Transformers: The Movie

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Official Site (http://www.transformersmovie.com/)

The Official Site is basically the teaser poster with a countdown clock on it. Michael Bay is directing, so expect lots of explosions! But in a movie about machines fighting each other, we want our gratuitous explosions, so its all good.

I'm not sure what they're counting down to - but apparently its in 10 days. The first trailer, perhaps?

[Figrin D'an]

The little kid inside me wants so badly for this movie to be awesome. I really hope it is. I just have a nagging (and to this point, completely unsubstantiated) feeling that it's going to disappoint me. :(

[CMJ]

I've only really liked one Bay film. His others I've either been lukewarm on or outright disliked. So I'm pretty leery of this.

I'm sure I'll be there opening day though. :lol

[Mitch]

They're highlighting the new Camaro in it, so I'm happy. They're going to take an old 70's Camaro version and give him an upgrade to the new one. I've seen the pictures, and it looks killer.

[Jecht Tar]

Somehow I have this sinking feeling that this film is not going to be very good. I hope that I am wrong because I loved Transformers when I was a kid and I'd hate to see it get turned into a crappy movie.

[Dasquian Belargic]

The tagline is... unusual. Still, looking forward to seeing the trailer.

[Oriadin]

Originally posted by Jecht Tar
Somehow I have this sinking feeling that this film is not going to be very good. I hope that I am wrong because I loved Transformers when I was a kid and I'd hate to see it get turned into a crappy movie.

I pretty much second this.

[Jaime Tomahawk]

I hated Transformers when I was a teenager..... dont expect anything to change now.

[JMK]

Originally posted by Oriadin
I pretty much second this.

I'll third it.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I heard a rumor that Bumblebee isn't going to be a VW Bug because German car makers didn't want their cars to be in a war machines movie. So no Porsche either.

[Oriadin]

Originally posted by Jaime Tomahawk
I hated Transformers when I was a teenager..... dont expect anything to change now.

Transformers was like, the ultimate kids cartoon for boys! Massive robots that turn into planes, cars, tanks, trucks etc. and they go around shooting stuff.

Plus the noise of them transforming is the single best noise ever created. Even better than the hum of a lightsaber!

[Dasquian Belargic]

I hope they feature that Transformer that turned into a casette tape :D

[Oriadin]

Soundwave! He was mint. I loved his voice.

[Shawn]

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7686/bumble4vz.jpg

[Anbira Hicchoru]

I don't think this will be all that good, but its too neat of a concept to pass on.

[JMK]

Agreed. Even if this sucks as a movie you know it will be really cool to look at.

[Jecht Tar]

Originally posted by JMK
Agreed. Even if this sucks as a movie you know it will be really cool to look at.

Just like the X-Men movies.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

Originally posted by Jecht Tar
Just like the X-Men movies.

Nah, those were actually pretty good.

[Jaime Tomahawk]

Originally posted by Jecht Tar
Just like the X-Men movies.


Except X-Men were actually damn good. And frankly 'cool to look at' is a really crappy reason to waste 10 dollars+ to go be in a room with screaming kids and teens on their bloody mobiles.

[Oriadin]

Originally posted by Jaime Tomahawk
teens on their bloody mobiles.

Dont even get me started on that one! Nothin worse than someones mobile phone catching your eye every ten minutes.

[JMK]

Originally posted by Jaime Tomahawk
Except X-Men were actually damn good. And frankly 'cool to look at' is a really crappy reason to waste 10 dollars+ to go be in a room with screaming kids and teens on their bloody mobiles.

That's why you go on a Sunday afternoon when all the teens and their cell phones are still asleep or mowing daddy's lawn. Besides, they can't be seen out in public during the day - you're just not cool if you're not out when the sun is down! ;)

Of all the cinemas near me, I know which ones are riddled with teeny boppers that can't sit still or stay quiet for 5 seconds and I avoid it like the plague.

I tempted fate last month and went to that same cinema - a 9 pm saturday show and boy was I kicking myself for it. Hordes and hordes of hormonal teens running all over the place, being pains in the rear. Won't go back there again.

[/rant]

[Droo]

http://www.transformersmovie.com/

The announcement trailer is released. It is interesting but I don't think it quite sells it to me. I can't take something like Transformers that seriously, I suppose.

[JMK]

Not much there to get excited about. Nice idea but it fell flat IMO. I hope it's not a sign of things to come for the movie itself.

[jjwr]

I wasn't impressed either, I was really hoping to see one of the Bots in action to get a better feel for it.

[Darth McBain]

I agree with a lot of you - so far this doesn't look overly impressive. But I have to say, watching the trailer awakened the little kid in me and made me remember how much I loved Transformers when I was a kid. Somehow even if it does stink (which it well may), I want to see this...

[Dasquian Belargic]

Originally posted by Jaime Tomahawk
Except X-Men were actually damn good. And frankly 'cool to look at' is a really crappy reason to waste 10 dollars+ to go be in a room with screaming kids and teens on their bloody mobiles.

I'm so glad that I live in a country where even these types of people know to shut the hell up when they're inside a cinema.

EDIT - Just watched the trailer... not a very good start, they could have done more to grip the viewer from the beginning of the trailer. It's pretty ambiguous what the film even is up until the end. I guess they are trying to go for the Godzilla style slow-reveal/sneak-peek.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Wait, so the Transformers are from Mars? WTH?

Although I'm not sure where they are SUPPOSED to have come from, actually.

[Jedieb]

Originally posted by Lilaena De'Ville
Wait, so the Transformers are from Mars? WTH?

Although I'm not sure where they are SUPPOSED to have come from, actually.

I think they may be changing their crash site. I think it's a good idea. Having them on Earth but never being awakened until the 80's isn't as good as having a Mars? probe awakening the bots. I think it works and I'm not looking for a page by page version of the old comic or cartoon show, just a good Transformers movie. I'm hoping against hope they cast at least a few of the original cartoon voices, especially Optimus.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Well I have no idea where they came from originally, so if it works it works. I guess I just glossed over the details when I was a kid and haven't really thought about their origins until now. :)

[Oriadin]

They came from Cybertron :)

Seem to be having a few problems downloading the trailer...

[Morgan Evanar]

That's an extremely clever way to work things with the Beagle 2 actually landing

I'm looking forward to this as I am probably a quarter the Transformers fanboy that Dru is twoard Superman, which means I'm a giant fanboy.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Originally posted by Morgan Evanar
I'm looking forward to this as I am probably a quarter the Transformers fanboy that Dru is twoard Superman, which means I'm a giant fanboy.
:lol Quoted for Truth and Justice! :lol

[Lilaena De'Ville]

There is a new clip online of some preliminary footage of Transformers, ah, transforming.

It is very short.

It's also a spoiler! I'm posting this just for Sam. ;) Remember, be aware that if you click the below link the movie will start immediately.

http://www.aintitcool.com/1stTransformer.mov

[Darth McBain]

There was just a live interview and Q/A session on Yahoo where they revealed some of the transformers that will be seen in the movie. They are:

Autobots
======

Optimus Prime
Bumblebee (who will be a Camaro instead of a VW bug :huh)
Jazz
Ratchet
Ironhide


Decepticons
========

Megatron
Starscream
Brawl
Bonecrusher
Barricade
Scorponock (sp?)
Frenzy
Blackout


Notable Missing
===========

No Soundwave :(


Some other interesting stuff

Apparently there will be a "street-fight" between Optimus Prime and Megatron

There's also a contest where you can submit a line of dialogue at the movie website for Optimus Prime that will be included in the movie.

[JMK]

Wow, I'm fairly disappointed by that list, moreso with the Decepticons rather than the Autobots, but it's very very unfortunate that they decided to make Bumblebee a camaro instead of a VW. I guess Chevy paid more to have their product in there.


Why bring in Frenzy if Soundwave is not there? Why Bonecrusher and not the rest of the Constructicons? Unless they're just not telling us everything, and they are really there. And why, oh why did they have to pull the friggin Beast War chumps in to this?

My caution meter for this just went way up. :\

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I read that VW didn't want their car portrayed as a war machine and isn't letting them use it for Bumblebee.

[Verse Dawnstrider]

Ok....

I am a Transfomer fan-boy all the freaking way. I would make love to one of those machines if need be (I know...kinda scary. Think how my mom felt when I was younger).

From what they said at comicon they haven't even chosen who is doin' most of the voice work. They also said that they haven't even fully chosen what most of the chars will transform into. This is all the said at Comicon

Optimus will be voiced by the original dude and transfor into a old school 18 wheeler, Bumble-Bee will be the camareo, and Star Scream will be a street racer (Because it would be too rough to do the ground to air battles I guess)

[Oriadin]

Star Scream a street racer? No no no no no. I remember hearing that VW wouldnt let them use their car in the film, which is very dissapointing. Im now not too sure about this. I never understand why they change things like this because all your going to do is dissapoint the people who would have been your most loyal fan base.

[JMK]

Wha??? A street racer for Starscream???? Oh come on now! If you're going to do this movie, for the love of god, do it right! Why bother if you're just going to blow the origins out of the water.

I too heard that Optimus would be voiced by the original guy, but I also heard the same for Megatron. Both would be great moves, but it's still not enough to offset some of the horrendous decisions they seem to be making. So what if VW won't let you use the beetle as a war machine? Does that mean you have to go to a camaro? I'm sure Chevy has some smaller cars which would be acceptable in place of the beetle. Ugh. Caution meter rises another notch.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Chevy does have some small cars - like the <a href=http://www.chevrolet.com/aveo/>Aveo</a>. I agree, they didn't have to go with a camaro.

[Verse Dawnstrider]

The pic that they release on G4 of Star Scream was a good lookin' car atleast. It was very 'Fast and Furious' in it's look. They could have done a Jet IMO. There was also a rumor about random thing like IPODs transforming. The producer stated "I am not allowed to say much, but I can say this, 'It is going to be 2007, so expect to see things transform that were not around in the 80's'

That scares me alot, but at the same time make be giddy. I know it is a new age but that is like saying "It is 2006 people. Why wouldn't Liono have a goatee and spiked hair? It really wouldn't change a Thundercat movie....'

[Lilaena De'Ville]

OMG that reminds me of this:

(warning: some nws language in the link)
<a href=http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2006/08/thundercats_join_a_band.html>Remaking Thundercats</a>

[Verse Dawnstrider]

I feel like my whole childhood was a being attacked. Give it a year. Soon the Smurfs will be back. Only this time Papa smurf will be a drunk, Smurffet will be...well..a 'working women'..ahem...Brawny will be on Steriods...and they will all hate Vanity for his....'new age' thinking.

[Michele Hawkins]

OH GOOD GOD NO!!!! :mad :cry :cry

My Thundercats are being remade into Jem and the Holograms!!!

[Yog]

Originally posted by Figrin D'an
The little kid inside me wants so badly for this movie to be awesome. I really hope it is. I just have a nagging (and to this point, completely unsubstantiated) feeling that it's going to disappoint me. :(

QFE

A live action transformers movie got so much potential. *IF* its done right. Hopefully, I don't end up getting disappointed.

These are the basic rules:
- stay faithful to the original G1 story and characters
- transformers, not humans should dominate screen time
- do NOT make changes to the original concepts to reduce special effects budget
- do not make a movie like this if its going to be a half hearted effort

So far, it looks like Michael Bay is taking a lot of liberties..

[Shawn]

http://uk.promotions.yahoo.com/transformers/

Full Trailer

[Darth McBain]

Hmm... Obviously awesome effects, but to be honest that trailer didn't do much for me.

[Pierce Tondry]

Very little substance to it.

[JMK]

Very little substance to it.


This is not a surprise. We're talking about Michael Bay, not Michael Mann.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000881/

Where on that list do you see anything of substance? The playboy video doesn't count. ;)

[Jaime Tomahawk]

Looks like they took what Hollywood thinks makes a summer movie and filled the check boxes in. Yay. Not.

[Droo]

This film looks absolutely rank, and the special effects are anything but special. I'm not suprised at all but I must say, what a lazy and uninspired trailer.

[Miranda Tarkin]

:| is all I have to say. The trailer makes me not want to see the movie, which isn't necessarily a bad thing

[Darth McBain]

The tanks going flying was so cheesy... Actually most of it was...

[Jedi Master Carr]

I have to say it does look rather weak. Of course this is Michael Bay we are talking about here. He has only done one really really good movie and that was the Rock.

[Pierce Tondry]

This is not a surprise. We're talking about Michael Bay, not Michael Mann.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000881/

Where on that list do you see anything of substance? The playboy video doesn't count. ;)

Don't get me wrong. I was prepared for the potential travesty. I'm just disappointed that reality met with my expectations.

Megatron as a fondue pot could only add to things at this point.

[Morgan Evanar]

Don't get me wrong. I was prepared for the potential travesty. I'm just disappointed that reality met with my expectations.

Megatron as a fondue pot could only add to things at this point.Sadly this is how I feel about the whole thing too. And the trailer was absolutely awful.

[JMK]

I'm still going to take a wait and see approach. It does look rather formulaic, but without hearing any dialogue or really catching the gist of the story I'm going to bite my tongue for now.

I just really want this project to work, and I hope that Spielberg was able to 'keep it real'. My hopes aren't very high at this point, but I will give this movie a chance.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I'll go see it. :p

[Ryan Pode]

It's the sort of movie that will have a good beginning then just die. Like all his films.

[Yog]

What an uninspiring and dull trailer. It looks like they are messing too much with the original story, and just making it a standard action movie, putting in a few robots here and there. Sadly, that won't cut it. If they actually used some of the screenplay from the first generation cartoons and comics, giving it a huge budget like it deserves, a GOOD director and actors with talent, and being faithful to the original story, then they would have found the fans rushing down the movie theaters in droves.

/commence nerdrage rant
For the record, the original story starts with a friggin WAR on Cybertron, giant robots fighting each other. How awesome potential of an opener is that. Then a gigantic space ship crashing on earth into a mountain creating a crater, putting all the transformers to hibernation for millions of years. Then there is a story of how the transformers wakes up and discovers our civilization, and how the decepticons tries to exploit our planet for energy, before an EPIC battle commences between the autobots, decepticons and man. "Nono, lets put them on Mars instead! And lets make it a handful robots fighting a few skirmishes, some standard action scenes with explosions and fill out the dots with cheesy acting to save costs on special effects budget! Guaranteed box office hit!" A crapload of characters are being left out "for potential sequels".. jesus thats dense. How about making the first movie successful first? There is plenty of story in there just being ignored. Oh, and the transformers look far too bionic for me. What happened to look like a jet / car transform into a jet / car. They threw that out of the window as well
:grumble :shakefist :verymad :x
/exit nerdrage rant

[CMJ]

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/transformers.html

Someone on another messageboard summed it up perfectly.

"This goes totally against almost everything I generally hold concerning film, but:

I cannot wait to see two hours of freaking big robots blowing each other up. It's SFX porn. Screw the story"

[Jedi Master Carr]

Maybe, my interests in movies have changed but I have no interest in it. I use to like movies like that 10 years ago but I can't watch movies like that at all. I have to have a story to movies. that is just me.

[Yog]

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/transformers.html

Someone on another messageboard summed it up perfectly.

"This goes totally against almost everything I generally hold concerning film, but:

I cannot wait to see two hours of freaking big robots blowing each other up. It's SFX porn. Screw the story"

I LOVE the idea of robots fighting each other. What I don't like is how much they are messing with the original Transformers concepts and story. It's not a nice gesture to the fans. It's a bit like having Michael Bay directing SW Episode 1, just putting in lots of space ship battles, lightsabre fights and explosions.

Come to think of it, that probably would have worked out better... :p

[JMK]

Is anyone really surprised that they've bastardized the entire concept of G1 Transformers for this movie? I'm still going to see it, but I'm not happy about a lot of things I'm hearing that's for sure.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well its Michael Bay he has only made one good movie. The rest of his movies have been terrible.

[CMJ]

Well its Michael Bay he has only made one good movie. The rest of his movies have been terrible.

That's not true. He made acouple that were "okay".

I don't know...they trailer that was released today got me excited. Quite frankly this is my most anticipated film of the summer by far.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Watching most of his movies a second time I come to hate them. Only the Rock really is any good. The rest are bad, at least IMO. I can't even watch Pearl Harbor at all. Also, I have no interest in transformers, I guess I was really never into them as a kid.

[Yog]

Watching most of his movies a second time I come to hate them. Only the Rock really is any good. The rest are bad, at least IMO. I can't even watch Pearl Harbor at all. Also, I have no interest in transformers, I guess I was really never into them as a kid.

Have you seen The Island? Yeah, it tanked in box office, but it's one of the most underrated movies I have seen in recent years.

[Turbogeek]

Is anyone really surprised that they've bastardized the entire concept of G1 Transformers for this movie? I'm still going to see it, but I'm not happy about a lot of things I'm hearing that's for sure.

Considering just how bad just about all Transformers cartoons and comics really are ...... I dont have much problem with that at all. Bring on big robots blowing stuff up!

[Droo]

Considering just how bad just about all Transformers cartoons and comics really are ...... I dont have much problem with that at all. Bring on big robots blowing stuff up!

A man after my own heart.

[CMJ]

See all of these things are pretty much the same...just depends on what age you did or didn't start following it. Most comic book character arcs are tinged with silliness no matter how grounded in reality they attempt to be. You either accept it or not depending on the franchise, because you were either into it or not as a kid.

For instance...I wasn't a big X-Men fan growing up. The films were very good, but when I was a kid I thought the comics were rather ridiculous. Same with Superman to be honest - who I always felt was the most boring Superhero ever(the films were well done tho).

Most of these series that people followed as kids ARE sorta childlike. So of course if you didn't follow them as a kid, or enjoyed others instead - you won't understand the attachment others can have to them. The Transformers might not have had the best storyline(I don't think it was bad tho), but the show did impart alot of lessons and whatnot to kids. Optimus Prime was just as sage a leader as anyone from any other series.

[Jedi Master Carr]

See all of these things are pretty much the same...just depends on what age you did or didn't start following it. Most comic book character arcs are tinged with silliness no matter how grounded in reality they attempt to be. You either accept it or not depending on the franchise, because you were either into it or not as a kid.

For instance...I wasn't a big X-Men fan growing up. The films were very good, but when I was a kid I thought the comics were rather ridiculous. Same with Superman to be honest - who I always felt was the most boring Superhero ever(the films were well done tho).

Most of these series that people followed as kids ARE sorta childlike. So of course if you didn't follow them as a kid, or enjoyed others instead - you won't understand the attachment others can have to them. The Transformers might not have had the best storyline(I don't think it was bad tho), but the show did impart alot of lessons and whatnot to kids. Optimus Prime was just as sage a leader as anyone from any other series.

Maybe it just past me over. Of course other than Star Wars I can't think of much else I was fond of as a kid. I liked the Indiana Jones and Back to the Future movies but cartoon wise I can't think of much.

[CMJ]

But you enjoyed comic books correct? I didn't really. That was my point.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Ah okay, yeah I was pretty big comic book fan. I was a huge Batman fan as a kid.

[Turbogeek]

See all of these things are pretty much the same...just depends on what age you did or didn't start following it. Most comic book character arcs are tinged with silliness no matter how grounded in reality they attempt to be. You either accept it or not depending on the franchise, because you were either into it or not as a kid.

Pardon? It's not how "silly" it is, it's about the fact it was bloody awful in just about every single department. The ONLY thing it had going for it was big robots fighting each other and even that frankly in the main was done terribly.



Most of these series that people followed as kids ARE sorta childlike. So of course if you didn't follow them as a kid, or enjoyed others instead - you won't understand the attachment others can have to them. The Transformers might not have had the best storyline(I don't think it was bad tho), but the show did impart alot of lessons and whatnot to kids. Optimus Prime was just as sage a leader as anyone from any other series.


There were no lessons. It was straight up a show designed to sell toys. Nothing more - just like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh. It deserves no sentimentalism or fond reflection because it was utter garbage.

While I'm mentioning Yugioh, if you have not seen the "abridged" parody, do so. It is brilliant and skewers this made to sell toys rubbish exactly where it deserves to be skewered
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=LittleKuriboh

Now, I said the original Transformers was a rotten excuse to sell toys. Well, the movie Transformers is a similar excuse to flog toys too. In the movie version, we seem to have robots kicking the crap out of things, like the cartoon. EXCEPT (and this is the real point) if the 780p trailer is anything to go by, unlike the cartoon, the kicking the crap out of stuff looks to be utterly superb. And thence, because the robots and explosions look awesome, I'm going. As long as Bay has the sense to keep the humans out of the story as much as possible and we just see Megatron and Optimus do their thing, this will be a great movie.

[Droo]

Oh, I misunderstood your earlier phrase. I most certainly won't be going. It takes a bit more than uninspired CGI robots throwing, stomping on and blowing up CGI scenerey to get me to cough up the money for a ticket. I honestly don't think this kind of film-making deserves any credit or support, because too many film-makers out there think mindless action romps are acceptable forms of entertainment when it would only take them a second to realise that action doesn't have to be mindless.

[Turbogeek]

Normally I'd agree with you - CGI fests are boring. And almost all of the utter tripe from Hollywood is not worth even pirating, with uninspired stoires and stupid cliches

This one however - well it looks on a sheer geeky level to be worth a look on the big screen, the effects do look a real leap above. And if ifs nothing more than well done CGI robots smashing the hell out of each other - well that's all the trailers have promised and for once I'll go see it - cause I suppose we all need now and then just to have some explody nonsense. As long as they dont have story and boring plot in amongst the explosions and robots.... fine by me for once!

Sure, I like real plot and real story in an action movie but big robots fighting.... well..... I suppose I can let that pass.

[Cirrsseeto Quez]

Yeah I am down with a brainless two hours to see robots beat up on each other.

I mean, I watched Robot Jox way back in the day and that movie was terrible, but still awesome.

[CMJ]

Pardon? It's not how "silly" it is, it's about the fact it was bloody awful in just about every single department. The ONLY thing it had going for it was big robots fighting each other and even that frankly in the main was done terribly.


There were no lessons. It was straight up a show designed to sell toys. Nothing more - just like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh. It deserves no sentimentalism or fond reflection because it was utter garbage.

While I'm mentioning Yugioh, if you have not seen the "abridged" parody, do so. It is brilliant and skewers this made to sell toys rubbish exactly where it deserves to be skewered
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=LittleKuriboh

Now, I said the original Transformers was a rotten excuse to sell toys. Well, the movie Transformers is a similar excuse to flog toys too. In the movie version, we seem to have robots kicking the crap out of things, like the cartoon. EXCEPT (and this is the real point) if the 780p trailer is anything to go by, unlike the cartoon, the kicking the crap out of stuff looks to be utterly superb. And thence, because the robots and explosions look awesome, I'm going. As long as Bay has the sense to keep the humans out of the story as much as possible and we just see Megatron and Optimus do their thing, this will be a great movie.


BS on all levels. But you were also too old to like them when Transformers were at their height - since you were what...in your mid teens I think. Maybe even older than that by the time everything made it over to Australia for all I know.

[JMK]

Pardon? It's not how "silly" it is, it's about the fact it was bloody awful in just about every single department. The ONLY thing it had going for it was big robots fighting each other and even that frankly in the main was done terribly.

There were no lessons. It was straight up a show designed to sell toys. Nothing more -just like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh. It deserves no sentimentalism or fond reflection because it was utter garbage.

Now, I said the original Transformers was a rotten excuse to sell toys. Well, the movie Transformers is a similar excuse to flog toys too. In the movie version, we seem to have robots kicking the crap out of things, like the cartoon. EXCEPT (and this is the real point) if the 780p trailer is anything to go by, unlike the cartoon, the kicking the crap out of stuff looks to be utterly superb. And thence, because the robots and explosions look awesome, I'm going. As long as Bay has the sense to keep the humans out of the story as much as possible and we just see Megatron and Optimus do their thing, this will be a great movie.

Hogwash. Try telling this to a 7 year old who just loves the Transformers, or someone who was 7 years old when Transformers came out in '84 and loved them then too. If you're suggesting that children be aware that they're being marketed to, or what they are watching is a "rotten excuse to sell toys", then you may be one of those people who leaves coal in people's stocking at Christmas and has a subscription to 'adbusters' for little kids in the family.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I grew up on Transformers and adored them. So what, does that mean I'm retarded or something? :shakefist

[Sin]

There were no lessons. It was straight up a show designed to sell toys. Nothing more - just like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh. It deserves no sentimentalism or fond reflection because it was utter garbage.

Uh....HUH.

Did you ever see the show? Or read the comics? I'm honestly curious what you're basing your opinion upon.

Movie? Looks fantastic - as a long time Transfan and collector (retired staff from allspark.com, transformers message board), I am literally counting the days until July 4th.

[Turbogeek]

BS on all levels. But you were also too old to like them when Transformers were at their height - since you were what...in your mid teens I think. Maybe even older than that by the time everything made it over to Australia for all I know.

Since when does someone get "too old"??? That's also BS on all levels - the simple fact is that even us old farts can appreciate and enjoy kids shows - in fact I get a kick out of Inspector Gadget and even Speed Racer even now to name two off the top of my head. And both are plain silly on all levels too, but it doesnt the fact that you are NEVER too old to appreciate something. If anything given my interests, Transformers should appeal to me and I know it does to a lot of other car fanatics.

I also watch and really like other shows, but that wont stop me from admitting how bad they really are - Inspector Gadget in reality is pretty bad too.




Uh....HUH.

Did you ever see the show? Or read the comics? I'm honestly curious what you're basing your opinion upon.
Read up on your history of the show. And FYI, yes actually in fact I have had my share of reading both. I am not being so vocal without being uninformed.


Launched in 1984, the Transformers toyline was promoted through both a comic book by Marvel Comics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Comics) and an animated series produced by Sunbow Productions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunbow_Productions).
It wouldnt have existed without the toyline. Now a lot of children's shows are just marketing tie ins to a toyline or some product so you are looking at what is just standard procedure. The comparisions to Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! are in fact very correct. The Lord help us if Pokemon becomes looked back on with fondness -_-

[Miranda Tarkin]

It wouldnt have existed without the toyline. Now a lot of children's shows are just marketing tie ins to a toyline or some product so you are looking at what is just standard procedure. The comparisions to Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! are in fact very correct. The Lord help us if Pokemon becomes looked back on with fondness -_-


all I have to say is PIKA :D

:mneh

I have nothing else to contribute except I loved transformers as a kid and this movie is a mockery of what I loved :p

[Morgan Evanar]

Since when does someone get "too old"??? That's also BS on all levels - the simple fact is that even us old farts can appreciate and enjoy kids shows - in fact I get a kick out of Inspector Gadget and even Speed Racer even now to name two off the top of my head. And both are plain silly on all levels too, but it doesnt the fact that you are NEVER too old to appreciate something. If anything given my interests, Transformers should appeal to me and I know it does to a lot of other car fanatics.

I also watch and really like other shows, but that wont stop me from admitting how bad they really are - Inspector Gadget in reality is pretty bad too.

Read up on your history of the show. And FYI, yes actually in fact I have had my share of reading both. I am not being so vocal without being uninformed.

It wouldnt have existed without the toyline. Now a lot of children's shows are just marketing tie ins to a toyline or some product so you are looking at what is just standard procedure. The comparisions to Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! are in fact very correct. The Lord help us if Pokemon becomes looked back on with fondness -_-Maybe, but the first seasons had very positive messages regarding cooperation and the like. I recently reviewed the first season, and sure, it has a lot of robots and action but it also has a good message. Later, when they were inventing characters left and right it was just a marketing grab. *shrug* I still maintain the two seasons were solid kid shows, period.

[Michael Cline]

all I have to say is PIKA :D

:mneh

I have nothing else to contribute except I loved transformers as a kid and this movie is a mockery of what I loved :p

No more so than any other version of Transformers.

-Beast Wars/Machines in the '90s
-Japanese imported Car Robots (Robots in Disguise in America) in early '00s
-The Cybertron trilogy: Armada-Energon-Cybertron, on Cartoon network over the last 4-5 years or so.

Don't even get me GOING on the Japanese exclusive shows. In Japan Transformers has almost never left the air in one form or another since it's inception.

Transformers has a long history of story outside of the original 3 seasons that ran in the 80s. This is simply a new telling of an old story/idea.

The original Transformers is arguably the weakest of all presented in fact.

[Morgan Evanar]

RiD was awful.

[Sin]

I enjoyed it just for Skybite.

A flying shark who writes poetry, what's not to love?

[Yog]

Pardon? It's not how "silly" it is, it's about the fact it was bloody awful in just about every single department. The ONLY thing it had going for it was big robots fighting each other and even that frankly in the main was done terribly.

No this is crap.. totally soulless anime Goku style:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keMof1nC2YU

..and this. Beast Wars is blasphemy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC_nZZHFLWs

.. then Robots in Discguise. Like Morgan says, awful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqCDTgvcoUA


In one of the series, Optimus Prime transforms to a frikkin Gorilla. You don't mess with popular culture icon like that. Some of the voice acting of these shows sounds like it's done with people with downs syndrom. And while the sales of toys has always been a prime motivation for Transformers, in these later abhorrences, it seems to be the ONLY motivation. No artistic integrity at all.

Point is, if it diverts too much from the original series, it's going to stink. Simple as that. I am not suggesting the movie should follow G1 to the letter, far from it. It's about paying basic homage and respect to the source that made it popular in the first place, and the fans. If Peter Jackson put Gandalf in pink bunny costume, Frodo was played by Hulk Hogan, and The Ring is instead the Sword of Power, you would not be a happy chap, regardless how good it's otherwise. By the same logic, you don't mess too much with Optimus Prime (luckily he seems to be done pretty well), and there are basic story premises, or at least 'themes' that the movie should follow. As for the characters, you should at least be able to recognise them.

I am happy to learn Michael Bay is a G1 fan, and that Peter Cullen is back voicing Optimus. That may seem like a minor point to you, but it's a HUGE thing for me personally.




There were no lessons. It was straight up a show designed to sell toys. Nothing more - just like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh. It deserves no sentimentalism or fond reflection because it was utter garbage.

I am horrified you're comparing G1 Transformers to Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh. The G1 characters had personality, and the basic story premises were good even though production values look laughable by today's standards. Also, some of the dialogue one-liners in G1 are timeless classics. If you by 'garbage' mean camp and cheese value, sure, but it's an enjoyable one at that.

As for selling toys, sure. I never bought one of those. Transformers sell toys and merchandise. So does, LOTR, SW, Harry Potter, Spiderman, and just about every major franchise as well. Yes, Transformers was originally designed to sell toys, but it became bigger than that. It does not automatically mean the show is horrible, even though it's the case 99% of the time.




The original Transformers is arguably the weakest of all presented in fact.

Could not disagree more. If Michael Bay makes this movie feel anything like those other series you mentioned, I would boycot it. Big robots with laser guns be darned.

[Mu Satach]

All I know is it better darn well have "more than meets the eye" somewhere! ;)

tee hee...

Pack me a Hi-ball and bag of popcorn, unplug brain watch shiney things go boom on a Sunday afternoon. The only thing that could kill it in my book is the potential for a sappy human teen romance somewhere in the middle that will most likely induce vomiting.

[Sin]

In one of the series, Optimus Prime transforms to a frikkin Gorilla.

[fanboy rant]PRIMAL. Optimus PRIMAL - who wasn't Prime, or a version of Prime, he was just something of a 'descendant' - not only that, but BW was far from blasphemy, it was GOLD. It stands to this day as one of the best written cartoon series aimed at children of all time, in my estimation. It was far and away the best TF series EVER. It for all purposes actually saved a dying franchise, as Transformers was on the way out before BW revitalized it.[/fanboy rant]

I suppose it all comes down to personal preference however.

UGH. Delayed Trukk not Munkey debate... *Head a'splode*

Anyways. Watch some episodes of Beast Wars, PLEASE. I implore you - it was and IS a fantastic series. Particularly 2nd/3rd season.


Could not disagree more.

I have the original series on boxset, I watch it all the time. I stand by what I said. Great show, classic, I love it - but honestly nostalgia gives it a huge boost it doesn't actually deserve.

[Liam Jinn]

I'm watching that beast wars episode that you posted Yog, and to tell you the truth, I'm loving it, hell I remember when I first watched that episode. You're nuts to think it sucks. Beast Wars is what got me back into transformers, used to watch it every morning in fact.

Some of you guys need to stop taking it so personal that a kids show evolved, or sorry, that might strike a nerve - how about 'changed' over the years. Kids aren't kids forever, and shows change to capture the next batch of kids all the time. G1 is great and all, but I'm sure G700 will still be just as cool to the kids.

[TheHolo.Net]

[fanboy rant]PRIMAL. Optimus PRIMAL - who wasn't Prime, or a version of Prime, he was just something of a 'descendant' - not only that, but BW was far from blasphemy, it was GOLD. It stands to this day as one of the best written cartoon series aimed at children of all time, in my estimation. It was far and away the best TF series EVER. It for all purposes actually saved a dying franchise, as Transformers was on the way out before BW revitalized it.[/fanboy rant]Count me in this club! Beast Wars has been by far my favorite Tranformers incarnation so far. I rewatched it not all that long ago with my son, and I still enjoyed it years after the first time.

Avatar: The Last Airbender, is quickly edging its way into my top slot for an American animated series. Its first two seasons have been quite good. But, this is the Transformers movie thread.

I myself am excited to see the new movie. My expectations weren't and still aren't all that high, but I've been keeping up with Transformers for over 20 years now. I've a pretty open mind when it comes to creative freedom with an existing mythos and think it has served me well.

[JMK]

Avatar: The Last Airbender, is quickly edging its way into my top slot for an American animated series. Its first two seasons have been quite good. But, this is the Transformers movie thread.


Agreed. For me it's become one of my favorite cartoons...but this IS the Transformers thread. ;)

[Hartus Kenobi]

Agreed. For me it's become one of my favorite cartoons...but this IS the Transformers thread. ;)

Oooh, I really want to talk about Avatar. Love that show... watched all the episodes so far in like 3 days. Gonna start a thread

[Darth McBain]

Michael Bay's website just posted some footage of the fight between Optimus Prime and Bonecrusher. Looks like it could be good...

http://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/2043f128db9817122818029c4be4b60f-91.html

[Miranda Tarkin]

ugh :|

But that is just me. Gah this is awful .. I can't be more articulate then that because my inner child is crying

[Xanatos Etanial]

My inner child is currently jumping for joy. ^^ I love that fight scene.

[Jaime Tomahawk]

I have no inner child, cause it's on the outside. and right now it's going YESSS!!! very loudly

I dont waste my time going to theatres anymore - but this is going to be an exception. Just give me damn big robots beating the crap out of each other and big explosions and I will be deliriously happy.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Well I get the SciFi Magazine, and there's a big spread in it about Transformers.

So, some spoilers. Don't repeat these in this thread without using the spoiler tags!

Robot heights:
Bumblebee is about 16-17 feet tall when transformed.
Jazz is about 13 feet
Ratchet = 23-24 feet
Ironhide = 26 feet tall and very wide
Optimus Prime = 28 feet
Megatron = 34 feet tall

Something to look forward to: burning Furbys

Megatron: He doesn't transform into a gun. (Thank God, well that's what I think anyway.) Perhaps a plane? Personally I'm rooting for a tank.

Real military - Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson who portray soldiers work alongside real Navy SEALS who are extras in the movie. They also got F-22s for one key sequence, due to Michael Bay's relationship with the military after doing Pearl Harbor.

Soundwave: Not in this movie, but slated for the sequel (you knew there was one coming!) so he'd have time to shine.

The Newest Trailer - full of transformery goodness!
<object height="350" width="425">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s7uXvqfQvNI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></object>

[Hartus Kenobi]

A few new, a few old pics. Really cool stuff. I think I may actually go to the theater for this movie. Maybe.

http://www.comics2film.com/g/thumbnails.php?album=6&page=1

[Jaime Tomahawk]

Opens in Australia NEXT THURSDAY!!!!!!

Oh I am soooo keyed up for this one. I am going to get tickets later this week.

[Mu Satach]

I'm planning on seeing it opening weekend.
With lots of sugar and popcorn. :)

[Jaime Tomahawk]

Oka, I am seeing this smashfest on a local big screen this afternoon. I will hand a review over when I am back

[Jaime Tomahawk]

First things out of the way.

If you are a Transformers fanboy and you been crying about flames on Optimus or how they raped your childhood or it doesnt hold up to the comics or cartoons.... you are going to HATE HATE HATE this movie.

Which is a good thing because the original cartoons were bloody awful and completely undeserving of the fawning they get. This movie craps on the whole lot, goes off in a different direction and the normal humans who dont care get what is actually a surprisingly good and solid movie as a result.

There is in fact a plot. The love story is downplayed and actually reasonably believeable, even if Michael Bay has no idea what a double pumper carby truly is - Webers != Holleys. Minor annoyance for true petrol heads. Reasonable humour and yes, it delivers on action and explosions. And big robots beating the crap out of each other. Oh yes, it delivers on that in spades.

And one big surprise is the true money shots are NOT in the trailers. Amazing, they hid the best action and fireballs.

It's not really my type of movie but it is a lot of fun, it's got loads of action, it's got a plot(!!!!) and good effects.

Good enough that I'll go see it again. And thence unless your a fanboy, you should too. Much better than any Transformers cartoon.

how the hell the Transformers are disabled by cold tho is beyond me. And Meagan Fox can NOT act to save her life. Shia tho is going to go places big time.

[Yog]

First things out of the way.

If you are a Transformers fanboy and you been crying about flames on Optimus or how they raped your childhood or it doesnt hold up to the comics or cartoons.... you are going to HATE HATE HATE this movie.

Actually, I think you are wrong there. From the reviews and first impressions I read, it has been received well by the G1 fans. I saw some complaining about the characters of Megatron and Starscream, but otherwise being true to spirit, concepts, characters and basic plot elements of the original.



Which is a good thing because the original cartoons were bloody awful and completely undeserving of the fawning they get. This movie craps on the whole lot, goes off in a different direction and the normal humans who dont care get what is actually a surprisingly good and solid movie as a result.

No they were not. And if this movie is succesful, it just proves that that Transformers holds up well even 20 years after. Saying a movie is great because it diverted from the source material is a bit absurd, like saying "LOTR movies were great, thus Tolkien must suck".

[Jaime Tomahawk]

No they were not. And if this movie is succesful, it just proves that that Transformers holds up well even 20 years after. Saying a movie is great because it diverted from the source material is a bit absurd, like saying "LOTR movies were great, thus Tolkien must suck".

Except Transformers is NOT the classic of literature that Tolkein is. Transformers the cartoon was bloody awful and it's just cringe worthy on viewing today - As far as I am concerned, the further it gets away from it, the better.

There is no "OMG, Transformers is rawks after 20 years still!!!!one11111!!!!". It is simply that this is actually a decent action movie that has robots beating the crap out of each other and people are going to like this fact a lot - robots, explosions, fights.... yep that'lll please everyone and a whole lot more who couldnt give a rip about the originals and those who do care are by far a minority. This is not a homage to the originals. This is quite different and I for one liked that a hell of a lot.

[Yog]

Except Transformers is NOT the classic of literature that Tolkein is. Transformers the cartoon was bloody awful and it's just cringe worthy on viewing today - As far as I am concerned, the further it gets away from it, the better.

I am not saying they are classic in the sense of Tolkien's literature (they are certainly not), but they had resonance in popular culture. It was one of the first mainstream cartoon kid shows. Everyone knows Transformers. A lot of people, me included, enjoyed them for what they are.

More to the point though, when you make a movie based on the characters and concepts of G1 transformers (which apparently you hate), how can you in the next sentence say they were awesome? This is what I don't get. Yes, the animations are replaced by CGI, but they are still Transformers and the original characters are still there. You either like Optimus Prime, or you don't. You either like the autobots, or you don't. You either like robots transforming into vehicles, or you don't. You either like the war between autobots and decepticons, or you don't, etc etc.

To say you don't appreciate the production values of the G1 cartoon show and would rather watch the live action movie is one thing, but to say you want it as far away as possible from the original material is an entirely different thing. Do you understand now what I am saying?

The further you get away from it, it would no longer be transformers. Say what you want about the cartoon, but this movie would not even existed had it not been for G1 Transformers. A LITTLE credit and respect towards the source would be nice.

If you think the cartoon show was so bad, I recommend giving the marvel comic books a try instead. The plot lines are more coherent, and it happens to be an entertaining read.



There is no "OMG, Transformers is rawks after 20 years still!!!!one11111!!!!".

I still think it rocks, 20 years after. And I am not the only one who thinks that. :)



It is simply that this is actually a decent action movie that has robots beating the crap out of each other and people are going to like this fact a lot - robots, explosions, fights....

And of course, G1 Transformers have none of the above...?




yep that'lll please everyone and a whole lot more who couldnt give a rip about the originals and those who do care are by far a minority. This is not a homage to the originals. This is quite different and I for one liked that a hell of a lot.

I think it is great that the movie has widespread appeal. For those who did not grew up with the show, it's an acquired taste.

[Yog]

I could not steer my curiousity, and ordered tickets for tomorrow at Colosseum, the world's largest THX theater. 20x9 meter screen (65x29 feet), 20.000 watt 7 channel THX approved Dolby Surround EX, 982 seats. I will be pretty much bam smack in the middle. This gonna be great :D

http://www.mneh.org/pics/bo/colosseum1.jpg


Some additional info on the theater for those curious:

Originally built in 1928, then rebuilt in 1963 after a fire, the building itself is somewhat of a national icon. It is designed by famous modernistic architect Sverre Fehn, and is a protected building as such. At most, this theater had something like 1500 seats. When the interior of the theater had to be redesigned for THX approval, it proved to be a monumental task, considering they had to preserve the original design of the architect.

The geometrics of such a building, most in particular the huge dome, makes good sound design almost impossible. The acustics is like in a cathedral, with lots of echo. There was like 8 second echo. So when they rebuilt the theater in 1997, they had to simulate millions of soundwaves individually in a supercomputer, reflected from the many surfaces of the dome and interior, and adapted to every single one of the 982 seats.

They had to perforate the domed ceiling with aluminium sheets and sound absorbing materials. The new panelled ceiling hangs 2.5 meter under the top of the dome. At the very top, there is a cylinder shaped "skirt" which breaks the sound waves reflected from the dome. Along the walls under the dome, there are 30 surround speakers in a circle around the theater. The walls were covered with 30 cm sound absorbing panels reducing after chime.

The hall is also completely sound isolated from noise outside. Audience have to enter through special vaulted hallways, for sound insulation. There is a soundless ventilation system under every seat. Behind the 20x9m screen (the biggest in Scandinavia), there is gypsum plastered screen, sound dampening material and holes for the speakers. Here stands 5 2.5 meter tall speakers, and 8 big bass speakers. The system draws 20.000 watts, accomplishing clearn non distorted sound at high sound levels, without discomfort for the viewers. In adition to Dolby SRD, DTS, and Sony SDDS, there is also Dolby SEX, which is a 7 channel system with an additional center channel. Projector equipment for Wide Screen, Cinema Scope, 70 mm.

The end result of all this though, was well worth the effort. It is likely the most mind blowing sound you will hear anywhere in the world. And watching movies on that huge screen is pure bliss.

[Tess Abrahams]

...

I am so jealous.

[Yog]

I will watch it in 2 hours from now. :D

It should be noted, it's not on a wide release over here, yet. It's only that one theater showing it in Oslo, doing the pre release thing as in Australia I suppose. The wide theater release is the same as in the US, 4th of July.

I think there are some pre release prints in select theaters in the US too, there was on in LA for example. So you may want check around if there is a screening available.

I will post my thoughts / review when I come back.

[Cat X]

Pre release? No, its in FULL release in Australia. For some reason Australia got Transformers before anyone else did.

[Yog]

Pre release? No, its in FULL release in Australia. For some reason Australia got Transformers before anyone else did.

Well, good for you! The Americans have been spoiled rotten with early releases, some time months ahead of Europe, so I think they can wait a few days for once.

Actually, come to think of it, they should do this with every release.. ;)

[Yog]

I am back now. I will try type up some thoughts, if I can remove my jaw from the keyboard. It is sort of loose after dropping so many times the last couple hours.

First off, this is without a doubt THE summer blockbuster popcorn movie to see this year. In fact, I had the most fun in a movie theater watching an action movie for many years. I will go and watch this at least 2 more times, and now considering buying some tickets to my friends to go see it again, even though movie tickets here are absurdly expensive. If the movie ticket prices were like in the US, I would probably watch it 5-6 times or something like that (which is comparable to LOTR movies and more than I watched SW movies in theaters, to put it in perspective).

The visual effects are absolutely amazing. It is a step up from what has been achieved before to such a point, it looks like a $400M budget movie. The action is intense and non stop, the transformers get plenty of screen time. The (human) acting is cheesy at times, sure, but it's also funny and works pretty well most of the time. There are also quite a bit of plotholes. That ultimately does not matter though, cause the "plot" and the function of the human characters is primarily to set up the stage for the real stars of the show, the Transformers.

There are also some subtle references here to the G1 fans, everything from the ka-chica-chok sound as they transform, to some classic dialogue and some old familiar characters, even though they look more biomechanical and modern than before. What really makes an old transformer fan's heart to melt though, more than anything else, can be summarised with two words: Optimus Prime. On of the greatest and most iconic heroes of all time, yet they nailed his character to a T. When he stands in the sunset, telling the autobots that humans have an equal right to live, reflecting on the autobots past, it actually turns rather emotional, and the movie is at that point no longer just a popcorn movie, it becomes an epic. There are several of these moments which I am sure sounds cheesy as heck to you, but for Transformers fans it makes perfect sense. Also, Bumblebee is every bit as good as you could hope.

Bottom line though, this is a movie which should appeal both to people who does not care about Transformers and just want to see some action, and for G1 fans. I think the word of mouth for this one will be terrific, allowing for some surprising legs in the box office. To summarise, you guys are all in for a treat. Go watch it with your friends, you will have a blast! :cool:

[Rutabaga]

A year ago, I would have scoffed and said, "Transformers? Geez, you'll never catch me anywhere near that, it just sounds so stoopid." But once I started seeing the first footage, that attitude changed 180 degrees, and this suddenly became one of my most anticipated movies of the summer.

I. Can't. Wait. :crack

[Lilaena De'Ville]

My question is, is the footage on Mars from the first teaser trailer shown in the movie?

[Yog]

My question is, is the footage on Mars from the first teaser trailer shown in the movie?

It is shown, but more as an afterthought. There is a 1 minute scene with a guy from a secret Government agency called Sector 7, who shows the Secretary of Defense footage from the mars roover, explaining these machines are in fact from space rather than some Chinese or was it North Korean secret weapon, and thus he must not start World War 3. Like I said, the plot in this movie is super thin, and there are more plot holes than a swiss cheese. It is on level of The Independence Day 'computer virus sent from a macintosh to the mothership' kind of thing, which you just kinda forget about while you are busy eating your popcorn. All these 'plot' lines just serve to bind the amazingly awesome action scenes together

[Morgan Evanar]

Pre release? No, its in FULL release in Australia. For some reason Australia got Transformers before anyone else did.

Well, good for you! The Americans have been spoiled rotten with early releases, some time months ahead of Europe, so I think they can wait a few days for once.

Actually, come to think of it, they should do this with every release.. ;)Screw you, man! :twak

[Yog]

@ Morgan :evil


There are some reviews up at rotten tomatoes (88% fresh right now), and it also scores well at IMDB 8.4.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_movie/

http://imdb.com/title/tt0418279/

[Ryan Pode]

A little under 3 hours till I see it. I'm excited.

[Ryan Pode]

OH MY GOD. MICHAEL BAY CAN DIE A LIKED DIRECTOR NOW. Oh my god. I loved it. I kept speeding on the way home, hoping my car would transform. GAH. Must see it again.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Just bought 7 pm tickets for the IMAX showing of it tomorrow.

:eee

[Yog]

Just bought 7 pm tickets for the IMAX showing of it tomorrow.

:eee

Good choice. Wish I could see it in that format.

[Jedieb]

I took the boy to see it last night. He loved it and was tearing into his Robovision Optimus on the way home. It was good, not great, but a very solid movie. It was a bit frustrating at times because the movie teased you with greatness. Everything Bay does well he did well in spades. The action is just amazing and the CGI is probably the best I've seen. Like many of you, I just don't know how they made this movie for under $200M. The only complaints I have are minor ones. I wish Optimus would have put up a better fight against Megatron at the end. He seemed to be more of a punching bag than in G1 lore. Bumblebee was great and I thought it was a nice G1 nod that he was sitting next to a yellow Volkswagon beetle at the used car lot. The humor works and that's mainly because of Shia. The kid is very funny and the girl will have boys panting all summer long. Yes, the film has pockets of Bayisms throughout, but they're in small doses. He avoided the sugar of Pearl Harbor and cranked out the best film he's ever made.

[Morgan Evanar]

Holy crap it was good, and Mark, you are dead wrong. I LOVE THIS MOVIE!

[Lilaena De'Ville]

:eee I loved it. Oh My God. It was awesomeness coated in awesome. The best part was... THE WHOLE FLIPPING THING WAS ONE BEST PART FROM BEGINNING TO END!

It was great. I spent most of the movie with my mouth open, and my eyes wide, trying to see every little detail. :eee

[Ryan Pode]

I have yet to come across a person, real life or internet, that overall did not like the movie.

[Yog]

Glad you guys like / love it :D

[Nathanial K'cansce]

I'm liking what I'm hearing. I think I'll be seeing this later today.

[Sin]

I'll be seeing it in 2 hours.

I couldn't get the time off work to see the early release, unfortunately.

[TheHolo.Net]

This movie was much better than I initially expected. I've seen it twice now and suspect there are still some details I missed.

[Jedieb]

It's definitely a movie that you can get a lot out of on DVD. The Transformations are so busy that you could watch them multiple times on DVD and see a new detail each time. There's got to be a sequel. I just hope it's one that features more of Megatron. He was severely underused in this film.

[Yog]

No worry. Sequel planned for 2009. And yes, I am already looking forward to it.

I also have to agree on your point of DVD. But it's not really DVD I would like to see it in. High Definition for me baby. It occured to me while watching Transformers, current projector technology is simply not capable of showing the fast paced action and special effects in the full quality it deserves. It is time to move on to high resolution digital 50 frame per second cinema.

[Sin]

Well that blew my mind.

*Makes plans to try and see it least once every week til he runs out of cash*

[Cat X]

Seen it again.

Amazingly, it's far better second time around. You know what to look out for and you can settle back and just enjoy the show.

The last time I saw a movie twice in theatres was 5 years ago and I am certain I will go again. How the hell did Hollywood get big robots blowing the crap out of each other so right? Hiollywood almost never gets anythign right, just I cant think of anyway you cold have done better.

Crap script but who cares. Sometimes jut seeing stuff go bang is all one needs for a truly fun moive.

[Itala Marzullo]

Thank goodness to the obligatory naysayers in this thread, they lowered my expectations so much that I was insanely, pleasantly surprised by how awesome the movie was.

They did a good job of following the storyline in general, though the many changes are still obvious. Shia was genuinely funny and another surprise. It has been a long time since a movie has made me feel like a little kid like this one. The effects were awesome, Optimus and Megatron were incredible, great popcorn movie!

For the sequel, I demand the Constructicons and the Dinobots!!!

I like most of Michael Bay's movies, he knows how to film a great popcorn flick, if you don't like popcorn, simply don't watch.

[Miranda Tarkin]

okay Fewdy you were right, I liked this movie! The Autobots were great but I still don't like the Deceptacons designs because they looked too similiar. The Autobots were nice and distinguished :)

[Mitch]

In case anyone wants to know what happened to Soundwave, here you go. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TYzRanykbQ&feature=dir

[Jedieb]

For the sequel, I demand the Constructicons and the Dinobots!!!


GRIMLOCK, GRIMLOCK! :crack Man, how I'd love to see Dinobots. Devastator would be awesome as well but you'd figure the Autobots would have to have another giant robot to go toe to toe with him unless they want to repeat the show down between the Dinobots and Devastator from Transformers the Movie.

My son wants me to take him to see it again. We'll probably go this weekend.

[Nathanial K'cansce]

I enjoyed it thoroughly. One of the best action flicks I've seen in a while, and some of the best CGI hands down. I had goosebumps at times.

[Dasquian Belargic]

:crackoh man, I need to see me some Transformers...

[Yog]

GRIMLOCK, GRIMLOCK! :crack

"Ooo! Me Grimlock remember this story! Once long time ago... Wait...how that part go again?"

Also, ahahahahaha about the Soundwave movie.

[Terran Starek]

My wife and I went to see this movie together.

Pre-movie dialogue:

Suzanne (my wife): I'm happy to see this with you, but you know I don't really get into Sci-Fi like you do.

Chris (me): I know, Honey. I think you'll like it. It'll be fun.

Suzanne: I trust ya. This isn't gonna be like when you made me watch Animatrix, is it?

Chris: *wincing* No, no. Forget about that.

Post-move dialogue:

Suzanne: When is this out on DVD?

'Nuff said! Transformers rocked. My only complaint (and it's a positive thing) is that some of the action was so awesomely-dizzying that I had a headache before it was all through! It was hard to take it all in. But I absolutely loved the effects and the way they brought modern story-telling and classic "Autobots fall back!" transformers cheese together.

Loved it. :D

[Seerriss]

that Soundwave video was good....

I liked the movie quite a bit even though the story was a little lacking and or weird, I still don't think the girl would've ever gone for that guy....but I loved the movie all the same, lots of eyecandy....

[Ryan Pode]

I still don't think the girl would've ever gone for that guy....but I loved the movie all the same, lots of eyecandy....

Girls like her go for guys who have '08 Camaro's that turn into giant robots.

[Itala Marzullo]

I still don't think the girl would've ever gone for that guy

The same romantic formula has been used a million times before, the whole "bond after experiencing intense times" would tell everyone that they'd end up together.

[Cat X]

I still don't think the girl would've ever gone for that guy....but I loved the movie all the same, lots of eyecandy....

Girls like her go for guys who have '08 Camaro's that turn into giant robots.

Hate to break it to you, but that's a VE Commodore with a cute body shell.

[Morgan Evanar]

I still don't think the girl would've ever gone for that guy....but I loved the movie all the same, lots of eyecandy....

Girls like her go for guys who have '08 Camaro's that turn into giant robots.

Hate to break it to you, but that's a VE Commodore with a cute body shell.Big V8, proper rear suspension, rear drive. Nothing wrong with that at all.

[Ryan Pode]

I still don't think the girl would've ever gone for that guy....but I loved the movie all the same, lots of eyecandy....

Girls like her go for guys who have '08 Camaro's that turn into giant robots.

Hate to break it to you, but that's a VE Commodore with a cute body shell.

What I'm implying is that shallow girls are shallow.

[Figrin D'an]

Saw this Friday afternoon. Besides that it was interrupted twice in the last 15 minutes because of some contractors causing an electrical problem, I enjoyed the film. (On the plus side, the theatre refunded my ticket without any argument.)


The only real negative comments I can make are that the film moved too slowly for the first 45 minutes or so, and that some of the acting performances were pretty terrible (I was expecting this though). Shia LaBeouf did a good job, though, and I'm certainly looking forward to his performance in the new Indiana Jones film.

I think what ultimately impressed me the most was that at no point in the film was I distracted by or found myself focusing on any poor CG. The Transformers, all of them, look amazingly real for the entire film. Even when Starscream was transforming back and forth mid-air in the dogfight with the F-22 Raptors, the effect was still very smooth..

Like a lot of G1 fans, Optimus Prime was what really sold the movie for me. The voice, the appearance, the mannerisms and the humanity of the character were all there. The changes made to the other Autobots and Decepticons are forgivable and understandable, because Prime's character was dead on.

Fun, fun film. It delivered what I had hoped, and I look forward to the sequel ('cause we all know there will be one).

[Karl Valten]

Yeah, I think they're planning for two sequels. Or so I've heard.

[JMK]

Saw this Friday afternoon. Besides that it was interrupted twice in the last 15 minutes because of some contractors causing an electrical problem, I enjoyed the film. (On the plus side, the theatre refunded my ticket without any argument.)


The only real negative comments I can make are that the film moved too slowly for the first 45 minutes or so, and that some of the acting performances were pretty terrible (I was expecting this though). Shia LaBeouf did a good job, though, and I'm certainly looking forward to his performance in the new Indiana Jones film.

I think what ultimately impressed me the most was that at no point in the film was I distracted by or found myself focusing on any poor CG. The Transformers, all of them, look amazingly real for the entire film. Even when Starscream was transforming back and forth mid-air in the dogfight with the F-22 Raptors, the effect was still very smooth..

Like a lot of G1 fans, Optimus Prime was what really sold the movie for me. The voice, the appearance, the mannerisms and the humanity of the character were all there. The changes made to the other Autobots and Decepticons are forgivable and understandable, because Prime's character was dead on.

Fun, fun film. It delivered what I had hoped, and I look forward to the sequel ('cause we all know there will be one).

My feelings exactly. Even though it was a relatively long movie, when it was over, I wanted more. A lot more. I loved it to death, despite some silly flaws.
I have to say that was caught off guard by Jazz's sudden demise, but I guess one had to go.
Since they killed off Megatron, and Galvatron is really Megatron, I wonder who the next main villain will be? Soundwave won't do...could they bring in Unicron?

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I'm almost positive that Megatron will be back. Dump Decepticons in the ocean and all they'll do is build an underwater base. Am I rite? :D

As for the other, Jazz died in the comics, i have been told. So his death wasn't too much of a surprise for some.

Going to see this again tomorrow. :eee

[Michael Cline]

I have now seen this twice, and listened to it (thanks to the local drive-in's radio broadcast that I can pick up) 3 times. I shall be seeing it again next weekend. MWAHAHAH.

[CMJ]

I finally got around to seeing this(long story and why I hadn't before now). I found the film to be a big old ball of fun. My only real gripe would be the last 30 minutes or so what shot and edited in such a way that I couldn't figure out who was shooting who half the time.

Prime was fantastic. Shia has a huge career ahead of him(I thought that after Disturbia actually, this just made me certain). Megatron was just as bad lollipop as one could hope.

I think Starscream will be the leader in #2, unless Megatron is revived(which will probably be the case).

[Morgan Evanar]

There is always Shockwave.

[TheHolo.Net]

Nah, Megatron becomes Galvatron. I'd say its almost a lock for at least one of the sequels.

[JMK]

As long as they don't ever kill Prime, I'll be happy. I can't go through that twice in one lifetime.

[Itala Marzullo]

Yeah, gosh, that was just heart-breaking when he dies in the series.

[JMK]

I was totally taken by surprise and bawled for hours after that. I thought for sure they'd fix him up and get him back out there. Nope. New toys were coming down the pipe and there was no more room for Optimus.

[Mu Satach]

That event did not happen.

*covers ears and begins to dance in circles*
La la la ala la la la

;)


I need to see the film again and sit a little further back from the screen.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

On my second viewing it was easier to figure out who was shooting who in the ending. :)

[Rutabaga]

A year ago, when I first heard this movie was coming out, I scoffed, thinking there was no way I was going to see a movie based on a freaking line of toys.

Then I started seeing footage and suddenly became much more interested.

Now I've seen the movie, and now I think Michael Bay is a god.

Holy crap, this is one of the best rollicking popcorn action flicks I've seen in ages. I decided to watch the movie like a little kid, for the eye candy and the thrills, and the little kid in me was totally stoked throughout the whole movie. It was awesome.

My only minor complaint was what some people have already mentioned here, that the editing and shot composition during the big showdown in LA got confusing at times. But it's a minor complaint. I squealed with excitement when it was over, and personally, I simply can't wait for the sequel! :dance

[Jedieb]

I'd love to see Unicron at some point. But if there's one Autobot I don't want to see it has to be Hot Rod. I swear, if I ever see a live action version of him I'll leave the theater, hunt down Judd Nelson, and kill him on the spot. I'll choke the life out of him screaming "IT'S YOUR FAULT PRIME GOT KILLED, ALL YOUR FAULT!" :crack

[JMK]

:lol

If I see Hot Rod I'll be pissed because that likely means that he'll become Rodimus, which means that Optimus will be pushed aside.

[Michael Cline]

And after last night, that makes 3 viewings for me. It holds up just as well after 3 viewings as it did on the first.

[Liam Jinn]

Alright, so let me start off by saying I'm a bit late in seeing this. But I bought the movie at Walmart earlier today and...WOW! It's friggin awesome and I wish I had seen it in theaters. I'm still amazed, and I'm glad I bought it :)

[JMK]

I've seen it 7 or 8 times now, and I find it just as enjoyable as the first time. :D