I would just like to officially say that even though I probably hate Michael Bay more than any director in existence, I am still planning to go and see Transformers. Yes, there will definitely be more dramatic, panning, low-angle hero shots than anyone can bear—but still, it’s freaking Transformers! How awesome is that! Honestly, this movie could star Carrot Top and I’d still go see it.
Ever since I watched the pilot episode of the Transformers cartoon as a kid—their escape from Cybertron, I have loved this storyline. My favorite Transformer was and always will be Jazz, the music-thumping Porsche. I vividly remember going and seeing the original Transformers: The Movie with my mom at the Fishkill Mall on my 10th birthday. I full on cried when Optimus Prime died and passed the Autobot Matrix of Leadership on to Ultra Magnus. (Who then passed it on to Hot Rod, who then opened it and became the new Autobot leader—Rodimus Prime. I’m telling you, I know my stuff.)
Here’s what I’m excited about. First, the special effects in this new flick look like they’re off the hook. They’ve nailed how these things should transform in real life—nailed it. Second, I’m also mega stoked that Peter Cullen (the original voice of Optimus Prime) has returned to play him once again. Hopefully the voice talent will be as cool at the original flick, which brought in the skills of actors like former Python Eric Idle, Leonard Nimoy, and the amazing voice talent of one Judd Nelson.
Here’s what I’m torqued about. Why the crap is Bumblebee now some cheese-ball Chevy concept car!?! Who are the ad wizards that came up with that one? A bumblebee is a bug, the car was a bug—this is not rocket science. Seriously, a New Beetle Turbo S in racing yellow would have been the perfect way to update that character. Somebody at Crispin has got to be pissed about missing out on that little product-placement-dream-come-true! (Suckers.)
Anyway. Look for my review in the coming weeks, the movie opens on the 4th of July and it’s going to be awesome.
Kyle,
ReplyDeleteHere in New York the Transformers movie opened today on July 3rd instead of waiting until tomorrow.
Let me say this from the very beginning. "Transformers" is not a movie. It is a two hour commercial for the Hasbro toys of the same name. If the kiddies do not come out of the theater begging for Mommy to immediately buy them their favorite Transformer action figures. this 'movie' will have failed in its real purpose.
OK, now that I have been honest and straight about what this 'movie' is all about let me move on to the real point of my comments.
This must be the best two hour commercial ever made. It is the perfect summer flick. It has action, drama, suspense and humor all wrapped up in a fast moving package.
Yes, as you mentioned in your original blog, the way the actual transformations are shown is spot on. Your eyes try, in vain, to see all the moving parts as they change from vehicle to robot and back again.
Sam came across as absolutely real. I have heard my own sons use the same begging, whining, con- artist techniques to divert their parents. It was LOL funny.
Seeing Sam trying, unsuccessfully, to say something cool to Mikaela, rang so true, to me anyway, that it was painful to watch.
Sam is a 'not Carrot Top' triumph.
Do I think Mikaela acts like someone with the kind of background she is supposted to have? No way. She seems way too refined and polished to come out of that kind of upbringing.
But who cares!!! It doesn't matter if she is shallow, it only matters that we guys are shallow.
Speaking of which, Maggie was not hard to look at either. Giving her an Australian accent was a nice touch, it gave her character an added dimension. As you mentioned in your original write up, I think the voices are so often overlooked as a element of a movie. Surely the Princess Bride would be diminshed without those voices. Now there is a 'voice standard that all movies should try to match.
As in so many SiFi movies I am glad I read the book first. There were several points that were not tied in. And sometimes you can't hear the explainations, with all the background explosions and such. Knowing the back story helps me stay in the movie rather than being diverted by wondering what just happened.
Here is something that may be generational. Because the Transformers were toys for my sons, I did not know any of the history. So I'm just fine with Bumblebee being a Camero. When he gives himself an update we end up looking a fine automobile. I can't imagine that scene working with a VW Bug. But I show my ignorance by not knowing what a new Beetle Turbo S in racing yellow looks like.
In summary: I think this movie,
... I mean commercial, is awesome.
Mark Kintz, 7/3/07