LaBeouf promises more beef

Shia LaBeouf says the second “Transformers” movie got too big for its own good – but the third one brings the heart back to the franchise.

LaBeouf, who started work on “Transformers 3” this week, says the script restores a human element that got lost in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” a runaway commercial success that was drubbed by critics.

“When I saw the second movie, I wasn’t impressed with what we did,” he says. “There were some really wild stunts in it, but the heart was gone.”

Michael Bay returns as director of the science-fiction franchise, which centers on dueling races of giant robots that bring their war to Earth.

Would they, Woody?

A note to Cate Blanchett and Reese Witherspoon: Woody Allen has his eye on you.

“These are two actresses that I would like to work with, because I think they’re both very talented,” Allen said at the Cannes Film Festival, where his latest, “You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger,” premiered.

“But I don’t know them. I’ve never had the opportunity to speak with them.”

Play it again, Snooki

Conan O’Brien will host his TBS talk show from a California studio with a rich movie history.

Warners’ Stage 15 is where “All The Presidents Men,” “Batman Returns,” “Ghostbusters,” “The Perfect Storm,” “The Music Man,” “Gremlins,” “Blazing Saddles” and many other films were made.

Quipped O’Brien: “I can’t wait to interview the cast of ‘Jersey Shore’ on the same lot where they filmed ‘Casablanca.’ ”

The birthday bunch

Singer Ron Isley (Isley Brothers) is 69. Singer Leo Sayer is 62. Actor Mr. T is 58. Actor Judge Reinhold is 53. Actress Lisa Edelstein (“House”) is 42. Actress Fairuza Balk is 36. Actress Sarah Ramos (“Parenthood”) is 19.