Escape to the Movies: Transformers: Dark of the Moon

[commasplice]

Snip.

I really, truly hope that you're not actually a dude, because that would imply that you find it easy to relate to Shia LaBeouf, which is just kind of depressing.

Ugh, comic book nerds never enjoy anything based on their stuff, unless it's the most pandering stuff (X-men First Class). My God, they did Green Lantern differently than in a different visual medium! And differently than I would have!

And they highlighted different characters than I would have! And they didn't have Tom Bombadil!

My God! They made Transformers an action movie where robots fight each other and cool stuff happens! You know, like when you played with the ridiculously popular action figures when you were a kid.

Oh, you're mad that they didn't capture the drama and nuance of the cartoon series from the '80s? Maybe you should have skipped the popcorn and bought some realistic fucking expectations instead.

It was funny. It had action. It had a giant Transformer worm that tunneled through buildings.

For fuck's sake, watch Transformers 3 then watch any of the animated movies and tell me which entertained you more.

Protip: don't let irrational personal hatred of the people involved in the production detract from your enjoyment of the actual product.

Except . . . at least in the cases of Bob's reviews, it's not so much about the movies not living up to the source material. It's about them being stunningly mediocre in their own right. Go read his "fanboy free breakdown" of The Green Lantern. It explains various critical flaws of the movie that have nothing to do with the fact that it wasn't a direct comic-to-movie translation.

I'm really tired of this notion that the only reasons that someone might think these movies are terrible is because they were a fan of the original material or because it's not high-brow enough for them. It's not a matter of how different the movies are or how smart the reviewer is trying to sound. It's a matter of the inferior quality of something that was quite literally given a template to work from. It's one thing when you create a steaming turd from your own imagination. That's understandable. It happens. It's another thing when you make that steaming turd after having decades' worth of ideas to work with.

 

[Disthron]

You know, I still wonder what people expect from a franchise that was made to sell toys and is about alien robot cars from outer space. I mean the show didn't really make a hole lot of seance to begin with. I don't think any of the movies are as bad as the consensis seems to indicate.

Also, if these movies are making lots of money, then lot's of people are going to see them. Maybe you should take a few minutes and think about why that is, maybe even do some reserch, rather than just dismissing it out of hand or saying that "everyone is a retard".

 

[Condor219]

*super snip*

I suppose this is a case where suspension of disbelief went a bit too far, though when the source material is giant talking robots that's kind of hard to do. Anyway, the action was...well...action-ey, and the CG was amazing, so out of an action movie I can't be too dissatisfied.

I still don't know why they kept referring to the "Dark Side of the Moon". Is Vader there or something? Doesn't the moon rotate and orbit around the Earth, that rotates and orbits around the Sun (that orbits and rotates around the center of the universe)? How can there be a "dark side"?

Also, I swear I heard a battle theme at the end that was almost a direct copy from the Inception trailer music (down to the percussion and violins). Given, that is a pretty epic theme, so no complaints there.

 

[Mangue Surfer]

Complain about Bob find stupid those who like this kind of movie is a waste of time. This kind of sentiment is typical of the geek/indie Bob?s generation.

There's a movie, I'm not remembering the name, in which a nerdy character, minutes before being raped, asks to the rapist what is your most preferred movie. The criticism is a bit heavy but nonetheless accurate. More than your actions, you?re what you like.

Vin Dissel seems a nice guy because he likes RPGs and video games. So what? He's also been involved in a lot of crap movies.

 

[Jetsetneo]

*QUANTUM SNIP!*

1-upsmanship yay!
For the Cybertron thing It bothered me too for a moment, but then I was just like 'im sure that portal has something to do with it' and left it there. Then I was like HOLY CRAP SKYSCRAPER BEING RIPPED IN HALF BY A METAL WORM BOT.
Agreed on the Dark Side thing. Moreover, I don't recall any Pink Floyd being played. Shame considering the rest of the budget for the movie you'd think they'd have thrown it in there.

Did we just come to an otherwise peaceful conclusion? D:

 

[0megaZer0]

oh. So it's actually going to be pretty good then... Thanks Bob! ^_^

 

[Jetsetneo]

So I'm just gonna say my piece/peace and then be done with this thread.

I enjoyed Transformers: Dark of the Moon. I have seen almost every other major theatrical release this year and then some. I enjoyed Thor even though I felt it wasn't as strong as Iron Man or Iron Man 2. I didn't like the Hangover 2, and not for the same reasons Bob hated it, in fact I didn't have a problem with what Bob did at all (bless his bleeding heart). X-Men Origins was Good, at first I said that begrudgingly so, but now I think I can just say it with no strings attached. Super 8 was a fun movie, better than TF3, definitely. Green Lantern was the deepest disappointment I have felt all year. It was not good, passable at best, a rental for sure, but not quality outside of a few CGI shots. TF3 was good. It entertained me. I didn't lower my standards. I still enjoy good Movies, I've seen movies Bob has recommended that I normally wouldn't see otherwise. Some that he has I haven't. I think Bob is reading too much into this movie, and at the same time to reading enough. Rumsfeldian hard-on? Really Bob? Its no secret you're no fan of the 'right' but, one thing that Optimus Prime ALWAYS DOES in EVERY INCARNATION is 'DON'T SURRENDER TO THE DECEPICONS' hes no different in THIS INCARNATION. This is full-on hypocritical. What did you expect him to go 'Hey guys maybe we should have a sit down with Megatron and talk this out.'? In every movie where there is martial conflict does this ever REALLY happen and if it does does it EVER really go well? You want the character to be a little more like the G1 version? Well this one is pretty good without being out-in-out cheesy. Its nitpicking! Because it isn't WHAT you want? This movie is by FAR not perfect. I agree, gawd am I tired of Shia Lebeofs antics. I know Michael Bay loves him some military support, but in this one it was much more subdued than in the previous incarnations. Yeah, for the 3rd time, even after a 1 hour action extravaganza I still felt there wasn't enough Giant robots fighting. The Designs are unique, they CGI keeps up this time, It all animates well, the fighting is adrenaline pumping. Thats the thing about Action movies, thats their schtick at some point, all the characterization doesn't matter because something, somewhere is gonna blow up. I spent my 5 bucks (hehe student pricing!) and enjoyed myself. It wasn't a waste of my time, I can still go home, do some studying to better myself, watch some other well made stuff too. Good and Bad aren't Exclusive, you can HAVE BOTH, and hell this is simply MEDIOCRE. All it means is when you find THE GOOD, you'll appreciate it MORE. Not everything CAN be Good either, its just the way things work. No its not perfect, but damn did I enjoy it. Do I want to see it again? Probably not, then again I don't want to see X-Men:FC again either.

 

[theultimateend]

I like Transformers. AND YES. EVEN THE BAYSPLOSIONS. And I like Shia, too.

WHY SHOULD I NOT VOTE AND DRIVE BOB?

I think the caps lock seals the deal.

You know, I still wonder what people expect from a franchise that was made to sell toys and is about alien robot cars from outer space. I mean the show didn't really make a hole lot of seance to begin with. I don't think any of the movies are as bad as the consensis seems to indicate.

Also, if these movies are making lots of money, then lot's of people are going to see them. Maybe you should take a few minutes and think about why that is, maybe even do some reserch, rather than just dismissing it out of hand or saying that "everyone is a retard".

The pokemon series is arguably made for selling toys, but their show is (more often than not) very good for a kids show. The games manage to keep feeling fresh and having plenty of new content (remakes aside they've always had a fully new designed region), their card game is actually pretty fun if a little below my age bracket, etc.

Just because something is marketed as toys doesn't mean it can't be presented well.

I thought GI Joe was pretty campy but the film overall was very good given the content it was working with.

 

[Sniper Team 4]

Wow. Page 10 huh? What are the odds anyone will actually read this?

Anyway, I just got back from seeing this movie. Some serious plot holes in this one, but then again which one didn't have those? Still, fun to watch stuff blow up. Two major problems for me (along with countless small ones) and they are as follows:

Anyone who says Megan Fox's character sucked, clearly has not seen this new girl. Wow...just wow. She literally does nothing but complain and then get kidnapped. What does she try to escape when she's kidnapped? No. Does she at least talk smack when she's kidnapped? No. She sits there, like all those video game princesses that everyone always complains about, and waits for someone to come save her. At least Fox hops in a tow truck and joins the fight.

Second, WHERE WERE THE TRIPLETS?! Damn it, I wanted to see the only three INTERESTING Autobots on the screen for more than one minute like the last movie. Instead, they're replaced by 3 more Autobots that we've never heard of, nor were they even referenced, before now. Grr...

 

[Condor219]

*Transnippers: Dark of the Snip*

I came into the thread thinking "WHOA MY GOD I HAVE SO MANY PLOT ERRORS TO POINT OUT" and then I realized "Wait, this is a Michael Bay action movie about giant fighting talking robots. Was there supposed to be a plot?". I think listening to Miracle of Sound's "Sweet LA" probably helped with that process too.

And they should have played Pink Floyd music at some point without actually going out and saying it. That would have been awesome for the people who caught it, plus, Pink Floyd music will improve anything.

And why do the bad guys always get the awesome powerful weapons? Is being good and powerful some side of hero cardinal sin? Well I suppose the evil people are stuck inevitably with horrible tactical sense, because apparently checking to make sure your only opposing force was actually on the ship you blew up was too much work. Isn't it obvious when 8 200-ton robots are/aren't on anything?

 

[Madara XIII]

Snip.

I really, truly hope that you're not actually a dude, because that would imply that you find it easy to relate to Shia LaBeouf, which is just kind of depressing.

No I personally don't find Shia LeBeouf relatable, but as to what I was comparing it to (Sucker Punch) then yes he's more relatable than the characters of that movie. I honestly didn't like the human interaction all that much, but found it necessary at times, where as the characters of Sucker Punch.....yeeeeeeeah personalities so damn devoid of any character that if you were to watch it in 3-D they'd be the only thing left as 2 dimensional.

And once again I leave it to Noob Saibot to laugh at all the Megan Fox Fanboys.

While I gave a harsh review (6/10) right here

Spoiler: Transformers Dark of the Moon Personal Review

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/for...ark-of-the-Moon-Personal-Review-Spoiler-Alert

I was no where near as fucking condescending as Bob was in his elitist attitude acting as if anyone who dared enjoy this movie was nothing short of a Douchbag or retarded.

 

[ForensicYOYO]

Bob I respect the hell out of you and watch your reviews every week. If I thought it was necessary I would post good job Bob every week. But heres the thing, as a guy who works at BlockBuster I am in a bit of the same boat as you. I watch movie after movie so that I can give my opinion so when people ask me if said movie is good I can give them a valid answer, generally yes or no and why. And I feel you do that very well its just I noticed lately (and I could be wrong) you just flat out need a break from movies so you can start watching with more excitement and enjoyment. I know Ive needed to. Your a great guy from what I can tell and I wish you luck. Keep rocking bro. =)

 

[Instinct Blues]

snip

If you are really going to make the claim that all the toys and entertainment ever made are nothing more or less than the physical manifestation of corporate greed, the distillation and packaging of evil, worthless glitz pushed on us by soulless money-sucking megabusinesses out to pry lunch money from the fingers of little children, then I would like to take this opportunity to call you on your hypocrisy. Can you honestly say you have never felt the magic that comes from playing with a cool toy? Can you honestly say to me you have never purchased a single game console, fancy cell phone, pair of brand-name sneakers, or hideously overpriced cup of gourmet coffee? Can you honestly say you have never seen a toy or piece of entertainment you wanted for yourself, whether advertised or not?

I very much doubt you can.

I never made that statement so I'd love for you to not put such bold words in my mouth. I said it about the whole Transformers franchise because the show was basically just for selling the toys to little kids. The toys came before the show and Hasboro only wanted a show because they wanted to push these toys and with the story of the show being giant robots fighting and transforming into trucks and whatnot it did that job well.

To say that every single toy and piece of entertainment ever made is nothing more than the physical manifestation of corporate greed is just ridiculous and I never said that. Its just obvious which ones are clearly desperate attempts of relieving people of their troublesome money. I'm not against toys or anything, but I think its better for kids to actually use their own creativity and create their own games. Of course I did my fair share of playing with toys as a kid, but the most fun that I ever had was picking up a stick and pretending to go on an adventure with my friends. The thing is that I never really enjoyed playing with toys as much as I enjoyed going outside and creating these fantasy worlds with my friends.

And those questions you claim to point out my hypocrisy with are moot because of course I've bought a game console because its legitimate form of entertainment and there are numerous things that are good about game consoles as long as you are aware of the game developers who are just repackaging the same game again and again. As for the cell phone its a necessity in the world that we live in today though I prefer face to face interaction with people and hand written sentiments if I didn't have one though I'd be pretty much left behind. Its just an easier and more immediate way of contacting friends especially those who live a far away. Shoes are a basic need I've never bought a pair of shoes for any other reason than "oh I need new shoes". I don't drink coffee so I can tell you I have never bought a hideously over-priced cup of gourmet coffee because I just think they are ridiculous, but if people want to spend their money on it I'm not gonna stop them. And of course I've seen advertisements that have made me want a product, but I always research the product before I go out and buy it because to not do so is just stupid.

In the age of the internet no one is just left at the mercy of what the advertisements say and we don't have to wait for a friend to buy a shitty game before we find out that its a shitty game.

TLR I never said that all coporations are money sucking greed machines intent on getting all your money. Buying a book for your kid or making them go outside will do them worlds better than buying them a hunk of plastic.

P.S. I don't hate Transformers I like the movie franchise and I've never seen the cartoon or owned a Transformer action figure. I enjoy the movie franchise because I know what I'm going to see and that is a Michael Bay explosion extravaganza. I'm not sure if there was some miscommunication in which you thought I hated the Transformers. I was just saying that the show was an attmept to make more money on toys I don't know why you'd expect more from the movie. I'm glad they did something different instead of just making a movie full of fan service and obscure references to a cartoon that a majority of the audience hasn't seen or even cares about for that matter because they're just there for an all out robot throwdown.

 

[Madara XIII]

Megatron Died Like a *****?!?! Ha! He got Sub-Zero'd (Head ripped off with his spine in), but at least he died by another robot.

F*CKING STARSCREAM DIED LIKE A SUPER *****!!...killed by Sam

I was referring to the fact that he did practically nothing the entire movie, then when Sam's new squeeze came to remind the Decepticon leader just who he was, all of a sudden he leaps into action?

Only to be taken down with ease by Optimus? Who at this point had lost one of his arms?

I just thought that was rather weak. Like, pitiful for the status Megatron carried.

Good point. I was indeed dishearted watching Megatron die like that. You make a valid point in which Megatron had so much potential throughout that movie.

 

[Ross Fixxed]

I like the nerd rage. I didn't really like the film. I do NOT appreciate Bob's increasingly patronizing comments about fans of Michael Bay and his films though. I'm not even a big fan myself at all but his tone really grates. He apologized for this crap before.

 

[Johnny Impact]

I said it about the whole Transformers franchise because the show was basically just for selling the toys to little kids.....Its just obvious which ones are clearly desperate attempts of relieving people of their troublesome money............

The ones you personally are not interested in, right?

And those questions you claim to point out my hypocrisy with are moot because of course I've bought a game console because its legitimate form of entertainment

Who made you the final arbiter of what is legitimate and what is not? Game companies -- indeed, all companies -- exist for profit. To say a cartoon is worthless because it's designed to sell toys, but a game console has value because it's designed to sell games instead? What do you think a video game is but a specific kind of toy?

As for the cell phone its a necessity in the world that we live in today

I don't have one. The word you're looking for here is convenience or gadget. It is not a necessity, especially not if it does 87 things other than let you talk. Phones are as much status symbols as they are tools. We are encouraged to waste our money on features we don't need.

Buying a book for your kid or making them go outside will do them worlds better than buying them a hunk of plastic.

Maybe so, but sometimes they just want that hunk of plastic. Every so often it's okay to let them have what they want.

P.S. I don't hate Transformers......I'm not sure if there was some miscommunication in which you thought I hated the Transformers.

This is what I meant by hypocrisy. Your repeated crapping on the toys, the show, and everything to do with Transformers history, coupled with your "to hell with respecting the material, keep that stuff out of my movie" comments regarding the live-action flicks, reveals that you do hate it. Which is perfectly okay. Just stand by your opinion.

I enjoy the movie franchise because I know what I'm going to see and that is a Michael Bay explosion extravaganza. I was just saying that the show was an attmept to make more money on toys I don't know why you'd expect more from the movie.

I didn't expect more. I hoped for more. I think it's okay for my hopes to exceed my expectations. I also think it's okay to be disappointed when something dashes my hopes to pieces by exactly meeting my very low expectations.

I'm glad they did something different instead of just making a movie full of fan service and obscure references to a cartoon that a majority of the audience hasn't seen or even cares about for that matter because they're just there for an all out robot throwdown.

"Something different" would be the thing I bolded. Transformers has history. That history ought to be respected and to hell with people who don't get the references. If all you want is a robot throwdown:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102800/
http://www.robotech.com/
http://www.gundamofficial.com/index2.html
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129167/
You get the idea.

 

[Helios_(DEL)]

but the real question is, is this as good as transformers: the movie?

and is transformers ruined FOREVER?

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ruined_FOREVER

Id say no(to transformers being ruined forever) because hollywood every now and again does get it right for example batman and robin(was a disaster) and years later we saw and loved batman begins there are directors that give a damn about its marterial and its fans and christpher nolan is a prime example.So i say to you perhaps someone dedicated and has a passion for the origional material will come along and wow the fan boys and the general audence and we then will see results like the dark knight
sucess.

 

[Mr_Jellyfish]

I still don't get why people pay money to watch digital effects and explosions for three hours, I honestly just don't understand how that's enjoyable...

 

[lfielding02]

What is the name of the game that has those red tanks shown when bob mentions the army?

Ive been looking for that game for some time, any help would be welcome.

(I think its made by a japanese developer?)