Transformers – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Transformers

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2007

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Michael Bay's robot smash-fest: loud, long, and packed with explosions—plus some eyebrow-raising choices about how to film women.

57%

6.8

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Transformers

movie

PG-13, 2007

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Michael Bay's robot smash-fest: loud, long, and packed with explosions—plus some eyebrow-raising choices about how to film women.

57%

6.8

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57%

6.8

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Transformers is what it is: a loud, bombastic action movie that prioritizes spectacle over substance. The robot designs are genuinely impressive and the transformation sequences still hold up, which is why kids (especially boys) have been obsessed with these toys for decades.

But let's be real—this is peak mid-2000s Michael Bay, which means it's excessive in every way. The runtime is punishing. The humor often misses (robot testicles, anyone?). And the way Megan Fox is filmed is... well, it's not great. You'll spend half the movie wondering if the camera operator has ever actually met a woman.

If your tween is begging to watch it because their friends have, it's not the worst thing—but set expectations about the objectification stuff beforehand. There are better entry points to this franchise (the 2018 Bumblebee movie is genuinely good), but this one kicked off the modern era and has cultural cache. Just maybe don't make it family movie night with the 8-year-old.

Age Fit

Best for 11-15 year olds who can handle intense action and won't be too bothered by the dated gender politics. Younger kids will be scared; older teens will roll their eyes at the cringe dialogue.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Military-heavy action film with significant property destruction, some crude humor, and objectification of female characters. Megan Fox's character is introduced in a gratuitous car-washing scene and frequently shot in male-gaze angles. Tone is chaotic and aggressive rather than emotionally grounding. Does show friendship between Sam and Bumblebee, but wholesome moments are buried under explosions.

Imaginative

Giant alien robots that transform into vehicles is genuinely creative and visually spectacular. The concept invites kids to imagine worlds beyond Earth and think about technology and transformation. However, execution leans heavily on spectacle over substance—more about watching things explode than exploring ideas. Still, the core premise has inspired decades of creative play.

Safe

PG-13 content that pushes boundaries: intense robot combat violence, multiple deaths (though mostly robots), scary imagery, some profanity, sexual innuendo, and the aforementioned objectification. No gore or nudity, but definitely not something you'd want a 7-year-old stumbling into. Parent robot 'death' scene is emotionally intense. The movie earned its PG-13 for a reason—it's not Marvel-level family-friendly.

Enriching

Minimal enrichment beyond 'robots are cool' and basic good-vs-evil themes. Characters are thin, dialogue is often cringe-worthy, and at 144 minutes it's exhaustingly long. Some themes about courage and standing up for what's right, but they're drowned in product placement (GM cars everywhere) and Michael Bay's signature excess. Entertainment value exists for action fans, but little meaningful takeaway.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Giant transforming robots are undeniably cool and the special effects hold up surprisingly well
High-octane action that appeals to kids who love vehicles, military tech, and sci-fi spectacle
Launched a franchise that's been culturally significant for Gen Z and younger millennials
The Autobot-human friendship has genuine heart buried in there somewhere

⚠

What to Watch For

Intense robot violence and scary imagery—parent robot characters 'die' in emotionally heavy scenes
Megan Fox's character is objectified throughout (that car wash scene, the bike scene, the constant camera angles)
Crude humor including a robot 'peeing' on a character and some sexual innuendo
It's 2.5 hours long and feels every minute of it—patience required
Definitely earned its PG-13; this isn't Bumblebee (2018) levels of family-friendly

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you found out your car was actually an alien robot?"
"Why do you think the Autobots chose to protect humans instead of just leaving Earth?"
"Some of the jokes about Megan Fox's character felt uncomfortable—did you notice that? What did you think?"
"If you could transform into any vehicle, what would you pick and why?"

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