Question about TF's Screenwriters

[CFlash]

TF is being written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. These guys wrote:

- Mission Impossible III
- The Legend of Zorro
- The Island

(and that's it AFAIK).

I must admit, I haven't seen ANY of those movies. What are people's opinions about those movies. How do the sequels they worked on (MI3 and Legend of Zorro) compare to the originals written by other people.
In other words, are these guys any good?

[Hunter Rider]

I thought Mi-III was the best of the bunch
Haven;t seen Legend of Zorro(i own it:O ) but heard it wasn't as good as the first
The Island was underrated IMO and a solid piece of Sci-Fi

They have also wrote on Alias and LOST,the latter in particular has some great writing IMO

[DorkyFresh]

M:I3 had a very good story....definitely better than the first 2.
Legend of Zorro wasn't as bad as everyone made it out to be. i found it entertaining. it's not like Legend of Zorro turned into Spy Kids or anything...

...and i have to agree with hunter rider about the Island. i think it's underrated. i don't understand everyone's contempt for the film but that's just me.

[ComicKoryn]

Ok, Legend of Zorro I don't think was the writers' fault, that came down to bad editing, bad scoring, and horrid acting. It could've been a lot better.

MI:3 was very good. I liked it a little less than the 1st one and a lot more then the 2nd one. It stuck to the formula, and it worked.

The Island was really good in my opinion. Again, it seemed like the only problems it had was with certain acting choices and editing, but the script seemed solid.

Overall, I have faith in these writers based on the work they've done.

[DorkyFresh]

The Island was really good in my opinion. Again, it seemed like the only problems it had was with certain acting choices and editing, but the script seemed solid.
good observation...i'll admit the Island totally had it's faults, but the script isn't one of them (aside from Ewan and Scarlett surviving that fall by hanging onto the sign, hehe).

[Golgo-13]

MI:3 rocked! Nuff said.

[CFlash]

The Island was underrated IMO and a solid piece of Sci-Fi


Armageddon sci-fi or Spielberg's AI sci-fi?

[Hunter Rider]

Armageddon sci-fi or Spielberg's AI sci-fi?
Neither really,i'd say it was closer in influence to Logans Run,Minority Report and THX1138

[CFlash]

Neither really,i'd say it was closer in influence to Logans Run,Minority Report and THX1138

I didn't mean in terms of plot. I meant more in terms of quality or depth.

[Hunter Rider]

I didn't mean in terms of plot. I meant more in terms of quality or depth.

Quality wise i thought it was better than both the 2 you mentioned
Depth is there in the first half but like AI loses it's way a bit in the second half when a conclusion is needed

[ComicKoryn]

yeah, the Island loses brownie points for unbelievablity in the second act.

Oh, and I totally agree with you DorkyFresh, that falling sign scene was waaaaaaaaayyyyy to big of a stretch.

[CFlash]

yeah, the Island loses brownie points for unbelievablity in the second act.

Oh, and I totally agree with you DorkyFresh, that falling sign scene was waaaaaaaaayyyyy to big of a stretch.

Haven't seen the movie...... but, it's stuff like that that can completely ruin an entire movie for me.

[Hunter Rider]

Haven't seen the movie...... but, it's stuff like that that can completely ruin an entire movie for me.

Oh well,it never bothered me in Raiders of The Lost Ark

[CFlash]

Oh well,it never bothered me in Raiders of The Lost Ark

Well, movies like Raiders and Pirates of the Carib are totally different creatures from the "realistic" sort of movie that The Island looks like it's suppossed to be.

[Hunter Rider]

Well, movies like Raiders and Pirates of the Carib are totally different creatures from the "realistic" sort of movie that The Island looks like it's suppossed to be.

There in the action genre so i always expect some slightly reality dodging acts from the lead hero,i mean look at the Bourne movies despite their pretension to realism ?
In TF this is unlikely to be an issue though given the giant Robots

[ru8up75]

yeah giant robots do tend to put a kink in the whole realism thing

[Chase023]

I wonder if they ever watched any Transformers Cartoons or read any comics?

If they are fans of Transformers and can respect where all this came from, I think it would ease my mind more than what movies they have wrote for or etc.

[WalkingDead]

I wonder if they ever watched any Transformers Cartoons or read any comics?

If they are fans of Transformers and can respect where all this came from, I think it would ease my mind more than what movies they have wrote for or etc.
Roberto Orci is in fact a fan of the old cartoon and toys. He's not like a huge TF-Nerd, but he grew up loving the cartoon. So to a point, yeah he likes the original stuff. He's even made comments about how he loved the old show several times.

[CFlash]

Roberto Orci is in fact a fan of the old cartoon and toys. He's not like a huge TF-Nerd, but he grew up loving the cartoon. So to a point, yeah he likes the original stuff. He's even made comments about how he loved the old show several times.

Judging by what some of you "fans" consider 'canon,' that doesn't mean very much. In fact, it means zilch.

[Hunter Rider]

Judging by what some of you "fans" consider 'canon,' that doesn't mean very much. In fact, it means zilch.

So only versions you deem to be canon count ?

[CFlash]

So only versions you deem to be canon count ?

Dude, to me, Transformers only existed between 1983 (yes, before Hasbro + Marvel came up with a story) and 1987 (the year I--- and pretty much an entire generation of people---- stopped caring).

That doesn't mean I want to see a corny remake of the original story. It DOES mean that I think "The Quest For The Energon Cube" is a retarded story and eons DUMBER than the original (intelligent and topical) story.

[Hunter Rider]

Dude, to me, Transformers only existsed between 1983 (yes, before Hasbro + Marvel came up with a story) and 1987 (the year I--- and pretty much an entire generation of people---- stopped caring).

That doesn't mean I want to see a corny remake of the original story. It DOES mean that I think "The Quest For The Energon Cube" is a retarded story and eons DUMBER than the original (intelligent and topical) story.

All the versions that followed are still canon and fans of those versions are still fans,you make it sound like if they aren't Gen 1 then they aren't fans and don't count

[CFlash]

All the versions that followed are still canon and fans of those versions are still fans,you make it sound like if they aren't Gen 1 then they aren't fans and don't count

Of course they count.

But--- (to me!)-- the heart of Transformers was never again duplicated. Judging from the lackluster popularity, compared to the PHENOM that the original was, I'm not the only one that thinks so.

It just so happens that a lot of us stopped caring. But none of us forgot.

[WalkingDead]

Judging by what some of you "fans" consider 'canon,' that doesn't mean very much. In fact, it means zilch.
You "fans"???
WTF?
Okay, where do you come off with something like that?

Myself, being a huge fan of Transformers...G1/G2 & BW are the best and will always be the best. Nothing will ever top those storylines, not by a long shot. I don't think anyone will ever say different. Also, I'm only a fan of the newer TF toylines, I don't care about nor watch the shows, and the comics have been hit or miss with the new stuff. Only the good and better toys keep my interest, cause I love Transformers toys.

And if you must know...this is how most big Transfans breakdown TF Story Cannon:
A. -- G1 US Cartoon
B. -- G1/G2 Marvel US Comics
C. -- G1 Marvel UK Comics
D. -- G1 Japanese Cartoon
E. -- G1 Japanese Manga
F. -- G1 Dreamwave Comics

A. & B. -- BW ties in with several points from the G1 Cartoon, but draws a lot more from the US Comics, including the Vok who were once the Swarm that decimated the TF's in the G2 Comics. BM - direct sequel to BW, so it too ties back to G1/G2.

From there on out, it becomes stories of Alternate Universes (a.k.a. Retellings of the Transformers Mythos).
G. RID
H. Armadaverse Cartoons (Armada, Energon, & Cybertron)
I. Armadaverse Comics

**NOTE - I left out the BotCon Exclusive stories, the Wreckers, and various One-Shot comics. I've also left out the IDW Comics...those are also brand new stories.

My Point in listing out all this continuities and stories is to show you, how many times G1 itself has been redone, over and over and over.



Dude, to me, Transformers only existed between 1983 (yes, before Hasbro + Marvel came up with a story) and 1987 (the year I--- and pretty much an entire generation of people---- stopped caring).

That doesn't mean I want to see a corny remake of the original story. It DOES mean that I think "The Quest For The Energon Cube" is a retarded story and eons DUMBER than the original (intelligent and topical) story.

And btw, technically G1 didn't end until 1989. And in 1990 G2 came out and ran until 1993 (go by the toys, then 1995). Then in 1996 Beast Wars came out and re-connected with G1. And BW's sequel Beast Machines connected as well with the whole western Transformers story.

G1/G2 was the original storyline.
BW/BM technically is now a part of that. So by technical standings the original Transformers didn't end until around 1998. Though many will say they don't want to admit Beast Machines really happened, but still.

Also, Quest for the Energon Cube (a form/new interpretation of the Creation Matrix), is something that ties in greatly with the G1 comics continuity. 1/3rd of the entire G1 comics focused on the Matrix of Leadership or the Creation Matrix (as it was first called before it was put into a tangible object). So just cause it's called The Energon Cube (stupid name, yes I know) doesn't mean there isn't a storyline or multiple storylines that are being used as references.

[CFlash]

Also, Quest for the Energon Cube (a form/new interpretation of the Creation Matrix), is something that ties in greatly with the G1 comics continuity. 1/3rd of the entire G1 comics focused on the Matrix of Leadership or the Creation Matrix (as it was first called before it was put into a tangible object). So just cause it's called The Energon Cube (stupid name, yes I know) doesn't mean there isn't a storyline or multiple storylines that are being used as references.

The Creation Matrix was simply a plot device used to introduce new characters. The overarching storyline was syphoning of Earth's natural resources and the prevention of the Decepticons forming the Space Bridge.

I don't remember Transformers being anything like "The Dark Crystal.".... but I do know the mysticism Gods and Demons :rolleyes: offworld "Matrix Quest" played a part years later. I actually preferred those plots stayed were they original were... in my beloved Masters of The Universe cartoons.

[WalkingDead]

The Creation Matrix was simply a plot device used to introduce new characters. The overarching storyline was syphoning of Earth's natural resources and the prevention of the Decepticons forming the Space Bridge.

I don't remember Transformers being anything like "The Dark Crystal.".... but I do know the mysticism Gods and Demons :rolleyes: offworld "Matrix Quest" played a part years later. I actually preferred those plots stayed were they original were... in my beloved Masters of The Universe cartoons.
Also remember in the early issues of G1 Comics...the Creation Matrix was a huge part of the stories...involving/spanning over Shockwave, Prime, Buster, Jetfire, Bumblebee, Prowl, Ratchet, and the Constructicons. Having control of the Creation Matrix was an important part of the stories for at least two full story arcs.


And stopping the construction of the Space Bridge wasn't really anything huge in the comics. It was only major during one short arc with Blaster destorying Spanner (the original Space Bridge). In the cartoon, the Autobots never tried to stop the Space Bridge's construction, nor did they mount a huge assault on the Space Bridge's operations.

[CFlash]

Also remember in the early issues of G1 Comics...the Creation Matrix was a huge part of the stories...involving/spanning over Shockwave, Prime, Buster, Jetfire, Bumblebee, Prowl, Ratchet, and the Constructicons. Having control of the Creation Matrix was an important part of the stories for at least two full story arcs.


And it always came off as a means to an end not a true central element. From what I remember the central impetus in the issues following the miniseries was communicating with Cybertron (via communications array, space bridge, whatever)... which is why the Constructicons were created.

I just never saw the Creation Matrix as a "godly" Holy Grail. Just a tool. It wasn't until the movie were they turned it into all kinds of corniness.

[ComicKoryn]

I miss the old Beast Wars spark theory, I thought that was a really great take on TF.

[WalkingDead]

I miss the old Beast Wars spark theory, I thought that was a really great take on TF.
Well it's been ret-conned that Sparks are in G1, housed in their Lasercores, devices that hold and keep the Spark intact. This isn't a widely-accepted ret-con, but it works with G1's screwball, contradicting storylines well enough.

[WalkingDead]

And it always came off as a means to an end not a true central element. From what I remember the central impetus in the issues following the miniseries was communicating with Cybertron (via communications array, space bridge, whatever)... which is why the Constructicons were created.

I just never saw the Creation Matrix as a "godly" Holy Grail. Just a tool. It wasn't until the movie were they turned it into all kinds of corniness.

So then, what's the problem with this new interpretation of the Creation Matrix being used as a "tool" in this movie like it was for the G1 Comics? It's only been said that they are looking for it, since it gave life to Transformers...just like how they were looking for in The Matrix Quest and a few other issues of the G1 Comics.