Transformer (2007): BEWARE

Pilgermann · July 02, 2007, 02:08:37 AM

I got to watch the new Transformers a couple of nights ago, and I must say that it is atrocious. Basically the Transformers themselves take a backseat to the annoying cast of human characters. These folks are all horribly developed, annoying, and far too numerous.

The bots themselves are very impressive even though they hardly resemble their original designs (Optimus Prime is well made, though). Their battles are stupendously bad, though. Half of the time you can't tell what's happening, and it cuts to too many shots of the human characters scrambling around being dumb, and everything is so drawn out that it becomes boring. Oh, and Starscream is basically non existant, and Megatron is in it for about 20 minutes.

This movie is full of rediculously bad jokes and gags, too. Let me put it this way: Hot Rod fishing with Daniel is less silly than anything in this film.

If you like the Transformers at all, or if you feel like watching a decent action film, PLEASE do not see this!

dean · July 02, 2007, 04:06:21 AM

I love the Transformers, and am seeing it tonight in the luxury of gold class cinemas [big recliners, booze and lots of relaxing!]

So in sum, bugger you, since I'm seeing it anyways. But really, anyone with a lick of sense would have been warned off ages ago by that nice tag 'Directed by Michael Bay' so you knew what you were in for. I'm just after giant robots kicking butt and taking names.

The Burgomaster · July 02, 2007, 05:27:16 AM

I suspect that this will be nothing more than a 2 hour advertisement for transformers toys and other merchandising gimmicks . . . but I intend to see it anyway.

Raffine · July 02, 2007, 07:27:56 AM

I'm not doing that stupid, silly toy movie
Michael Bay

Who knew Michael Bay was a fan of ATTACK OF THE SUPER MONSTERS?

Oldskool138 · July 02, 2007, 08:01:36 AM

Quote from: The Burgomaster on July 02, 2007, 05:27:16 AM
I suspect that this will be nothing more than a 2 hour advertisement for transformers toys and other merchandising gimmicks . . . but I intend to see it anyway.

Isn't that what the cartoon was?

Yeah, I have reservations about this film as well. In the trailer you have a guy saying "Bring It!"...Cheezy. (I'm wary when they feature a character saying stupid dialog in the preview). It's a Bay film so beware...

Dennis · July 02, 2007, 08:26:21 AM

After seeing a TV spot for a car company that featured the Transformers from this movie, followed by a pitch for Transformers action figures I think I'll wait till this one's on cable.

Him · July 02, 2007, 08:35:32 AM

Quote from: Pilgermann on July 02, 2007, 02:08:37 AM
Their battles are stupendously bad, though. Half of the time you can't tell what's happening, and it cuts to too many shots of the human characters scrambling around being dumb, and everything is so drawn out that it becomes boring.

Typical Michael Bay.

Ash · July 02, 2007, 08:48:36 AM

Hey!
Roger Ebert liked it!

He gave it 3 out of 4 stars.
Click the link below to read his review:
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/REVIEWS/70620006/-1/email_headlines

Torgo · July 02, 2007, 06:24:19 PM

Quote from: The Burgomaster on July 02, 2007, 05:27:16 AM
I suspect that this will be nothing more than a 2 hour advertisement for transformers toys and other merchandising gimmicks . . . but I intend to see it anyway.

Wasn't that all the original cartoon (and most cartoons from the 80's anyway) were?

Torgo · July 02, 2007, 06:25:18 PM

Quote from: Ash on July 02, 2007, 08:48:36 AM
Hey!
Roger Ebert liked it!

He gave it 3 out of 4 stars.
Click the link below to read his review:
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/REVIEWS/70620006/-1/email_headlines

glad to see Ebert has recovered from his medical problems to writing reviews again.

Even when I disagree with him, you can't say that he doesn't explain always in the best way possible why he feels a certain way about a film good or bad.

Him · July 02, 2007, 10:08:09 PM

I just got back from seeing it. Standard Michael Bay fare. Shakey cameras, extreme close ups, and quick cuts. Everytime one of the robots would transform, the camera zoomed in so close you couldn't see anything. Most of the action scenes were like that. The musical score was awful as well. It's too bad, because the plot was actually pretty good, as were the characters. This movie would have been much better in the hands of a better directer. Like Steven Spielberg.

Torgo · July 02, 2007, 10:13:23 PM

I really, really, really, really, really, really can't stand Michael Bay. I think that he really represents wholeheartedly what has been wrong with most modern cinema for quite some time.

AnubisVonMojo · July 03, 2007, 01:05:36 AM

Quote from: Him on July 02, 2007, 10:08:09 PM
I just got back from seeing it. Standard Michael Bay fare. Shakey cameras, extreme close ups, and quick cuts. Everytime one of the robots would transform, the camera zoomed in so close you couldn't see anything. Most of the action scenes were like that.

Wow, I'm even considering not seeing this movie when it comes out on DVD now, let alone rolling the dice on a theatrical viewing. Maybe I'll buy a bootleg from my local Korean guy who seems to know exactly when I have nothing smaller than a twenty in my pocket... At least this way I can see it and have all right to complain about it while helping support the bootlegging industry and simultaneously taking money out of Michael Bay's pockets! Hmmmm....

dean · July 03, 2007, 04:21:33 AM

I don't see how you can't be entertained. I'm used to the standard 'Michael Bay' style directing, close-ups shaky cameras and whatnot, but I really didn't expect any less. I'm not bothered by it at all.

In sum, it was a great film. I very much enjoyed it based on the fact that it was just plain fun. Anyone thinking that it would be a classic piece of cinematic genius obviously is expecting more than meets the eye [hah I'm hilarious.]

Sure its an ad for the toys. The original was made to sell products. It says in plain bold letters at the start that this movie was made in conjunction with Hasbro.

Besides, anyone getting all angsty about how it's not as good as the original is taking some types of crazy pills, since the original movie and tv series was full of many more inconsistent plot points and moments than this new movie.

So far I'm in the minority here, but heck, I enjoyed the hell out of it. I expected giant robots causing havoc and I got it. I don't need to get hung up on the smaller details. I'm quite happy to wait for the Neon Genesis movie if I need a fix for an intelligent Giant Robot movie...

My only disappointment is the treatment of Jazz. That plot point was kind of glossed over.

trekgeezer · July 03, 2007, 07:21:03 AM

You guys whine too much. I'm going to see it because it looks like a good summer flick, you go in and forget your troubles for a couple of hours.

Bay is what he is, if don't like his stuff then avoid it like the plague . I for one like the occasional no-brainer shoot'em up.