Bumblebee

THE GIST: Overwhelmed by the Decepticons during the Cybertron civil war, the Autobots flee their home world and scatter across the universe in search of safe harbor. Bumblebee is dispatched to Earth by Optimus Prime with orders to protect the planet if it's discovered by the Decepticons and wait for his comrades' arrival. His first contact with mankind goes horribly wrong, so he hides as a VW Beetle, severely damaged. One day, Charlie, desperate for her own set of wheels, takes possession of the run-down vehicle, only to later be shocked by its transformation into an enormous robot, with a heart of gold.

Bumblebee is the sixth installment in the Transformers franchise and the first not directed by Michael Bay, and it shows, this being not only the best one so far, but also the one with the most heart.

Hailee Steinfeld stars as the young woman who finds a car and a friend in the titular robot, flanked by an adorable Jorge Lendeborg Jr. Supporting players John Cena, Pamela Adlon, and John Ortiz are noticeable in smaller roles.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A well developed, streamlined script and excellent visual effects (that don't scream "LOOK AT ME!!") ensure a deservedly charming origin story for fan-favorite Bumblebee. Very entertaining.

Grade: 7.5