If you haven’t had the chance to see the new live action Transformers movie, you don’t know what you’re missing. Believe the hype. Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay have created a winner.
Not only is the movie entertaining from beginning to end, but the writers incorporated just enough G1 (Generation 1) references and original 1987 animated movie quotes to take it over the top. Rumors of Transformers being just an overpriced car commercial were obviously forumlated by old time critics. You know, the kind that threw your toys in the garbage when you were growing up, and then had the nerve to claim they had no idea what happened to said toys.
Sure, there were definately moments of obtrusive product placement, from car logos to a transforming XBOX 360 console. Also, the writers took their sweet time to introduce any Transformers into the story with actual speaking dialogue, creating a lul. Then there was the matter of John Turturro’s excessively whimsical and slapstick character. His character was the biggest stain on the movie. But, those three elements did not take away from the overall feel of the film. It was G1 all the way, with strong action sequences and just the right touch of comedy.
If you don’t believe the Bag Man just check out the numbers. Transformers took in $8.8 million in advance of the official July 3 opening. On Monday night, true Transformers fans gathered outside theatres in wrap-around lines, waiting to see if Spielberg and Bay would “get it right.” And, that’s exactly what they did.
How do you start off a movie you’ve waited for since 1987? With a thrilling-awe-inspiring voice-over by Peter Cullen (the original voice of Optimus Prime). Audiences around the country clapped to the sound the fatherly voice of Optimus prime, the one robot from Cybertron every human aspired to one day become.
Cullen wasn’t the only one to deliver a great performance. Shia LaBeouf took acting to a whole new level. From his dramatic moments to his comedic teenage interactions with love interest Megan Fox, Shia delivered.
A few die hard Transformers fans may be upset with some of the choices for Decepticons. Soundwave didn’t make it into this film (and there will definately be a sequel), though one of his cassettes (who was actually a boombox) did make it. Frenzy delivered a frenzied performance that befits his name. Devastator and Bonecrusher were two different transformers. Old school fans will remember that Bonecrusher was one of the six Constructicons (Bonecrusher, Hook, Long Haul, Mixmaster, Scavenger, Scrapper) that merged to create Devastator (the most powerful Decepticon). The CG battle scenes with Starscream and Devastator were thrilling and spectacularly delivered.
One caveat, the Autobot named Jazz was stereotypically portrayed as an African-American hip-hop artist. Maybe that would be fine, but some of his scenes and dialogue seemed inappropriate. For instance, when we are first introduced to Jazz, he uses egregious curse words just to get across to the audience his character type. Unnecessary.
All-in-all Transformers is a great film to celebrate Independence Day. So, if you haven’t bought your ticket yet to the July 3 opening, get it now. You won’t be disappointed. Just make sure to get to the theaters an hour or so early, or you’ll miss the opening trying to find a seat.
why they killed off my man sucre from prison break?
I liked it overall, although I had some nitpicks. Hugo Weaving under-delivered as the voice of Megatron and the campy comedy was a little too drawn out - making the movie unnecessarily long. What I did like were the pointers to G1 Transformers and the voice of Peter Cullen (Hearing him say “My Bad” was Hilarious!). Definitely worth the money, but do expect to see one long General Motors commercial and a smoothed out storyline that appeals just as much to the masses as it does to the TF Fanboys.
i actually loweered my expectations going in so I was pleasantly surprised. Kudos to Spielberg for creating a winner!
DUUUUDE. THIS MOVIE FREAKINNNN ROCKED!!!!