The Energon Pub

To all the movie experts out there who are true "Transformers" fan... I would like your opinion about this local review of the movie... I need some ideas because I want to do a "letter to the editor"...

Here is the review:

Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay seem to know how to do everything right. Their newest movie “Transformers” is based on a children’s toy from the 90’s. My boys played non-stop with these things and many were beaten with a hammer when they couldn’t figure out how to “transform” the thing back into its original shape. Saturday mornings were spent staring at the cartoons while cereal was dribbled on my carpet. A pair of television writers, Roberto Orci and Alex Krutzman, who have given us many episodes of the television show “Alias” and are working on the new “Star Trek” movie, wrote the screenplay. Not expecting much because it is a summer blockbuster, they get some slack. However, this movie will never be in any of their top ten accomplishments.

Summer action flicks should never be seen with the preconceived notion of high expectations. The reason is simple: eye candy films that are released when school is out aim for a youthful demographic who are simply looking for good way to kill two and half hours. These films can be instant blockbusters even without a coherent plot or compelling dialogue. Films about massive robots based on a toy line which wreak havoc, narrow the demographic further (and lower the bar of cinematic standards), but throw in epic director Michael Bay (“Armageddon,” and “Pearl Harbor”) and you can guarantee the trailer will pull in other audiences.
There are a few well-done casting elements. Shia LeBeouf was great as the quick-witted underdog student, but I'm afraid he is in danger of being typecast. Didn't I already see him play this role in “Disturbia?” John Turturro as the oddly likable top secret agent also makes the monotonous dialogue scenes more dynamic. The film lacked Michael Bay's favorite fan boy Ben Affleck (It was reported that for this reason, the crew had to stop production for a week because the director, Bay locked himself in the bathroom, sobbing uncontrollably.) Then there's Sam's caked up love interest (Meagan Fox) who, besides the horrible acting, loses points for actually saying, "Sam, whatever happens, I'm glad I got in the car with you." It must have been homage to every poorly delivered, cheese ball romance in the history of cinema.

At least Bay, who sold his soul to corporate America in this film, didn't force her to to replace the word "car" with "Camaro." It wouldn't have been surprising, considering I counted 11 different products being brazenly placed throughout the entire film. Ebay was shamelessly toted. The rest became part of the dialog, which in my humble option is inexcusable. Was it necessary to show the words GMC and Camaro as if the movie was a car commercial? Was it necessary to include the words Blackberry, Nokia, and Energizer in under a minute of dialogue? Did John Turturro feel as sold out as I did for not walking out when I heard him say, "...your little Taco Bell dog?"

However, the most impressive aspect of “Transformers” was most certainly the special effects. The robot vs. robot fight scenes were, in a word, remarkable. I didn't know that modern day special effects could produce images so fantastic and realistic, to the point where the robots didn't seem computer generated at all. The interaction between human and robot was flawless. It seemed like the actors were actually interacting with real, 50-foot tall robots during the movie.

The plot simply stayed true as best it could to the cartoon story without becoming overly ridiculous or corny. In fact, I believe this movie is the popcorn/summer movie it had promised to be. Just the kind of brain candy for the family to enjoy. I know that any boy from age 10-13 would love this film and will grow up saying it was the best thing they ever saw. The rest of the family can enjoy the special effects and pray that they won’t have to sit thru Transformers II.

Did you retype out the review, or is the Megan Fox typo the reviewer's?

What exactly do you dislike about it that you want to write a letter to the editor for? And why do you need other people to tell you what you should say? The answer to the first question should be what you want to write about.

My advice: Don't write a letter to the editor. It's a movie review.

The Paragon of Virtue wrote:Did you retype out the review, or is the Megan Fox typo the reviewer's?

Yep, the reviewer made that typo...

The Paragon of Virtue wrote:What exactly do you dislike about it that you want to write a letter to the editor for? And why do you need other people to tell you what you should say? The answer to the first question should be what you want to write about.

The reviewer said that the 11 commercials were brazenly placed... I've seen movies with all sorts of products that are place in them...

The Paragon of Virtue wrote:My advice: Don't write a letter to the editor. It's a movie review.

I can.... because I'm a reader and I have the right to do so... hehehehe

I apparently skimmed the article too much

i read it, there was somethings i didnt agree on (i thought the scene where megan fox says im glad i got in the car was good) and some that i did

I keep wondering why some people make a big deal about product placements in movies. "Minority Report" and "I, Robot" have bigger product placements shown in them than in any other movies I've seen, but they won't complain about that because they're "intelligent movies", right?

So, you want what exactly? That review is spot on. Robots look great, Shia can really act, plot is paper thin and all the kids will love it.

Here's the hypocrisy: For the last couple weeks, anytime I read anybody say they wish a better movie had been made, the standard rhetoric is "it's only a popcorn movie". This guy says, "Hey, it's full of holes, but it's a great popcorn movie" and you want...what? Either accept the belief that the movie is nothing but fun summer seat filler, or accept the fact that, without the FX and the brand name, the movie just isn't very good, especially from a critical standpoint. You can't have it both ways.

as I recall ET's beginning was an advertisment for Reeses Pieces.

doesnt he mean transformers from the 80's?

muzicdox wrote:

The Paragon of Virtue wrote:What exactly do you dislike about it that you want to write a letter to the editor for? And why do you need other people to tell you what you should say? The answer to the first question should be what you want to write about.

The reviewer said that the 11 commercials were brazenly placed... I've seen movies with all sorts of products that are place in them...

Oh no, not that!


Here's what you should say: "I want to praise the reviewer for, except for the last line about 'not having to sit through Transformers II', his spot-on excellent review."


Honestly, what did you want him to say? "The most awesome, epic movie since Lord of the Rings?" "The best character drama since Revenge of the Sith?" "The best action in like, OMG teh EVAR!!!!!!11!!1!?" He's an educated man who gets paid to analyze movies like Citizen Kane and Gone with the Wind. He gave it the best possible review anyone over 30 could ever be expected to give it.

You do realize this movie is completely retarded without the paper-thin homage to our favorite robots and the awesome effects that will be normal and boring by next year? Such an awesome flick, but only because of the intense rush of it all. How awesome could it possibly be after the millionth time?

What movie isn't a product placement? Seriously.

Oceans Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen? Las Vegas. (Yes, they're selling the city to the moviegoers, and it works. In fact, my cousin is there right now, blowing her savings. I kid you not.) Not to mention their clothing, the cars, etc. All of that filters into the brain as "I. MUST. OWN."

Pick any 87+ Bond flick, commercials galore.

So it's not unheard of to have commercialism in very, very popular movies that transcend generations of movie goers.

The only reason people get so pissed about it in TransFormers is that they can't deal with the fact that the entire mythos started out as a 30 minute commercial, the original movie was a 86 minute commercial, and this movie continued the trend with it being a 2.5 hour commercial. Not just for toys, drinks (Mountain Dew/Pepsi), Video Games and Cellular Phones (XBox 360, Nokia), joining the military, but cars as well. (I don't have to explain this one...)

It's going to happen, in any movie. Deal with it. If the commercialism is the biggest of your problems with the film, then you should be able to fully enjoy it as is.

But since you're not happy, you'll throw that on an ever piling list of things that are true, somewhat true, and those you've yanked out of your collective haterade asses.

Was the script perfect in terms of G1? No.
Was the script perfect for the material, and the film itself? Yes.
Was the movie itself perfect? Damn close, but not quite.
Was the movie entertaining? You're damn right it was.

People bitch and moan and whine and complain about movies where you have to leave your brain on the shelf and just relax and revel in the mindlessness and FUN time to be had. Well sorry for you, boo frickin' hoo. Other people (to the tune of $320+ million dollars, mind you...) enjoyed it thoroughly, and continue to do so.

My problem is, all these people bitch and whine and moan, but anything potentially positive for this franchise, for the sequel is automatically squashed by their hopes and dreams of it being G1 or G1-esque. Sorry, not going to happen. G1 had it's place in the sun, and it has a special spot in our hearts. It's time to lay it to rest and move on and embrace what's to come. You never know, the second movie might just rock the friggin' theater off of it's foundation.

Do I think we should turn a blind eye to the problems in the movie? Of course not. That's what evaluating it after the fact is for. But to nosedive the film and call it quits because it doesn't entirely capture your every friggin' fanwankin' dream is ridiculous.

And you know what else it proves to me? It's not the movie, and it's not us supporters. No, the problem is the people who complain and don't do a damn thing (realistically about it.)

Can't fix what you can't fix, so why even try? Seriously? It's not like you can walk up to Michael Bay and tell him "Look, for the next one, you need this wank, that wank, and this one. You might earn my respect then."

You know what he'd say? "*I* brought these characters to the big screen. The entire thing was a laughable joke before I legitimized it and made it even remotely realistic. Which fans and non fans alike, embraced. You don't like it? Then get yourself over $150 mil, and make your own damn movie. Then I'll get to bitch about how boring your version was because it alienates the public. I make more money in a single 2.5 hours than you've made in your life. I can buy and sell you four times over. Good day."

And he'd be right, and I'd applaud him with a big smile on my face.

The movie didn't fit everyone's expectations (and for you to think it would is absolutely ridiculous.) Fans are never truly happy, todays audiences are harder to please because a movie didn't go one of three ways: 1.) Deep. Like the Marianas Trench. 2.) So stupid that it makes Dumb & Dumber look like Citizen Kane. 3.) Boobs, drinking, boobs, hot chicks to be drooled over like they were a piece of meat, and oh...did I mention boobs?

This movie not only appealed to fans, but average movie goers as well. You just don't want anyone encroaching on your little piece of the TF world. (Waaaaaambulance! Call the waaaaaambulance!)

The definition of rabid fanboy is: "A whining bitch who has nothing better to do than to sit around all day, complaining about how something or someone isn't quite right. Yet they never actually do anything positive to help their fellow fans. No, they're self centered and believe the world revolves around them, and them alone. Anyone who has an opinion that differs from their's is considered an enemy and evil. Avoid them at all costs, they're friggin' nuts."

I fully enjoyed the film. I laughed, I cried, I thought there was an inherent sweetness to it, and I thought it was brilliantly acted. They covered the hapless loser high schooler, the deranged government agent, the inept president, and the true hero that is Optimus Prime. Oh sure, some of the details have been greatly changed, but what hasn't changed at the core of it all, is the heart.

The heart of TF is still alive, thriving, and kicking at the center of this film and those people who don't want to admit it, well...good luck with those blinders on in life. Don't step off of any curbs.

Product placement is pretty often just realism.

What did you have for breakfast? Some crisp sugar coated toasted rice based breakfast cereal or Rice Krispies?

Where did you get that MISB Optimus Prime? From an internet based private auction site or off of EBay? Its more often than not just shorthand these days.

We live in a world drenched in advertising, so it doesn't bother me when movies reflect that.

As for the genuine product placement (GM etc) I'm ok with that - movies cost bazillions of dollars and if the only way to make that is to ocasionally take one in the a$$ for the greater good from a global megacorp, then so be it. S'life. I for one don't know anyone dumb enough to switch from amazon to EBay purely because Sam sold grandpa witwicky's glasses on there...

Autobot 032...
thanks for great inputs... excellent exposition... love it...

Oh, I'm sorry, I must have missed the memo that said "To enjoy Transformers, please reset your maturity, intelligence, and expectation levels to the average 13 year old boy. Thank you."

I was incredibly optimistic about this film; I was even mildly giddy. But when I walked out of the theater, I couldn't even muster a response. I have never been that disappointed in a film. Ever.

Maybe if I didn't know dirt about TF, I would have enjoyed it. Maybe if I was 13. But I actually like characterization, and the years of mythology built on multiple continents, as well as the concept of 'Transformers', the war, their inherent dichotomy. I'm not looking for a G1 remake; I was hoping the writers would treat the material, and the audience, with a little intelligent respect. Is that setting my standards too high to not want two pee jokes within 15 minutes of each other? (And don't give me that 'lubrication' crap, either. That's pure fanboy defense as bad as the Geewhiners.)

The robots look awesome. Peter Cullen is still amazing as Prime, and Shia can act. And for me, that's it.

EDIT: Oh, and as a side note, the whole $XXX millions of dollars success argument needs to be tempered with the realization that the 5th highest grossing film of all time is none other than our beloved Phantom Menace. There must not have been anything wrong with that movie, either.

Dark Zarak wrote:

muzicdox wrote:

The Paragon of Virtue wrote:What exactly do you dislike about it that you want to write a letter to the editor for? And why do you need other people to tell you what you should say? The answer to the first question should be what you want to write about.

The reviewer said that the 11 commercials were brazenly placed... I've seen movies with all sorts of products that are place in them...

Oh no, not that!


Here's what you should say: "I want to praise the reviewer for, except for the last line about 'not having to sit through Transformers II', his spot-on excellent review."


Honestly, what did you want him to say? "The most awesome, epic movie since Lord of the Rings?" "The best character drama since Revenge of the Sith?" "The best action in like, OMG teh EVAR!!!!!!11!!1!?" He's an educated man who gets paid to analyze movies like Citizen Kane and Gone with the Wind. He gave it the best possible review anyone over 30 could ever be expected to give it.

You do realize this movie is completely retarded without the paper-thin homage to our favorite robots and the awesome effects that will be normal and boring by next year? Such an awesome flick, but only because of the intense rush of it all. How awesome could it possibly be after the millionth time?

i like the way you think good sir

decepticonjon wrote:i like the way you think good sir

Hey thanks. So do I.

Autobot032 wrote:What movie isn't a product placement? Seriously.

Oceans Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen? Las Vegas. (Yes, they're selling the city to the moviegoers, and it works. In fact, my cousin is there right now, blowing her savings. I kid you not.) Not to mention their clothing, the cars, etc. All of that filters into the brain as "I. MUST. OWN."

Pick any 87+ Bond flick, commercials galore.

So it's not unheard of to have commercialism in very, very popular movies that transcend generations of movie goers.

The only reason people get so pissed about it in TransFormers is that they can't deal with the fact that the entire mythos started out as a 30 minute commercial, the original movie was a 86 minute commercial, and this movie continued the trend with it being a 2.5 hour commercial. Not just for toys, drinks (Mountain Dew/Pepsi), Video Games and Cellular Phones (XBox 360, Nokia), joining the military, but cars as well. (I don't have to explain this one...)

It's going to happen, in any movie. Deal with it. If the commercialism is the biggest of your problems with the film, then you should be able to fully enjoy it as is.

But since you're not happy, you'll throw that on an ever piling list of things that are true, somewhat true, and those you've yanked out of your collective haterade asses.

Was the script perfect in terms of G1? No.
Was the script perfect for the material, and the film itself? Yes.
Was the movie itself perfect? Damn close, but not quite.
Was the movie entertaining? You're damn right it was.

People bitch and moan and whine and complain about movies where you have to leave your brain on the shelf and just relax and revel in the mindlessness and FUN time to be had. Well sorry for you, boo frickin' hoo. Other people (to the tune of $320+ million dollars, mind you...) enjoyed it thoroughly, and continue to do so.

My problem is, all these people bitch and whine and moan, but anything potentially positive for this franchise, for the sequel is automatically squashed by their hopes and dreams of it being G1 or G1-esque. Sorry, not going to happen. G1 had it's place in the sun, and it has a special spot in our hearts. It's time to lay it to rest and move on and embrace what's to come. You never know, the second movie might just rock the friggin' theater off of it's foundation.

Do I think we should turn a blind eye to the problems in the movie? Of course not. That's what evaluating it after the fact is for. But to nosedive the film and call it quits because it doesn't entirely capture your every friggin' fanwankin' dream is ridiculous.

And you know what else it proves to me? It's not the movie, and it's not us supporters. No, the problem is the people who complain and don't do a damn thing (realistically about it.)

Can't fix what you can't fix, so why even try? Seriously? It's not like you can walk up to Michael Bay and tell him "Look, for the next one, you need this wank, that wank, and this one. You might earn my respect then."

You know what he'd say? "*I* brought these characters to the big screen. The entire thing was a laughable joke before I legitimized it and made it even remotely realistic. Which fans and non fans alike, embraced. You don't like it? Then get yourself over $150 mil, and make your own damn movie. Then I'll get to bitch about how boring your version was because it alienates the public. I make more money in a single 2.5 hours than you've made in your life. I can buy and sell you four times over. Good day."

And he'd be right, and I'd applaud him with a big smile on my face.

The movie didn't fit everyone's expectations (and for you to think it would is absolutely ridiculous.) Fans are never truly happy, todays audiences are harder to please because a movie didn't go one of three ways: 1.) Deep. Like the Marianas Trench. 2.) So stupid that it makes Dumb & Dumber look like Citizen Kane. 3.) Boobs, drinking, boobs, hot chicks to be drooled over like they were a piece of meat, and oh...did I mention boobs?

This movie not only appealed to fans, but average movie goers as well. You just don't want anyone encroaching on your little piece of the TF world. (Waaaaaambulance! Call the waaaaaambulance!)

The definition of rabid fanboy is: "A whining bitch who has nothing better to do than to sit around all day, complaining about how something or someone isn't quite right. Yet they never actually do anything positive to help their fellow fans. No, they're self centered and believe the world revolves around them, and them alone. Anyone who has an opinion that differs from their's is considered an enemy and evil. Avoid them at all costs, they're friggin' nuts."

I fully enjoyed the film. I laughed, I cried, I thought there was an inherent sweetness to it, and I thought it was brilliantly acted. They covered the hapless loser high schooler, the deranged government agent, the inept president, and the true hero that is Optimus Prime. Oh sure, some of the details have been greatly changed, but what hasn't changed at the core of it all, is the heart.

The heart of TF is still alive, thriving, and kicking at the center of this film and those people who don't want to admit it, well...good luck with those blinders on in life. Don't step off of any curbs.

This is the most intelligent and well thought out post I've ever read on here, you're completely spot-on. Long post but a great read, totally sums up how I feel! Hope you don't mind if I borrow a quote for my sig.

Asderiphel wrote:Oh, I'm sorry, I must have missed the memo that said "To enjoy Transformers, please reset your maturity, intelligence, and expectation levels to the average 13 year old boy. Thank you."

That statement is absolutely ridiculous. I'm 26 and I loved the film, my wife is 23 and she loved it. Her 45 year old mother saw it and loved it. I went to see it last week for the second time with my 47 year old mother who loved it and then I went last night and saw it a third time with my two friends who are 33 and 26 and they both loved it. My 16 year old step-brother also saw it with a bunch of his 16 year old friends and they all loved it.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it but there's no reason to insult anyone who did by saying we have the "maturity, intelligence, and expectation levels [of] the average 13 year old boy." That's uncalled for and it's petty.

Phenotype wrote:

Asderiphel wrote:Oh, I'm sorry, I must have missed the memo that said "To enjoy Transformers, please reset your maturity, intelligence, and expectation levels to the average 13 year old boy. Thank you."

That statement is absolutely ridiculous. I'm 26 and I loved the film, my wife is 23 and she loved it. Her 45 year old mother saw it and loved it. I went to see it last week for the second time with my 47 year old mother who loved it and then I went last night and saw it a third time with my two friends who are 33 and 26 and they both loved it. My 16 year old step-brother also saw it with a bunch of his 16 year old friends and they all loved it.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it but there's no reason to insult anyone who did by saying we have the "maturity, intelligence, and expectation levels [of] the average 13 year old boy." That's uncalled for and it's petty.

Exactly. Thank you.

You know, I thought more about what I had to say, and I missed one important piece of the puzzle. I want to make it abundantly clear that I have no problem with people having their own opinions, good or bad. Just don't get a stick up your asses and *ATTACK* us (and that's what has happened) because we liked it. Granted, some of us positive thinkers have attacked the negatives. I don't deny that one, at all.

However (and this goes for both sides)...when you're about to make a post...stop for a second, hit the preview button, read it and see if it's going to be flame worthy. If so, change it. There's no point in giving your opinion while slapping someone across the face (so to speak).

I've noticed, more often than not, that only the most intelligent of the posters can post a negative review without offending another poster. They simply give their piece and move on, or quietly watch on the sidelines, interjecting logical sensibility here and there. No, the idiots come on here and post "OMG! THE MUVEE SUCS, U IDITS WHO LYKED IT OUR IDITS! I HATE (insert name here, Bay, Spielberg, Hasbro (or more commonly known as Hasblo), etc...B'CUZ THAY RUINT MY CHILDHOD! WHY AIN'T MEGATRON A GUN? N F*CKK U ALL FOR LYKIN IT!". Oh yes, how I want to read bitter diatribe 3,000,000 in that format. "Please sir, I want more!" *cups hands and begs, pitifully*

Before anyone calls me a hypocrite for saying what I said about rabid fanboys, just so you know, I'm justified in saying it.

Here's why:

1.) A negative review can be given and be just that. (Movie critics tend to do this, seeing as...well...IT'S THEIR JOB.)

2.) If you want to give a bitter diatribe, you're entitled to that, but please do these two things: 1.) Give a reasonable and realistic option in your mind as to what they can do for the sequel. (Other than wanking off every fan, every 10 seconds of a 2.5 hour movie.) 2.) Do not attack your fellow fans because they like the movie (which is the most offensive part of your posts.) and once you've said your piece, don't repeat it over, and over, and over. (This is how threads get locked, people get warned, etc.)

Granted, I admit positive reviewers are boisterous as well and have been extremely offensive, and I include myself in that less than flattering view of the positive reviewers.

But past a certain point, I (and many others) got to the point where we said "*SHRUGS* Eh, well, I've already given an indepth post on this one. I'll just say this: If you enjoyed it, great. If you didn't, I'm sorry you didn't have a better time. In the end, at least we got our foot in the door, who knows what else might come our way? And one other positive: Now that TFs are popular again, and with more people than just us, we are now being taken seriously, and we're earning respect. For that alone, the movie was a good thing."

And G1's rabid fanboys do piss me off. I admit it.

Megatron cannot be a gun (and we've given legitimate and legal responses, millions of times. If you don't get it, then it's on you. So sad, too bad.)

Prime most likely won't have a trailer (because he technically doesn't need it, although it could be used as a mobile command center in the second film, if they make one. Either way, he doesn't actually *NEED* it.)

Etc, etc, etc.

G1 existed, and it's over. It's been put to rest.
This new universe is a complete restart from top to bottom with a few fanwanks included. It's time to accept this. Otherwise, you're just going to want to pull your hair out for the next 4-6 years as the two sequels come down the pipeline.

And going to TF: Animated isn't going to help you either. Plenty of people like it, but many, many others do not. Don't lower yourself to a different caliber of TFs just so you can make a stand against the movie. Don't waste your energy, time, and money just to try and make a point. (It won't work, nor will it be recognized.)

*sighs* another rambler from me. My apologies everyone.

Oh and Phenotype, thank you, I'm honored. (And to borrow your sig quote for a moment...)

EDIT:

Kayevcee wrote:I'll tell you what ruined Transformers. Message boards. Think about it. When was the last time you heard someone moaning about how TF was doomed while it was actually selling by the trolley-load before you discovered the internet?

BINGO! But don't blame the internet. It's just a bunch of electronic information moving back and forth. It's controlled by the people, and the people are the problem. (A "guns don't kill people, people kill people" kinda thing.) This goes hand in hand with what I call a rabid fanboy. But hey, at least they're doing this digitally, which can be blocked or deleted. It's a tad creepy when they send in handwritten letters, and death threats. Before idiots knew how to get online, things were a lot more peaceful. We just enjoyed what we got and it showed. Now, because people can say something (doesn't mean they should.) they kinda kill the "awesomesauce" factor for all of us.

Phenotype and Autobot32, I truly am glad you liked the movie. I wish I did. I went in with every intention of liking it, lowered my standards, and still felt like the story was contrived and hollow. I do think the movie has some areas of merit, but it seems like such a missed opportunity. Like I said, I've never been so disappointed in a film.

But I take offense to the attitude that, by not loving the film, I'm somehow at fault. That's ridiculous. I have been a fan of TF's for most of my 31 years, and enjoyed most of the incarnations. But I do not give passes on any form of entertainment, and it's disappointing to me that the only property I still enjoy from my youth was turned into exactly the kind of movie I dislike (big, loud, and in my opinion, very poorly written). If 'Transformers' hadn't been on the marquis, I would have skipped this film completely.

I guess the point is, I dislike the movie and wish that the film was better, not out of contrariness, but out of a sincere attachment to the concept. But simply because I want something better, does not give anyone the right to call me a 'haterade ass' who can't understand FUN. And it's equally unfair to use the "What did you expect argument" and then when someone uses that very same argument (in this case, a newspaper reviewer who got it right) you add it to your growing list of 'movie-bashing morons and their diatribes'.

Glad you guys got your movie. I (and I guess a couple others) didn't. If you'd like to stop preaching at us about our 'sins as Transfans' and actually discuss the movie, I'd be more than happy to. Otherwise, I think, pettiness and aggression can all be equally shared.

Asderiphel wrote:Phenotype and Autobot32, I truly am glad you liked the movie. I wish I did. I went in with every intention of liking it, lowered my standards, and still felt like the story was contrived and hollow. I do think the movie has some areas of merit, but it seems like such a missed opportunity. Like I said, I've never been so disappointed in a film.

But I take offense to the attitude that, by not loving the film, I'm somehow at fault. That's ridiculous. I have been a fan of TF's for most of my 31 years, and enjoyed most of the incarnations. But I do not give passes on any form of entertainment, and it's disappointing to me that the only property I still enjoy from my youth was turned into exactly the kind of movie I dislike (big, loud, and in my opinion, very poorly written). If 'Transformers' hadn't been on the marquis, I would have skipped this film completely.

I guess the point is, I dislike the movie and wish that the film was better, not out of contrariness, but out of a sincere attachment to the concept. But simply because I want something better, does not give anyone the right to call me a 'haterade ass' who can't understand FUN. And it's equally unfair to use the "What did you expect argument" and then when someone uses that very same argument (in this case, a newspaper reviewer who got it right) you add it to your growing list of 'movie-bashing morons and their diatribes'.

Glad you guys got your movie. I (and I guess a couple others) didn't. If you'd like to stop preaching at us about our 'sins as Transfans' and actually discuss the movie, I'd be more than happy to. Otherwise, I think, pettiness and aggression can all be equally shared.

I found this real interesting, as it's actually similar to my complaints as someone who likes the movie. I've been looking for some honest discussion with people who didn't like it, but a lot of the arguments have been pretty narrow, with "It's not G1/It's not the comics" and a lot of railing against Michael Bay. You're also one of the few people I've seen who were looking forward to the movie and turned out to not like it. I suspect that you're just being lumped into the category of people who like to run into just about every movie topic, say "OMG why do you care this sucks!" and run off. Which is unfortunate, because you're really offering a pretty good discussion of what you were expecting/wanting versus what you got.

I do think the screenplay could have used another revision to tighten it up, but I've seen a lot worse. I also respect that they didn't hit the panic button and do major reshoots based on test screenings... they did with Spiderman 3, and it just really ruined the film's climax. I still think the TF movie's a good introduction for the regular movie-goer to Transformers. I will go on record as saying that, if the series doesn't evolve and really develop the characters and world more, I'll be disappointed. The "movie 'verse" has a lot of potential.

KoH4711 wrote:

Asderiphel wrote:Phenotype and Autobot32, I truly am glad you liked the movie. I wish I did. I went in with every intention of liking it, lowered my standards, and still felt like the story was contrived and hollow. I do think the movie has some areas of merit, but it seems like such a missed opportunity. Like I said, I've never been so disappointed in a film.

But I take offense to the attitude that, by not loving the film, I'm somehow at fault. That's ridiculous. I have been a fan of TF's for most of my 31 years, and enjoyed most of the incarnations. But I do not give passes on any form of entertainment, and it's disappointing to me that the only property I still enjoy from my youth was turned into exactly the kind of movie I dislike (big, loud, and in my opinion, very poorly written). If 'Transformers' hadn't been on the marquis, I would have skipped this film completely.

I guess the point is, I dislike the movie and wish that the film was better, not out of contrariness, but out of a sincere attachment to the concept. But simply because I want something better, does not give anyone the right to call me a 'haterade ass' who can't understand FUN. And it's equally unfair to use the "What did you expect argument" and then when someone uses that very same argument (in this case, a newspaper reviewer who got it right) you add it to your growing list of 'movie-bashing morons and their diatribes'.

Glad you guys got your movie. I (and I guess a couple others) didn't. If you'd like to stop preaching at us about our 'sins as Transfans' and actually discuss the movie, I'd be more than happy to. Otherwise, I think, pettiness and aggression can all be equally shared.

I found this real interesting, as it's actually similar to my complaints as someone who likes the movie. I've been looking for some honest discussion with people who didn't like it, but a lot of the arguments have been pretty narrow, with "It's not G1/It's not the comics" and a lot of railing against Michael Bay. You're also one of the few people I've seen who were looking forward to the movie and turned out to not like it. I suspect that you're just being lumped into the category of people who like to run into just about every movie topic, say "OMG why do you care this sucks!" and run off. Which is unfortunate, because you're really offering a pretty good discussion of what you were expecting/wanting versus what you got.

I do think the screenplay could have used another revision to tighten it up, but I've seen a lot worse. I also respect that they didn't hit the panic button and do major reshoots based on test screenings... they did with Spiderman 3, and it just really ruined the film's climax. I still think the TF movie's a good introduction for the regular movie-goer to Transformers. I will go on record as saying that, if the series doesn't evolve and really develop the characters and world more, I'll be disappointed. The "movie 'verse" has a lot of potential.

I'm glad you enjoyed the post. And I agree with you...the movie verse does have potential, and that in many ways, it's good open for most non-Transfans.

And I'd love to actually discuss my grievances with the film...which, like you said, after a couple weeks and a few thousand posts, I still haven't really seen anybody attempt.

My big complaints with the film stem directly from the script, or the tone of the script. I hate wasted space. Scenes like the cut-away scenes to the Indian call center guy
or the extra 20 seconds it took to tackle Anthony Andersen cousin into the pool bother me to no end. They take up space I'd rather spend with the main characters...not just TF's, but Sam or Mikaela as well. It felt superfluous.

The prime example of this is the 'dog with the broken foot'. The entire reason the dog has a broken foot is so Sam will have the pain meds in his jacket when he gets arrested...and then only so Sam can deliver a joke by asking the cop if he's on drugs. I did like the scene with Sam's parents and Sam talking about the dog (when they're outside gardening) because that scene is a good example of natural dialogue...it's the kind of conversation you can imagine having with your parents about your dog, and helps ground the film in realism. To me, that's a lot of exposition to get to a lame joke, and really, the whole scene with the cop does nothing to further the story at all. Hence, wasted space. Anthony Andersen's entire screen time falls in this category.

Robot character development is an issue with me, and goes back to the wasted space. If they'd cut a couple of the wasted shots and put in 'bots with a couple lines, I think I would have liked the film. As it was, Prime's response to Jazz's death should be non sequitur, but because we don't really no any of the bots, collectively the audience gets to say "Aww, Jazz" and move on, no strings attached.

The only thing I hated, and this is where Bay completely lost me, is BB peeing on Turturro. I have pure unadulterated loathing for this scene...not because it happens...but because it's preceded by a pee joke less than 20 minutes earlier. Toilet humor has it's place, but brow-beating me with it twice for the sake of a cheap laugh is galling. This is the one thing in the film I literally almost walked out on, and I've never walked on a film. Even Congo (and those are hours I can't get back). I think when I see the film again, I'll take a pee break myself when that scene is coming up, and see if that affects my enjoyment of the film.

I can wish there was more Decepticons, and I can wish they were handled like characters instead of monsters, but that's a stylistic choice I hope will be addressed in the next go round. I think a scene showing all the 'cons early, maybe in silhouette, would have enhanced their menace and given them a chance to write 'Con banter.

At the end of the film, I felt like most Florida State fans in the 90's: they almost pulled it off, and just missed. And yeah, I was looking forward to it, more than any movie since Phantom Menace (didn't win that round, either). My wife enjoyed the film, and when she asked me what I thought, I literally couldn't choke out a response. I still wish I had enjoyed it, because I like TF's so much and am really enthralled with the multiple universes and incarnations...but I just couldn't. The movie toys are all pretty good, I like the designs, all the bots looked great on screen...but the film ultimately lost me.

Oh well, there's always TF: Animated upcoming, right?

Asderiphel wrote:Phenotype and Autobot32, I truly am glad you liked the movie. I wish I did. I went in with every intention of liking it, lowered my standards, and still felt like the story was contrived and hollow. I do think the movie has some areas of merit, but it seems like such a missed opportunity. Like I said, I've never been so disappointed in a film.

But I take offense to the attitude that, by not loving the film, I'm somehow at fault. That's ridiculous. I have been a fan of TF's for most of my 31 years, and enjoyed most of the incarnations. But I do not give passes on any form of entertainment, and it's disappointing to me that the only property I still enjoy from my youth was turned into exactly the kind of movie I dislike (big, loud, and in my opinion, very poorly written). If 'Transformers' hadn't been on the marquis, I would have skipped this film completely.

I guess the point is, I dislike the movie and wish that the film was better, not out of contrariness, but out of a sincere attachment to the concept. But simply because I want something better, does not give anyone the right to call me a 'haterade ass' who can't understand FUN. And it's equally unfair to use the "What did you expect argument" and then when someone uses that very same argument (in this case, a newspaper reviewer who got it right) you add it to your growing list of 'movie-bashing morons and their diatribes'.

Glad you guys got your movie. I (and I guess a couple others) didn't. If you'd like to stop preaching at us about our 'sins as Transfans' and actually discuss the movie, I'd be more than happy to. Otherwise, I think, pettiness and aggression can all be equally shared.

Oh no, no, no. You have my full respect. You're entitled to view it as you wish, and I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it more. I also realize the film wasn't perfect and you have some excellent points.

...but there's the difference...you have actual, tangible points, and you convey it without going batsh*t insane as some have.

And for that, I fully respect you, and your opinion, even if I might not agree with it.

If more people posted their opinions like you do, it would be easier to swallow. A lot easier.

Asderiphel wrote:Phenotype and Autobot32, I truly am glad you liked the movie. I wish I did. I went in with every intention of liking it, lowered my standards, and still felt like the story was contrived and hollow. I do think the movie has some areas of merit, but it seems like such a missed opportunity. Like I said, I've never been so disappointed in a film.

But I take offense to the attitude that, by not loving the film, I'm somehow at fault. That's ridiculous. I have been a fan of TF's for most of my 31 years, and enjoyed most of the incarnations. But I do not give passes on any form of entertainment, and it's disappointing to me that the only property I still enjoy from my youth was turned into exactly the kind of movie I dislike (big, loud, and in my opinion, very poorly written). If 'Transformers' hadn't been on the marquis, I would have skipped this film completely.

Where in any of my posts did I say that you're somehow "at fault" for not liking the film? You're the one who insulted anyone who liked the film by insinuating that we have the intelligence levels of 13 year olds and I take issue with BS comments like that. It makes no difference to me whether or not you liked the film but don't go around insulting those of us who did and acting all superior like only a teenager or idiot would enjoy it.

Easy.

"Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay seem to know how to do everything right. Their newest movie “Transformers” is based on a children’s toy from the 90’s."

80s, not 90s.