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spoiler warning.

REVIEW: TRANSFORMERS (2007)

Film Review

By TransFormers PH member Ryder Aquino

I'm sorry, I don't have the power to make a spoiler-free review, so if you haven't seen the movie, TURN AWAY NOW!

Watched the movie 2 times in yesterday, so goes to show what a major geek I am for spending 500 bucks on one movie. But hey, the was TRANFORMERS. The ultimate childhood nostalgia movie for guys my age and above. It was worth it.

Funny thing happened during my first viewing, because before the movie started and while I was waiting at the lounge, a guy stormed out of the theater and proclaimed to everyone (in a most dorky fashion): "Transformers sucks! Megatron is killed by Sam Witwicky"... Bummer right? Anyway, that guy kinda summed up what I would experience at first viewing. Although I didn't think it sucked, I was slightly disappointed.

On first view, I felt the pace at the start was very slow. It was all about Decepticons being evil, and Sam and his world. The latter I didn't mind, cuz' Shia is a terrific actor, but damn, I was like... Where is Optimus?! It was only until the middle until the rest of the Autobots came, and the other Decepticons like Starscream and Megatron only for the final battle.

But later that night on 2nd viewing, I was surprised to actually stop nitpicking and just enjoy what's there. It was much more fun the 2nd time around for some reason... since I knew what was gunna happen, the pacing felt faster and enjoyed all the scenes even more as I looked for details I may have missed on 1st view.

So, without further adieu, here's review proper! (Sorry for the long intro!) I'll use a new format now, in bullets just to see if it looks more organized!

The wRong:

* Optimus Prime is a wuss. Ok, ok, yeah it was cool he decapitated Bonecrusher... but against Megatron? He got his arse kicked to holy hell by Mega. He barely used his gun, and in the end, only tripped Mega and wanted to commit suicide. Good thing Sam was smarter and used the damn killer cube on you know, the enemy.

* Jazz dies in vain. So Megatron stomps on him and tears him in half. That's it? Couldn't he have died heroically saving Sam? I'm ok with having casualties because it makes Mega even more of a badass, but there was absolutely no dram to the death of this Autobots... and he was one of my favorites!

* Military guy directs battle to the city. So they're trying to hide the Allspark right? Why do it in the city where you know, thousands of people could die (and probably did)? They had the whole freaking desert to put up a last stand, but no, it was 'cooler' to fight in the city. Yeah I admit, seeing the bots in that environment was cool, but logically, it dumbfounded me.

* The Soundtrack. Where in the heck was the classic Transformers theme? Not even the new MuteMath version was there, and I watched the ENTIRE credits. Instead, they closed the movie out with Linkin Park. Geeze. Oh, and there was no orchestral score to speak of, as nearly all the key scenes were told in rock music. This is fine in the short term, but if I decide to watch this movie 5 years from now, those songs will feel so dated... as opposed to original score music ala 'Pirates'.

* Devastator. Were my eyes deceiving me? Was that tank named 'Devastator' or 'Destroyer' when Frenzy was summoning the Decepticons? Isn't he supposed named 'Brawl' like it is in the toyline? For goodness sakes, need I say what a travesty this is and ruins the Constructicons being introduced in succeeding films? *Sigh*

* Barricade. He was called in the end.... he obliged and was shown going to the city... then he never showed up. Why? Beats me. Probably pussied out cuz' Bee kicked his ass earlier.

* The Decepticons in general. Wow, they were so underdeveloped. They were like mindless tyrants. There was NEVER any character development scene with ANY of them. They also missed the boat on the Starscream vs. Megatron conflict that was very famous in the cartoons (Scream wanted to be the leader of the Cons). I think they had one scene, and 'Scream just got bitched at and took it like one. Frenzy (the little guy) seemed more 2nd in command than 'Scream.

The Right:

* The robots. They look AWESOME. Seamless CGI, I need not expound how cool they look and move. Before, I thought the designs were terrible... Prime having flames, Starscream and Mega looking funky... But watching it, it was breathtaking. They went with an alien-ish look for them, which suites their back-story, so it's all cool.

* Shia. This guy is the next Leo and Hollywood 'go to guy' if he already isn't. Look out for him in Indy 4 sometime in the future. If there was someone to replace Tobey as Spidey, this is the guy. He pulls of the 'everyman' role so well it's hard not to root for him.

* Peter Cullen. No one can ever play Optimus Prime other than this man. From the opening narrative, it was so welcoming to hear that classic voice just like the old cartoon. Now, is it just me or do all the 'holograms' they use as dummy drivers look like him (big moustache)?

* The little guys. This movie is filled with small roles, which the actors who played them did a superb job. From the car salesman, Sam's parents, the military guys and the hackers, they all did a great job as supporting cast members.

* The 'Sound'. You all know it. And it was spread out throughout the movie, although not every time they transform. That sound is such a nostalgia trip, I'm glad they put in the movie.

* BumbleBee. Who didn't fall in love with the personality of this car? From playing the right station at the right times, taking a whiz on Sector 7's over-the-top general, and kicking ass on one leg, Bee is the reluctant hero everyone loves.

* The Allspark. If there was one change I liked from the cartoon it was this. Gone are the lame glowing pink blocks. Instead we get this uber powerful device that seems to be a fusion of the Autobots matrix and the energon cubes. Plus, it turned a Mountain Dew vendo evil. That alone makes this thing cool.

* Megan Fox. Sure her acting didn't blow me away (it was serviceable), but her killer abs and sexy body did. She's the non-CG-Eye candy in this flick, God bless her.

The veRdict:

It took me two viewings to like the movie. Maybe the first I was still a pricky fanboy seeing Michael Bay bastardize my childhood memories of my beloved robots with all this 'visual flare' stuff. But after the 2nd view, I just sat back, tried to put my brain in anti-nitpick mode, and just enjoy the human scenes and the glory of these metal titans. The story isn't the greatest or most epic, but it was a good starting point for a movie franchise and the way thing ended, it looks as if we're in store for sequels (yay)! Transformers makes a triumphant and visceral splash on celluloid, but it's flaws keep it from attaining 'classic' status reserved for greats such as the original Star Wars, LOTR, and the first Matrix. All right DreamWorks, ROLL OUT those sequels!

Film Rating: 4 1/2 Stars ****1/2

Review: Transformers Live-Action Movie 1

from www.gameshogun.ws owner and TFPH member, Laibeous Lord

If you were born and grew during the days when Television Networks showed countless of Transformers series, you will definitely be awed by this new Live-Action Movie. Transformers Live-Action Movie 1 premiered nationwide in the Philippines, and region-wide here in South-East Asia and Australia yesterday, June 28, 2007 Thursday. Almost all of the movie houses have nothing but Transformers showing, and each and every cinema have long lines and seats all booked weeks ahead. Guess what? There are not much kids, the generation who never had the chance to watch the original Transformers cartoons on the TV. Most are adults, working adults.

Here’s my review of the first Live-Action Movie of Transformers.

Before you continue reading, there are some SPOILERS here.

[More:]

As any Transformers fan will expect, we want to see instant action. The first few scenes of the movie is simply that, “action". But it is only a “teaser” of what’s to come in the rest of the movie. I like how they started this movie, a way to keep the movie goers more excited instead of getting bored because we are expecting action already.

Then after that and before the complete action part, is where all the drama and the plot were explained. But once again, to keep everyone from getting bored because we want to see the best action parts like the Megatron vs Optimus Prime, they inserted funny lines and comedy ‘actions’. As example, the Autobots team were hiding from Sam Witwicky’s (played by Shia LaBeouf) parents, Bumblebee was hiding under the roof of entrance door, then Optimus Prime appeared to be seating on the whole house (I will not mention the other Autobots present). Then there was Bumblebee playing classic songs to reflect Sam’s desire for the (leading) girl of the movie Mikaela Banes (played by Megan Fox). Mikaela at one scene, walked to go home alone because Sam’s car (Bumblebee) won’t start. After a few tries, Sam’s car started with the song “Baby Come Back…” Mikaela smiled (and was impressed!), of course thanks to Bumblebee it was all his doing (guys, if you are courting a girl, find a Bumblebee car!) (10/10 rating)

The CG is great, they did it very well. This is the first thing anyone will notice in the movie. Everything was smooth and fluid you will not even think of the Autobots and Decepticons as nothing but CG Animation. From their movements to their fighting scenes, together with the humans on the same scenes, as in “humans” with an ’s’. (10/10 rating)

The plotline, as we all know, when something Japanese is adapted by an American group, the story becomes very different. Also, personally, it is only right to create a new storyline. In this live-action movie, the story has similarities with the original cartoons, with the original parts being that they arrived on Planet Earth because the Decepticons wants to turn Earth into a new Cybertron through the use of the ancient technology that created the Transformers. This technology can turn any machine on Earth it comes to close proximity into a Transformers, like for example, a Mountain Dew vending machine turned into a wild Transformer attacking every human (though without a faction yet - ie newly born who is confused and doesn’t know why ‘it’ exists), I’ll call this the Mountain Dew Bot. Of course there is Starscream, we all saw him in the trailers, but as usual, Starscream is Megatron’s ever unreliable right-hand, but I will not spoil you with the proofs of Starscream’s unreliability. (10/10 rating)

The art and design of the Transformers were a mixture from the different series. Example, Megatron’s art and design is “Galvatron", not really “Megatron". Then Optimus Prime is so colorful, showing us that they took every color Optimus Prime had in the different cartoon series. Bumblebee on the other hand is still yellow colored (tip: watch out every yellow colored car and how the Decepticons will react to it), but in this movie, Bumblebee is of the newest design, not the original Volkswagen Beetle car (tip: there is this scene wherein Bumblebee hit the Volkswagen Beetle car besides him, really hard - what’s that? A subliminal message from the producers? Were they supposed to use the Beetle model but Volkswagen don’t want to?) And Starscream, the art and design was from the original Japanese Anime, not the American cartoons. (10/10 rating)

Japanese? Yes, there is another message in the movie wherein Sam said, “super advanced robots, it’s from the Japanese". Two meanings here, first is that Sam is trying to explain to his new girlfriend Mikaela about the Transformers. Second, is to put an end to the never ending debate about if the Transformers franchise is originally Japanese or American. Well, Transformers IS Japanese. It was only popularized by the American “version” (its the same with Power Rangers, it is also Japanese but was popularized by the American adaptation).

Sounds? Very well done. From the BGMs (Background Music), to the sound effects, everything fits in the movie and the scenes. (10/10 rating)

Each character was also played well by their respective actors. They chose the right actors for the characters, which gave us a very well done action movie of the year.

Overall, I give this movie a 10 out of 10 stars. You MUST definitely watch this movie.

Oh, be sure to watch the very last scene from the movie… this scene is shown during the ending credits, so don’t leave early. The proof that there is a highly potential “Transformers Live-Action Movie 2″.

Now go, watch the movie, I will not spoil you anymore. That’s more than enough. For me, I’m going to watch it again this Sunday, and then watch it again on July 4. And hopefully, the 4th time as a treat from our company.

Visit the Official Live-Action website: Transformers Live-Action Movie 1.

PS
I found out that the pirated copies being sold here in the Philippines two days before the Philippine Premier could have come from Italy (according to the vendors of the pirated Transformers Movie), where the movie premiered on June 21, 2007 Thursday, one week before the Philippine, South-East Asia, and Australia Premier. They chose to premier the movie a week earlier than the US release to avoid piracy, but it all failed.

UPDATE: Transformers Live-Action Movie 2 given a Green Light! Read it by clicking here.

Transformers merchandise to be launched

By Alex Villafania, hackenslash Reporter
INQUIRER.net

A FEW days before the opening of the Transformers movie, local merchants are all ready to cash in on the potential blockbuster of the year. On June 29, several companies will be introducing several lines of Transformer-themed products.

The launch of the Transformers movie merchandise launch will be held at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Most of the items would be action figures from the movie and from the previous cartoon series, clothing lines and similar items.

Apart from the merchandise, the event will also have several side events such as trivia contests, diorama exhibits and collections.

In an interview with hackenslash, Transformers Philippines event organizer Azrael Coladilla said the launch would be one of the big movie highlights of the year thanks to a 23-year-old cartoon franchise that made an impact among Filipinos.

In fact, the recently introduced toy line from the movie have been selling out in such stores as Toys “R” Us and Toy Kingdom. Among the most sellable characters are the new movie versions of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron and Blackout.

“It’s going to be a big blockbuster that can compete with other movies. Of course we can’t say it’ll beat the other franchises but the Transformers movie will surely be a hit for both the fans of the original cartoon series and first-time viewers,” Coladilla said.

Already, local websites are abuzz with information regarding the upcoming film, directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg, particularly the Transformers Philippines online forum, the largest and most prominent Transformers-related forum in the country.

READ MORE HERE

Transformers movie showtimes and schedule in Philippines

Now showing in these theaters

Alabang Town Center Cinema 1	Muntinlupa
Alabang Town Center Cinema 2	Muntinlupa
Alabang Town Center Cinema 3	Muntinlupa
Alabang Town Center Cinema 5	Muntinlupa
Ali Mall Cineplex 2	Quezon City
Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 1	Cebu City
Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 2	Cebu City
Ayala Center Cebu Cinema 3	Cebu City
Cinemagix C2000 - 3	Pangasinan
Eastwood Cinema 1	Quezon City
Eastwood Cinema 2	Quezon City
Eastwood Cinema 3	Quezon City
Eastwood Cinema 4	Quezon City
Ever Gotesco Cinema City 2	Manila
Ever Gotesco Commonwealth 3	Quezon City
Ever Gotesco Ortigas 5	Pasig City
Festival Cinema 1	Muntinlupa City
Festival Cinema 2	Muntinlupa City
Festival Cinema 3	Muntinlupa City
Festival Cinema 5	Muntinlupa City
Festival Cinema 6	Muntinlupa City
Gateway Cineplex 1	Quezon City
Gateway Cineplex 10	Quezon City

READ MORE OF IT HERE AT CLICKTHECITY.COM

Prime's Burger King Commercial

Link "... Talk about dull Daniel". It coul have been a TransFormers Movie meal toy from 1986, but the commercial would sold any Pinoy TransFans with such originality. Thanks to MEKI22 for sharing this funny video. Here in the Philippines the meal toy was released by Jollibee, which was based from the TransFormers Legends figures slightly bigger, and you thought it was a bootleg toy found in Divisoria.

The commercial is one funny scene on this one. Can't wait for the Burger King toys to come out? Let's just cross our fingers and hope they roll out!

TransFormers movie - short review after the premiere

Here's a short review, fresh from the movie premiere, lucky boy- Boyet shares to us his experience during the premiere of the Transformers movie, perhaps the 2nd movie review here in the local to hear a good response after watching it.


written by:

boyet
TransFormers Council

i was fortunate enough to be invited at the earliest premier of the transformers movie. just got home from the movie.

ITS AWESOME!

there was never a dull moment. its like watching armagedon but with robots.

the scene with the human's dialogue was humorous. there was also some humor when optimus prime was introduced along with the autobots.

the movie was rated G or general patronage so there were children in the movie house. they were cheering whenever optimus prime and the autobots transforms. its so awesome to watch.

there were few dull moments and the action and robot carnage was non stop starting from almost half of the movie.

arcee is not in the movie and i like it when bumblebee "lubricates" his enemies.

it was the best summer movie of the year so far for me.

here are some pictures

red carpet premier with some celebrities


i was also fortunate enough to watch the movie with a celebrity named shaina magdayao and her sister. there were also several celebrities like piolo pascual and garry valenciano.


this is the TF movie ticket premier shown june 27 at around 7pm at the new trinoma cinema in the philippines.


this is the scene where everyone was clapping. when optimus prime appeared and transformed for the very first time. people was cheering for the awesome special effects.


the best moments in the movie was the transformation of the robots. it was so well done.