The Energon Pub

Sentinel's death didn't help matter either.

Having him explain that what he did was for his planet and beg for mercy, just to be interrupted mid sentence by Optimus shooting him with the now deceased Megatron's fusion cannon didn't put Optimus in good light either.

I don't have the time to read through over 140 posts, so I apologize if anything is repeated.

I too saw DotM last night (3D as well) and as a 27 year TF fan, I have to say that the movie was awesome! Way better then RotF and in-par with the original. If it wasn't for the crappy ass theater I saw it in (that I'm never going to again AMC in Milwaukee, WI), I would have been able to enjoy it more. *rant alert* They put the Prime standee together wrong (face was upside-down), crappy concessions (small ass bag for the same price of a nice big bucket I get from the Marcus chain up here), they had the air off (packed theater and it was over 80) and had it on a normal screen (as opposed to the aforementioned chain that had the first 2 movie previews which showed them on the BIG screen).

Ok, ok, enough of that, now onto the go watch this movie feedback.

The Witwickys weren't in it much (thank god), though there was that obscene comment by Judy. I don't know what Bay's thing is with her being drunk or high, but it's always been inappropriate. The twins did appear, but just in that scene where they're in their alt modes where the Bots drive into the hanger. The Wreckers were never in a standard alt mode, always that armed-to-the-teeth mode (even when they aren't going into battle). The lil bots were actually funny. Laserbeak has the most alt modes (Hmmm, did I see more mass shifting Mr. Bay?). Our favorite cassette player kicks ass! I can't wait for the real figs The battle scenes were so awesome and they weren't obscured with walls & crap as like in RotF. This highway fight scene blows the first movie's out of the water. You need to keep an ear out for an 8-bit version of the G1 theme printer and the second and final transforming noise in the movies bookend to the movies.

The only down-sides I have are the lack of back story and character development, as Ryan said, on the Cybertronians. You show us new Bots & Cons, have existing ones vanish, but don't explain diddly-squat (WTF was that?!? Did I just see that floating head thing from Big Trouble in Little China?) The teaser with Prime's trailer, but nothing showing it transform into his jetpack (BOOOOOOOOOOOO!). And the one-line dismissal of Mikaela, with no mention of her name at all. (Wasn't she Bay's version of Carly for the movies?....)

All-in-all, a must see for Transformer fans. Don't let some people's negative opinions stop you from having a good time and watching an awesome action-packed film that, thou it pains me to think it, might be our favorite robotic aliens' last time on the big screen. If you want to save a couple bucks, see it in 2D, thou I do think it's worth seeing it at least once in 3D.

80sgeek wrote: The teaser with Prime's trailer, but nothing showing it transform into his jetpack (BOOOOOOOOOOOO!).

I'm not sure if the trailer does transform into the jetpack. I think the jetpack may just have been one of the many different weapons seen during the scene in Chernobyl.

Yeah, he mentions he needs the trailer for his 'flight tech', but then he appears out of nowhere wearing it. There's nothing beyond logical deduction and vague implication to suggest that the jetpack comes from the trailer at all.

There is one toy where the trailer turns into the wings. But then again, thee are two where they don't.

...and it was easily the best of the series.

I was fascinated by the visual treat we got in 3D and the story was actually very good.

I had a few problems, namely the ending. The book had a much better ending. Then again, in the book Megatron was built up as a hero a bit more. Also, Shockwave wasn't given anything to do except be another casualty.

Even though I knew it was coming, my eyes still welled up when Sentinel killed Ironhide.

The most awesome death in the movie was Bumblebee killing Soundwave. F**king loved it.

I am going to see it again on Friday. It was a lot of fun.

AHHH, ya beat me to it.

ok first, Optimus Prime has NEVER, repeat NEVER been that hardcore. Killing megatron with 1 ARM. metal.

Second, my jaw hit the floor when sentinal betrayed the autobots. i really like ironhide to.

third, I was thrilled they kept the comic relief to a bear minnimum. easily the best movie of the three

As someone who read the book and really liked the book I felt gutpunched in the last 5 minutes of the film. I was really hoping for it to be as wrapped up and had good an ending as I thought the book portrayed.... I've always been a fan of the films and it's the films that brought me into the fandom three years ago, so It's very very hard for me to express if I liked it or if I didn't like it... truth be told.... I liked the book so we'll just keep it at that

I'm a HUGE Screamer fan... and from reading the book... I can honestly say I was NOT a fan of how he went... never was... probably never will be. And to be honest from movie one I've seen this portrayal as not very good of him. There were constant moments in the storyline with the power struggle between Sentinel and Megs that he could have intervened and pulled something traitorous. He seemed like a child in this movie and too immature even for him. I just wasn't feeling it. Though seeing a cool effect of his radar in space locking in on the Autobots was a plus in my book... I remember mouthing to my self "HEH that's hot!" after seeing it. So I at least got to fangirl once in the film. Cried when he went more out of anger than anything... but I cried when I read about it too so it was only inevitable. I'm just glad I can come home, watch him die to Galvatron with a smile and watch him constantly thwart our Decepticon Leader in his many other series... But that's just me talking.

As far as pace for this film.... MY GOD... it's a good thing I read the book.... cause the scenes moved soooo quickly and the storyline in my opinion... granted was great when I read the book, but being realistic... there was too much going on in one film... makes me wish RotF never happened and we got this one split up into a two parter... it would have made a little more sense in my book. And I will be honest, not hearing Topspin or Shockwave do any real talking was a bummer for me... but living in SE Kentucky I'm really really really really (omg you dont know how really) glad there wasn't a redneck slur to them. Wasn't sold on the name Dino (kept correcting "Mirage!"), and I've never been sold on how Wheeljack or "Q" was portrayed.

Will have to say for Rosie.. she did do a good job. Was actually nice not seeing MFox on the scene. And I will have to say, minus some of the language Wheelie was tolerable... Speaking of Wheelie... did Tom Kenny voice Lazerbeak???? Cause at times I could hear a little TFA Screamer sneaking into his voice.... which made me fangirl a little .

In short. I'll add it to my DVD collection when it comes out to complete the set. Theres that little G-Whiner in me that wants me to wish for a reboot, but I know it just wont be the same and my dedication of being a fan of the films over the years isn't allowing me to say it outloud LOL. I will agree on one thing though. Bay and the cast needed to go after this film. I think we need to start off where we left off with new people or just start off a new story in general. I dont think this is the last time we'll see Optimus and the gang in theaters... Count on it!

Starscream GaGa wrote:There is one toy where the trailer turns into the wings. But then again, thee are two where they don't.

Actually two; the Cyberverse toy and the Ultimate Prime toy.

I would have loved to have seen the end portrayed in novel. Megatron would have had some actual character development (thus making him markedly better than every other Transformer in the movie franchise), and Prime would finally have actually displayed some of the kindness/mercy/dislike of violence/goodness that he used to be known for. In the novel, he says "I'm not like you, Megatron" and lets him live to return to Cybertron and rebuild. In the movie, he pretty much shows that he is actually kinda worse than Megatron by murdering him in cold blood when his guard's down.

THIS.
I just found out about this in another thread, HORRIBLE choice.
Gah, I was really looking forward to the rumors of Megatron...NOT DYING...
This was just horrible and kinda ruins Prime's character.

Megatron's far higher on my list now...Prime sunk a bit.

Just came back from the 8:45 PM show @ AMC Aventura, FL.
They had it showing on 6 screens! Plus 1 on an IMAX screen as well.
I gotta say, it was awesome, and way better than ROTF.
A few nitpicks here and there, but overall, it was very enjoyable.

I won't go into great detail, but I was kinda surprised that Sentinel
was the main baddie, working for Megatron. A little disappointed with Shockwave
a little bit. Thought he would've been the main baddy, but he was pretty
awesome for what little screen time he had.
As for the negative reviews, watch it and judge for yourself.
Also save yourself $5 by NOT seeing it in 3D,
as it didn't add any real depth to the movie.
If you want a better experience, watch it in IMAX

I had a few problems, namely the ending. The book had a much better ending. Then again, in the book Megatron was built up as a hero a bit more. Also, Shockwave wasn't given anything to do except be another casualty.

From what I've heard, the ending sounds disappointing, it's just so....not Optimus, they should've followed the book on that one.

Just saw it, first half was great...Dino was awesome! The second half dragged on a bit, and they could have made some of the main battle scenes a little more emotional with some lines used in the original cartoons. The final battle scene (and many others) felt too rushed.

The first is still by far the best.

Gyrotron's Transformers; DOTM Review!
NOTE: I'm calling Dino and Que, Mirage and Wheeljack, because it sounds sooo much better.

ROBOT REVIEW

Optimus seemed cool in this movie. Much more so than ROTF or Movie 1. I loved his chest armor and his jetpack, kicking ass as usual. His plot to send the space shuttle off, without being on it, was completely............expected. It was obvious that he was going to do that, Optimus wouldn't let the 'cons crap up the planet. I don't have much of an opinion on him, because though the awesome armor, he's just same 'ol Prime. Anyway, Surprisingly, I don't think Bumblebee got a big enough role. I guess Bay thought "Hell, we smothered these guys in the first two movies with Bumblebee, now let's lay off him." The spoiler had no effect on his robot mode whatsoever, and he didn't look tough in car mode either.

Mirage seems fun loving. Always laughing. When he ties onto Hatchet, he's just laughing like it's a ride at the park. I didn't feel weird about his accent, and to be honest, he looks a lot like Bumblebee, but thinner, and with a different head. Heck, he could be Cliffjumper. Yeah, he's named Dino in the film, as said by some communications girl.

IRONHIDE'S DEAD! Yeah, he was killed, maybe 40 minutes into the film. He died with epicness, no lie, with a hole through his chest, rusting up, and his head rolling off into the streets. Sentinel Prime, how could you do this to all Ironhide fans!!! Anyway, total G1 homage in his death, shot in the chest a few times. "What have you done..." ~Ironhide's last words. Rust in peace....

Ratchet, err, he did have a significant role. I mean, you see... he got enough time to call him a main character, but really it wasn't as much as I hoped. He got more than ROTF, which makes me happy.

Silverbolt, not in the film

Wheeljack got maybe 5 minutes in the beginning, 5 in the middle, and 1 at the end. He got a estimated amount of 18 minutes total in the film, which really pissed me off, but hey, he built all these awesome weapons for the humans that were perfect for “kicking ass” and I’m happy about it. His death was smooth (why so much decapitation!?) but I don’t think it was dramatic at all

All the Wreckers had some kind of accent, I can’t remember, it was a mix between Australian, British, and German (kind of like Wheeljack’s). They didn’t get a lot of screen time, sadly
*Roadbuster; Not my favorite, but he sure was awesome. Maybe had 7 lines in the film, always complaining >_<
*Topspin; Did he even speak!? I don’t remember him speaking at all. I expected him to use his claws as electric shocks. Ah well…For the 6 minutes (total) he got in the film, he looked, useless…
*Leadfoot; The Wrecker to stand out. He was short, spitting all over the place, and was really cool. He and Roadbuster ripped that punk ass Decepticon apart! Topspin, again, barely did anything…

Sideswipe got 8 lines. Yep. One of them was “A little Mexican Showdown we got going on here.” With him, Ironhide, and two dreads. It was quite funny, and yay, we get a good close up of him . Anyway…He remained in vehicle mode for most of the beginning of the film, more so robot at the end, and he was a fun character. I loved watching him skate around, especially with his buddy, Mirage. However, there was one particular character I was disappointed with. Brains. He didn’t get any explanation whatsoever. He’s just a little “scrap drone” hanging around with smoking hair. And Wheelie was especially toned down. No Twins



Shockwave did say something, Ryan. He said “Optimus!” in the beginning, and no, I’m not making speculation like people did with Bonecrusher, it was as clear as a window what he said. I didn’t feel he served the role as the “Main Villain”, I think it was shared between Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Dylan, and him. And Shockwave’s just the backside with Driller/Dweller. Megatron served a significant role, not as much as the first two movies, but he served a significant one. Soundwave is NOT looking for revenge on Bumblebee, just spying for Megatron. Starscream was so, agreeing with Megatron in the beginning, and so wimpy at the end. His demise made me happy. Soundwave dying? Naw man, that’s screwed up. Of course I understand that all ‘cons had to die, but come on, really!? I sipped my teeth when Soundwave died, and so brutal too. Why!?
Laserbeak does indeed speak. Not for a few lines, but almost ALWAYS speaks, like it’s natural. Comic Homage

The Dreads are a depressing, fail fixture to the movie. Hatchet got 3 minutes, Crowbar and Crankcase got completely totaled after maybe 12 minutes, and other Dread Drones failed to server a purpose.

Superfund Armored Security Truck; Not a main Decepticon. I agree with Ryan, the WM Garbage Truck ‘con shall be MINE!

Barricade didn’t get a cameo, he got 5 minutes. 5 kick butt minutes , and he’s got a cannon on his arm.

Sentinel Prime, yeah, I’m listing him as a Decepticon, because he is such a traitor. Leonard Nimoy voiced him to perfection, Star Trek homage was awesome, but I can’t get over his stupid beard. And what’s up with him being red in the ark, in the teaser he was all gold. I guess the final product added that.

HUMANS REVIEW
I don’t have a lot to say about the humans. They involved a lot in it. But hey, I’m only listing the 5 main humans in the film, the rest I could care less about.

Sam Witwicky is surely matured. He’s got a slight mustache, but not the one like Shia does now. He’s just lost and he wants to matter, which was a good plot, and his new car was certainly a piece of crap.

Carly Spencer, or Miller, I heard Sam say “Spencer” as her last name, seems like a goodie two shoes, except when she’s sexy :^/ . Her convincing Megatron to help Optimus kill Sentinel was absolutely fun, I don’t know why Megatron didn’t just killer her, he seemed like he would in the first two films, but like reviews say, he’s light headed now.

Robert Epps, certainly a late addition. He came at the same time as the Wreckers did in this film, but it’s almost like Epps and Lennox didn’t share enough screen time. In the beginning, it was mainly Lennox, and at the end, it was mainly Epps. They did share one great moment in battle. William Lennox was fun, he seems to always be around when Optimus is confronting a human jackass.

Dylan (I forgot his last name) was always a suspect of Decepticon Partnership throughout the film IMO. His death was untimely, but still, it’s unclear to me if he did die or he just got shocked. I think he died, what about you.

OVERRALL PLOT REVIEW

The plot seemed fair, more so than ROTF. I’d say bay did better with DOTM than he did ROTF, and maybe slightly towering the epicness of the first film. The deaths were accelerating, and Mech Tech was used briefly throughout the film. I wanted to see at least the Twins come back to die, and I was really hoping Silverbolt would be in it, but oh well.

The 3D was hardly noticeable, maybe because I was focusing on the action, not the 3D, but it definitely was bold at some points (like when Bumblebee jumps debris on the highway).

I’d give this film a 4.3/5, just because I like it that much. If it wasn’t a TF flick, I’d give it a 3.9/5.

So I really suggest you see this movie. It will make you forget all about ROTF (The Twins are out, the parents are brief, and Wheelie is toned down with Brains).

That concludes my review. It’s not as detailed as Seibertron’s, but this is all I could type up on what I recall from the film, and my personal opinions. Have fun chewing your popcorn, drinking your soda, watching kick ass stuff

Just got back, review time!

Plot: On par with RotF's but it meshes better with the story, mostly due to the writers not bailing due to a strike (and a better writer as well). Some plot holes, but they felt like scenes were cut rather than anything involving the writing. More on that later.

Characters: Felt better balanced this time between human and Transformer. Some Transformers that have been here since the first film didn't get as much screen time but still more than the last film. Carly, having seen the new actress in action, is easily a better character than Mikaela and better acted. The only main Transformer lacking screentime is Megatron really, but his injured status did prevent him from taking center stage so it's no big deal.

Effects: What needs to be said? They're absolutely mind blowing and better animated and integrated into the shots than the last films. Makes following the characters even easier. Now if you can't see what's happening you really are blind. The 3D is also incredibly high quality, making Avatar's look like a pile of crap.

Talking Points
Megatron's death - Sudden but justified. After three films and all the crap he just pulled with Sentinel keeping him alive would be too dangerous. Definetly let his ego get in the way of ultimate victory.

The Twins - Didn't show up, which is a damn shame. Not putting them is a cheap tactic compared to developing their character but not a deal breaker in the end.

Plot Holes - Again, while there are some they appear to be caused by footage edited out rather than continuity snarls. I expect an extended cut of this film with the DVD release. Too much seems left out.

Overall
The best of the three by far. A few bumps in the plot but overall an excellent action film and entry in the Transformers universe.

Series in Review
While not perfect, the Transformers films are a worthy entry into Transformers history. Despite the bickering over if they're good or not audiences have voted, and the final answer is "yes they are." I left the theater after each film to the sounds of applause and cheering from fans of the franchise and non-fans alike, something I never hear in theaters anymore. I believe Michael Bay and his crew are heroes of the franchise, having brought it to so many new fans and having successfully made it mainstream. The fact they continued to work so hard despite the jeers of the fanbase's malcontents and the critical establishment speaks highly of how much they truely did care.

zenosaurus_x wrote:

I would have loved to have seen the end portrayed in novel. Megatron would have had some actual character development (thus making him markedly better than every other Transformer in the movie franchise), and Prime would finally have actually displayed some of the kindness/mercy/dislike of violence/goodness that he used to be known for. In the novel, he says "I'm not like you, Megatron" and lets him live to return to Cybertron and rebuild. In the movie, he pretty much shows that he is actually kinda worse than Megatron by murdering him in cold blood when his guard's down.

THIS.
I just found out about this in another thread, HORRIBLE choice.
Gah, I was really looking forward to the rumors of Megatron...NOT DYING...
This was just horrible and kinda ruins Prime's character.

Megatron's far higher on my list now...Prime sunk a bit.

Good, I thought I was the only one a bit perturbed over this. How's Spielberg gonna pull the 4th one off? No one say Galvatron....

I can only laugh at the people that say Optimus should've spared Megatron. Sorry, this isn't the G1 cartoon where nobody ever dies. Everything Megatron did throughout the three Bayformer movies had real consequences and had humans and Autobots dying and one could make the argument that the only reason Sentinel betrayed was because Megatron gave him a devil deal. Both of those characters deserved what they got.

Mindmaster wrote:

zenosaurus_x wrote:

I would have loved to have seen the end portrayed in novel. Megatron would have had some actual character development (thus making him markedly better than every other Transformer in the movie franchise), and Prime would finally have actually displayed some of the kindness/mercy/dislike of violence/goodness that he used to be known for. In the novel, he says "I'm not like you, Megatron" and lets him live to return to Cybertron and rebuild. In the movie, he pretty much shows that he is actually kinda worse than Megatron by murdering him in cold blood when his guard's down.

THIS.
I just found out about this in another thread, HORRIBLE choice.
Gah, I was really looking forward to the rumors of Megatron...NOT DYING...
This was just horrible and kinda ruins Prime's character.

Megatron's far higher on my list now...Prime sunk a bit.

Good, I thought I was the only one a bit perturbed over this. How's Spielberg gonna pull the 4th one off? No one say Galvatron....

It's mostly how it happened, Megatron dying in battle would've made sense...but he asks for a truce and Prime just kills him? Though technically, Prime in the G1 movie would've done the same thing, if it weren't for Hot Rod....

I'm also not saying Megatron didn't deserve it, just that the way it was...executed(heh) wasn't seeming very Optimus-like.

Hero wrote:I can only laugh at the people that say Optimus should've spared Megatron. Sorry, this isn't the G1 cartoon where nobody ever dies. Everything Megatron did throughout the three Bayformer movies had real consequences and had humans and Autobots dying and one could make the argument that the only reason Sentinel betrayed was because Megatron gave him a devil deal. Both of those characters deserved what they got.

It wasn't really a case of sparing Megatron. Megatron could've killed Optimus had he wanted to, but didn't and offered the truce.

Starscream GaGa wrote:

Hero wrote:I can only laugh at the people that say Optimus should've spared Megatron. Sorry, this isn't the G1 cartoon where nobody ever dies. Everything Megatron did throughout the three Bayformer movies had real consequences and had humans and Autobots dying and one could make the argument that the only reason Sentinel betrayed was because Megatron gave him a devil deal. Both of those characters deserved what they got.

It wasn't really a case of sparing Megatron. Megatron could've killed Optimus had he wanted to, but didn't and offered the truce.

Yes, but as I've stated in my review above he's beyond the point of being trusted and has too much to answer for.

Had the movie followed the ending of the book, Megatron would have returned to Cybertron and rebuilt it, thus bringing his character full circle. But of course, these movies aren't known for character development. Megatron surviving would have been a better ending to this movie alone and the entire series as a whole.

How do you figure Megatron going back to Cybertron would've ended the series? All the stuff that happened as a direct result of Megatron's influence and planning over multiple years only for him to ask for a truce in the third conflict? That would've been a bigger disappointment to a lot more people.

NemesisMonkeySupreme wrote:

Tekka wrote:It's about telling the story of the characters, not defeating the monster of the day.

Unfortunately, you're looking for a dramatic film in an action film. With a cast of characters so large and a heavy focus on explosions et al something has to give. Unfortunately, you're probably in a minority when it comes to character development being high on the list. Let's be honest, no one is going to this looking for nominations for Best Screenplay. It's a summer blockbuster. Whether or not you're complaints are valid (and having not seen the film I cannot say, though I have an inkling) I think they are misdirected.

But do you see that if it had that drama AND the action, it would be altogether a better movie?

I saw it tonight and I enjoyed it but there were many moments that were rather pointless. If that time would have been used to further develop the Autobots', and especially Prime's, motivation it would have made more of an impact as a film.

I didn't say it would have ended the series. But if it had to end, it would have been a better ending because had he rebuilt Cybertron he would have righted his wrongs. He has been an antagonistic maniac all this time, and rebuilding their home planet without Optimus's help and then telling him he could come back any time (I'm paraphrasing) would show a definite change of character. With the movie ending that did happen, it's just another "bad guy causes destruction, good guy makes him pay for it" If you can call Optimus a good guy. Seen it a million times. I haven't seen a main bad guy be seriously and fundamentally redeemed in a movie in a long time, probably since Darth Vader in return of the Jedi.

My biggest surprise after Sentinel Prime revealing that he was working with Megatron was the use of the line from Star Trek 2: "The needs of the many outway the needs of the few".. so the needs of the 'many' Transformers outways the needs of the 'few' humans, that inhabit the two planets? I know Sentinel didn't buy into Optimus' reasoning that humans should be treated as equals. but anyway..

I must have missed where Megatron offered a truce, or just didn't believe it to be genuine anyway, so I don't see why Optimus would have let him live after loosing most of his own army, but the execution of Sentinel may have been overkill.. but still reasonably answered by a heat-of-the-moment reaction.

Looks like Cybertron imploded on itself at the end.. so that's the destruction of two of Leonard Nemoy's characters home planets.. no wonder he's wanting to be done acting!!