ROTTEN TOMATOES: Critical Consensus: "Transformers" About As Much As Meets The Eye Comments

Critical Consensus: "Transformers" About As Much As Meets The Eye

by Alex Vo | July 02, 2007

Summary

"Transformers" comes out tomorrow with some major chips on its shoulders. The movie has to please both the hardcore and fair-weather fans, along the nostalgia-impervious moviegoers expecting only summer entertainment. What do the critics, probably among the last on director Michael Bay's list of concerns, have to say? Back to Article

(1-75 of 75 posts) | Reply

Mr. Kong writes:
on Jul 02 2007 06:43 PM

Transfomers is the type of movie whose critics that like it really do and critics that don't reeeeeeeeally don't.

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nogard46 writes:
on Jul 02 2007 07:02 PM

[b]DUH!!![/b]
of course its going to be a CGI super fest!!!

Last time I check the most high tech humanoid robot was made by Honda called the Asimo and it stumbled just walking down some stairs!

The fans have waited over 20 years for movie technology to catch up and be able to do this!

Transform and Roll out!

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Metafact writes:
on Jul 02 2007 07:13 PM

It's now at a rotten 59%.

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DarthWonka writes:
on Jul 02 2007 07:32 PM

Sounds like another "300."

A movie not meant to be anymore than a good time, and is nothing more than a good time. Big, flashy, dumb good time.

I'm a huuuuuuuuuge "300" fan btw.

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Exode writes:
on Jul 02 2007 08:03 PM

59% isn't bad at all, if you were to ask what others thought the meter's percentage would be around a year and a half ago back when only a few bits of concept art were released here and there it would have been significantly lower.

So far it seems to have exceeded the common expectations which surrounded it. Though I'll save my final opinion until I've seen the film, if all goes well I think I might actually look forward to new Michael Bay projects given that they present similar circumstances to Transformers.

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Now it's dark writes:
on Jul 02 2007 08:10 PM

Ah, well. Another dissapointment. I'd like to see Rescue Dawn become a sleeper hit for Herzog.

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Silverevilchao writes:
on Jul 02 2007 08:24 PM

Any idiot critic who thinks that a movie about GIANT FREAKING ROBOTS FROM OUTER SPACE would have a good story and NOT be corny should not officially review this.

I mean, come on. Did ANYBODY think that this movie would be as story-heavy as Spider-Man 3? And Transformers is naturally corny anyways, so...

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brettswiz writes:
on Jul 02 2007 08:35 PM

[b]Just saw it...[/b]
and it is what it is. Mindless action, bad dialouge, but for two hours and 20 minutes i had a lot of fun. I won't ever rate this as one of my favorite action movies, but it was awesome to see the toys that i use to play with come to life.

In other news, Michael Bay has another blockbuster on his hands. But when can he learn to fix his mistakes!!!!! I have been told all my life that when you make a mistake, you fix it. This is easily going to gross over 200 million (if not more), but you think if he could make some the lines less cheesier, the script just a teeeennny bit more believeable, this could be an action movie that could have become a classic and not a movie ill rent one more time. Oh well, thanks again Bay.

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MR_MAJESTIK writes:
on Jul 02 2007 08:55 PM

Im sick and tired of poeple putting this movie down.For what it was aiming for its one of the best of its kind.If you want a f*****g story,plot or drama go rent titanic and be done with it already.

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arendr writes:
on Jul 02 2007 09:18 PM

In reply to this comment (#883324)
Not too interested in Transformers, but I am so there for Rescue Dawn! I'll be the other dude in the theater when everyone but us is at Transformers.

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jeanpaul writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:05 AM

In reply to this comment (#883328)
[b]THAT'S RIGHT.[/b]
And in your stupidity, you'll be ALL ALONE there.

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jeanpaul writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:14 AM

[b]This movie is gonna ROCK!![/b]
"Transformers" is going to ROCK!!

Critics can put thier arrogant heads up thier arrogant asses,
for however long they please.
They could give this movie 10% approval or less, for all I care.

Critics are CRANKY, LOSER, COMPLAINING, MICHEAL BAY-HATING idiots anyway.

So I could really care less about thier opinions when it comes to matters such as TRANSFORMERS.
Like someone above suggested very wisely, they (the cranky critics) can go and rent "BABEL" or "Crash" or whatever THAILANDIC film they're "head over heels" about---
and LET US: PEOPLE WHO LOVE GOOD ENTERTAINMENT CINEMA watch and enjoy (something critics can't do) what Micheal Bay does BEST.

"Transformers" IS what Micheal Bay does best, and that's great enough for me.
TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT!!

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Bigbrother writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:20 AM

I wonder how much of that Tomato-meter is due to Bay-hate? I'm sure there's more than a few critics who bag on movie's just because Bay was involved in it. Plus if you don't like the guy you're more than likely going to go in with a negative attitude.

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curtis writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:29 AM

Transformers is so far the best reviewed big budget action film this summer. cOTC has an 70%. That is high for a movie like Transformers.

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Product_of_You writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:58 AM

I hate the idea that people say a movie about giant robots WOULDN'T be corny and have a dumb story? Why could it not? Great films have been made from more ludircous ideas. Not to mention the main storyline of the cartoons could be turned into something really good, if someone WANTED to.

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CoUcH ToMaToE DoUgIe writes:
on Jul 03 2007 01:00 AM

[b]lets roll to the theaters[/b]
the critics have to realize the fans are hungry to go see an action packed thrill ride and a story is not required to please me. I know people are worried about MR. BAY ways but there is not much more to this beloved characters than good robot v.s. evil robot fighting for some all powerful thing. I know the flames and the lips have annoyed us my transformer brothers but they are still the autobots and decepticons we loved come to greatest stage they have ever been. Its going to be an adventure we will never forget because it and MEGAN "HOTTIE" FOX will leave us in awe forever.

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Sebastion Cole writes:
on Jul 03 2007 01:47 AM

In reply to this comment (#883331)
[b]Exactly[/b]
Critics gave "Live free or die hard"a high rating because of it's action, not its story it's action. Yet when Mr. Bay makes a badass action movie like say Transformers, they hate on it (Not saying anything against Die Hard, I'm sure I'll like it when i see it).Can you get anymore bas than that.

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timov writes:
on Jul 03 2007 06:31 AM

[b]saw it last nite and...[/b]
...i thought it was pretty dang awesome. the voice of optimus prime was perfect. having watched the cartoon as a kid, it was a brilliant move to have him be on board for the production. it was explosions plus explosions and a few more explosions. some bits of humor, 2 freaking hot chicks, and shia did a fine job. i was curious to see how they would make the storyline work and i thought it worked pretty well. my only complaint was the lack of character development of the decepticons. i know that sounds lame, and with a michael bay film i guess char dev is a bit much to ask, but they did a fair job of doing that with the humans and the autobots, but aside from megatron, you're pretty much like 'who are these guys?' minor complaint, however, for a thoroughly enjoyable 2 1/2 hours. time flew by - didnt seem that long at all.

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RainNIU writes:
on Jul 03 2007 07:25 AM

Check the actual reviews. People bashed the movie because they're either women who just won't like that kind of movie or they're wannabe cream-of-the-crop critics that want to make a name for themselves.

I suggest people take their Man-Card to the movie. Wrestle it away from your wives, girlfriends, or bosses, you'll need it to enjoy the movie.

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Jaka Tavers writes:
on Jul 03 2007 07:31 AM

In reply to this comment (#883330)
OMG. Talk about a shameless sore loser. I know schools out, but get a life kid.

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Szin Dragon writes:
on Jul 03 2007 07:39 AM

[b]Needed more Robot Fights[/b]
I enjoyed the movie. However, my main complaint was that I went there to see Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons, and I felt a little short changed. There wasn't enough Autobots VS Decepticon battles. WAY WAY too many Human vs Robots fights for my taste. Hell, during two or more really cool fights, it pans back to the humans. Other than that, it was pretty good.

It just needed more Stan Bush singing!

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GhostU writes:
on Jul 03 2007 08:52 AM

Transformers (like 300) is going to be hugely succcessful for all the reasons that critics hate - loud, brash, chaotic & pointless, HAHAHA. What critics can't stand is that, at times, we all need to be entertained while certain higher functioning centers of the brain are turned off.

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arendr writes:
on Jul 03 2007 09:33 AM

Wow, what's with the Fuck You attitude if someone isn't that interested in Transformers. It's going to make buckets of money, so what do you care if a few people would rather see Rescue Dawn? Rescue Dawn is also an action movie. It's not like it's Babel or anything. Plus, it's likely that it has a better script and acting than Transformers. And it's been delayed for a long time now, so my anticipation has grown considerably.

Some of you people are just a tad bit defensive over Transformers. Are you guys hired by the studio or something?

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brettswiz writes:
on Jul 03 2007 10:06 AM

In reply to this comment (#883341)
I agree totally. It just seems like everyone is backing this transformers movie, even when the tomatometer has been slowly moving downwords.

I saw the movie, and yes it has great action, but it just leave me wanting more from this movie. I guess i can call it a disappointment, but even how incredible and unbelievable the story is, i just can't believe that people would say some of those lines and act the way they did. I went in with an open mind for Bay, and came out thinking the same way i thought of him before, he just isn't that good.

Would i recommend this movie? probably not, but if you were a transformers fan, i would go see it in the theaters since it is a great action movie.

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Circe Prankster writes:
on Jul 03 2007 10:59 AM

In reply to this comment (#883337)
Just FYI, there are some women out there (like me) who actually dig high-concept explosive action movies. I've been looking forward to Transformers for months. Obviously, it would be better if it has a tight story and interesting characters and snappy dialogue (the same way Batman Begins is better than a lot of other comic book movies, because it has all those things AND great action), but I'm fully prepared for the Transformers experience to be nothing more or less than the simple pleasure of watching robot eye-candy.

I'd MUCH rather be watching robots kicking ass than a drippy sappy tear-jerker like "Evening." If you are suprised by this, maybe you've been hanging out with the wrong women.

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BurnInHell writes:
on Jul 03 2007 11:59 AM

I saw the movie last night and I throughly enjoyed the hell out of it! Sure, there are a few things that I could nitpick about, but overall, I was very satisfied by the product that Michael Bay put out. I felt that he was the right person to handle a movie of this scope. As I left the theater, I heard quite a few people raving over the film and talking about how they were going to see it again. Count me in as one of those people.

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renodc writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:06 PM

A 70% from the Cream of the Crop and a overall critics rating of 60% isn't bad for a movie like this. I have an acquaintaince who is a pretensious prick who loves to pan everything short of Shakespeare and he's already told me how bad this movie is and he hasn't even seen it. I would hazard to guess that many of the naysayer critics are the same way. They hated it before they even saw it.

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renodc writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:12 PM

In reply to this comment (#883342)
[b]Left Wanting More?[/b]
I wouldn't necessarily call "leaving wanting more" a bad thing. It's a lot better than the feeling I got in Pirates 2 & 3, which was "is this movie ever going to end!".
Actually from a marketing stand point, they want you to leave wanting more, which in movie land is spelled S-E-Q-U-E-L.

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el jolo writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:14 PM

In reply to this comment (#883330)
man you are right, when this movie comes in dvd is gonna look sweet on my hi-def tv and my speakers are gonna explode for the many times im gonna watch transformers. let the haters watch "shakespeare in love" and "brokeback mountain"

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Obi-Wan Kenobi 10 writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:42 PM

you know personally I am happy the movie got a good rating. Everyone prejudged its rating at like 25% I went a long but said I hope not I was tired of people bashing the trailer and giving it a 1/10. This is fine with me.

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Elixir writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:53 PM

i feaking loved it. does every movie have to be deep and complex?

this is the best action movie of the summer. kills both spidey 3 and potc 3

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alsanali writes:
on Jul 03 2007 12:55 PM

In reply to this comment (#883325)
Never watched Evangelion, did you?

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killermonkey8822 writes:
on Jul 03 2007 01:10 PM

transformers was one of the best movies i have seen all year........ truly amazing..... but it is much better to appreciate if your a fan of the old TV series.

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knowingtoast85 writes:
on Jul 03 2007 01:39 PM

More than ever, I see absolutely no reason for the "Comments" feature on each review, where people who haven't seen the movie (and even a few who have) pop in to chastise whatever critic about whatever bias and point out whatever craptacular movie they gave a good rating in the past, and also throw around some prison-yard insults. Some clearly don't even bother to read the review, instead judging the critic's inferior opinion based on their blurb. It's the most predictable, spiteful, banal area of this website and there are zero redeeming qualities about it. And the "Transformers" page is packed with it, for obvious reasons.

Please, RT, get rid of the "Comments" feature. Even just scrolling down the page and seeing that some critic got, say, 145 comments for not liking Megan Fox's boobs makes me respect humanity less.

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laura_croft4028 writes:
on Jul 03 2007 01:46 PM

[b]Fantastic![/b]
The movie Transformers is fantastic! I use to watch the cartoon when I was a little girl and it brought back so many great memories. The original Transformers had positive values that cartoons and shows use to have rather than the crap we have on TV today. The producer of �Transformers� really captured the original Transformers with the great realistic look along with the authentic movements, transforming, and the personalities of all the characters. The movie brought one of my favorite moments in life back, when you�re a child with an unimaginable imagination, and made it real. Now, how cool is that?

Not everyone will feel the way I do about the movie, especially, if you did not see the original Transformers. However, I do know that everyone can still enjoy the movie for the great action and amazing robots.

In conclusion, all people can enjoy this movie, but those of us who already loved the Transformers as a child, will have a whole different experience. Those people will get to see our childhood Heros come alive.

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pulgasari writes:
on Jul 03 2007 01:49 PM

Well, the tomatometer has risen a bit (61%), so I have more confidence in it than I do in Spiderman 3 (since, like a lot of people here said, a lot of the detracting is probably due to Bay bashing).

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daycare writes:
on Jul 03 2007 03:10 PM

[b]The reviews are pretty good for this kind of movie[/b]
WOW, Transformers reviews are prtty good

Rotten Tomatoes- 62&
Cream of the Crop- 73%
user reviews is 86% with over 330 reviews

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_movie/

Metacritic

63%

User Rating- 8.5 with 92 votes.

http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/transformers

Transformers is doing great with critics and boxoffice.

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SukmyPikachu writes:
on Jul 03 2007 06:07 PM

If this is huge who knows maybe they'll the risk with Evangelion as well. As long Spielberg directs it tho and noone else. I have a friend who was refusing to go watch it with me because he thought that only geeks would go watch it but how things change. Teaches the ass right to act so high and mighty.

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pom_pom288 writes:
on Jul 03 2007 06:23 PM

I think Spielberg's influence in the film definitely helped save it from the rotten territory where all of Bay's masterpieces belong.

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See-Jay writes:
on Jul 03 2007 07:42 PM

This movie did better than I had expected. It's nice to know that some critics can appreciate movies like these for what they are: mindless and silly fun.

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screwhead100 writes:
on Jul 03 2007 07:58 PM

[b]just seen it[/b]
it was what i expected........and i fully enjoyed it...........it brought back memories and gave me some goosebumps here and there...........

overall...........i cant complain.........bring on part 2

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maxxann writes:
on Jul 03 2007 08:04 PM

In reply to this comment (#883327)
YEA! right on.

TRANSFORMERS RULES!

Well, you can't please everybody. But: these critics are just so not in favor of Michael Bay. I mean, they're criticizing the man, not the movie. If you have a problem with Michael Bay, call him and schedule a meeting. In my own opinion, he does a lot a good movies.

and Transformers is the best so far. congrats!

(Reply to this)

tanukizilla writes:
on Jul 03 2007 09:57 PM

I gotta say it was...awesome. Best action movie of '07 so far. Some may bash it but imo it was amazing. I loved the effects, that the romance didn't overtake the story, and, basically, the kick ass-ness of it all. Great movie that I'd recommend in a heartbeat.

(Reply to this)

ironhide21 writes:
on Jul 03 2007 11:26 PM

[b]Biased Tomatometer[/b]
I was reading some of the critic reviews of the movie and a lot of them were basically rated poorly ONLY because it was helmed by Michael Bay, NOT because is was a bad movie. That REALLY pisses me off...this movie was awesome! It deserves a higher tomatometer than what it has now. And yes I'll agree that there was some corny dialogue...but what movie doesn't?

(Reply to this)

ksduded writes:
on Jul 04 2007 01:25 AM

the movie never took itself seriously and that was the main focus. IT delivered what people asked for. Huge Robots fighting each other with countless explosions and debris everywhere.

Every movie does not need to be a thinking man's movie. I absolutely loved it and though I am not a huge transformers fan, but it made me feel 12 again.

And the crowd was cheering so much that it made it even more fun. Go Transformers!!!

(Reply to this)

jeanpaul writes:
on Jul 04 2007 01:41 AM

[b]THE ANALYSIS OF CRITICS FOR A CHANGE.[/b]
Some one in the comments above, noticed that MOST of the critics, who would want us to dislike TRANSFORMERS were women-critics.

It figures:

Since, women-critics would like to drag men only to movies, which show men as despicable, not-too-smart "guilty" parties...

These are the ONLY movies women-critics like to praise, while dancing "hullahoop" on men's guilt and that kind of crap.

Thank GOD for movies like "TRANSFORMERS".
There is HOPE for entertainment cinema yet.

The others can calmly go and watch some other KATE WINSLET flick, where she slaps men around the place.

(Reply to this)

CP0001 writes:
on Jul 04 2007 04:56 AM

[b]over-bugeted B-grade movie[/b]
92% action, 8% plot......

But then what ELSE would you expect from mikey Bay, a person who ALWAYS sacrifices inteligence to mindles action...

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el jolo writes:
on Jul 04 2007 08:03 AM

for me it was a great time. it's been a long time since the whole family got together to go see a movie in the teather. my wife, kid, brother, mom and father enjoy it, and that for me made it special. the last time we did that was probaly for "indiana jones the last crusade" so congrats for michael bay and the whole crew

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selke99 writes:
on Jul 04 2007 08:26 AM

Just saw it last night. Typical Michael Bay film. Actually, the plot is pretty decent for an action film (different factions going for the Allspark). But I agree that their wasn't any development of the decepticons, they just show up (unlike the autobots). The film was strongest when the autobots were interacting with each other and the fights. And that blonde chick was hot! But there should have been more robot vs. robot fights besides the climax rather than humans vs robots, and it doesn't have to be more than 2 hrs long unless you're gonna fill it with more action scenes. That being said, it is just scary how much this movie is going to make! The theater was packed and people were there that had just seen it the night before! And I don't want to give anything away, but did the ending suggest a sequel with a certain decepticon getting away?

(Reply to this)

jacog writes:
on Jul 04 2007 08:43 AM

In reply to this comment (#883365)
Shut up, really.

Look at the Cream of the Crop section of the reviews...

Elizabeth Weitzman - Fresh
Lisa Rose - Fresh
Carrie Rickey - Fresh
Claudia Puig - Fresh

In fact... there are two Rotten ones in that section's first page, and both are by men.

Clicked a few pages down, found two more women...

Amy Biancolli - Fresh
Manohla Dargis - Rotten (oooh, one point for you)

Point made, moving right along...

(Reply to this)

SticksandStones writes:
on Jul 04 2007 08:45 AM

I agree, 59% isn't that bad. Despite the horrible acting, I managed to enjoy FF4 2 a little, and that's a freaking 30% or so (Haven't checked)

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Sputnik99 writes:
on Jul 04 2007 11:56 AM

In reply to this comment (#883366)
[b]SEE?[/b]
Another dumb-ass liberal Bay-hater!

Why don't you get off your weed and relax a little bit, then go back and enjoy the movie for what it was: A lot of fun, with a lot of little jokes and promos (like Mountain Dew) that were really no different than any other summer blockbuster!

If you morons would stop the instant Bay-bashing, maybe you could use some logical analysis and see that Transformers is really no different than so many other popcorn flicks out there. You jerks just see another chance to insult Michael Bay, so you toss logic out the window...with your brains.

I pity you.

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Pilgermann writes:
on Jul 04 2007 01:46 PM

[b]ARGH[/b]
Why the hell does anyone like TRANSFORMERS?! It's an atrocious movie. The humor is brainless and unfunny, the action IS BORING and poorly staged, and the focus on the generic human characters is annoying. This is fine proof that the general public are morons who'll enjoy anything that sucks.

I was looking forward to this movie. I never watched the TV series, but I've always got a kick out of the '86 animated film. The scene where Hot Rod is fishing with Daniel is less retarded than anything in this new movie.

I remember reading how Michael Clarke Duncan dropped out of working on this movie in the early stages because he didn't like the direction that Bay was taking it. Good for him.

I don't see how fanboys could like this 'cause it practically ignores the cast of robots, and I don't see how any human being with any sense could enjoy this 'cause it's poorly made, poorly acted, too long, and the music sucks.

There's nothing like a good summer action movie, but this was not one of them. Everyone says, "turn off your brain and relax," but how can I when there's basically zero fun to be had?

(Reply to this)

doctorrock writes:
on Jul 04 2007 02:04 PM

[b]Sorry , no...[/b]
I'm sorry, I don't know why but this fell short for me. I had the Gen 1 toys as a kid and watched the cartoon, even bought the Transformers the cartoon movie a few months ago to get pumped up for this but it just felt lame, try hardish, and way too uncool to bother getting crazy about.

(Reply to this)

daycare writes:
on Jul 04 2007 02:29 PM

Transformers is on the top 250 at IMDB. #223. Looks like everyone is loving trasformers.

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on Jul 04 2007 03:26 PM

In reply to this comment (#893769)
Come now, while some of your points are probably valid, I have a tough time believing the action sequences were boring and poorly staged. Say what you will about Bay, but the man knows how to stage an action sequence. Say it ain't so.

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tyler8186 writes:
on Jul 04 2007 03:58 PM

[b]stop with the nerdgasms[/b]
the movie was amazing in parts, and laughable in other parts
I really disliked the films desperate attempts for laughs
"we're you masterbating?" (oh ha-ha, what is this, american pie?)
"this is like 100 times better than armageddon" (drawing attention to the filmaker)
too much blatant commercial adds, i felt like singing "Like a rock" when you saw the autobots drive down the windy roads to save the day
a mountain dew robot? Extremely Hilarious! (sarcasm)
And did Bay just take his "The Island" soundtrack and place it over Transformers?
what the heck was up with that???

but Bay does, what bay does best
action scenes, and the transformers in action was the best action i've seen in a while

you kids just need to lay off the reply button posting things like "TRANSFORMAZ RULE, IF YO DONT THINK SO, YO GAYZORS!"

(Reply to this)

tyler8186 writes:
on Jul 04 2007 03:59 PM

*were
not we're
sorry grammer police

(Reply to this)

synergyred writes:
on Jul 04 2007 06:35 PM

Apparently, I'm very much in the minority here but I was very underwhelmed by the movie. I enjoy a good action movie as much as the next person (I really LOVED 300) but Transformers really didn't mesh with me very well. Perhaps it's because I heard all of these wonderful reviews and just got a movie that felt very mediocre to me.

Maybe I'd enjoy it more if we got to see more of the Transformers, and not just the people who they affect.

(Reply to this)

Morrismiths writes:
on Jul 04 2007 09:11 PM

Transformers the Move ( cartoon version ) back in the late 80's had better plot than this. Michael Bay streak of bad movies continues.

(Reply to this)

kfarschman writes:
on Jul 04 2007 11:18 PM

In reply to this comment (#883365)
JeanPaul is worthless.

I went into this movie wanting to love it, but couldn't. Yes it was entertaining enough, but more in a mst3000 way. It is full to the brim with horrible cheesy comedy and unfunny goofiness followed by scenes of hard to swallow melodrama between cliche characters with overly dramatic music. The only cool thing is when the robots transformed, and some of the action scenes like when Blackout destroys that base in Qatar. Most of these "great action scenes" people keep praising are impossible to see what is happening. It's just loud noises and chaos and that gets annoying quickly. It's just like the action and cgi might not be that good so they hide it with extreme closeups and shaky cameras. Most of the time you can't tell which robot is which because of these tactics. The action is much more enjoyable when you can actually see what's going on and who is who, but that is only a small amount of the time which is really too bad.

People don't hate Bay just to hate Bay. I was thinking that this movie would be perfect for him and I do like the Rock. But Bay is usually really bad, self-indulgent, childish, and inept. He'll seem on for a military montage and seem really good, but then he just ruins everything with his insanity. "Let me shove inane comedy in every aspect and have 10 shots into the sun of people getting into helicopters in slow motion.". No Bay, how bout you don't.

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kfarschman writes:
on Jul 04 2007 11:32 PM

I've asked everyone I know this question and everyone has no idea.

Why do they go into the city with the cube!!????

Just to endanger innocent people and cause crazy amounts of collateral damage? Seriously they are just at the Hoover dam and the one Army Ranger goes, "he lets take the cube into the city". Noone questions this and they procede to destroy the city for no reason.

I understand the scene wouldn't be that cool just in the desert (well maybe then you could see what is happening), but they could have aleast had a reason for being in the city.

Also, they killed the "black" autobot. I'm mean really!!?? They had to kill the only "black" robot? It wasn't cheesy enough so they had to borrow cheesy horror movie techniques.

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blank blank writes:
on Jul 05 2007 07:44 AM

kfarschman, i agree with you completely. i actually logically went through the movie in my head after it was over, and decided to just not think about it because it would be way too funny.

i saw this on tuesday with some buddies, and when the movie ended im like "at least bay stuck to the time old fashion of killing the token black guy" my friend goes "what you talking about, tyrese lives!" so i said:" not tyrese, jazz you idiot"

what pisses me off the most is how shamelessly bay borrowed from his other movies. the scene where shia and fox are hooking up on bumblebee is straight out of armageddon. the obvious reference to armageddon "this is so much cooler than armageddon!" line is forced and cheesy. i think he recycled the soundtrack from the rock because it sounded exactly the same.

plus, the big showdown between megatron and prime took place almost completely off camera. what the hell? there were alot of blow ups and explosions and stuff, but i dont think there was anything memorable about the "fights" at all. the dialogue in the movie was atrocious, even for an action movie. and no character in the movie other than shia said more than five lines combined. the deceptacons just show up and dont say anything.

ive said this from the first time we saw optimus prime, the robots look way too busy and other than prime, bumblebee, or the rollerblading one, there was no way to tell the difference between them, especially when they are kicking the crap out of each other. the next movie has to have color coded transformers, because thats the only way to tell them apart.

i do feel bad for the mountain dew transformer though. it can only transform into a moutain dew machine, not even a jet or a car or anything cool like that.

john turturro was the best thing about that entire movie. nobody f***s with the jesus.

(Reply to this)

Gimy writes:
on Jul 05 2007 08:38 AM

you nerds are complaining about why they went into the city with...the box? i'm sure you're the same guys who spent months DEMANDING to know...why NOW... greedo shoots first...

its a FRIKKIN ACTION MOVIE!! the buildings provided cover?? they didn't want to...GEE i don't know, get SNATCHED up by the bot that turned into a jet?? they were uh...you know...UNDER ATTACK. what would you have them do, STAY there and fight needlessly? General Custer called...he wants his fighting techniques back. the box had the potential to ruin mankind, but...they're not supposed to take EVERY evasive action to secure that it doesn't get into the wrong hands?? wow, you guys are nerds...that AREN'T smart, hmm. just enjoy the movie and stop overanalyzing it because you hate Bay. i now feel nerdier for having to explain the concept of sacrifice...jeeeesus christ.

i don't get it, why do so many of you guys waste your money buying a ticket when you HATE the guy so much that you refuse to like the movie??

(Reply to this)

art2noise writes:
on Jul 05 2007 09:11 AM

This is the best thing that can happen. All those whiny critics who bash the movie but yet all those fans who praise it is truly to not disappoint. I always love this scenario where you go into the movie not expecting the best but you walk out thinking you hit Gold! Everyone's opinion is always going to be different. People have different expectations and not everyone can agree 100%.

I truly can not wait to see this movie (being a child of the 80's). I hope Robotech will be the next to come after seeing Transformers as a movie blockbuster.

(Reply to this)

Morrismiths writes:
on Jul 05 2007 09:36 AM

Transformers was just disappointing. Michael Bay directed it, i guess it makes perfect sense. I grew up a transformers fan and the last time I checked, Megatron can transform into a gun, which he does evertime during battle, I did not see that happening in the movie.

(Reply to this)

Pilgermann writes:
on Jul 05 2007 11:20 AM

If Megatron had turned into a gun then it would have been even more idiotic. The jet design was just fine.

(Reply to this)

Now it's dark writes:
on Jul 05 2007 12:20 PM

Megatron doesn't turn into a gun?! Fuck it I'll go see Die Hard instead today.

(Reply to this)

better_tomorrow writes:
on Jul 05 2007 12:23 PM

I agree with some of the comment here. Given the nature of the cartoon the movie was bound to be lack major character development and an epic story.

But the biggest problem with this film is the small or minor issuances. Granted there were bound to be numerous changes in the cartoon to film translation, regardless some of these change were just unacceptable.

1.) Not one single - "Autobots transform and Roll Out" there was an "Autobots, Roll Out," but it just wasn't the same.

2.) Prime's character was pathetically weaker than Megatron, this is just unacceptable. Prime is the all powerful Autobot leader, all the Autobots may be wussy pieces of $#!!, but once Prime is involved - we (the audience) always knew the Decepticons were going to get what was coming to them. Hence Prime is "the man," the buck stops with him, he is the Goku of Dragonball Z, the Duke of GIJoe, and so forth. (Before you are argue against this, go back and watch the 80s series including Transformers the Movie.) Therefore it can easily and justly be said that in Transformers canon, Optimus wouldn't have needed some stupid teenager to save the day. Optimus would have taken that wanna be energon cube and shoved it right up Megatron's @$$.

3.) The issuance of the military and Autobots fighting in the city would have never been allowed by the real US military and the original Optimus. - This is mildly annoying to true fans because Michael bay preached of realism in this file and that's why he gave the Autobots such $h!t%y designs; only suddenly to being fictitious idiocy of unrealism into the film.

4.)The list goes on, the flames and lips on Optimus. The changes to the arrival on Earth, the lack of an Ark, Megatron's hideous form, and so forth; such changes don't equal the general movie adaption changes, they equal a whole new concept on Transformers. Thus this isn't Transformers G1, this just Transformers: Giant Robot Fighting Movie or as some call it - TINO - Transformers (G1) in name only.

To real fans of the Transformers, Michael Bay's adaptation is horrendous - where as to the millions of mindless drones who crave their daily fixing of violence - the movie is/was awesome.

(Reply to this)

kfarschman writes:
on Jul 05 2007 05:29 PM

In reply to this comment (#893780)
Gimy, if you don't see the problem with Greedo shooting first then I can't help you.

Fighting in the city does not make sense unless it was the military's and the autobots intent to injure and kill innocent people and destroy tons of civilian buildings and streets. Also the way Megatron was beat was by the Air Force crippling him so Sam could put the cube in his chest, so it would make more sense to lure the decepticons into the open to fire on them easier with their high-heat missles. The planes had to maneuver and fire missiles in between buildings and whatnot to get to him. Also if it was their plan to get Sam and the cube into a friendly aircraft than going into a metropolitan area for the helicopters or planes to get to him is completely illogical.

I'm not saying that the street fighting wasn't cool (as cool as it could be when you could see what was going on), it's just stupid that they couldn't find a reason for everyone to be in the city other than, "let's just have them go into the city for some reason so the action is cooler.". How exactly is going into the city more evasive then hiding or going into the desert or somewhere where there isn't condensed innocent humanity? Maybe going into the city would work to dissuade the decepticons from attacking if they cared about human life but obviously they don't so that's not going to stop them.

How did you explain the concept of sacrifice anywhere in your comment? You mean sacrificing logic, and expectations of quality when watching Transformers?

(Reply to this)

Detective Cody writes:
on Jul 06 2007 06:13 AM

[b]MY useless OPINION[/b]
Mechs battling...I came in expecting an average summer movie letdown, but...I don't know, maybe it was my nerdiness but I totally loved the movie. Giant robots on screen just seem to get me in a way Spider-Man can't. Ah well, maybe there are plotholes, corny dialogue, and crappy camera angles, and the film COULD have been better, it just doesn't matter to me. I even found the comedy to be acceptable and quite funny at times (unlike a host of other recent films). Hm, I really thought I'd hate this movie. Especially the way a lot of people on this site have been bashing it. Anywho, I haven't enjoyed a movie like this in like...ever. Not to this extreme-ocity. Not many things amaze me, but giant robots (that look quite real) in action seem to be one of the things that do...amaze me. But to tell you truth I didn't grow up watching Transformers...well, I've seen the terrible more recent series...and they suck. I feel lame. I'm supposed to be a nerd not a mindless kid who likes generic popular summer flicks.

Destroy me, but not a lot of movies have done what Transformers has done. And that's putting something on screen that's just so awesome! I mean...MECHA! COME ON! Transformers probably could have been done better, but this is a film I think needs to be seen, especially in a theater, because you just don't get much like this...it's either just pirates or orgres...me and my friends can dress up like pirates and even ride a boat! We could even hang out in a swamp with an old ugly guy painted green...but giant robots are something we cannot imitate. What I'm saying is most big name summer flicks bore me...but this I can say...did not.

Anywho, that's my confused opinion...sorry if you read it.

(Reply to this)

kfarschman writes:
on Jul 06 2007 07:04 PM

In reply to this comment (#893787)
Cody, actually your opinion isn't useless at all. You don't have to apologize for liking it. I think I'd like it more if I was expecting to be let down. Some reason I thought that Speilberg may have helped Bay shed some of his bad filmmaking techniques and was really thinking this movie was going to be great.

I agree with you though, it is entertaining. It's just not that great of a movie, which I think it could have been, and that makes me mad. I also think that the strong point of the movie was the big robots fighting, but they didn't utilize that enough because alot of the time the fighting scenes were confusing chaos and nonsense because of bad angles, shaky cameras, illogical editing and just dumb blocking.

(Reply to this)

Detective Cody writes:
on Jul 07 2007 02:08 AM

In reply to this comment (#910314)
Yeah, I suppose the fact that I thought it would be terrible helped a lot. I do agree that the fighting scenes could have been shot a lot better, but ah well, it still impressed me much more than most movies. I'll try to stop apologizing.

(Reply to this)

LAZARUS007 writes:
on Jul 07 2007 02:32 PM

[b]BEST FIVE MOVIES IN 2007 IN MY LIST, BUT THE ACTIO[/b]
half the time i tried to figure out who was fighting who, or if that was a punch or kick Optimus prime just threw. Overall , The movie kicked buttocks!!!!

(Reply to this)

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