Transformers The Reviews Thread

[The Kid]

Yeah and POTC is a big scene version of a theme park ride. Who cares?

Thats the best you can do? Use Pirates as an example of something being adapated that's done in a more serious light than its original incarnation?

Pirates sucks. you've lost your touch.

 

[nosebleed.]

I keep reading this in all the positive reviews. Frankly, I dunno at what point this became acceptable.

"and the dialogue is laughable. But again, that's not what you're going there to see. If you want a solid script and great acting, odds are you're not paying 10 bucks to see a Michael Bay film, but if you're looking for a way to get out of the heat for a little while, go pretend you're eight and enjoy yourself."

​

I'm just saying... I didn't like dumbness when I was eight (hence why watched Transformers and not that *other* cartoon) and I don't like it now. We know the action and effects are great and all, but I would love to read one review that says the movie is thought-provoking and/or smart. Since when did those two things become bad words?

A popular phrase when it comes to people defending this movie is "Why does everything have to be a deep, thought provoking movie?"

some others:

"What do you want? Citizen Kane?"

"What do you want? Casablanca?"

"What do you want? *random Oscar winning movie*?"

 

[nosebleed.]

Thats the best you can do? Use Pirates as an example of something being adapated that's done in a more serious light than its original incarnation?

Pirates sucks. you've lost your touch.

Sucks compared to what?

 

[blind_fury]

Thats the best you can do? Use Pirates as an example of something being adapated that's done in a more serious light than its original incarnation?

Pirates sucks. you've lost your touch.

wtf are you talking about?

POTC is one of the most successful franchises in history. Nobody cares if it was based on a theme park ride.

but for some strange reason people keep attacking Transformers simply because it's based on an 80's cartoon.

double standard anyone?

 

[The Kid]

Sucks compared to what?

Compared to Muppet Treasure Island!

whatddaya mean compared to what? Those flicks are just stupid. The only one worth anything was the first movie.

 

[nosebleed.]

Compared to Muppet Treasure Island!

whatddaya mean compared to what? Those flicks are just stupid. The only one worth anything was the first movie.

He was probably talking about the first one...ya muggle.

 

[Arcturus]

lol, can't any of you get along?

 

[godovfury]

I just saw the movie. Cgi was awesome. Fans will love the Autobots even more after seeing Optimus, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Iron Hyde, and Jazz in action. The appearance of Megatron, Starscream, Devastator, Bonecrusher, and Blackout was fearsome. It appears that Spike's grandfather, Captain Whitwicky, was the one who discovered Megatron in the Antartic back in the1930's and was able to decipher their alien language. He unknowingly activated Megatron's navigational device and Megatron was able to encrypt the location of the All Spark on Captain Whitwicky's glasses. The glasses was handed down to the captain's great grandson, Spike, who had auctioned in eBay. The Decepticons were able to hack into the military records and discovered Spike's username, revealing Spike's identity. The Decepticons were looking for Captain Whiwicky's glasses in order to know the location of the All Spark. Bumblebee managed to summon Optimus and the Autobots to Earth so they can retrieve the All Spark before the Decepticons get it. Optimus was able to get the glasses but Bumblebee was captured by Sector 7 in the process. And then the war begins. What amazed me was the ability of the All Spark cube to transform all kinds of gadgets, equipment, vehicles, and machinery into a transformer capable of wreaking havok. A vendo machine and a car was transformed after having contact with Spike who was holding the All Spark. That was so cool. Bumblebee managed to find the All Spark in the government's secret base. In the final battle Spike drives the All Spark into Megatron's chest, destroying Megatron, which ended the battle. There was a strong bond formed between Spike and Bumblebee. In the end, Bumblebee went like, "Permission to speak, sir. I wish to stay with the boy." The Autobots stayed on Earth and Megatron was thrown into the depths of the Atlantic, along with the remains of the other Decepticons. Overall the movie was great. Watch out for the closing credits you'll see some extra cool scenes.

 

[Watson]

I wasn't talking about girls just upping and deciding to go watch this...

i was talking about the girls who find themselves in the movie and actually finding something engaging...
the next day when asked what they thought

will they say they say:i loved the 10thousand parts...or the cybertron scene...

no, it'll be shia's cute, or fox is a ****y whatnot
or i loved that they hooked up
or i like cars as much as she does

or what ever

Just to clarify before I start, I'm not targeting anyone specifically with what I'm about to say, just some of the general comments I've read while going through this board (I just quoted the one above so people would know the line of comments I'm alluding to, nothing personal).

Now thats said and done...

I am pumped to see Transformers, I watched it when I was a kid and loved it. I broke out in mad applause when the teaser came out last year in theatres (althoug I probably should have left for pirates after). I am mostly excited to see how they handle the transformers mechanics and if the story line is anything similiar to the tv show. I'm going to see it tomorrow at 8pm, and I was the one who organized all my friends to go see it.

I am also a girl.

I am genuinely not trying to say anyone here is sexist, bla bla bla. I don't want to get in to that debate. However sweeping generalizations about what people want to go see movies for, what people like etc are what land us with the horrendus pile of crap movies we get because movie execs dont want to break the molds...they just keep giving the same old tired sterotypes over and over again because we continually re-enforce that's what is ok. And as movie nerd/fan girl that bothers me. Besides it seems to me that a majority of the people that are being complained about belong to a certain age group not gender (that is, younger tweeny types).

Just my $.02. If I misjudged or took out of context something anyone said sorry about that. And thanks to those who are giving the reviews...I'm even more excited.

PS I saw both Superman and the Devil Wears Prada and liked them both!

 

[nosebleed.]

Just to clarify before I start, I'm not targeting anyone specifically with what I'm about to say, just some of the general comments I've read while going through this board (I just quoted the one above so people would know the line of comments I'm alluding to, nothing personal).

Now thats said and done...

I am pumped to see Transformers, I watched it when I was a kid and loved it. I broke out in mad applause when the teaser came out last year in theatres (althoug I probably should have left for pirates after). I am mostly excited to see how they handle the transformers mechanics and if the story line is anything similiar to the tv show. I'm going to see it tomorrow at 8pm, and I was the one who organized all my friends to go see it.

I am also a girl.

I am genuinely not trying to say anyone here is sexist, bla bla bla. I don't want to get in to that debate. However sweeping generalizations about what people want to go see movies for, what people like etc are what land us with the horrendus pile of crap movies we get because movie execs dont want to break the molds...they just keep giving the same old tired sterotypes over and over again because we continually re-enforce that's what is ok. And as movie nerd/fan girl that bothers me. Besides it seems to me that a majority of the people that are being complained about belong to a certain age group not gender (that is, younger tweeny types).

Just my $.02. If I misjudged or took out of context something anyone said sorry about that. And thanks to those who are giving the reviews...I'm even more excited.

PS I saw both Superman and the Devil Wears Prada and liked them both!

Didn't mean to offend you by stating that a good majority of females would not be interested in watching Transformers without someone dragging them first (bf, husband). But do you honestly believe you are the rule and not the exception? Most of the females I know do not have a problem with Transformers...but they are much more excited to watch Harry Potter. If ever there was a guy film being released this summer, THIS is it (besides maybe Die Hard 4). So please don't take what has been said as sexist...but I think its common sense that people will assume that Transformers is something that was most commonly marketed toward males.

ps...I was pleasantly surprised when my wife dragged me to watch Devil Wears Prada. We were both a little disappointed with Superman Returns.

pps...welcome to the Hype

 

[Watson]

Didn't mean to offend you by stating that a good majority of females would not be interested in watching Transformers without someone dragging them first (bf, husband). But do you honestly believe you are the rule and not the exception? Most of the females I know do not have a problem with Transformers...but they are much more excited to watch Harry Potter. If ever there was a guy film being released this summer, THIS is it (besides maybe Die Hard 4). So please don't take what has been said as sexist...but I think its common sense that people will assume that Transformers is something that was most commonly marketed toward males.

ps...I was pleasantly surprised when my wife dragged me to watch Devil Wears Prada. We were both a little disappointed with Superman Returns.

pps...welcome to the Hype

Yea I definitely didnt take anything as sexist, maybe just a little...uncomfortable? I'm not sure how to phrase it. But as for exception and not the rule, when I was a kid transformers was definitely one of the shows that crossed gender lines with the kids at my school. EVERYONE liked it, so my tendency is to assume that the same was true elsewhere. That's why I thought the same would generally be true with the movie. However I may just be one of the lucky ones that went to a school where everyone was geeky and into cartoons.

PS You should read the book, it is far and away superior to the film, Probably why I decided it was even with Superman.

PPS Thanks! haha its been two years of lurking before i decided to take the plunge.

 

[nosebleed.]

Hmmm...I think when I was young and into Transformers, the only thing that crossed gender lines wasn't Transformers...but Garbage Pail Kids. EVERYONE collected those things. They were everywhere at once collected by young, old, boy, girl, dog, cat, mouse, moose and Santa. My friends who collected Transformers had sisters who were more into, oh I don't know...cabbage patch kids, my little pony? I wish I had known some females like you...but luckily my wife is almost as nerdy as I am.


Almost

 

[ShadowBoxing]

Hmmm...I think when I was young and into Transformers, the only thing that crossed gender lines wasn't Transformers...but Garbage Pail Kids. EVERYONE collected those things. They were everywhere at once collected by young, old, boy, girl, dog, cat, mouse, moose and Santa. My friends who collected Transformers had sisters who were more into, oh I don't know...cabbage patch kids, my little pony? I wish I had known some females like you...but luckily my wife is almost as nerdy as I am.


Almost

When I was young I ONLY collected Transformers. You either got me a Transformer or no toy at all. I was really obsessed with the line. It's strange I never got into any subsequent lines. Although I used to house sit for various families say four or five years ago, and most of their sons (when they had sons) were huge into collecting Transformers: ARMADA. One of my fond/annoying memories was of all the Minicons I used to collect around their houses. Under drawers, in soda cushons, where ever. So I used to take them and place them in a gathering on their bed, like they had congrugated their. I always wondered what the child's reaction was, coming home and finding all his lost Minicons standing, huddled in a circled on his bed.

 

[Dark Knight]

those people who are not excited to watch a Transformers live action movie executive produced by Spielberg and directed by Bay are clueless and are simply lost.

 

[Arcturus]

I seriously can't wait for this movie (I'm pretty sure that goes for a lot of others here, too). I'm going to pre-purchase my tickets ahead of time so I don't have to wait in line, grab some movie snacks and find a good seat. The back row, middle seat is I enjoy watching movies the best. Hopefully nobody with a huge cranium sits in front of me. I'm so excited for this movie, I'm probably going to see Transformers a couple of times in the theaters.

 

[Dark Knight]

plenty of females will be watching this movie....because they simply have no choice. BF's, husbands, girls who are friends with benefits.....doesn't matter....the guys in their lives will pretty much force them to watch the movie and they will want to see it also....to satisy there curiosity.

 

[Marvin]

Just to clarify before I start, I'm not targeting anyone specifically with what I'm about to say, just some of the general comments I've read while going through this board (I just quoted the one above so people would know the line of comments I'm alluding to, nothing personal).

Now thats said and done...

I am pumped to see Transformers, I watched it when I was a kid and loved it. I broke out in mad applause when the teaser came out last year in theatres (althoug I probably should have left for pirates after). I am mostly excited to see how they handle the transformers mechanics and if the story line is anything similiar to the tv show. I'm going to see it tomorrow at 8pm, and I was the one who organized all my friends to go see it.

I am also a girl.

I am genuinely not trying to say anyone here is sexist, bla bla bla. I don't want to get in to that debate. However sweeping generalizations about what people want to go see movies for, what people like etc are what land us with the horrendus pile of crap movies we get because movie execs dont want to break the molds...they just keep giving the same old tired sterotypes over and over again because we continually re-enforce that's what is ok. And as movie nerd/fan girl that bothers me. Besides it seems to me that a majority of the people that are being complained about belong to a certain age group not gender (that is, younger tweeny types).

Just my $.02. If I misjudged or took out of context something anyone said sorry about that. And thanks to those who are giving the reviews...I'm even more excited.

PS I saw both Superman and the Devil Wears Prada and liked them both!

ur right ...everyones an individual and sweeping generalizations may offend ppl
execs do alot of things wrong and that's one of them

I stick by my view..by "females" I don't mean every girl..i mean that "market" which is the title given to a certain group of ppl...which yes, does include many many males

believe it or not

A sh1t load more girls play with barbies than boys

and

A sh1t load more boys play with "Action figures" (including Trasfomers)...than girls

it's the way of things
(kinda falls into the same thinking as girls like dresses more than boys...in theory)

welcome
(nice diplomacy)

 

[blind_fury]

Just to clarify before I start, I'm not targeting anyone specifically with what I'm about to say, just some of the general comments I've read while going through this board (I just quoted the one above so people would know the line of comments I'm alluding to, nothing personal).

Now thats said and done...

I am pumped to see Transformers, I watched it when I was a kid and loved it. I broke out in mad applause when the teaser came out last year in theatres (althoug I probably should have left for pirates after). I am mostly excited to see how they handle the transformers mechanics and if the story line is anything similiar to the tv show. I'm going to see it tomorrow at 8pm, and I was the one who organized all my friends to go see it.

I am also a girl.

I am genuinely not trying to say anyone here is sexist, bla bla bla. I don't want to get in to that debate. However sweeping generalizations about what people want to go see movies for, what people like etc are what land us with the horrendus pile of crap movies we get because movie execs dont want to break the molds...they just keep giving the same old tired sterotypes over and over again because we continually re-enforce that's what is ok. And as movie nerd/fan girl that bothers me. Besides it seems to me that a majority of the people that are being complained about belong to a certain age group not gender (that is, younger tweeny types).

Just my $.02. If I misjudged or took out of context something anyone said sorry about that. And thanks to those who are giving the reviews...I'm even more excited.

PS I saw both Superman and the Devil Wears Prada and liked them both!

More female Transformer fans need to come out the closet.

 

[grabmygladys]

Down to 70% on rottentomatoes.

 

[nosebleed.]

Down to 70% on rottentomatoes.

Wow, 5 bad reviews popped out of nowhere...along with 2 more good ones.

 

[Avangarde]

Didn't mean to offend you by stating that a good majority of females would not be interested in watching Transformers without someone dragging them first (bf, husband). But do you honestly believe you are the rule and not the exception? Most of the females I know do not have a problem with Transformers...but they are much more excited to watch Harry Potter. If ever there was a guy film being released this summer, THIS is it (besides maybe Die Hard 4). So please don't take what has been said as sexist...but I think its common sense that people will assume that Transformers is something that was most commonly marketed toward males.

ps...I was pleasantly surprised when my wife dragged me to watch Devil Wears Prada. We were both a little disappointed with Superman Returns.

pps...welcome to the Hype

I have seen a lot of chicks going to see this movie, and they have not been attached to a male partner, infact a saw one group of about 8 girls head in. I use to know some chicks that would dig TF's back in the day, I could see them going back just for nostalgia. Lol my sisters friends even bought an Optimash Prime (Mr Potato Head) for her birthday as a joke.

 

[Mr. Socko]

Why aren't there that many reviews when the film comes out tomorrow lol?

 

[nosebleed.]

Why aren't there that many reviews when the film comes out tomorrow lol?

Not too many reviews yet I guess.

but MAN look at Ratatouille's score!! http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ratatouille/

 

[spideyo]

This is a pretty interesting review :

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/07/02/005013.php
Movie Review: Transformers (2007)

Written by Jonathan Scanlan
Published July 02, 2007

Transformers is one of those films that the average person will enjoy, and indeed the critics appear dumbfounded with most giving it a thumbs-up for being entertaining. Indeed, a strength of the film is its cheesiness and simplicity.
Yet, contrary to the critics who mostly emphasize it being a fun film, it has a very interesting and complex theme about mankind's relationship with technology behind those visuals. Not one of good versus evil, but of survival by adaptation versus victory by strength.
Similar to 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), a squarish object is used to explain the origin of intelligent life. Aptly named, the 'all spark' is covered in hieroglyphics, and has the capacity to bring objects to life, but in doing so fosters mania. It is this object that becomes central to the plot, with the Autobots hoping to destroy it, and the Decepticons aspiring to gain advantage by it.
The contrast between the two sides is clearcut. The strength of the former is that they blend into their environment and represent vehicles that are essentially civilian, whereas the latter take the form of vehicles that are effective at conquering their environment. This reflects the duality of technological advancement, where development has historically been driven by the desire for competitive advantage by solving problems.
The role of the humans in the story is also of particular note, because what we find throughout the plot is the tendency for collaboration being key to victory against adversity. While the Transformers have brute strength, humans repeatedly prove that their strength lay in collaboration. A battle against a robotic scorpion, in an early sequence, is just one of the many points where such a network proves useful. Like ants, the strength is in the numbers.
What's more, the human pursuit of knowledge comes across as a two-edge sword. Seeing a bumblebee at the mercy of humans who intend to freeze him for research is just one of a few sequences that reflect the more grizzly aspects of human nature. In a way, it reflects a moral quagmire which asks us if using another living thing in this way is justifiable if the payoff (knowledge and survival) will be of greater value to the population. Kant wins this one.
The film also takes a materialist stance within its rather Darwinian theme. In the aesthetics, the transformers come across as lifelike by being made up of metallic muscles and the necessary skeleton of helmet and armor. And when the US government attempts to examine the severed tail of the robotic scorpion, they accidentally trip a nerve and cause it to flex uncontrollably.
Curiously, the way the transformers can link themselves to technology appears to suggest something more than a mechanical biology but rather that our technology is 'pre-life.' Being complex but lacking a will in the same way that a most basic virus simply processes a chemical-reaction and replicates itself. All of this reflects the current cultural shifts which are product of increasingly reducing human individuality and will to biochemistry.
Today, the greatest mystery to science remains the very origin of life, which by its nature is self-complicating and counter to chemical equilibrium. Yet the 'all spark' denies the use of spiritual answers by being explainable in a sense. It emits a particular kind of radiation, and the transformers even appear to understand something of how it works.
Truth be told, in Transformers (2007) is a lot more than meets the eye. More than mindless fun, transformers asserts a highly rationalist view of the world.

 

[Mr. Socko]

And well deserved. I saw Ratatouille this weekend, it's one of the best Pixar films ever. Very enjoyable.