The live-action Transformers films have left a massive mark on cinema thanks to what Michael Bay proved could work on screen. In this case, it proved that action films could still hold their own in terms of spectacle. However, it also proved that the limits of special effects go farther than anyone thought possible as the Autobots and Decepticons came to life with complex transformations. With this in mind, the film's biggest feat was bringing the same battles so many children reenacted with their toys to life in a way previously unheard of.
While Bay's Transformers films have more than made their mark on the movie-going experience, a crucial factor was left out of the Autobots that made even die-hard fans struggle to connect with them -- heroism. That said, the five films never completely showed how much the Autobots were willing to sacrifice for Earth, but where those films faltered, Travis Knight's Bumblebee didn't.
Michael Bay's Transformers Were Not Heroes
The Michael Bay Transformers films captured the tropes of the "boy and his car" story by having that car be a robot in disguise. Through Bumblebee, audiences were introduced to the longstanding war between the Autobots and Decepticons. However, each Autobot acted more like soldiers than saviors, from Optimus Prime to Ironhide. That's not to say they didn't love Earth, but the way they protected it was just as dangerous as if they hadn't.
Each film in the series showcased epic battles where the Autobots took on the Decepticons in big cities or wide open fields, but throughout the battle, Optimus' troops cared more about eliminating the Decepticon threat than they did ensuring the safety of those caught in the crossfire. This was best shown in the first film when Ironhide transformed over a screaming woman who was caught in the crossfire of tank blasts. Not only did he ignore her terror, but he also went ahead and continued with the fight while she was in danger. In the heat of battle, it could be understood, to a point. Thankfully, Bumblebee showed there are no excuses when protecting innocents.
Bumblebee Showed How Autobots Can Be Heroes
In Bumblebee, the Autobots were still described as soldiers caught in a battle for their freedom against the Decepticons. However, their entire survival was built on sacrifice, as many allies were forced to leave their doomed home world. Bumblebee, the youngest but most versatile, was likely the most affected by this as well, and the war showed him that to be a good soldier, there has to be something worth fighting for.
When he landed on Earth, he was treated by a military blockade that threatened to hurt him, but as the Decepticon Blitzwing appeared, he put himself in jeopardy to defend the same people that threatened him. To show how selfless this was, he even lost his voice and almost died defending them. It was a brief battle but showed how this iteration of Autobots would do anything to protect innocents from the Decepticons. They were more than soldiers in the end, but actual heroes, and that was often what fans related to the most once the dust of battle settled.