Who Else Is Going to MISS the Movieverse in Two Years?
Me.
At first, I was sucked in by the toys. (Ironhide, Ratchet, and Starscream? I mean...they were pretty innovative and definitely different)
Then, the movie impressed me. I was sucked into the universe.
Now? I really can't stand the first movie, and for me it pales in comparison to ROTF, but it laid the groundwork for a reboot universe, and while the stories were thin and close to nonexistent, the characters were great, and some of the elements helped solidify my love for the movieverse.
Sam's a pretty cool human side kick, when you compare him to past offerings. Whiny and annoying sometimes, sure, but we could've done a LOT worse. Lennox and Epps are funny, how can you not like them?
I think, if given a chance with the right writers, the movieverse could've been bigger and better than we all hoped for. TF3 looks like that's the way it was headed, but now...it's too late. It's the end of the trilogy.
The movies were a mixed bag, but the universe they created sucked me in and I enjoy it. I really do. Hell, I wouldn't have a slew of movie toys if I didn't.
I will be honest, I was pissed when Animated and Universe had to be put on the back burner in favor of the movie toys, and I'm not a big fan of that happening with RTS and Generations. (Though, to be fair, we have no idea if they'll do that this time around.)
I'm glad the movieverse came back though. It saddens me to think "Well...this is it. One last movie, and it's over. All over."
Now, it's been stated several times that Hasbro has plans to continue making TF movies. Whether or not they tie into the current movieverse or will be a reboot or what...is yet to be known, but movies will be continuing. We've also had conflicting stories about Bay's involvement. At one point, it was confirmed that he had signed on for FIVE movies, and now they're saying that this is the finale of a trilogy, instead. So, we have no clearcut answer of where this is going.
Maybe we shouldn't even be sad. Maybe the movieverse isn't going anywhere and will be continued with a different director and different cast once Shia leaves (last I heard, he doesn't want to do any more). Who knows?
I think Hasbro would be foolish to reboot the movieverse so soon (say, 2-3 years after DOTM), because people will still be invested in this current one, plus the toys. If they reboot, they'll need a brand new Optimus and crew, brand new designs, brand new toys, brand new everything from top to bottom.
Bay made these movies work. If it wasn't for him, they wouldn't have been as successful. Carrying on where he left off is a smart business decision, at least for the time being. Revamping the whole thing, I would think, would be a risky gamble. Will audiences and fans accept a new movieverse so soon? Will they buy into it? I'm not so sure. TOS Star Trek crew lasted for 8 movies, because people loved it. Even though two of those movies were passing the torch types (Generations and Star Trek '09), people couldn't let go of Kirk and Spock. The Picard movies were great, and I much prefer his era of Trek, but there's no denying that people love them some Kirk and Spock. Same goes for the TF movieverse. People love this Optimus and Bumblebee. I don't think they're ready for a change, yet.
If Hasbro decides to go in a different direction with the movieverse, I think the fourth film should be a passing of the torch type of deal. Maybe they can make it a time travel idea like Trek, which would explain the change in robot designs, people and locations, or bring in Rodimus and crew, rather than a top to bottom revamp.
In any case, for the foreseeable future, the movieverse is ending. And yes, it makes me sad. I've invested a lot of time and money into this universe (not complaining, mind you), and the DVDs and toys will just be painful reminders of what once was, but will never be again.
I know how the G1 fans feel. It sucks.
NOTE: Realize that I am not a perfect Christian, nor do I profess to be. I apologize if anyone's ever offended by me, I'm not perfect. Don't hold my posts and opinions against other Christians.