110 replies to this topic

[Splash]

Saying "Bittorrent" isn't breaking a rule. You just lost some cool points.

No, but suggesting someone to use it is close enough for me. I'm not here to look cool or throw around my weight; I'm here to keep things in order and thus out of any trouble. ;3 If you have an arguement towards this, feel free to message me about it.

Now, get back to the topic, cut the drama, and feel free to dock me as many "cool points" as deemed necessary.

[Hero of Winds]

Saw it last night. I liked it, but it really was just summer popcorn fluff. Were I to take the movie seriously, I could point out how incredibly and ridiculously flawed this movie was. But taken for pure entertainment value, I enjoyed the CG action sequences and the Megan Fox close-ups. I still think Spider-Man 3 was better though.

Best part of the movie? The trailer for JJ Abrams' unnamed movie. Holy crap.

Edited by Hero of Winds, 09 July 2007 - 01:07 PM.

[DarkJuno]

well, I've finally been able to 1-up DarkJuno with getting transformers stuff.

I'm now the proud owner of -begin edits by Splash - stuff.

See below.

Hell, now I want to know what you were talking about.

On a side note, I decided to take a look into the Transformers fandom on the internet just to see how crazy it can be.
Never, ever look into it.

I could've told you that. You know about the guy who literally legally changed his name to Optimus Prime, who is a firefighter in Iraq, and his basecamp's name is written in various TF fonts? Or the creepy fat guy who cosplays as Optimus Prime, who, despite living in his parents' basement, makes so much money writing scipts for bondage porn that he could actually move out and live disturbingly comfortably for the rest of his life?

And look up Raksha sometime. I'll leave it at that.

Still, I live in the comfort that despite all this, there are far worse Trekkies and Star Wars fans.

[CID Farwin]

Holy carp! that movie was

AWESOME!

Best part of the movie? The trailer for JJ Abrams' unnamed movie. Holy crap.

Oh my gosh! I forgot about that! that looks so COOL!

but you just can't beat

*starts singing Transformers theme*

[LionHarted]

Surprisingly good, surprisingly funny.

Didn't like that half the time it tried too hard to be serious, and the other half it didn't. And for some reason I didn't enjoy the robot on robot fight scenes very much. At all.

[Fyxe]

I'm going to upturn the table now by linking to a page of reviews on IMDB.

http://www.imdb.com/...mments?start=10

Starting with TheQuietStorm's review, there begins a whole page of terrible reviews of the film, pointing out some horrendous plot holes, some awful moments of dialogue and some bits that are meant to be 'funny' but aren't. It certainly doesn't sound brilliant.

What gets me is that Michael Bay even has a kid say 'this is even better than Armegeddon!'.

That alone has put me off wanting to see this film. o.o Then again, I don't think I could stand to sit through another 'blockbuster' piece of crap this year, Spiderman 3 was painful and stupidly long and Pirates 3 wasn't much better.

It isn't even out over here yet, mind.

[Flint]

That alone has put me off wanting to see this film.

That's really silly. The Transformers movie can't even be compared to Spiderman 3 or Pirates 3. It really isn't crap. You would honestly have to be the most stuckup, vengeful nerd hellbent on pointing out every single inconsistency with the cartoon OR be somebody who has always (for whatever reason) hated Transformers or giant robots in general to thoroughly dislike this movie.

I didn't enjoy the robot on robot fight scenes very much. At all.

What were you expecting? Sword fights? Rock-Paper-Scissors? It's Transformers for crying out loud.

[DarkJuno]

The only thing that truly annoyed me with the fight scenes was how close up the camera was - if Prime and Megatron fight, I want to see Prime and Megatron, not someone's fist or someone' foot. Even then, using his patented motion sickness cinematography just helped capture the essence of how huge they are when they fight.

I realize not everyone will like this movie, duh - but what really hurts it is people coming in already having made the decision that it's going to suck and ahve no redeemable value. Do that to anything, and it will suck, especially if you're an anal nerd.

I still stand that it's a great movie, and the best one I've seen this year. No, it's not La Boheme, but really...

[Flint]

The only thing that truly annoyed me with the fight scenes was how close up the camera was - if Prime and Megatron fight, I want to see Prime and Megatron, not someone's fist or someone' foot. Even then, using his patented motion sickness cinematography just helped capture the essence of how huge they are when they fight.

Isn't that an issue with nearly all movies these days, not just Michael Bay? I remember people complaining about the lightsaber duels in Star Wars Eps II & III because it was a lot of closeups and colorful blurs, whereas Episode I had well-choreographed camera shots AND fighting, and the lightsabers weren't blurred as much when they moved. People need to start blaming Hollywood in general for thinking this kind of action cinemotagraphy is cool, not individual movies/directors. But you're right, part of the thing I loved about the Transformers movie is the sense of awe I got during the street fight. These things are massive and I forgot at times that they were digitally placed, and not actual giant robots fighting on top of real people in a real street.

[Selena]

Starting with TheQuietStorm's review, there begins a whole page of terrible reviews of the film, pointing out some horrendous plot holes, some awful moments of dialogue and some bits that are meant to be 'funny' but aren't. It certainly doesn't sound brilliant.

What gets me is that Michael Bay even has a kid say 'this is even better than Armegeddon!'.

That alone has put me off wanting to see this film. o.o Then again, I don't think I could stand to sit through another 'blockbuster' piece of crap this year, Spiderman 3 was painful and stupidly long and Pirates 3 wasn't much better.

It isn't even out over here yet, mind.

Er.... no offense, but why judge and condemn a movie you haven't seen yet? Especially based on what the critics say? They're usually too harsh, even with films that are legitimately good. Transformers isn't going to be a perfect movie given it's status as a genuine blockbuster, but that doesn't mean it will be horrible and not have its redeeming moments for anything that might be bad. I haven't seen it yet, but really. If you do go see it now, you risk not liking it at all, no matter what good things it has, because of the negative attitude you have going into the theater. Like a lawyer knowing someone's guilty and ready to jump at every hint of evidence. And given how it's quite obviously a summer blockbuster, if you can't sit through it and are already put off by reading critic reviews (despite Transformer fans mostly raving about it here), then.... just don't see it?

[Fyxe]

That alone has put me off wanting to see this film.

That's really silly. The Transformers movie can't even be compared to Spiderman 3 or Pirates 3. It really isn't crap. You would honestly have to be the most stuckup, vengeful nerd hellbent on pointing out every single inconsistency with the cartoon OR be somebody who has always (for whatever reason) hated Transformers or giant robots in general to thoroughly dislike this movie.

Well, if you check the reviews I was referring to, most of them don't really complain about the lack of consistency with the cartoons (although they make a few points about lack of characterisation in the Transformers, but that's not an inconsistency, that's just a lack of good dialogue), the complaints seem to be more aimed at the film's quality as a film. Yes, it's a blockbuster, yes, it's giant robots fighting, but that still doesn't excuse lazy writing and gaping plotholes. Those sort of things are just annoying, it's not anal (the anal complaints are from the real nerdsome fans), it's expecting something better from the plot or dialogue than a crappy internet fanfic or something. Spider-man 3 was full to the brim with plotholes (along with terrible attempts at humour, like the infamous 'emo' sequence) and it spoiled the fun the film could have had.

But hey, like I said, I haven't seen the film. I'm just more wary than ever. I've already spent money on two crappy blockbusters this year, I don't feel like giving Hollywood anymore if it doesn't really deserve it.

Edit: Lena, did I judge the film? I just said I was being wary. I like the previews, from the visual aspects I've seen, but I'm concerned about the film's quality. I am not judging it, because I haven't seen it. I am trying to work out if it's worth seeing. That's what most people do when they see films, I thought? If you read those reviews, you'd find it hard NOT to be wary. Also, I'm not a big Transformer's fan, so the opinion of fans raving about it or loathing it (which is common in equal measures) means nothing. I'm trying to work out if the film itself is actually, y'know, any good. Maybe the negatives are all nitpicking. Or maybe the positives are all hype.

Once again, I wasn't judging, I thought it was clear that I wasn't actually making an opinion, because, like I keep saying, I haven't seen it yet.

And going into a film with a negative attitude doesn't mean you'll instantly dislike a film. If it's a good film then you'll be pleasantly surprised. I don't get this logic that we should just turn our brains off for blockbusters, because if we think about them then we'll find out things to dislike and oh noes. Blockbusters don't HAVE to be like that, y'know. They could be, y'know, good films. Like the original Pirates, or Gladiator, or Terminator 2 and so on.

Edited by Fyxe, 17 July 2007 - 01:58 PM.

[Selena]

Yeah, but you can see as many previews and read as many reviews as you can, but they still won't capture the film at all. They can't tell you whether the film is any 'good' or not, which is subjective, because people have different tastes. Both fans and the people reviewing. Some of my most favorite movies have had horrible reviews, and some of my most hated got rave reviews, which is why I try not to read what the critics say because I don't sync well with their line of thinking. I guess that just means I have bad taste. It could very well be the next decent blockbuster, but you'd have to give it a chance and actually watch it with an open mind. Not that I said I ever turned my brain off while watching these kind of movies. If you're afraid to give the Hollywood blockbuster machine more money, and if you're in mental debate on whether to even see it or not, then rent it a few months later? I don't really see what all the fuss and worry is about. It's just a movie. If it's shit, oh well. Better luck next time.

[Flint]

And how many times did Optimus Prime have to tell us his name? At one point, I thought he was forgetting the many times he said his name previously.

Optimus Prime "told us" his name a total of once. Maybe twice. The first time was directed at Sam (which is required, because Sam didn't know who this guy was) and the second time (I think) was in a transmission to other Autobots announcing who was sending the transmission.

"I am Megatron!" Yeah, and?!

What do you mean, "and?" He's fucking Megatron.

The special effects were cool but could've been better. Most of the time, the Transformers looked animated instead of real in my opinion.

I find this laughable. The special effects were wonderful. Far better than any of the shit Dreamworks or Pixar puts out. This movie has been compared to Jurassic Park, a movie currently 14 years old which still shines far above current movies in terms of special effects. I didn't see digitally-inserted computer models of robots. I saw robots. Giant, badass robots. They weren't prancing in front of a green screen. They were right there in the city streets, stomping on humans and crushing buildings.

And the confusing, unorthodox way they transformed

This isn't Power Rangers. The transformation sequences were simple in the 80s cartoon because it was just that - a cartoon in the 80s. In reality, a big rig truck or a helicopter turning into a human-shaped robot would take far more than three or four joint movements.

Was some of the humor cheesey? Yes. Could some of the dialog been improved or removed? Sure. But I don't recall any plotholes. The characters were great. I think somebody here has already pointed out how Bumblbee was so well-developed character-wise. When he's being held captive by the government, you reall feel for him.

That review is so full of irrelevant, ignorant crap it isn't isn't worth mentioning.

[Fyxe]

I don't really see what all the fuss and worry is about. It's just a movie. If it's shit, oh well. Better luck next time.

There's no fuss and worry, I was making a post on a message board.

Yeeeesk. Better follow the party line here, clearly. How dare I suggest that I make an informed decision before I spend time and money on a film. o.o My cinema is not in town. I need to travel to get to the cinema, which adds to the cost. Besides, renting a film like this, a film relying on visuals for the main kicks, would be somewhat meaningless.

I was just asking for comment and rebuttal to some of the points brought up in those reviews, that's all. There's no need to act as if I'm making some wildly outrageous winging or something, because quite frankly I wasn't, I was just bringing up a few points that crossed my mind.

Flint, you didn't exactly pick the cream of the crop when it comes to those reviews, I was referring to the whole page, rather than that one specific review, which was indeed rather nitpicky, I agree. It's more the issue about camera and worrying dialogue that concerns me (an extended joke about masturbation in a film with giant stomping robots? Erm..). I just fear that Hollywood have been lowering it's standards (standards? Hollywood? Tish and phey!). I mean, what made Jurassic Park so good wasn't just the effects, because the sequel looked just as good but was pretty dang crap in comparison due to a rubbish plot.

Sometimes I feel like brilliant films like Fight Club and Gladiator have spoilt me. Ah, so hard to please.

Anyway, look, I don't want to make this into any more massive of an argument than it already is, for once I wasn't playing devil's advocate just for the hell of it.

[CID Farwin]

After reading those reviews, I feel like strangling a few people.

Not you though Fyxe, the people who wrote those reviews.

If you like the trailers, you'll like the movie. It delivers exactly what it promises.
If not I'll give you all my 251 rupees(one silver, one purple, one green)

I find this laughable. The special effects were wonderful. Far better than any of the shit Dreamworks or Pixar puts out. This movie has been compared to Jurassic Park, a movie currently 14 years old which still shines far above current movies in terms of special effects. I didn't see digitally-inserted computer models of robots. I saw robots. Giant, badass robots. They weren't prancing in front of a green screen. They were right there in the city streets, stomping on humans and crushing buildings.

possibly they find the idea of transforming robots a little too fake? in which case I can't see why they even watched the movie.

This isn't Power Rangers.

this is completely irrelevant, but I'm working on a theory that 85% of Power Rangers would be solved by turning it Anime.

[LionHarted]

What were you expecting? Sword fights? Rock-Paper-Scissors? It's Transformers for crying out loud.

I've watched Big-O.

That show >>>> Michael Bay's Transformers.

I mean, this has been in the works for HOW many years?

The fight scenes in the desert kicked so much ass in comparison, IMO.

[DarkJuno]

Two years. Pre Production started on TF in 2005 - yes, they've been wanting to make it for longer then that, but nothing was really started till two - three years ago.

[JRPomazon]

Two years. Pre Production started on TF in 2005 - yes, they've been wanting to make it for longer then that, but nothing was really started till two - three years ago.

It's hard to believe. It felt much longer than that.

[Ransom]

Finally saw it.

Immensely entertaining, and the effects were liquid sex. The thing that put me off was the dwindling flame of a plot that you thought existed... and then eventually faded into nothingness.
But yeah thats Michael Bay for you. Thats pretty much exactly what he did with the Island.
Though all the characters were interesting and were casted really well... there were to many of them, and their individual stories just collided like a messy painting. They could've made a trilogy out of all the story they were trying to cover in that one movie.

Otherwise, it was funny and enjoyable. And Megan Fox is hawt.

[Hero of Winds]

Fyxe, if you go into Transformers with high expectations, then you're going to be sorely disappointed. Judging it as a film, Transformers is a failure: bad acting (with the odd exception of Shia LaBeouf), mostly bad humor, awful plot, even worse subplots, etc.

But taken purely as nonsensical eyecandy, its enjoyable.

Edited by Hero of Winds, 25 July 2007 - 11:27 AM.

[Fyxe]

But taken purely as nonsensical eyecandy, its enjoyable.

That's fine. I have no problem with that if people simply admit that's what it is. But when people say it's the BEST FILM EVAR (and there's been a few) I have to be more than a little sceptical, as I'm sure most people would understand.

[Green Goblin]

honestly, who the hell watches transformers for plot??? You watch Transformers for Giant robots wailing on each other. Even in the old series, that's how it was. Look at the old moviie. The Junkions repair ultra magnus then they all start dancing to a Wierd Al Yanchovich song. How the hell does that make sense? It doesn't.


obviously, you're suppose to go to this movie to see giant robots wailing on one another. The end.

The only exception, IMO would be Beast Wars. That show always had a superior plot.

[Fyxe]

Considering the robots apparently don't even start to show up until nearly an hour in (or something, it's awhile anyway) then I would consider the plot to be fairly vital to keeping you awake until Michael Bay decides to actually let the robots fight.

[Green Goblin]

the first decepticons are shown within the first 5 minutes of the film, actually

[Chikara Nadir]

Mhmm...quite a bit about the Decepticons and their plans are revealed right away in the movie, and Bumblebee also appears pretty quickly in the movie. If anything, seeing all these powerful evil 'bots before you're fully introduced to any good ones is meant to show you the full scale of how scary and dangerous they're meant to be, and how futile the idea is of humans fighting them alone. Sure, they could have had Optimus Prime introduce himself to Shia right off the bat, but would it have made sense? No, it would have resulted in a far shorter, much-less-action-packed, and terribly more corny plotline.


(Also, Beast Wars ftw. :3)

[Hero of Winds]

honestly, who the hell watches transformers for plot???

Normally I would agree, but Bay obviously takes the plot seriously. The movie is 150 minutes long and I'd be willing to bet that 90 of those minutes were spent on the human side of the movie (which was almost entirely pointless and even detrimental to the film).

And yes, Beast Wars ftw.

[Splash]

A Beast Wars movie would be amazing. <3 That's the series I watched as a kid; I never really got into Transformers.

[DarkJuno]

What I said is that it's the best movie I've seen this year - the only other movies I've seen in theatres this year are TMNT, Pirates 3, Spider-man 3, Pathfinder and Blades of Glory. While I liked all of them in their own weird way - the last one I was dragged to - I enjoyed Transformers a great deal more then any of those others, and I've never once downplayed the fact that the reason for that it's because I'm such a huge TransFan in the first place anyway.

It did what it had to do to be called Transformers better then any other show in recent memory, and as such, it's good.

And while sentimentally G1 will always be my favorite, Beast Wars will always, always be the better show. Beast Machines......not so much, though at least they tried harder there then with RiD or the Amrada/Energon/Cybertron trilogy.

Even if Cybertron was oddly entertaining, though only to fans.

Edited by DarkJuno, 26 July 2007 - 11:23 AM.

[Green Goblin]

as for best movies I've seen this year, Transformers is still up there, but it's overshadowed by 300 and Grindhouse.