Transformers The Reviews Thread

[ShadowBoxing]

And yet without it, you would have none of the rest. That's why it diserves respect and proper adaptation when converting to a new medium.

That's not really true. The toyline is really what drove Transformers into it's second Generation. You see Generation 1 is the only show to have ever been cancelled, prompting a 6 year hiatus from any show whatsoever...and almost a decade before a new show was ever launched (not counting the Japanese continuities which continued for two years). So it would be like saying we need an original 5 X-Men, because without them there'd be no Giant Sized. Yet Giant Sized features the more popular characters, and was the revitalization of a dead franchise. Same thing here. Generation 1 was a dead franchise, dead on arrival if you ask most. It was a poorly written 22 minute toy commercial that couldn't ever truly get to a point where it was writing an actual, coherent story.

You are talking translation, where things get lost.

Beast Wars, Armada (UT), Beast Machines, RiD, and even Japans attempts with Headmasters, Masterforce, Victory and Zone weren't trying to Translate G1, no. in. the. slightest. Throughout theAllspark forums and TFW2005 and Transfans Generation 1 is universially hated because frankly it couldn't do with the franchise what future series did do, something meaningful that actually had some good fiction written into it.

These writers, Hasbro has never been in the business of attempting to translate G1, they are in the business of evolving Transformers to something new and different. God forbid we do that. God forbid doing something new and different, I mean imagine all the hatred when that Japanese toy maker looked at six different lines of human piloted robots and said "how about if we make these things sentinent". God forbid someone look at Transformers and go "how about we write a full plot this time about Beast Wars rather than letting Hasbro own us by committee and make us write in non continuity episodes each week to push new toys". God forbid.

Transformers isn't Batman where everyone accepts that Post Crisis Earth - 1 (or Earth Prime now I think) Batman is the real Batman and everything else is an elseworld. Tranformers is a beehive, constantly trying to reinvent itself. Remember Transformers isn't a show, it's a toyline first and foremost, and from that toyline people have branched off with new ideas...some not bounded by the toyline itself. Transformers evolves unlike any other franchise because it doesn't have an irrefutable canon to draw from.

An adaptation would not lose important and key aspects, but rather retain them.

What important key aspects? because Transformers runs the virtual gamet. Who says it cannot be about this or that? You? You determine what elements are key. I don't think so, certainly not here. Some might say with something like Batman certain elements from the origin are sacrosanct. Joe Chill, death of the parents, the training, Alfred. But with Transformers you have no origin, no set storyline, no obvious key elements. Beast Machines is Transformers just the same as Masterforce just the same as Robotmasters just the same as Transtech.

 

[Disclaimer]

Yeah, what gets me is when a reviewers start off talking about how kickass the action is then says how the story is shallow and characters forgettable but concludes that it's acceptable because "what else would you expect from a Transformers movie". It just screams wasted potential to me.

If Transformers was just about explosions it would've never sustain a noticeable life-long fanbase. The whole point of an adaptation is to capture what resonated enough to justify a loyal following. That means more than just loud explosions and flashy effects.

If you translate the source material (comics/toons) accurately exposing the best aspects that's one thing. If you vaguely adapt the source material but elevate it to another level adding subtext and layers while creating characters that are far more iconic and memorable then that's another. But Bay did neither. He just used the namesake, trivialized the source material/fans and made it a big loud empty spectacle for a quick buck.

If people enjoy the empty spectacle on a superficial level, fine, but don't repeat over and over again that the emptiness is the inevitable result of shallow and weak source material.

Thank you for putting the whole point of us so-called 'Negatrons' so eloquently!

As for everyone else, this whole discussion just keeps going around in circles.

Pointing out how a film could be significantly better than it is does not mean you're being negative. It means you're either being realistic or idealistic. Either way, I'd much rather that than the alternative: easy-to-please positivity.

Yes, 'Transformers' has some brilliance.

Yes, 'Transformers' has some of the best, most realistic special effects in cinematic history.

Yes, 'Transformers' touches - ever so lightly, mind you - on some of the characterisation that made it linger in an entire generation's heart for two decades.

Oh, and, yes... 'Transformers' will do huge box-office because it's big, bold and better than most of the blockbusters so far this year.

But will it be remembered fondly for another two decades like 'Star Wars', 'ET' and others in the all-time top earners... or like 'Independence Day' and 'The Phantom Menace'?

Personally, I think history will look back on it as a quick fix like the latter films... and to ask for more isn't a sin any more than the unashamed positivity is.

It seems far too many people are filtering people's 'negative' opinions through a presumption of why people may not like it... instead of actually reading the views with a clear head.

I'm bored.

See ya.

 

[CFlash]

Pearl Harbor was bad mainly because of the whole love story element that made up most of the film. Seriously though, you have issues if you laughed at people dying in that movie. Yeah, Bay isn't Spielberg when it comes to human emotion and death scenes but it still wasn't horror movie laughable.

It wasn't me laughing. It was the audience.

 

[ShadowBoxing]

...and I say that is one of the most extremely ignorant things I've ever heard. Democrats, Republicans.......both sides have pulled moves like that. When it comes to politics, no one is innocent and honest....no one.

I would've said it myself...but then I said I was a Democrat so I thought it would be in bad form to damn my own partyt:

 

[Figs]

Thank you for putting the whole point of us so-called 'Negatrons' so eloquently!

As for everyone else, this whole discussion just keeps going around in circles.

Pointing out how a film could be significantly better than it is does not mean you're being negative. It means you're either being realistic or idealistic. Either way, I'd much rather that than the alternative: easy-to-please positivity.

Yes, 'Transformers' has some brilliance.

Yes, 'Transformers' has some of the best, most realistic special effects in cinematic history.

Yes, 'Transformers' touches - ever so lightly, mind you - on some of the characterisation that made it linger in an entire generation's heart for two decades.

Oh, and, yes... 'Transformers' will do huge box-office because it's big, bold and better than most of the blockbusters so far this year.

But will it be remembered fondly for another two decades like 'Star Wars', 'ET' and others in the all-time top earners... or like 'Independence Day' and 'The Phantom Menace'?

Personally, I think history will look back on it as a quick fix like the latter films... and to ask for more isn't a sin any more than the unashamed positivity is.

It seems far too many people are filtering people's 'negative' opinions through a presumption of why people may not like it... instead of actually reading the views with a clear head.

I'm bored.

See ya.

I understand most of the negatrons want more depth, more emotion, and more dialogue between the Transformers aside from the rest on their laundry list of complaints. I agree that that would only help the movie adding in the extra talking and emotion, but I also like what someone else said about this being more of an introduction.

If they make a sequel, there obviously going to have to improve on this one. Including adding more of a solid story to get people back in the seats. Basically, if the sequel is more of the same with little to no improvement then I'll start complaining. Until then, im going to enjoy the first Live action film based on one of my favorite childhood cartoons.

As for what I highlighted in bold, I think it just might be rememberd like those classics. I usually don't give a rats ass about reviewers. That's mainly because a lot of them are pretentious and have agendas. If this movie gets really good reviews at say Rottentomatoes, that is saying something in terms of lasting power in the publics memory over the years. That website is so harsh on movies and so far I hear nothing but positive reviews from most sites.

 

[Figs]

It wasn't me laughing. It was the audience.

Yeah well that's the typical morons who make up most of our society. I do recall a few people who were cheering because we were bombing the Japanese. I won't say some of the remarks they yelled out. Ignorant bastards.

 

[ShadowBoxing]

But will it be remembered fondly for another two decades like 'Star Wars', 'ET' and others in the all-time top earners... or like 'Independence Day' and 'The Phantom Menace'?

Personally, I think history will look back on it as a quick fix like the latter films... and to ask for more isn't a sin any more than the unashamed positivity is.

Frankly I'm not sure Transformers could be E.T. or Star Wars. Because frankly, aside from some Simon Furman epic space opera stories and Beast Wars (and arguably Beast Machines) it's never come close to those films/movies/shows. I think it will make a good deal of sequels and probably kill at the BOX OFFICE. But the fact is Transformers is at home as a show or a comic because of it's subject matter and it's baggage, and it has a convoluted and complex past which realistically doesn't make for a single movie. From the comic adaptation it seems like a good setup, which may be enough to support more bolder projects later on.

 

[Boiiinng]

So it would be like saying we need an original 5 X-Men, because without them there'd be no Giant Sized. Yet Giant Sized features the more popular characters, and was the revitalization of a dead franchise.

You think I approve of the X-Men movie? Quite the contrary. My feelings are the same for both and I have been let down by the producers of both. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy the movie. I'm simply disappointed.

 

[Figs]

Frankly I'm not sure Transformers could be E.T. or Star Wars. Because frankly, aside from some Simon Furman epic space opera stories and Beast Wars (and arguably Beast Machines) it's never come close to those films/movies/shows. I think it will make a good deal of sequels and probably kill at the BOX OFFICE. But the fact is Transformers is at home as a show or a comic because of it's subject matter and it's baggage, and it has a convoluted and complex past which realistically doesn't make for a single movie. From the comic adaptation it seems like a good setup, which may be enough to support more bolder projects later on.

I wasn't meaning in quality but in terms of society remembering it. Do you think that it will be forgotten in like 10 years?

 

[Bapman]

Ok ok... we are getting off topic here.
When Megs flicked that human away like an ant... it WAS funny... I laughed as well... but right after you finish laughing it also hits your how evil he is.
BUT the times when the Decepticons were stomping on people and bashing them away no one was laughing.
There is a difference... the movie got laughs where it was being funny and got eerie silence when it wanted to.

 

[Boiiinng]

...and I say that is one of the most extremely ignorant things I've ever heard. Democrats, Republicans.......both sides have pulled moves like that. When it comes to politics, no one is innocent and honest....no one.

I forgot I needed to add a smiley when I was being sarcastic. Most people can't read the difference on their own.

 

[acidxburn]

Saw it last night and it was a BLAST!! Very witty and entertaining. So much action and humor.

My only concern is lack of character intro, mostly the hacker and the hacker chick (sorry, forgot their names). I love their characters when I was reading the leaked script.

I'm gonna watch it later again. By the way, I'm in Manila right now.

 

[Figs]

I forgot I needed to add a smiley when I was being sarcastic. Most people can't read the difference on their own.

I had no idea you were being sarcastic. lol
It's not always easy to tell when you can't hear tone of voice or see facial expressions.

 

[hummerbee]

But will it be remembered fondly for another two decades like 'Star Wars', 'ET' and others in the all-time top earners... or like 'Independence Day' and 'The Phantom Menace'?

i have to agree that it's a wee bit "Independence Day".

story-wise, i think Small Soldiers was better in terms of character and plot development.

 

[Figs]

Ok ok... we are getting off topic here.
When Megs flicked that human away like an ant... it WAS funny... I laughed as well... but right after you finish laughing it also hits your how evil he is.
BUT the times when the Decepticons were stomping on people and bashing them away no one was laughing.
There is a difference... the movie got laughs where it was being funny and got eerie silence when it wanted to.

So are there a lot of human casualties shown during the war in the city?

 

[Boiiinng]

I had no idea you were being sarcastic. lol
It's not always easy to tell when you can't hear tone of voice or see facial expressions.

Nobody's perfect.

 

[ShadowBoxing]

I wasn't meaning in quality but in terms of society remembering it. Do you think that it will be forgotten in like 10 years?

I doubt it. Transformers the franchise has legs enough. I mean look at TFTM, that movie is literally a loud, obnoxious, plot hole ridden, "stupid but I like it" that tanked at the BO and has become a cult classic today because of shows like Beast Wars and UT revitalizing interest in the franchise. If this movie has great special effects and satiates the publics desire to see Optimus and Megatron kick the crap out of each other we won't have a problem. Remember, I keep saying it's a toyline first. It's real popularity lies and has always lay there, probably making it the most successful toyline of the modern era. As long as people look at an Optimus Prime (and there been one for every year so far) and think "hey I played with that" there is a good chance they'll remember this movie.

 

[RI Dawg]

So I have a new review, its from me -- I just got back from seeing the Hasbro Charity premiere here in RI. The whole thing was a blast -- set up was great, open bar, and I got to meet Tyrese and Rachel Taylor!!

The movie itself, I have to say was the best thing I've seen in a while. The actors were great, the filming/CGI was done amazingly (OMG THE TRANSFORMATIONS ROCKED!!!). The action was superb, with a nice mix of humor thrown in -- excellent movie in my opinion, only a few minor cons to the movie, but Id totally give it a 9 out of 10.

For those wondering, I'm not going to spoil anything -- so if you want to know something, just send me a PM.

Can't wait to see it again when it officially comes out!

 

[Bapman]

So are there a lot of human casualties shown during the war in the city?

Yes... quite a bit and they are not shown in a funny way.
Basically the final fight was literally war.
specially when starscream appears... it made me go "oh sh|T"... i'm very sure it'll make you do the same.
The point i'm trying to get across is... they are not evil villains or cute and cuddly.
They are treated as soldiers with no emotion when killing humans... except utter annoyance when they get shot by bullets.
it IS very seriously shown.

 

[CFlash]

Ok ok... we are getting off topic here.
When Megs flicked that human away like an ant... it WAS funny... I laughed as well... but right after you finish laughing it also hits your how evil he is.
BUT the times when the Decepticons were stomping on people and bashing them away no one was laughing.
There is a difference... the movie got laughs where it was being funny and got eerie silence when it wanted to.

Sounds like Spielberg gave Bay some pointers. There's a similar scene in Jurassic Park where you laugh and then you're like WTF just happened? (the bean counter gettin eaten scene). The only reason I say this is because I've never seen that reaction in Bay's movies. All I've ever heard are ooh ahh (look how cool that looks) and giggles during the whole thing. It's one thing for that to happen in Bad Boys 2 (Shanty Town scene) but in Pearl Harbor, that was just bad moviemaking.

 

[Figs]

Yes... quite a bit and they are not shown in a funny way.
Basically the final fight was literally war.
specially when starscream appears... it made me go "oh sh|T"... i'm very sure it'll make you do the same.
The point i'm trying to get across is... they are not evil villains or cute and cuddly.
They are treated as soldiers with no emotion when killing humans... except utter annoyance when they get shot by bullets.
it IS very seriously shown.

Sounds good! I was hoping that they weren't going to totally trivialize any human casualties during the war between the Transformers.

 

[Figs]

Sounds like Spielberg gave Bay some pointers. There's a similar scene in Jurassic Park where you laugh and then you're like WTF just happened? (the bean counter gettin eaten scene). The only reason I say this is because I've never seen that reaction in Bay's movies. All I've ever heard are ooh ahh (look how cool that looks) and giggles during the whole thing. It's one thing for that to happen in Bad Boys 2 (Shanty Town scene) but in Pearl Harbor, that was just bad moviemaking.

Are you referring to Wayne Knight playing Dennis Nedry or the lawyer twerp?

 

[Bapman]

Sounds like Spielberg gave Bay some pointers. There's a similar scene in Jurassic Park where you laugh and then you're like WTF just happened? (the bean counter gettin eaten scene). The only reason I say this is because I've never seen that reaction in Bay's movies. All I've ever heard are ooh ahh (look how cool that looks) and giggles during the whole thing. It's one thing for that to happen in Bad Boys 2 (Shanty Town scene) but in Pearl Harbor, that was just bad moviemaking.

Well... Bad Boys... ok I'll go right out and say it I HATE Bad Boys 2... Bad boys 1 was ok... Pearl Harbor... I only like the movie 'cause the attack... that's it and that attck IMO was actually done quite right.
Also, yeah you are very right... there's a definite "Spielberg" mature presence. I'm sure he definitely gave him pointers 'cause the remember the 1st Blackout attack on the Quatar base and Scorpanok's attack !?... They had a more "War of the Wolrds" eerie feel than "BOO YEAH" action type feel.
The bad guys in this movie... I **** you not ARE scary... n not because they 'look' scary. They just have that cold blooded aura and presence if I'm making any sense.

 

[CFlash]

Are you referring to Wayne Knight playing Dennis Nedry or the lawyer twerp?

I dunno. I thought it was the "bean counter." It's been a while. The guy who runs into the outhouse--- that scene. t:

 

[TigerClaw]

The Movie Blog has just posted a 30 minute podcast review of Transformers. Check it out.
http://www.themovieblog.com/archives/2007/06/transformers_review_podcast.html