Transformers the new Godzilla

[chaos123x]

Transformers is going to end up like the Hollywood version of Godzilla.

Yes it will be about giant robots that change into cars and what not, but other than that it will not resemble Transformers at all.
Just the name.

Just like how the Hollywood Godzilla was about a giant dinosaur in a city, but had nothing to do with Godzilla but the name.

Why do they even license the material if they not going to use it?

If they are going to make something totally different why not just change the name and not have to deal with licensing fees?


What do you think? am I right?

[Yurka]

I was thinking the same thing. that its just gonna be transformers in name and loosly based on the comics I'm worried about that, and I haven't heard much of michael bay being a fan of the comics so thats not a good sign

[Octoberist]

Honestly, it's too soon since we haven't seen any of them in robot form, Chaos.

I have my doubts too, but I still have an open mind.

[TigerClaw]

Its not fair to say that it would be like that movie, The behind the scenes footage we seen are of sequences involving Decepticons, To make it as real as possible they have to show the miltary trying to fight them, Im sure at some point the Autobots arrive and assist them in the battles.

[WalkingDead]

I think you are partially wrong really...since Transformers has a huge amount of redo's, re-duxes, alternate timelines, alternate dimensions, and brand new storylines for over the last 20 years. This is just another new interpretation and adaptation. Chalk it up there with all the others. It's a new spin, new blood into the franchise, new story based on the old stuff (like many before it).

No it's not G1 (the original cartoon and/or comics) redone...it is a new adaptation. A new Introduction to a new storyline/part of the TF Franchise.


Oh BUT this DOES NOT mean it's automatically good. Nope, not by a long shot. But a good movie with excellent toys is still very possible.

[Spark]

I don't think it's any further from the original than IDW's take is. Maybe a little less highbrow but all the characters are G1* and IDW doesn't even have Spike. It's always advertised as being based on 'that toyline/cartoon from the 80's' and no one ever seems to be corrected on this to avoid confusion and rants later on.

IDW has more wiggle room on the story of course. There's things you can't do in a $150 million movie which you can do in a comic. That said, there's absolutely no reason to screw the characters up. Completely change the story, yes, but there's no need to make the Decepticons look like something out of HR Giger's sketch pad or anything (for example).

*Kinda

[CFlash]

I think you are partially wrong really...since Transformers has a huge amount of redo's, re-duxes, alternate timelines, alternate dimensions, and brand new storylines for over the last 20 years. This is just another new interpretation and adaptation. Chalk it up there with all the others. It's a new spin, new blood into the franchise, new story based on the old stuff (like many before it).

No it's not G1 (the original cartoon and/or comics) redone...it is a new adaptation. A new Introduction to a new storyline/part of the TF Franchise.


Oh BUT this DOES NOT mean it's automatically good. Nope, not by a long shot. But a good movie with excellent toys is still very possible.

Well, Godzilla has had even more redos and alternate timelines and dimensions than even Transformers. And Emmerich still managed to completely lose the character and soul and the whole freakin point of Godzilla. Bay seems to be doing the same.

[ragdus]

Here we go again with the godzilla ****.

A) this is not a spoiler and
B) OMG TEH SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!!

[CFlash]

Here we go again with the godzilla ****.

A) this is not a spoiler and
B) OMG TEH SKY IS FALLING!!!!!!!!!

Prime has red flames... and doesn't look anything at all like the truck folks grew up with. Cute, little Bumblebee is now a Camaro muscle-car.
There. Now its a spoiler.

[Nivek]

Well, Godzilla has had even more redos and alternate timelines and dimensions than even Transformers. And Emmerich still managed to completely lose the character and soul and the whole freakin point of Godzilla. Bay seems to be doing the same.


:up:

[WalkingDead]

Well, Godzilla has had even more redos and alternate timelines and dimensions than even Transformers. And Emmerich still managed to completely lose the character and soul and the whole freakin point of Godzilla. Bay seems to be doing the same.
Not to throw this completely off-topic, but I think Transformers has more different continuities, alternate timelines, and dimensions than Godzilla.

Godzilla:
Showa Series - 1954-1975
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (USA Version)
Godzilla's Revenge
Heisei Series - 1984-1995
Godzilla - 1985 (USA Version)
Godzilla - 1998 (Emmerich Version)
Godzilla 2000
Godzilla vs. Megaguirus
Godzilla, Mothra, & King Ghidorah
Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla & Tokyo S.O.S.
Godzilla: Final Wars
Dark Horse Godzilla Comics Vol. 1
Dark Horse Godzilla Comics Vol. 2
Japanese Manga (can't recall if it was two different volumes/continuities)


Transformers:
US G1 Cartoon
US G1 Marvel Comics
UK G1 Marvel Comics
Japan G1 Manga
Japan G1 Cartoon
Dreamwave G1 Comics
IDW G1 Comics
IDW Alternate Timeline Comics
G.I. Joe vs. Transformers Marvel Run
G.I. Joe vs. Transformers Dreamwave Run
G.I. Joe vs. Transformers Devil's Due Run
G2 Comics
Beast Wars/Beast Machines
Beast Wars 2/Beast Wars Neo
Beast Wars Comics
R.I.D. Cartoon
US Armadaverse Cartoon
Japan Armadaverse Cartoon
Armadaverse Comics
BotCon Exclusive Comics & Toy Storylines (multiple ones)
Alternators/Binaltech
TF: Universe

Meh, you might be right...I'm a fan of Godzilla, but more of a TF fan. So you might be right. Sorry if this was a waste of time, I'm off work today.

[CFlash]

You state 54 to 75... well, those are the movies I grew up with. And, I lost count how many times Godzilla was good or bad and how many times he died.... heck, Kong beat him up and sent him packing once!

It wasn't until Final Wars were Godzilla's "dichotomy" (as a representation of Earth... both protector and destroyer) was nicely done (best "B" ever that "Final Wars" is!).

And, I didn't want weird aliens and campy stuff in Godzilla 98. But, boy did that movie miss the point......... just like Transformers seems to be.

[WalkingDead]

You state 54 to 75... well, those are the movies I grew up with. And, I lost count how many times Godzilla was good or bad and how many times he died.... heck, Kong beat him up and sent him packing once!

It wasn't until Final Wars were Godzilla's "dichotomy" (as a representation of Earth... both protector and destroyer) was nicely done (best "B" ever that "Final Wars" is!).

And, I didn't want weird aliens and campy stuff in Godzilla 98. But, boy did that movie miss the point......... just like Transformers seems to be.
I agree...on Final Wars.

And to me Emmerich's Movie is a unique actiony fluff twist of entertainment take on Godzilla. Is it Godzilla like we know and love, meh, hell no. But I enjoy it for what it is...an oversized b-rated monster movie with cool effects. Godzilla, in the traditional (more depth and subtext) sense...nope and never will be.

I guess one, such as me, who has been there for all the re-incarnations, all the re-duxes and changes, and all the new interpretations...both good and bad, just can't be overly effected by this new TF movie being a new adaptation with lots of changes.

[CFlash]

I agree...on Final Wars.

And to me Emmerich's Movie is a unique actiony fluff twist of entertainment take on Godzilla. Is it Godzilla like we know and love, meh, hell no. But I enjoy it for what it is...an oversized b-rated monster movie with cool effects. Godzilla, in the traditional (more depth and subtext) sense...nope and never will be.

I guess one, such as me, who has been there for all the re-incarnations, all the re-duxes and changes, and all the new interpretations...both good and bad, just can't be overly effected by this new TF movie being a new adaptation with lots of changes.

I hear what you're saying.
But, I for one was hoping for depth and subtext.... Both in GINO and Transformers.

[WalkingDead]

I hear what you're saying.
But, I for one was hoping for depth and subtext.... Both in GINO and Transformers.
And I would never say you shouldn't ask for more than fluff...Just sometimes fluff works. Now for Transformers? Who knows, we'll have to wait and see. At the very least, those who collect the toys should come out Winners.

[DorkyFresh]

the only thing that could make Transformers on the level of Godzilla is if they made Optimus Prime a wuss who runs from battle.

[zer00]

This is a decent analogy I hadn't thought of before(who the hell thinks of GINO that often?).

I still hold out hope. I've even fought the decision to make bumblebee a comaro instead of another box like vehicle.

But deep down we have Don Murphy and Michael Bay and Hollywood, so. I look at it like this, I never expected a live action transformers movie to be made, so I can contend with a ****ty movie, atleast it has giant robots fighting.

[Tony Stark]

I don't have much faith in this movie simply because Michael Bay is at the helm. I mean, did you guys see the Island?

I'm hoping for the best, but expecting the worst.

[CFlash]

I don't have much faith in this movie simply because Michael Bay is at the helm. I mean, did you guys see the Island?

I'm hoping for the best, but expecting the worst.

Did you see the last episode of Entourage where the guys found out Bay would be directing A2 instead of James Cameron? (If you're not a watcher... I highly recommend it if you're into movies).
The guy (Bay) gets no respect.... and deservedly so.

[roach]

..and we are basing this movie is gonna suck on what????
a few pics and "rumors" we are hearing

[kaisersoze]

..and we are basing this movie is gonna suck on what????
a few pics and "rumors" we are hearing

Actually the comparison to the GINO film is pretty much dead on.

This movie's production thus far is almost completely mirroring how GINO went down at Tristar.

Leaked concept drawings from GINO were said to be fake according to Emmerich and Devlin and were later proven to be liars.

Rumors of how the character appeared, acted, plot elements and more were pretty much dead on also(which were negative and rightfully so.)

I am now seeing the exact same thing with the Transformers movie production.

Now to be fair, I'll naturally reserve judgement until I see the film. Still, if you're a Transformers fan you have to at least be very concerned with what we're "hearing" and "seeing".

[ragdus]

Did you see the last episode of Entourage where the guys found out Bay would be directing A2 instead of James Cameron?



One of my favorite moments on the show to date. They acted like they'd just seen children slaughtered

[nosebleed.]

Did you see the last episode of Entourage where the guys found out Bay would be directing A2 instead of James Cameron? (If you're not a watcher... I highly recommend it if you're into movies).
The guy (Bay) gets no respect.... and deservedly so.

A2? I might start watching this show...its pretty good then?

Bay without Bruckheimer and with Spielberg as exec producer is a new thing so who knows what we'll see. I remain optimistic about Optimus.

[terry78]

So basically we're now calling this TRINO.


I'm still waiting until some pictures and a full trailer are released. I don't doubt Murphy or Spielberg, and Bay is simply able to provide excellent sequences, so you know they won't cheap out on anything. I want to make certain the personas of the characters remain intact more than anything though.

[roach]

So basically we're now calling this TRINO.

Doesnt she rap with 3-6 Mafia

[terry78]

^Also, that ass is too fat. :o

[In2Minds]

I don't have much faith in this movie simply because Michael Bay is at the helm. I mean, did you guys see the Island?

I'm hoping for the best, but expecting the worst.

OMG he directed that crapheap kill me now before 7.4.7 speaking of which who thinks that a sneaky codename for a transformers robot mode ?

[nosebleed.]

If Matthew Broderick comes anywhere near this movie I will eat my 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime and post it on youtube.

[Spark]

One of my favorite moments on the show to date. They acted like they'd just seen children slaughtered
Any clues to what episode this is? We don't get it over here but I'd like to download it if possible.

[geomon]

Transformers is going to end up like the Hollywood version of Godzilla.

Yes it will be about giant robots that change into cars and what not, but other than that it will not resemble Transformers at all.
Just the name.

Just like how the Hollywood Godzilla was about a giant dinosaur in a city, but had nothing to do with Godzilla but the name.

Why do they even license the material if they not going to use it?

If they are going to make something totally different why not just change the name and not have to deal with licensing fees?


What do you think? am I right?

Well it's a good thing you've seen the movie already. I guess we can all go home.

[CFlash]

Any clues to what episode this is? We don't get it over here but I'd like to download it if possible.

Episode 27... the most recent one.
Vince wants to drop out of out A2 for multiple reasons.

[xwolverine2]

hank azaria is cool!...dont mess with the hank!

he could do one of the voices!:eek:

[WalkingDead]

hank azaria is cool!...dont mess with the hank!

he could do one of the voices!:eek:
He was rumored for a while to being looked at for a voice of a TF. Don't know if the rumor was proven false or true.

[xwolverine2]

He was rumored for a while to being looked at for a voice of a TF. Don't know if the rumor was proven false or true.
he does like a million voices on the simpsons.........and gets paids even more:eek: lol

maybe he could play the goofy transformer..lol

[DrSpengler]

Hank Azaria is a good voice actor, nothing wrong with him.

He played an excellent Eddie Brock/Venom on the 90's Spider-Man toon.

[xwolverine2]

He played an excellent Eddie Brock/Venom on the 90's Spider-Man toon.
are you serious?... i didnt know that:confused: :eek:

[chaos123x]

REASON 2 why this like Godzilla USA,


THEY WILL NOT SHOW WHAT THEYRE ROBOT FORMS LOOK LIKE UNTILL AFTER THE MOVIE IS OUT!!!!!!!!

Godzilla's big mistake was that they never showed what he looked like.

[xwolverine2]

wtf have you been smoking?

[chaos123x]

wtf have you been smoking?


Dimethyltryptamine

[xwolverine2]

oh i see..... its an out of this planet drug..........no wonder..lol

[DrSpengler]

REASON 2 why this like Godzilla USA,


THEY WILL NOT SHOW WHAT THEYRE ROBOT FORMS LOOK LIKE UNTILL AFTER THE MOVIE IS OUT!!!!!!!!

Godzilla's big mistake was that they never showed wha he looked like.

That's both right and wrong.

Had they shown the public what Godzilla looked like, no one would have seen the movie and it would have tanked.

However, by not showing anybody what Godzilla looked like people flocked tot he movie opening weekend, Memorial Day, and paid $9 to see a bad movie. Thus, it made lots of money despite being genuinely bad.


So the producers/whoever don't reallly considering hiding a bad idea from the public until release a "mistake" as it scores them lotsa money.

Not saying that'll definately be the case with Transformers, I'm just playing Devil's Advocate.

[xwolverine2]

why do we need to see it?.... id prefer to be surprised.

i hope the keep it as much a secret as possible......BUT we all know thats impossible:);)

[DrSpengler]

AICN apparently isn't intimidated one bit by Murphy's lawsuit threats, so I figure they're gonna keep on posting leaked photos and having them taken down a few hours after the whole internet has saved them to their harddrives.

[xwolverine2]

LOL!!!^

yup..... stupid harry...but i thank him...................for ONCE

[Golgo-13]

I was thinking the same thing. that its just gonna be transformers in name and loosly based on the comics I'm worried about that, and I haven't heard much of michael bay being a fan of the comics so thats not a good sign
Bay has repeatedly said he's a fan but that's just to shut us fans up. We all know that the more pics/news we get, the less this movie sounds like the real TF. It's TINO. It'll be just like Godzilla-a god aweful catastrophy

[roach]

REASON 2 why this like Godzilla USA,


THEY WILL NOT SHOW WHAT THEYRE ROBOT FORMS LOOK LIKE UNTILL AFTER THE MOVIE IS OUT!!!!!!!!

Godzilla's big mistake was that they never showed what he looked like.

Jurassic Park also didnt show the Dinos until the movie

[CFlash]

Jurassic Park also didnt show the Dinos until the movie

Proved wrong in a different thread.
http://uk.rottentomatoes.com./m/jurassic_park/trailers.php

[roach]

Proved wrong in a different thread.
http://uk.rottentomatoes.com./m/jurassic_park/trailers.php


and I counter that one with the first trailer that showed the T-rex foot

[TigerClaw]

and I counter that one with the first trailer that showed the T-rex foot
I would guess in the new trailers, We should at least see a foot of a Transformer.

[ragdus]

they've got to show one transform in a trailer. period. even if we just see it from behind.

you've got to use the sfx to wow them in the trailer to get them in, and people will get hooked by seeing a great transformation.

it doesn't even need to be a major player.

[roach]

they've got to show one transform in a trailer. period. even if we just see it from behind.

you've got to use the sfx to wow them in the trailer to get them in, and people will get hooked by seeing a great transformation.

it doesn't even need to be a major player.


I just showed the trailer to a recruiter friend of mine and he flipped out when the Transformers logo hit the screen. This movie is gonna sell itself

[ragdus]

so then they should leave it with that one trailer for the next 12 months?

i'm going to go ahead and disagree.

every successive trailer reveals more and more to build more hype. it's the way it is.

[roach]

so then they should leave it with that one trailer for the next 12 months?

i'm going to go ahead and disagree.

every successive trailer reveals more and more to build more hype. it's the way it is.


no they should continue to show new trailers but show very little of the robots...but I know we live in the instant gratification era so I am sure we'll see some transforming in the latter trailers

[ragdus]

well it just makes sense. how many trailers can you make about transformers without showing anything transforming?

[TigerClaw]

What the trailers could do is showing the end results, And I mean the end results being the humans reacting to the transformations.

[CFlash]

well it just makes sense. how many trailers can you make about transformers without showing anything transforming?

While I think it's a MUST that we see PART of the robot-modes in a trailer.
The transformation can happen offscreen... I just want to hear the SOUND.

[ragdus]

While I think it's a MUST that we see PART of the robot-modes in a trailer.
The transformation can happen offscreen... I just want to hear the SOUND.

Yeah true. it doesn't have to be the actual transformation. but if it's not, they need to show some bots, yeah.

[Hunter Rider]

No i don't think so

[Iceburgeruk]

Its a bit of a useless comparison really.

Godzilla, like say mario bros, is a near impossible form of entertainment to translate into a hollywood movie. The whole guys in monster suits fighting and stomping on fake buildings although really cool in low budget japanese films is near impossible to do as a hollywood film. The constraints of the medium means that it is difficult to make a film where you root for a giant monster even if he is fighting a slightly meaner giant monster. Add to that the extreme lack of depth that devlin/emmerich films have. And the fact that something watchable came out of the process is staggering.

Transformers is a different story. There are clear good guys and bad guys (as oppossed to godzilla`s i`ll be a good guy if it`s your lucky day). The action shown in the original series is half big punchups and half crazed chases (ie bay and hollywoods two favourite realms). Transformers has a more widespread fan base (it is a rampant kid fave every couple of years) in comparison to godzilla`s more niche market (c`mon you have to accept that most people outside of the fanbase will find godzilla movies either mildly entertaining or laughable.) Transformers is an always has been firmly within the family film/tv/cartoon landscape while godzilla is either niche or b-movie horror. Transformers is more appreciative of the original material. The crew of Transformers have taken time and effort to to a rather considerate extent take into account what the fans think about the live action adaption. There have been a couple of changes but most are really rather superficial. Godzilla 98 on the other hand changed the setting to new york, placed the blame for his birth on the french and made him into some bizarre asexual freak just so they could have some raptor sized godzilla babies to chase the main characters indoors.

Michael Bay himself is far more competent than emmerich/devlin, Bay makes action films because he likes them while emmerich/devlin seem obsessed with blowing up landmarks and using a large amount of cg. Bay approached making a deep film with the island while can anyone name an emmerich film that was any deeper than one of those tiny french coffee cups?

Godzilla 98 bombing doesn`t mean transformers will anymore than the critcial reception to wild wild west affected the popularity of pirates of the caribean.

Additionally: I always thought godzilla 98 didn`t work for me coz i wanted to see a big screen cg godzilla smacking another monster around. Him just stepping on people and being asexual is not the kind of thing that interests me.

[Golgo-13]

Actually the comparison to the GINO film is pretty much dead on.

This movie's production thus far is almost completely mirroring how GINO went down at Tristar.

Leaked concept drawings from GINO were said to be fake according to Emmerich and Devlin and were later proven to be liars.

Rumors of how the character appeared, acted, plot elements and more were pretty much dead on also(which were negative and rightfully so.)

I am now seeing the exact same thing with the Transformers movie production.

Now to be fair, I'll naturally reserve judgement until I see the film. Still, if you're a Transformers fan you have to at least be very concerned with what we're "hearing" and "seeing".

I'm starting to get the feeling that this movie might actually be more like 'War of the Worlds', where we get to know the human characters before we see the Transformers, then get to see how the Transformers effect the lives of each of these human charcaters. Kinda like how the alien invaders effected the lives of Tom Cruise family. It's classic hollywood shmuck where they want the human characters in the movie to represent the 'audience', so we as the movie goers see the Transformers through the eyes of the movies human characters...which sucks!:down:

...and we have Speilburg overseeing this too?... oh i'd bet my life this is what we're gonna get!

[VolgusZildrohar]

You see, this is a story of a boy and his car. And although Cybertron is a massive metal planet ruled by space traveling, shape changing robots- a red ball of dirt named Mars is much cooler to make a preview about

[Iceburgeruk]

You see, this is a story of a boy and his car. And although Cybertron is a massive metal planet ruled by space traveling, shape changing robots- a red ball of dirt named Mars is much cooler to make a preview about

I think if they had gone with a short trailer about the history and inner workings of cybertron a lot of people would have considered it a quarantined portion of nerdsville and have not given the film a chance. The mars bit makes so you see a glimpse of a robot but without making average people thing its gonna be a geekfest.

[Spark]

I just showed the trailer to a recruiter friend of mine and he flipped out when the Transformers logo hit the screen. This movie is gonna sell itself
That's because 'Transformers' is a recognisable name. T-R-A-N-S-F-O-R-M-E-R-S. Let's see what happens when they show an unrecognisable Prime.

And you never said Dinosaurs where missing from the first JP trailer (even though they weren't anyway). You said Dinosaurs weren't shown before the movie arrived. ;)

[SolidSnakeMGS]

Good analogy. I am pretty sure this will most likely end up like Godzilla, a mindless Hollywood cookie-cutter action movie. Bay's ego won't let it be anything but.

[VolgusZildrohar]

but short glimpse of an impressive overshot of the cybertronian hemisphere would have made the people gasp in their seats....and not pointing on the screen in furious laughter.

hey, those guys who made riddick were able to do that. now imagine spielberg and all the money.......god what are they thinking...

by the way....the "realistic" view bay is talking about the whole time........man, "giant f***** robots" ROBOTS!!!

it would have been easier if they simply took the script from the 86 movie and made it real life/CG

i totally agree, THIS will be the new godzilla.....and bay will sit in his basement and will hug himself over his ideas

[ragdus]

Yes, it would have been so much better to just remake a 20 year old movie and then all they'd have to focus on was the visuals, which you could then turn around and complain about the severe lack of creativity and focus jusrt on 'splosions!

btw, nobody pounted at that trailer and erupted in furious laughter. we both know it, so let's not be overly dramatic.

[CFlash]

Its a bit of a useless comparison really.

Godzilla, like say mario bros, is a near impossible form of entertainment to translate into a hollywood movie. The whole guys in monster suits fighting and stomping on fake buildings although really cool in low budget japanese films is near impossible to do as a hollywood film. The constraints of the medium means that it is difficult to make a film where you root for a giant monster even if he is fighting a slightly meaner giant monster. Add to that the extreme lack of depth that devlin/emmerich films have. And the fact that something watchable came out of the process is staggering.

Transformers is a different story. There are clear good guys and bad guys (as oppossed to godzilla`s i`ll be a good guy if it`s your lucky day). The action shown in the original series is half big punchups and half crazed chases (ie bay and hollywoods two favourite realms). Transformers has a more widespread fan base (it is a rampant kid fave every couple of years) in comparison to godzilla`s more niche market (c`mon you have to accept that most people outside of the fanbase will find godzilla movies either mildly entertaining or laughable.) Transformers is an always has been firmly within the family film/tv/cartoon landscape while godzilla is either niche or b-movie horror. Transformers is more appreciative of the original material. The crew of Transformers have taken time and effort to to a rather considerate extent take into account what the fans think about the live action adaption. There have been a couple of changes but most are really rather superficial. Godzilla 98 on the other hand changed the setting to new york, placed the blame for his birth on the french and made him into some bizarre asexual freak just so they could have some raptor sized godzilla babies to chase the main characters indoors.

Michael Bay himself is far more competent than emmerich/devlin, Bay makes action films because he likes them while emmerich/devlin seem obsessed with blowing up landmarks and using a large amount of cg. Bay approached making a deep film with the island while can anyone name an emmerich film that was any deeper than one of those tiny french coffee cups?

Godzilla 98 bombing doesn`t mean transformers will anymore than the critcial reception to wild wild west affected the popularity of pirates of the caribean.

Additionally: I always thought godzilla 98 didn`t work for me coz i wanted to see a big screen cg godzilla smacking another monster around. Him just stepping on people and being asexual is not the kind of thing that interests me.

I disagree wholeheartedly.
Godzilla 85 came very close to being a traditional Hollywood movie, even though it was still set in Japan. And it somehow managed to make him a sympathetic creature... at the same time terrifying... sorta like a Frankenstein. That Emmerich couldn't even improve on that movie is a testament to unimaginative writing and bad moviemaking.

IMHO Godzilla 98 only needed a few things to make it good:

1) Nuke breath
2) Not running away from military
3) Lose the slapstick cheese... like the foot stomp where the guy comes out alive because he miraculously ended up between the monster's toes.

And, of course, the Jurassic Park rip-off scene that also managed to rip off Aliens.

Godzilla 98 could have been great. But, instead it demonstrated everything that was wrong with Hollywood in the 90's.

[MagicPrime]

You see, this is a story of a boy and his car. And although Cybertron is a massive metal planet ruled by space traveling, shape changing robots- a red ball of dirt named Mars is much cooler to make a preview about

Also, it has been said multiple times that the Mars footage was JUST for the teaser. And thats all it was - a Teaser. Im sure when the first full trailer comes out we will atleast see some glimpse of Cybertron, maybe with a space battle happening and a lone ship blasting from the surface into the unknown.

[kaisersoze]

Godzilla, like say mario bros, is a near impossible form of entertainment to translate into a hollywood movie. The whole guys in monster suits fighting and stomping on fake buildings although really cool in low budget japanese films is near impossible to do as a hollywood film.

I stopped reading right there.

I guarandamntee you if you gave a Japanese Godzilla film crew(or an American film crew who actually know and respect Godzilla's legacy) an 80+ million dollar U.S. budget and the services of let's say ILM, you'd have one hell of a Godzilla movie.

[kaisersoze]

I disagree wholeheartedly.
Godzilla 85 came very close to being a traditional Hollywood movie, even though it was still set in Japan. And it somehow managed to make him a sympathetic creature... at the same time terrifying... sorta like a Frankenstein. That Emmerich couldn't even improve on that movie is a testament to unimaginative writing and bad moviemaking.

IMHO Godzilla 98 only needed a few things to make it good:

1) Nuke breath
2) Not running away from military
3) Lose the slapstick cheese... like the foot stomp where the guy comes out alive because he miraculously ended up between the monster's toes.

And, of course, the Jurassic Park rip-off scene that also managed to rip off Aliens.

Godzilla 98 could have been great. But, instead it demonstrated everything that was wrong with Hollywood in the 90's.

Awesome post! Nice to see other Godzilla fans here and calling out the GINO movie. Such a letdown. :(

I hope beyond hope the Transformers movie will be faithful to the legendary icons.

[el brujo138]

You see, this is a story of a boy and his car. And although Cybertron is a massive metal planet ruled by space traveling, shape changing robots- a red ball of dirt named Mars is much cooler to make a preview about

It´s funny because it`s true!

[Scar Predator]

You state 54 to 75... well, those are the movies I grew up with. And, I lost count how many times Godzilla was good or bad and how many times he died.... heck, Kong beat him up and sent him packing once!

.

Wasn't there two versions ( endings of Godzilla vs. Kong--one w/ Kong winning and the other w/ Godzilla winning? Sorry for the off topic question.

Anyway, I didn't think updating Godzilla for the '98 moive was a problem ( except for his weird head) and I think TF can absorb some new twists too as long as the basic premises are intact.

[roach]

Wasn't there two versions ( endings of Godzilla vs. Kong--one w/ Kong winning and the other w/ Godzilla winning? Sorry for the off topic question.


nope it's a Urban Legend

[kaisersoze]

I just got done writing and posting this on Don's forum.

Ahh, GINO(Godzilla in Name Only),

GINO is the perfect example of Hollywood screwing over AN ICON loved by millions across the globe.

Emmerich and Devlin apparently felt those millions of people were wrong and ripped apart EVERYTHING that made Godzilla an ICON-His look, his character, his actions, EVERYTHING!

Pictures of GINO's design were mysteriously "leaked" that basically threw Godzilla fandom and even *common* movie goers into a "WTF was that?" stupor. GINO's appearance was also "kept secret" until the movie released.

Parts of the script were "leaked" that further cemented the fact that the "Big Budget" Godzilla was actually a "Big Budget" remake of the Beast from 20,000 fathoms(and a poor one at that.) Nothing in the scenes or final script remotely resembled the ICONIC Godzilla. A couple clueless idiots and studio instead felt they were giving us a "new and improved" Godzilla when there was absolutely nothing wrong with the original ICON to begin with.

The two knuckleheads later came out and defended their "vision"(a great Hollywood buzz term btw) and discarded everything that the fans had to say or suggest. What do they know anyway? They're just fans of an ICON known worldwide. :rollseyes:

The movie's opening weekend did decent numbers(over $50 million) but word of mouth quickly spread that ALL THE FEARS OF THE FANS DURING THE MOVIE'S PRODUCTION WERE IN FACT TRUE!

GINO became the *perfect* example of a Hollywood out of touch when it came to treating WORLD WIDE ICONS and THEIR FANS with respect and love.

A little clue for Hollywood and studios when you go around shopping for those "hot properties" aka "ICONS": They're ICONS for a reason. They were popular for a reason. They were popular because of the way they looked, sounded and acted. Millions of people grew up with these properties who are now hard working adults who happen to have the money in their pockets you're trying to get with your "hot property".

Do you honestly think these people are braindead and won't care about the needless changes you make to these ICONS? That you change almost everything that made them ICONS to begin with and somehow everything will be o.k?

How does this all fit in with the now lensing Transformers movie? I don't have to point out that much of the Transformer's production so far has eerily mirrored the production of GINO in terms of "leaked photos", script/scene leaks and rumors of characters being totally "reimagined" which does not bold well for us fans.

But I have a philosophy of at least trying to learn 1 new thing a day. I hope that the production team of Transformers will do the same. I'd like them to take a close look at the GINO production and how that went down. I want them to realize that the Transformers are ICONS that you don't "reimagine" because you think it'll be "neat and cool!". I want them to realize Optimus Prime is a red and blue flat nose Mack truck.
I want them to realize that Optimus Prime's voice is that Peter Cullen and Megatron's voice is Frank Welker. I want them to simply realize they don't have to "reimagine" the ICONS that are the Transformers.

All I ask you is that you realize certain things belong to the fan's hearts. That these ICONS are important to them and that they actually *do* care about how they're handled and portrayed.

I ask you to learn from the mistakes of others(mainly GINO) and never make the same mistake TWICE!

But the number 1 thing I ask you is that if you know these things to be true(reimagining, design changes, etc) you look deep down inside yourself and realize there was nothing wrong with these ICONS to begin with and that the changes or reimagining is senseless. That you, the entire production team sit down and say "You know what, they are right!" We can easily make Optimus a flat nosed red mack truck. We can approach Volkswagon and lobby for Bumblebee to be a beetle car. We can use Cullen and Welker for the voices.

We can give them a Transformers movie that will not only rock, but it'll be a love letter to the history of these ICONS we all know and love.

Take it to heart. Please.

http://www.d13satellite.com/donmurphy/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12281

[nosebleed.]

TRINO eh? Why not TINO? Where's the R come from?

This is at least more respectful than the backlash from the Gears of War designer. I agree with certain points but until we can see robot designs or actual footage I will reserve judgement.

[terry78]

Well, some stuff does have to be updated when making movies about iconic franchises, as the camp and kitsch factor would not play nowadays, except to be laughed at.

[kaisersoze]

Well, some stuff does have to be updated when making movies about iconic franchises, as the camp and kitsch factor would not play nowadays, except to be laughed at.

I don't agree with that.

What was updated in the Transformers:The Movie(animation)?

Nothing? Correct.

Badass and respectful? Yes.

No offense but your "reasoning" is pretty much the problem Hollywood has with these properties.

See GINO for more. ;)

[terry78]

Batman, Spider-Man, X-Men and King Kong were all campy as **** before their respective live action movies, and they had to be altered to an extent.

[nosebleed.]

I don't agree with that.

What was updated in the Transformers:The Movie(animation)?

Nothing? Correct.

Badass and respectful? Yes.

No offense but your "reasoning" is pretty much the problem Hollywood has with these properties.

See GINO for more. ;)

SR sort of disproves your reasoning. They used the basic outline from the 1978 movie, imitated Reeve in Routh and went "retro" with Superman's costume and look at its box office, its nickel and diming its way to 200 mil. Sin City is the only franchise to have successfully remained almost totally faithful to the source material but that franchise is not nearly as big as Transformers. Plus the fact that it was marketed to an older audience with its R rating (which without it would have been a joke of a Sin City movie).

If Transformers: The Movie were translated to live action and put out to today's audience I seriously doubt it would thrive with today's cynical general public.

[WalkingDead]

I don't agree with that.

What was updated in the Transformers:The Movie(animation)?

Nothing? Correct.

Badass and respectful? Yes.

No offense but your "reasoning" is pretty much the problem Hollywood has with these properties.

See GINO for more. ;)
Sorry but...the original TFTM was at the height of TF popularity. Of course it didn't have to update anything, the storyline, toyline, and characters were still going. Back then there was no thoughts of changing stuff around, because everything was still in working mode. What could it have updated? Nothing really.

[nosebleed.]

Sorry but...the original TFTM was at the height of TF popularity. Of course it didn't have to update anything, the storyline, toyline, and characters were still going. Back then there was no thoughts of changing stuff around, because everything was still in working mode. What could it have updated? Nothing really.

Plus the fact that it came out only 2 years after More Than Meets the Eye while this movie is coming out 2 decades later.

And if he wants to take it that far, Tranformers: The Movie actually DID change stuff around as a lot of new characters were introduced and a lot of old ones died. Talk about shaking things up and scarring some kids whose favorite Transformers died without any explanation (poor Wheeljack...he was my fave).

[Symbiote Hulk]

Transformers is going to end up like the Hollywood version of Godzilla.

Yes it will be about giant robots that change into cars and what not, but other than that it will not resemble Transformers at all.
Just the name.

Just like how the Hollywood Godzilla was about a giant dinosaur in a city, but had nothing to do with Godzilla but the name.

Why do they even license the material if they not going to use it?

If they are going to make something totally different why not just change the name and not have to deal with licensing fees?


What do you think? am I right?

You might be right since they're going to stop making Godzilla movies for 10 years:(

[Galactical]

Batman, Spider-Man, X-Men and King Kong were all campy as **** before their respective live action movies, and they had to be altered to an extent.

Batman, spidey, and x-men's comic roots were campy as ****?:confused: Spidey maybe. And generally because they're superhero comicbooks made for kids, there may be some campy elements in batman and x-men, though i don't think they were eliminated when transferred to live action. they still battle wacky villains, wear funny looking costumes, Magneto's helmet etc...

I'd say spider-man 1 and 2 are more skewed towards campy comedy. Look at that goblin costume. :spidey: that's alright because the books were funny, weren't they? Of course I thought spidey could be funnier himself in the movies like he is in the books, but it's still there.

X-men, I'm not sure if much was changed besides the costumes, some characters looks, and focus more towards wolverine's story. I wouldn't necessarily call the original comic, campy but I won't say for sure. I haven't read it in ages.

Batman's roots were serious, I believe. so the first film ignored the adam west stuff that it had become to be more serious, and darker, like the original books. Whatever changes were made, I don't think they were done out of necessity to give it a less campy tone. Just change for the sake of change.

I think King Kong's a remake that's as campy as the first, and even more ridiculous because of the brontosaur chase scenes, indestructable woman, and King Kong love story with Anne.... That's what i saw anyway.

So I don't think that much will be altered, or should be altered except the usual things done when adapting something to live action, which requires the robots and such to work in the real world. so of course they'll need to figure out how to transfer them over well enough.

Ah ha, I just remembered. Remember Dick Tracy or Sin city? Those movies didn't bother with changing everything too much. I didn't like the kid in Dick tracy though. But transformers is supposed to have its Spike so it's ok.

[antariksh]

In my opionion Transformers will be a really really DUMB movie with amazing sfx and action!!!

I mean common the reason they even hired Michael bay to do Transformers is because Transformers cartoon show does NOT has a good story, no character feeling, emotion nothing. IT is just about robots blowing each other apart and michale bay can do such movies very easily.

So ya the movie will be rotten but will be awesome action, sfx movie just like Godzilla (1998)

[Spark]

I'd say spider-man 1 and 2 are more skewed towards campy comedy. Look at that goblin costume. :spidey: that's alright because the books were funny, weren't they? Of course I thought spidey could be funnier himself in the movies like he is in the books, but it's still there.
Well there's humour in the source material but without Willem Defoe I'm not sure.....they could've dressed him in a pink and yellow nightgown and he'd still be menacing.

Personally I think Raimi got the mix just right, and even if Spidey 1's main villain looks campy by Spidey 3 I'm sure Willem's performance will still shine through. He's still my favourite so far anyway. :cool:

[xwolverine2]

In my opionion Transformers will be a really really DUMB movie with amazing sfx and action!!!

I mean common the reason they even hired Michael bay to do Transformers is because Transformers cartoon show does NOT has a good story, no character feeling, emotion nothing. IT is just about robots blowing each other apart and michale bay can do such movies very easily.

So ya the movie will be rotten but will be awesome action, sfx movie just like Godzilla (1998)
lol true....... except for the godzilla part.and the fact that it was only a cartoon.

[WalkingDead]

In my opionion Transformers will be a really really DUMB movie with amazing sfx and action!!!

I mean common the reason they even hired Michael bay to do Transformers is because Transformers cartoon show does NOT has a good story, no character feeling, emotion nothing. IT is just about robots blowing each other apart and michale bay can do such movies very easily.

So ya the movie will be rotten but will be awesome action, sfx movie just like Godzilla (1998)
The original Transformers comics have some great and underrated stories, if not having the same problems most Marvel comics in the mid 80's had. But overall the stories and character were greatly fill out with good drama and had a lot more to it than just robots bashing each other's heads in. Such as Megatron slowly slipping into insanity after Prime was thought to have been destroyed. Shockwave always working his own agenda, back and forth. And many other great story plots.

The newer comics are also well put-together and nicely done with great characterization.

[antariksh]

The original Transformers comics have some great and underrated stories, if not having the same problems most Marvel comics in the mid 80's had. But overall the stories and character were greatly fill out with good drama and had a lot more to it than just robots bashing each other's heads in. Such as Megatron slowly slipping into insanity after Prime was thought to have been destroyed. Shockwave always working his own agenda, back and forth. And many other great story plots.

The newer comics are also well put-together and nicely done with great characterization.

They are not going to put such stuff in the movies. It will be REALLY DUMB movie but still damn entertaining. :up:

[WalkingDead]

They are not going to put such stuff in the movies. It will be REALLY DUMB movie but still damn entertaining. :up:
I don't disagree with you on the dumb, entertaining action flick possibility at all. I just wanted to say that there have been some well-written and great memorable stories and plots made with Transformers over the years, that's all.

[The Kid]

Nobody's going to transformers to see some great thought provoking thematic or dramatic story, but hey if there's some of that in there, it'd be alright.

[terry78]

I think this would be the only exception as far as having a lot of scenes where there is just dialogue and discussion. Just seeing Transformers sitting and talking, planning, etc. would still be eye candy to most people, so constant action wouldn't really be a must.

[el brujo138]

Nobody's going to transformers to see some great thought provoking thematic or dramatic story, but hey if there's some of that in there, it'd be alright.

No but we will be going to Transformers the Movie to see transformers, not Bay messing up the design on Prime and screwing around with the story to focus on humans and a boy getting his first car.

We don`t need a deep story but we need the transformers being the focus of the movie.

[Shinobi Rendar]

No but we will be going to Transformers the Movie to see transformers, not Bay messing up the design on Prime and screwing around with the story to focus on humans and a boy getting his first car.

We don`t need a deep story but we need the transformers being the focus of the movie.

I think they'll be the focus of the movie, but from a human point of view. I don't see much character development for the transformers:o , but there's always the sequel :S

[thegameq]

Wow, the new Godzilla? Ouch!

Bay directing this film has got to be the biggest giveaway. No one equates Michael Bay with a great film. He's just a demolitions guy. Just another action director, nothing special.

If it was anounced that Lucas or Spielberg were directing this film, then everyone would be extremely optimistic, yet still give some kind of slack if there were changes. If it were Jackson directing everyone would've cried tears of joy.......but Michael Bay?

[terry78]

^When your movie is based on a toy line, you're not going to really look for extreme A-list directors. Only extreme geeks know about the mythos behind the toys.

[GhostPoet]

If the rumors are true that Cullen may very well get to voice Prime. MY fears are eased. :)

[thegameq]

^When your movie is based on a toy line, you're not going to really look for extreme A-list directors. Only extreme geeks know about the mythos behind the toys.

No, not really. It depends on what one's goals are.

A) Make a great movie (that everyone will enjoy; LOTR, Potter films, etc.) based on an iconic franchise/property. You value this movie, the property and the potential greatly. Moreso, you respect it and the fans. choose your director carefully. The vision must be clear, concise and damn near spot on.

B) Make a typical summer flick with some to very little reverence or reference to the source material so as to not saddle your director and his team with preconceived notions, aswell as to increase the films draw amongst non fans. Above all make a fun summer movie. While you don't have to appeal to the lowest denominator, you don't have to appeal to the highest either, i.e., cash in on the built in audience the film will garner. Leave room for a possible sequel. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. In this case choose your director apropriately. The task type is common and there are more than a handful you can turn to. You want someone that can do as their asked and is reliable.

Considering the direction most studios seem to be going with these types of films these days; bringing in lesser known directors that are fans (somewhat) of the material, I think the studio pretty much made it's intentions clear when they decided to let Bay helm this film. Granted, he's supposedly a fan. But I've heard that bandied about quite a few times regarding other directors and their films. The results usually speak for themselves.

[ges681]

as long as transformers doenst have p diddy on the soundtrack

[Shinobi Rendar]

lol.... i think it'll be a score.

[LordSimen]

I love how people act like Transformers is some "shakespearian art house piecE" when they mention that Bay will turn it into a mindless action fest.

Does anyone besides me remember that the cartoons were always mindless action fests with the intent to sell toys?

[Hafssól]

If anything Transformers will be the new Thunderbirds Live Action movie, which is baaaad.