A 9/11 Nightmare, Running in High Heels

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Michael Bay's "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is a visually ugly film with an incoherent plot, wooden characters and inane dialog. It provided me with one of the more unpleasant experiences I've had at the movies.

Roger Ebert

Having witnessed the destruction of the twin towers on 9/11 from across the Hudson river, it was years before I could look at an airplane taking off from Newark airport without evoking that nightmare. Watching Transformers: Dark of the Moon brought it back in a visceral way with scene after numbing scene of toppling skyscrapers destroyed by Decepticons.

Yes, the special effects are stunning at times and the musical score is compelling, particularly with the choice of "Iridescent" {selected lyrics below} by Linkin Park. Certainly the tweens and teens in the audience were enthralled, with remarks at the end such as "Awesome" and "Epic." Those viewers are unlikely to have any memory of September 11, 2001. Don't get me wrong; this film can provide entertainment for millions - I'm simply sharing my reaction to it.

When you were standing in the wake of devastation

when you were waiting on the edge of the unknown

with the cataclysm raining down, insides crying save me now

you were there and possibly alone.

Unfortunately, the portrayal of urban destruction was disturbing, including bending, twisting skyscrapers, exploding office windows spewing out office papers scattered in the air like bizarre confetti - seemingly a Hollywood version of the real 9/11. Even parts of the dialogue were reminiscent of the post 9/11 wars, with Decepticons as terrorists:

Optimus Prime: We were once a peaceful race of intelligent mechanical beings. But then came the war, between the Autobots that fought for freedom and the Decepticons that dreamt of tyranny.

The scene of men flying in wing suits from an exploding building brought to mind the victims trapped in the twin towers on 9/11, at least 200 of whom jumped out of the office windows out of desperation. None survived that day.

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To watch the solid structure bend and fold over evokes the 9/11 WTC nightmare: pure Hollywood Capitalist defiance. It's a Pop Art thing that shouldn't be mistaken for a summer blockbuster thing.

Armond White

And the numerous toppled buildings:

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Then there was running in high heels throughout the film, by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley playing the love interest Carly. Although providing visual appeal, running this way can't be comfortable. Enough said.

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