Open Forum Friday: Is The Transformers Movie Overhyped?
Yesterday movie fans across the web got their first hint of what they can expect from Michael Bay’s upcoming live action adaptation of the classic 1980’s cartoon/comic book/toy line Transformers. Although it was just a short and ultimately pointless teaser, there seems to be a general feeling of disappointment. This got me thinking… are they going to burn out this movie by overhyping it? Can it possibly live up to people’s expectations? I mean, I love the Transformers as much as the next child of the 80’s, but I don’t see it really working as a gigantic blockbuster film. Even when you go back and watch the old episodes today, there wasn’t a particularly deep story there. It’s still a year out, which means they have ample time, but there’s obviously a ton of work to be done. When you consider that all the main characters in the movie (or at least, all the characters we care about) will be digitally created, Transformers could be the most demanding effects film of all time. And if the effects don’t come through, this movie is going to fail. They’ve cast some recognizable names such as Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Rachael Taylor and Bernie Mac… but no one cares about the human characters! They’ve slated Transformers for a July 4th, 2007 release date which means they expect it to blow the box office wide open. I don’t know if this movie can appeal to enough people for that to happen. Plus Michael Bay’s last movie The Island bombed. What do you think? Am I being too cynical or is the Transformers movie doomed to be a complete disaster? Give us your thoughts here on Open Forum Friday.
Comments (8)
I have no doubts that it will probably make its money back and be a hit, but I don’t think it will be good. Michael Bay isn’t a good director. All his movies always get crazy internet attention but always end up being shitty.
Posted by James on June 30th, 2006yeah the movie will probably do good in theaters and make its money back. but i really have no interest in this at all. the “human” actors in it are not all that great to begin with, and it doesnt jump out at you to get excited for it.
so no thanks!
Posted by Chopper on June 30th, 2006Personally, I don’t care how good the story is. Just give us some good transforming, a bunch of explosions and I’ll be a happy camper. I do agree that it is getting LOTS of hype but then there are a lot of crazed fans out there. I think that, even if it sucks, it will blow the box office wide open as you put it. It’s going to be a major player and I think, the biggest opener for next summer. I have my doubts about the quality of the movie but no doubts that the special effects will be top notch.
Posted by themarina on June 30th, 2006I could be wrong but I think the movie will suck for three reasons. No 1. I hate Bay, No2. I hate Bay, No.3 I hate Bay.
He is just a horrible director and no matter how many explosions and transformings happens, Bay will dilute it with bad movie making.
Now I could be wrong…but you got to admit Pearl Harbor was really bad. And the Island and Bad Boys II were nothing to write home to momma about.
Posted by 1138 on July 1st, 2006Its only hyped among geeks.
I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been watching the first two seasons of the original series, since it never aired here, plus im young.
Its awesome. The movie will be fine. If only Spielberg keeps his sobby sentimentality out of it, and doesnt make it about Shia Labeouf’s (or whatever) struggles with his father, and how bumblebee is his only friend to help him overcome the struggles of teenagedom.
Posted by Henrik on July 1st, 2006I´m not even sure alot of people outside people going to movie sites online knows about this movie, I have talked to alot of people and most have said “what is there a transformer movie coming out?”
And damnit I liked the island atleast until the they came out to the “normal” world.
Posted by Jurra on July 1st, 2006Michael Bay Sucks, Sucks, Sucks.
If not for him I’d have high hopes, but with him I expect nothing short of crap.
For instance, it would be the difference between X-Men and say Cat Woman.
Just because there is action and weird fantastical characters does not mean you need to dumb things down.
Michael Bay should be a music video director, not film.
Posted by Chris on July 8th, 2006I’m not a huge fan of Michael Bay or anything but… a few movies that were not mentioned that he did were Armageddon and The Rock. I myself like both of these movies. All in all, I guess time will be the one to tell on how this movie turns out.
Posted by Robert on July 8th, 2006Leave a Reply