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Transformers: Movie Review
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Transformers: Movie Review
Our very own SideshowDusty was offered a chance to catch a sneak peek of the upcoming Transformers film in Hollywood on June 15th. Of course she jumped at the opportunity, and here's what she has to say about her experience:
CAUTION - THERE BE SPOILERS BELOW!
Is the new Transformers film more than meets the eye? Well, not exactly - it's a pretty straightforward, balls-out, big explosion, cheesy dialogue, effects-laden summer blockbuster. But what does meet the eye is much more than satisfactory, and blockbuster it most definitely will be. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it comes as close to reaching a level of perfection that films of this genre can ever hope to achieve. Simply put, Transformers is what all summer movies aspire to be. My rating? 4.5/5 stars, and if it weren't for some very minor nitpicks, I'd easily give it 5/5.
Long story short: The film is chock full of incredible eye candy. The girls are beautiful (very, VERY beautiful) and smart, and the boys are handsome (Josh Duhamel... *sigh*) and heroic. The machines are slick, and their transformations are virtually seamless. The Autobots VS Decepticons scenes will make you stand up and cheer (if they don't, you may want to check your pulse for signs of life), and Optimus Prime's "Autobots... ROLL OUT!" will have goosebumps popping out on your arms. Then, when Megatron comes out of deep freeze, you might just pass out from The Awesome.
But it isn't simply eye candy that makes this movie great. You will laugh, you will cheer, and you may even shed a tear (there's a scene featuring Bumblebee that particularly strikes a chord - you will really CARE about these 'bots). When Optimus Prime starts philosophizing, you'll nod in agreement and think, "No wonder they are so advanced - these alien robots speak the truth, and so eloquently too!" And finally, the performances are excellent, most notably newcomer Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky, who really carries the film after a slightly rough start.
Nit-picks: The music is pretty bad. The plot is over-simplified, and of course it's easy to figure out what's going to happen. The gazillion characters are introduced REALLY fast, and the pace is a bit frenetic - it had me seriously wondering if the screenwriters were on speed while constructing the story. Everyone yells a lot, even when they don't need to. It's a giant advertisement for muscle cars and trucks... and tanks and jets. (Yay, gas guzzling machines! While you're busy saving the world for humanity, you might try switching to hybrid engines. Or even hydrogen... aren't you supposed to be all technologically advanced and stuff?) But all of these are easily forgivable, and overall it's a super fun ride, well worth the price of admission AND popcorn... and maybe even a cherry Icee.
Warning: Be careful when taking the kids to see it. There are some pretty intense sequences, most notably one featuring a super scary, scorpion-style Decepticon living in the sand in the Middle East. Plus, it's VERY loud. I think my eardrums are still vibrating. (But I gotta admit that it's pretty darn cool when the sound of Transformers transforming physically rumbles the chair I'm sitting in.)
Even longer story short: I can't friggin' WAIT to see this movie in the theater again... and again... and again! Don't wait for rental - this film was made to experience in a packed theater with hundreds of your closest friends cheering right along with you. And cheer you most certainly will. I can't remember the last time I left a theater hoping to see a sequel very soon.
My prediction: It will go down in history as one of the best, if not THE best, summer blockbuster of all time. When a movie so perfectly combines the greatest effects, the most incredible sound, and the coolest giant alien robot fights ever captured on film (all while resurrecting the geeky, Transformers-loving kid in all of us), who can argue with that?
Roll out... to see Transformers on July 3rd!
(Yes, I HAD to be cheesy - it's in my contract.)
Disclaimer: I have never been a huge fan of the Transformers, although I played with my fair share and watched a few of the cartoon episodes as a kid. Plus, I knew practically nothing about the film before entering the theater. I would suggest stowing away all previous knowledge of the world of Transformers, starting with a clean slate for this go-round, because obviously, if you're an old-school Transformers superfan, there will be a lot for you to nitpick (yes, they pimped out the paint job on Prime - deal with it). Of course, some people seem to really enjoy tearing apart films that others love, so that is, as always, a personal choice best left up to each individual viewer. Just don't hate me for absolutely loving what they did to 'your' beloved Transformers!
Copyright © 2007 DREAMWORKS LLC and PARAMOUNT PICTURES. All Rights Reserved.
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Very nice site!
Is the best movies of even seen the best character I think is Bubblebee the 2009 caromo
Saw the movie.
My God.
Most fun i’ve had in cinemas in more than 15 years.
Sideshow - do yourself and us fans a favour … look into the possibility of coming out with dioramas, bust, statues for this movie.
I can’t think of anyone else doing justice to the awesome robot designs.
I know its probably tough - all the corporate side that needs to be sorted out. But i hope you guys produces something from this instant classic.
Seen this 2 nights ago here in Newcastle,Australia.Do yaself a favour and SEE this movie.It’s freakin awesome.Even the start when before the movie begins you can hear all the mechanical noises!!!Filled with action,suspense,comedy,a simple storyline and a hot megan fox,what’s NOT to love.Definately some awe inspiring parts to it,hilarious parts where you will wet your pants and just some gob smacking action scenes worthy of the transformers brand.I grew up with the cartoon and figures,left my assumptions of the movie at the door and was TOTALLY blown away.Bumblebee definately connects with the audience!!!HINT-stay a little after the credits roll,there are 3 quick clips in a short sequence,the last which will “SCREAM” sequel!!!!
A memorable movie since ROTS.10/10
saw the movie, here in New Zealand last night.
As a person who grew up with the toys and cartoon, (Im 25) I absolutely loved this film. The first half was perfect to me, especially the first transformation and the havoc he causes (awesome pulse cannon thingy). Also awesome seeing Optimus and Megatron slugging it out once again. Go and see it! Megatron is a cybertronian jet.
Did a google but couldn’t find anything about Sideshow getting a Transformers licence for statues/dioramas.
Looks like this will be one of those could’ve been, guys.
As long as someone comes out with high quality stuff, i guess.
starcraft2willrock! - i agree. A diorama of Boncrusher chargin Prime would be awesome. (Trust me - even more awesome battle sequences in the movie.)
Can’t wait to see the movie again. Perfect entertainment in everyway.
looking at that pic above of Bonecrusher charging into Prime - if Sideshow produced a diorama of that like what they did for Anakin-vs-Obi-Wan or Aragon at Helm’s Deep -
i am SO there.
I’d drop any ideas i’d have for preordering anything else and zero in on that alone.
C’mon Sideshow.
You know there’s a market for a movie Transformers diorama.
Sideshow movie Transformers?! Whoa.
But i don’t think this will happen.
The Hasbro stuff are - well - if you’re getting them for the kids.
Anybody out there have any news on if there are any plans for higher quality collectibles (statues/dioramas) from the movie? Have not heard anything.
Seeing the movie this weekend. It opens over here today.
How about 12″ Transformers, Sideshow? I can’t wait for 747 after this review!
Is Sideshow coming out with anything for this movie?
That would be so mind-blowingly awesome.
The Hasbro stuff works for kids who actually want to play with the toys. But the serious collector needs more than what they give in terms of sculpting and quality.
Dusty’s right.
The movie’s awesome!
I grew up on Transformers - and this is exactly all that i hoped a live action movie would be. Michael Bay really knocked it out of the park for this one.
The audience was totally into it - cheering, etc.
Bay said something about cutting out a transforming aircraft carrier. Hope they have that in the sequel.
But being a collector - it’s heartbreaking to not have any high quality statues, busts or dioramas for this movie.
Seriously - where are all the high quality collectibles?
We were flooded with them when Spidey 3 came out.
Anybody know of any company producing statues or busts?
If Sideshow did announce a TF line that would be awesome. Think my head would explode there and then.
It’s frustrating not being able to celebrate the movie’s release with a cool statue. I was looking at the latest Wired Mag cover and kept thinking - oh man. If only they made a statue of movie Prime …
I will NOT disclose my age. Suffice it to say that I used to watch the original Transformers cartoon when my sons (who are now 25 and 27) were quite young. That was part of our bonding time. In addition, we would play with their Transformers, which are now safely stored in a box in my house. I must say I became quite adept at transforming the vehicles into robots and vice versa. One observation: the Transformers toys of today are of poorer quality than those made about 20 years ago.If SSC is awarded the license to make Transformers, I’m in BIG trouble! As it is, I am into buying the LOTR dioramas and the 12″ figures! I have NO idea where I’d come up with additional funds for Transformers merchandise, but I can visualize Optimus Prime in a large scale format—COOL!
On to the movie: I am looking forward to seeing the film with some old friends featured: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee,
et. al! YEAH even old Megatron and Starscream! It will be AWESOME!!
OK, SSC, it’s time to begin a Transformers line!
cant wait to see it as well dusty!!!
i have seen the movie at a screening and the movie is the shhhhhhhhh$@ the way to movie is no transformers fan will be let down … this is some twist and turns but overall its a great movie
Dusty,
Absolutely good thing, with so much action rampant in the stills, it was like I seeing the movie with you. You did such a good review I think you should substitute for Roger Ebert until he’s well again. (besides, I miss your larger roll in the podcasts. I enjoyed hearing you have fun doing it and the outtakes and bloopers were a highlight!)
Now that I wear a “Grandpa” hat, I always get to go see the movie (to make sure it’s suitable for my grandsons, of course) and then depending on how many I take at a time determines the number of showings I get to see. Especially, with the action so intense, there is always something you missed seeing previously.
It’s, also, going to make for a great birthday present this year.
I agree… It was an exhausting, on-the-edge-of-ur-seat read. Good, exhausting… Great job, Dusty!
Michael Bay has been overdue for a good blockbuster movie… albeit, without Jerry Brucheimer
I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing some 1:4 PF Transformers but maybe cost and size prohibitive (I’d buy one anyways). But a 1:9 VS. Statues Line would not be out of the question, would it? Or, 1:6 Maquettes? What do you say, Sideshow!
Way to go Dusty!
I’m not a heavy-duty fan of this either, but I’m ready for some fun at the movies this summer (and it has the added bonus of not having a number “3″ attached to the title….yet).
Besides, I’ve been getting a smile on every time I see the publicity for this and the words “…based on the Hasbro Action Figures” pop on…c’mon, that’s a geek-asism right there!
The trailers look fun, with Bay we know it’ll be loud nonsense that looks great, so I say bring it on!
Thanks for the review….you should do that more often!
M.B. likes to keep the adrenaline up through his movies, that’s his style. He a ‘improvise the script’ type of director. I think that’s perfect for such a movie. I’m sure that you can get more each time you watch it (of the story). A movie like this is to take it for face value and enjoy it, period. You tear apart ‘The DaVinci Code’ or Angelina’s new movie, not this. So my lady Dusty…I think your review just fuels the fire to see this flick! Why do people have to get some deeper value in every thing that entertains them? Next we’ll (Americans) be looking for a deeper meaning in a football game.
Great review Dusty!! I can’t wait to see it and you have made me even more excited (hehe) I mean to see the movie that is.
Thanks for sharing your take on what I hope is a killer flick! Sideshow and Dusty rock!!
I’ll be seeing this movie only out of morbid curiosity, because not only is Michael Bay the worst director in history, but the robot designs are fugly as all get-out. Plus, flames on Optimus Prime? Weak with a capital “W”.
Whoa, keepest thine under shorts on- I don’t think Dusty was saying they’re making Transformers; I think she was just throwing in an industry related review.
Can you imagine how much it would cost them to make a premium format TF? Then can you imagine how much it would cost us as collectors? I mean, if a guy on a speeder bike costs 800 smackers, then a PF Optimus Prime? *Hang on, lemme get the A-eze*
Besides, the closest thing they’ve ever produced was General Grievous and they haven’t done anything like him since.
All I’m hoping for is that Sideshow gets the go ahead to distribute whichever Japanese company starts pumping out the awesome “super-mega-deluxe” TF figures, ’cause shipping costs from Japan are the suck!
You’ve made me look forward to the movie a bit more now…I wasn’t since I heard Megatron was changed to be politically correct and sell more toys…
If they can do this then why haven’t we seen Mechwarriors. Great mechs, good storylines and plenty of action. Waaaaaaaaaay overdue. I’d back an Assault Mech against any of these guys any day.
cant wait for sideshows tranformers, surely more than meets the eye.
Transformers premium formats? 1/4 scale 6 foot figure!! yeah!!! Cant wait…sideshow!!! Please start designing these robots ASAP!!!
Reading reviews and trailers give me goose bumps already, should i bring along a nurse when i watch the movie just in case? 6 more days here in the Philippines and “it’s show time!”
Leave it to a bunch of Michael Bay Lovers.
They should have called it GOBOTS.
Lame
Please SS do not make anything that has to do with this movie!
“Just don’t hate me for absolutely loving what they did to ‘your’ beloved Transformers!”
You tell ‘em Dusty!
thanks Dusty, i’ve been watching the countdown for this film since last year (well, not straight through mind you) and i can’t wait to see it. I was never a huge transformer fan, but this actually looks like a decent action flick. dinobots on solar power, never, they’d run on ethanol, they’re vegetarians for the most part : ) I’m sure once this film hits theatres, the sequel talk will start, did they leave it open ended enough for that dusty?
LOL rjd4short - is that a good or bad thing
Wow! Dusty, I was literally exhausted after that read!
“….you might try switching to hybrid engines.”
?!?
*sigh* Leave it to the tree huggers…They’ll have the Dinobots running on solar power.
Lame.
Last week I was in Wal-mart checking out an Unleashed Bumble Bee. It did not look bad, until I noticed the paint job. Sideshow has obviously spoiled me on how much care and attention they put into each piece they produce. It is because of experiences like these that I truly like to seek out the limited items for my collection. Most things that are MASS PRODUCED tend to appear rushed and thrown together. Maybe Sideshow Dusty since you were offered a chance to pre-view the movie there will be another offer for Sideshow to produce marquettes, figures, and bust for The Transformers franchise! Anyone who thinks that you are too small potatoes to handle this task should simply check out the details Sideshow’s artist have put into General Grevious, Bobba Fett,Predator, and Iron Man Marquettes, just to name a few! Nobody does it better!
i had no desire to see this until now. thanks dusty. i’m very interested!
Where’s the spoiler? I wanted to know what Megatron transforms into. I mean, he can’t transform into just a gun that other D-cons will use on the A-bots. I,ve heard rumors, but I need confirmation!!!
ARRRGH! Dusty, you’ve just built up the hype even more for me! I can’t wait to see T-Formers!!!! When can Sideshow get the license for them? (I’ve actually liked the movie toys thus far).
Ya I’ve passed by the TF toys.. bleh..I saw an unleashed , bumblebee I think it was? Not really that great either..better but not up to what most of us collectors call standards now a days. Thanks Sideshow for that!
CANT F’ING WAIT!!! SEQUEL RUMOURS: SOUNDWAVE, DINOBOTS, AND CONSTRUCTICONS! WE’LL SEE?! ONLY GRIPE SO FAR…TOYS SUCK!
Nice review Dusty
Now all we can hope for is that SS start making some of these guys.
lets see some transformer premium formats more than meets the eye