly Ortiz, Reporter