The problem with (goddamn) 3D is twofold; first, many films are not created with the 3rd dimension in mind, and the prints are pushed through a conversion process that comes out like shit 9 times out of 10. The second problem is even when a film is made for GD 3D, it rests in the vision of the director to make it work. The last two films reviewed by this blog in the GD 3D format, SAW 3D and TRON: LEGACY, were made for it and still managed to fail miserably.
In the old days, GD 3D was a gimmick that had objects flying out of the screen at the audience. In this new generation, it is not about what comes at you, but away from you. What makes GD 3D work today is depth of field. James Cameron’s AVATAR nailed this perfectly; hallways and landscapes that reached back and beyond. AVATAR set a new bar for the format; showing that GD 3D is perfect for showing the vastness or hugeness of anything. The format in turn helps the story along by way of giving perspective and awareness of the geography.
Enter Michael Bay and his third TRANSFORMERS film. As the film opens, it takes about 1.5 seconds to realize that Bay understands what to do with the GD 3rd dimension. The opening shot of a starfield immediately gives an outstanding appreciation and understanding of the vastness of space; it is an effect that Kubrick would have loved for his SPACE ODYESSY film.
The 3rd dimension in this film does aid in the storytelling by showing just how BIG things are; buildings, ships, robots, heights, etc. It adds great perspective and dizzying spectacle as the camera teeters over the roofs of skyscrapers. The battle scenes benefit from it as well; the format allows for a real-time feel to being on the battlefield, peering through smoke and ducking from flying debris.
As awesome as it is for the big stuff, it is poor in the small stuff. Intimate scenes between humans have no use for the 3rd dimension, and it begins to feel like one of those older films where you only put the glasses on for certain parts. Screen brightness is okay (a quick peek under the glasses shows what looks like an over-brightened screen), but still feels murky in any darker scenes. As a sidenote, it is worth mentioning that with GD 3D being displayed by digital projectors, you are guaranteed to see a presentation devoid of any scratches, dust, or any other flaws.
This blogger can and will recommend seeing this film in (goddamn) 3D providing you don’t mind the heftier ticket price, annoying glasses, and scenes that don’t utilize the format. The visual effects are still pretty darn spectacular in good ol’ 2D, but those who spring for the 3rd will be rewarded with gang-banged eyeballs.
I CANNOT BELIEVE you recommended a "goddamn" 3D movie. :)
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