Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Bay, 2011)

[Dukefrukem]

Well its official: We have a great Transformers 3 story. The release date is now July 1st 2011. Not 2012.

Today is Day One. This morning started with an ILM meeting for five hours in San Francisco. Currently I'm flying with writer Ehren Kruger to Rhode Island to talk to Hasbro about new characters.

P.S. Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture. Please consult your Physician when working under my direction because some side effects can occur, such as mild dizziness, intense nausea, suicidal tendencies, depression, minor chest hair growth, random internal hemorrhaging and inability to sleep. As some directors may be hazardous to your health, please consult your Doctor to determine if this is right for you.

Pain and Gain is right after shooting of Trans 3.

Michael

Slash (http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/03/16/transformers-3-on-july-1st-2011/)

[Spinal]

We have a great Transformers 3 story.

Liar.

[Adam]

http://i560.photobucket.com/albums/ss47/adamstone20/costanza.gif

Jerry, just remember, it's not a lie if you believe it

[Skitch]

:lol:

I love Michael Bay.

[Ezee E]

The Pain and Gain story sounds pretty awesome actually.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Okay, now I'm counting on everyone here to skip this one. I mean it now.

Don't go see this movie.

[Sycophant]

:lol:

I love Michael Bay.

In truth, his antics are growing on me.

[Saya]

http://i40.tinypic.com/2yv9ufr.jpg

[number8]

Okay, now I'm counting on everyone here to skip this one. I mean it now.

Don't go see this movie.

At Comic Con, Josh Olson and David Hayter were at a screenwriting panel together, and while talking about Watchmen and History of Violence, the topic of getting Hollywood to produce smart blockbusters come up. Olson asked the audience to raise their hands up if they went to see Transformers 2. Then he said, "Okay, those of you sitting next to someone with their hands up, I want you to punch them in the face. They are the reason it's so hard to get a good movie made."

[Ivan Drago]

At Comic Con, Josh Olson and David Hayter were at a screenwriting panel together, and while talking about Watchmen and History of Violence, the topic of getting Hollywood to produce smart blockbusters come up. Olson asked the audience to raise their hands up if they went to see Transformers 2. Then he said, "Okay, those of you sitting next to someone with their hands up, I want you to punch them in the face. They are the reason it's so hard to get a good movie made."

Haha, awesome!

[Ezee E]

Silly, because last year they were raving about how audiences were so smart for seeing The Dark Knight and that blockbusters could be smart and successful...

[MadMan]

Look the same people who enjoyed The Dark Knight also enjoyed Transformers 2. So what? Hollywood will always churn out both smart and dumb movies.

Anyways, I won't be seeing Transformers 3. Does that mean I get to punch someone in the face? :P

[Saya]

I guess the good news is that it can't get any worse than Transformers 2.

[Dukefrukem]

I guess the good news is that it can't get any worse than Transformers 2.

says who? I didn't think Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End could be any worse than Dead Man's Chest but I was dead azz wrong.

[Skitch]

*sigh*

Really? You consider TF2 to be the absolute bottom of the cinema barrel? There is no possiblility of anything being lower than that?

Give me a break.

[lovejuice]

Silly, because last year they were raving about how audiences were so smart for seeing The Dark Knight and that blockbusters could be smart and successful...

that says more about the dark knight than the audiences. :twisted:

[Fezzik]

Look the same people who enjoyed The Dark Knight also enjoyed Transformers 2. So what? Hollywood will always churn out both smart and dumb movies.

Anyways, I won't be seeing Transformers 3. Does that mean I get to punch someone in the face? :P

People didn't go to see The Dark Knight because it was a "smart" blockbuster, they went to see it because it was Batman, and because of Ledger.

The movie was an anomaly, mostly caused by the pre-release death of Ledger quadrupiling the buzz surrounding his performance. Employing it as an example of how "smart" blockbusters can be successful is really no example at all.

[EyesWideOpen]

*sigh*

Really? You consider TF2 to be the absolute bottom of the cinema barrel? There is no possiblility of anything being lower than that?

Give me a break.

I've only seen the first TF but my answer is yes.

[Skitch]

I've only seen the first TF but my answer is yes.

And this is where I lay out my stupid "you haven't seen enough movies" comment.

[EyesWideOpen]

And this is where I lay out my stupid "you haven't seen enough movies" comment.

I don't want my goal in life to be finding a movie I will hate more then Transformers.

[number8]

It is pretty weird when people tell others to see more bad movies. As far as I'm concerned, it puts me at a win over you.

[Skitch]

I said it was a stupid comment.

You can't seriously think TF is worse than Dragonball Evolution. Really?

[EyesWideOpen]

I said it was a stupid comment.

You can't seriously think TF is worse than Dragonball Evolution. Really?

Yes I really think that. Transformers is the worst movie I've seen in the last few years.

[Ivan Drago]

It is pretty weird when people tell others to see more bad movies. As far as I'm concerned, it puts me at a win over you.

Exactly. I remember back on RT people kept telling me I like/love every movie I see, and I'm thinking 'Well I'd rather see the newest Coen Bros. movie than Meet The Spartans'.

[angrycinephile]

I guess the good news is that it can't get any worse than Transformers 2.

You're being too optimistic. This is Bay we're talking about here.

Plus I don't think Bay is aware that TF2 suffered a much larger backlash than the first film. The box-office speaks for itself, he sees nothing wrong with the film and as a result the next one will probably be three hours long and it's "story" totally centered around the The Twins.

[Skitch]

Yes I really think that. Transformers is the worst movie I've seen in the last few years.

Honestly, that's totally fine. I have no problem with anyone hating on TF. What irks me is when I see "worst film ever made" or "absolute bottom of the barrel" or the like.


It is pretty weird when people tell others to see more bad movies. As far as I'm concerned, it puts me at a win over you.

No, I'm not promoting people to see bad movies on purpose, that's dumb. What I'm suggesting, or rather assuming, is that people watch movies. I see tons of movies I've never heard of, searching for gems in the rough. Sure, its far more rough than gems, but you do find gems. That being said, I feel as though there are thousands upon thousands of films out there faaaaaaar worse than TF, hence my annoyance at such statements.

I guess I just assume others do the same. If not, how do choose what films to watch? Good reviews only?

[The Mike]

*sigh*

Really? You consider TF2 to be the absolute bottom of the cinema barrel? There is no possiblility of anything being lower than that?

Give me a break.
Yeah, some people just don't get it. Tragic. :frustrated:

[Dukefrukem]

So can we expect more thunderous sound in the third installment? Although the number of robots increased significantly from the first film for the second, the third film -- which will hit theaters in summer 2011, won’t be as robot-heavy and there will be fewer explosions, a tight-lipped Bay said after the Q+A.

“There will be a nice crescendo ending,” Bay said. “It gets much more into the robot character. The last time you kind of met a few of the robots; this time you’re gonna get a much cooler landscape.”

LATimes (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/01/how-transformers-got-that-boomboompow.html)

[KK2.0]

there will be fewer explosions

No baysplosions, no KK ticket! :evil:

[Dukefrukem]

We are going to shoot in LA, Chicago, Washington DC, Florida, Texas, Africa, Moscow, and China. On the talent front, we just locked in Frances McDormand and John Malkovich. Both amazing actors I've always wanted to work with. We also just got Ken Jeong, he is the super funny actor stuck in the trunk from “Hangover” and the Doctor from “Knocked Up.

https://michaelbay.com/newsblog/files/73978045c5496d5271c90be6884209 a8-598.html

oh yeh,..

and this new autobot

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2009/newabcar.jpg

[angrycinephile]

No, that's a Ferrari, not an Autobot.

Frances McDormand and John Malkovich is seriously going to be in this? What the fuck?

But look on the bright side. If you're still a nostalgic fan longing for a semi-decent Transformers movie made by an at least somewhat capable director you can at least be hopeful this might be the last film of this cast and crew you'll have to endure. I think Shia LaBeouf wants to be taken seriously as an actor and what the fuck is Transformers 4 going to do for his career? So he'll jump ship after the next one and since he's the main character Paramount/Dreamworks most likely will reboot it. Which they should. Give us the Transformers we always wanted; robots in goddamn space, Cybertron, fighting with lasers and so forth. Oh, and keep Michael Bay as far off the premises as possible.

Steven Spielberg should be ashamed of himself. Seriously. This was always going to be a toy commercial no matter what but a better filmmaker would tone that down and make the audience forget you're essentially watching a Hasbro commercial. Bay, however, has fucking embraced it like no other and managed to squeeze in so much product placement it's ridiculous. It's General Motors, it's a recruitment ad, it's Nokia, it's Mountain Dew. How come the company thinks this is even acceptable? The only reason they're introducing new robots for 30-second cameo appearances is not only so they can launch a new toyline but also so they can show off a new sports car.

[Henry Gale]

Let's hope we get the Burn After Reading versions of Malkovich and McDormand. Hell, maybe they can be someone's bumbling parents!

I have no idea what to make of their casting.

[Ivan Drago]

Malkovich and McDormand being cast = :crazy:

The movie being filmed in Chicago = OMFG Bay's blowin up the Windy City!

[Fezzik]

No, that's a Ferrari, not an Autobot.


I know he was a Lamborghini in the original, but I'm thinking that Ferrari might end up being Sideswipe.

[number8]

Hey, my man-crush is in this.

[angrycinephile]

As much as I dislike Bay I do respect him for opposing shooting/converting TF3 in 3-D


“I shoot complicated stuff, I put real elements into action scenes and honestly, I am not sold right now on the conversion process. … I am trying to be sold, and some companies are still working on the shots I gave them. Right now, it looks like fake 3D, with layers that are very apparent. You go to the screening room, you are hoping to be thrilled, and you’re thinking, huh, this kind of sucks. People can say whatever they want about my movies, but they are technically precise, and if this isn’t going to be excellent, I don’t want to do it. And it is my choice. … I’m used to having the A-team working on my films, and I’m going to hand it over to the D-team, have it shipped to India and hope for the best? This conversion process is always going to be inferior to shooting in real 3D. Studios might be willing to sacrifice the look and use the gimmick to make $3 more a ticket, but I’m not. Avatar took four years. You can’t just shit out a 3D movie. I’m saying, the jury is still out.”

I feel that more high-profile directors are going to oppose the 3-D craze. Christopher Nolan said he's not interested in 3-D, although this was before Avatar but I doubt his feelings has changed. Warner is sure going to push for Batman 3 to be in 3-D so it will be interesting to see how that works out.

[Ezee E]

It's the conversion process he doesn't like. He's not opposed to shooting it in 3D, but he seems to have some of the same disagreements about shooting it that Scorsese does.

[angrycinephile]

No, but didn't he say he doesn't want to shoot 3D because the way he edits and shoots action is just too aggressive for 3D cameras?

Which really makes me want to scream out "Then change the way you edit and shoot action because nobody likes it anyway"

[number8]

Yeah, it sounds like he thinks Avatar's 3D is great, but he doesn't want to spend the effort actually trying out shooting that way.

[Skitch]

Which really makes me want to scream out "Then change the way you edit and shoot action because nobody likes it anyway"
The box office disagrees with you.

[KK2.0]

A Ferraribot? it seems to have worked for Camaro i guess.


Let's hope we get the Burn After Reading versions of Malkovich and McDormand. Hell, maybe they can be someone's bumbling parents!

It's no guarantee of a decent movie though. John Turturro was in the first two, a few good actors already appeared on older Bay's flicks. As long as it got Bay, it's a Bay movie.

I've watched both Transformers mostly because of the FX, and i won't be a hypocrite and deny i've had some enjoyment with them, even if i was aware of how terrible it was. Maybe a majority of the audience did the same. Back in the day It used to be the stars, but now it seems crowds will watch anything with dazzling visuals, not surprised that 3D finally is a hit.

[angrycinephile]

Megan Fox won't be back for Part 3 (http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/michael-bays-revenge-no-more-megan/)

Bay got his revenge in the end.

Wouldn't it make sense to fire Shia too? He may have not compared Bay to Hitler but he did say he hated Revenge of the Fallen.

I wonder if the new love interest will look like a Maxim model? I'm guessing yes.

[Sxottlan]

No big loss. Just replace her with any of the myriad of wannabe model actresses who can't act.

Speak of the devil. (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=66238)

Maybe next they can lose one of the dozen comic relief characters from the second film.

[Grouchy]

And with that, Megan Fox's 15 minutes start to wane and she'll have to return to having sex.

[Spun Lepton]

And with that, Megan Fox's 15 minutes start to wane and she'll have to return to having sex.

I've never seen her act, but if the previews of Jonah Hex are any indication, I don't really need to.

[Sxottlan]

I've never seen her act.

No one has.

[Ivan Drago]

Maybe next they can lose one of the dozen comic relief characters from the second film.

They've already cut the two comic relief "racist" bots, so they're on the right track.

[Derek]

so they're on the right track.

Not making a third one would be the only sign they're on the right track.

[Sxottlan]

They've already cut the two comic relief "racist" bots, so they're on the right track.

I wonder where all the furor was for the awful satyr character in Percy Jackson?

[number8]

I wonder where all the furor was for the awful satyr character in Percy Jackson?

You need people to see the movie to develop some furor.

[MadMan]

People didn't go to see The Dark Knight because it was a "smart" blockbuster, they went to see it because it was Batman, and because of Ledger.To a degree, yes. However many people who actually heard of Ledger being casted as the Joker had their severe doubts, and weren't sure it would work. It was only after the trailers were shown and the buzz started coming in about Ledger as the Joker did people actually go see it for Ledger as the Joker. And considering that I went to see it because I actually thought it was going to be a well made, smart blockbuster, and I know others who feel and think the same well, my previous comments stand.


The movie was an anomaly, mostly caused by the pre-release death of Ledger quadrupiling the buzz surrounding his performance. Employing it as an example of how "smart" blockbusters can be successful is really no example at all.Sure Ledger's death helped business. But so did word of mouth, and the fact that the previous Batman installment was quite good, so people figured "Hey Nolan gave us Memento and Batman Begins, he knows what he's doing. The Dark Knight is getting awesome reviews, so yeah I'm down." Or whatever their reason was. I don't give a shit. I'm still hoping for more smart popular movies, and if they don't happen oh well.

PS: Yes I agree that there have been far worse movies made than Transformers 1 and 2. But I still refuse to see either, and I still think Michael Bay is a hack.

[Sxottlan]

You need people to see the movie to develop some furor.

Looking at the box office, I figured enough would have seen it for it to a make a blip here or there in the media. Guess not.

[angrycinephile]

Haha. Apparently Fox's replacement will not just look like a model - she is an actual model! A Victoria Secret's model with no prior acting experience:

http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/05/25/model-rosie-huntington-whiteley-offered-female-lead-in-transformers-3/

Is there a more sexist director than Bay working in Hollywood? I don't think so.

[Spun Lepton]

Is there a more sexist director than Bay working in Hollywood? I don't think so.

http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/VincentGallo_1.jpg

[Skitch]

Haha. Apparently Fox's replacement will not just look like a model - she is an actual model! A Victoria Secret's model with no prior acting experience:

http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/05/25/model-rosie-huntington-whiteley-offered-female-lead-in-transformers-3/

Is there a more sexist director than Bay working in Hollywood? I don't think so.
For someone who seems to loathe these films and their director, you seem to be following Transformers 3's progress pretty intensely. Or am I mistaken, and you enjoyed them?

[Sxottlan]

First plot details (http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=66973).

Shockwave is back. I was never that familiar with him as I don't think I watched the cartoons much when he popped up.

[Dukefrukem]

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2009/t3robotman.jpg

[megladon8]

Are you sure that's not a picture from that Hugh Jackman robot boxing movie Real Steel?

That doesn't look much like a Transformer.

[number8]

It's not from Transformers.

[Skitch]

I was gonna say the same thing.

[megladon8]

This is what I wish the movies had been like...

QFZrL0x63c8

[Morris Schæffer]

Looks like an amazing game indeed. Although I'll probably won't buy it full-priced, I'm very adamant to put my weight behind any such game that actually turns out to be good/great.

[Rowland]

A shit-ton of nondescript robots tearing each other apart in a nondescript futuristic environment lifted from an uninspired F-Zero course background?

I'm sure the game is better than it appears.

[megladon8]

A shit-ton of nondescript robots tearing each other apart in a nondescript futuristic environment lifted from an uninspired F-Zero course background?

I'm sure the game is better than it appears.


That's a single cut-scene showing simply action.

I thought it was pretty impressive. Particularly showing that the blocky designs, deriving more from the toys and original cartoon, actually could work. Not those shambles of metal that were in the Bay films.

[Dukefrukem]

What's this look like to you?

5Y19aaRLwFc

A floor of a skyscraper that's toppling over?

[number8]

Gripping stuff.

[Dukefrukem]

Pretty cool set pics (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/45737). gives you an idea of the scale of big budget movies. Wish I could see this in person.

[Dukefrukem]

Near-tragedy on the set of Transformers 3.


"Preliminary investigation revealed that shortly before 7 p.m, the movie crew was filming a stunt using numerous vehicles and drivers," authorities said in a statement. "During this stunt, an object struck a 2006 Toyota, hitting the vehicle, and then went through the windshield hitting the driver."

Her car in turn plowed into a median barrier wall and continued on about a mile before coming to a halt.



http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b198537_trouble_on_transformer s_set_production.html?utm_sour ce=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=imdb_tv-movies

[megladon8]

Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon.


:confused:

[number8]

No, it's called The Dark of the Moon. Get it right.

[megladon8]

No, it's called The Dark of the Moon. Get it right.


Ah, a friend of mine was telling me the movie was called The Dark Side of the Moon.

His whole thing was that he said they'll probably release an animated movie companion called Wish You Were Here.

[Dukefrukem]

some shots of the new girl, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Ebb2MLasFSo

[Dukefrukem]

Thought some of you would get a kick out of this;


Wow, I read these morons on the internet who think they are in the know. "We have have problems with our 3D????" Really? Come into my edit room and I will show you beautiful 3D. There has never been a live action show that has pushed the boundaries of 3D like Transformers 3. We shot the entire movie with 3D cameras. I actually loved shooting in 3D. I will give full details of my process and why I liked 3D in the next week right before the Transformers announcement piece comes out on Tron and Narnia.

Michael

[Dukefrukem]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a390/fitbabits/DarkoftheMoon.jpg

[number8]

Team Fortress fans will not be happy.

[Henry Gale]

“[When it comes to] depth, you can’t really appreciate 3D because you need like 3 or 4 seconds, most people do, to really feel 3D. …. But it’s actually changed my style on this movie—I’ve got many more wides, the camera’s not wild. So it does change my style a bit.”

Who are you and what have you done with Michael Bay?

Also though, he said they didn't do shoot the whole thing with actual 3D cameras, which I believe goes against what most have assumed so far. He guesses that about 30-35% of it, including close-ups and other things that he felt didn't look nearly as good digitally, is stuff shot on film that's going to be post-converted.

Everywhere else, he sounds like he's in complete PR, fan-service, "saying what people want to hear" mode (him acknowledging that the the second one sucked, promising no more "dorky humour"). But even with that, every other detail about it still makes it sound like it has the potential to be the first in the series I may actually enjoy.

[Henry Gale]

And whaddya know, the teaser (http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/) is pretty damn good, too.

[Lazlo]

And whaddya know, the teaser (http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/) is pretty damn good, too.

Yeah, I really enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for anything to do with the space program and these movies are a guilty pleasure of mine. Excited.

[Dukefrukem]

Where are they going with this though?

[number8]

Where are they going with this though?

The moon.

[Dukefrukem]

The moon.

You know what I mean... the back story....

[Lazlo]

Gotta love how they show the Columbia flying towards the moon with no LEM attached to the front. Guess they picked one up at the Orbital Autobot LEM Depot.

[Ivan Drago]

And whaddya know, the teaser (http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/) is pretty damn good, too.

I agree, especially the ending. The sound effects during the transformations are awesome.

As terrible as the 2nd one was, I'm really looking forward to seeing giant fighting robots kicking the crap out of each other ON THE MOON. IN 3D.

[Lazlo]

So the Super Bowl commercial was pretty badass. Really looking forward to this and I don't care what you think..

[Fezzik]

So the Super Bowl commercial was pretty badass. Really looking forward to this and I don't care what you think..

I'm actually surprised, because BOTH the teaser and the Super Bowl spot were reeeeally impressive.

I don't hold out MUCH hope it will translate to the movie being any good, but i can still cross my fingers.

[Ezee E]

Since when has Bay ever disappointed with 30 seconds of trailer?

[Spinal]

Wouldn't the quality of the first two movies be a far better indicator of the third film's potential than a trailer?

[Sxottlan]

Pretty sweet Super Bowl ad.

Liked seeing two Transformers in a head-on crash.

[Watashi]

Michael Bay is an auteur at editing trailers.

[TGM]

Wouldn't the quality of the first two movies be a far better indicator of the third film's potential than a trailer?

Well, the first two were entertaining, so I'll expect at least as much from the third.

[Lazlo]

Well, the first two were entertaining, so I'll expect at least as much from the third.

Exactly. Thank you.

[Raiders]

I didn't care much for the first one, but I can see the mindless appeal. But my god, the second one was such an atrocious and bloated piece of shit that no way do I want to see how Bay ups the ante a third time.

[Dukefrukem]

Super bowl spot. (http://vimeo.com/19625497)

It looks more like an Alien Invasion movie than a Transformers movie. I know the transformers are aliens, but it looks like more emphasis is put on the "invasion" aspect.

[Skitch]

Soooooooo in.

[Henry Gale]

Footage couldn't have looked cooler (for what there was), so all this movie needs to do is live up those sort of images and deliver fun action that makes some sort of sense and it'll probably be my favourite of the trilogy by default. Though I should point out those aren't the highest expectations since I didn't like the first two very much at all.

But at the same time, I still wonder if anyone shares my feeling that the action setpieces in Revenge of the Fallen were much more entertaining than those in the first one. Sure, they were in the more unnecessarily long and aimless movie, but they definitely stood out as the best things in either film for me.

[TGM]

But at the same time, I still wonder if anyone shares my feeling that the action setpieces in Revenge of the Fallen were much more entertaining than those in the first one. Sure, they were in the more unnecessarily long and aimless movie, but they definitely stood out as the best things in either film for me.

For the most part, I'd agree. The action scenes were a lot more clear in ROTF, the scene in the forest especially. Where as in the first it was almost always hard to really tell what was going on.

[Morris Schæffer]

My ass will be in theaters...and it will walk out with a shrug. But that's okay, I just like feeling the summer bloat vibes taking control of my body.

[Fezzik]

But at the same time, I still wonder if anyone shares my feeling that the action setpieces in Revenge of the Fallen were much more entertaining than those in the first one. Sure, they were in the more unnecessarily long and aimless movie, but they definitely stood out as the best things in either film for me.


Totally agree. Its why I liked the 2nd one more. The action was much more coherent and less "balls of blurry metal running into each other" that the first one suffered from.

[Raiders]

"balls of blurry metal running into each other"

But the second film did have this. Literally.

[Fezzik]

But the second film did have this. Literally.

At times, but not in the high concentration that the first one did. There were so many fights in the first one where I couldnt tell what was going on because of the reliance on OMG SUPER CLOSEUP of the CGI, that led to blurry images that reminded me of a nightmarish rendition of Katamary Damacy.

The second film's action was easier to follow. The forest fight where Prime dies, in particular, was incredibly well realized, choreographed and executed.

As a film, it was putrid, but RotF was a better action movie, imo.

[Raiders]

Dammit, Fezzik... I REFUSE TO EXPLAIN MY LAME JOKES!

[number8]

Ehehehe.

[Fezzik]

Dammit, Fezzik... I REFUSE TO EXPLAIN MY LAME JOKES!

Oh! Ha! I just got it. Sorry. Its Monday. That's my only excuse.

:lol:

[Dukefrukem]

The forest fight where Prime dies,

They should have kept him dead.

[Ezee E]

It's in 3D, so the action scenes better be easier to watch, because if it's like the past two, there will be lots of vomiting in the theaters.

[megladon8]

Have to admit, that scene with Optimus pwning Decepticon after Decepticon with his sword looked mighty cool.

[Henry Gale]

It's in 3D, so the action scenes better be easier to watch, because if it's like the past two, there will be lots of vomiting in the theaters.

I think the big thing I've gathered from what Bay has been saying leading up to the release, as well as the reactions from a few who've been allowed to see footage of the big setpieces, is that he's seemed to have somewhat overhauled his style and approach to editing and shooting action both in terms of making everything hold longer and steadier on screen to give some chance for the 3D and just the images in general to actually be taken in by the audience in a comfortable way.

Bay has even seemed to imply that a lot of the shots last around 3 to 4 seconds!!!! :eek:

[KK2.0]

Bay had to adapt to 3D, I don't think this will make the movie better but at least I hope it's less confusing.


Michael Bay is an auteur at editing trailers.

definitely.

[Morris Schæffer]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/48569

Some brief new bits, but still similar to Superbowl add.

[megladon8]

A new Transformer, Topspin, is a NASCAR robot with a mullet and "below average intelligence". (http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/02/25/transformers-3-topspin-redneck-mullet/)

You keep reaching for those stars, Mr. Bay.

[MadMan]

A new Transformer, Topspin, is a NASCAR robot with a mullet and "below average intelligence". (http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/02/25/transformers-3-topspin-redneck-mullet/)

You keep reaching for those stars, Mr. Bay.So after insulting African Americans, he's insulting rednecks? Fantastic....

[Ezee E]

So after insulting African Americans, he's insulting rednecks? Fantastic....
Equal opportunity.

[Lazlo]

A new Transformer, Topspin, is a NASCAR robot with a mullet and "below average intelligence". (http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/02/25/transformers-3-topspin-redneck-mullet/)

You keep reaching for those stars, Mr. Bay.

Sigh. What's funny is they had the Transformer-ed cars at the race last weekend and everyone was gaga over them.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/245060748.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0 ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1298687133&Signature=4RC5oqRjXVRhjpT8Ul6o POB0crQ%3D

We'll see what they think when they hear about this.

Is it so hard to make one of these movies with a straight face?

[megladon8]

Sigh. What's funny is they had the Transformer-ed cars at the race last weekend and everyone was gaga over them.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/245060748.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0 ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1298687133&Signature=4RC5oqRjXVRhjpT8Ul6o POB0crQ%3D

We'll see what they think when they hear about this.

Is it so hard to make one of these movies with a straight face?


I don't care about straight-face, I just wish it had some kind of respect for its audience.

It's the kind of filmmaking where you can practically see the writers rolling around in piles of cash and laughing "I can't believe they paid for this shit!"

But...wait...no...even if a movie makes billions, the last person who's going to have a pile of cash is the writer.

Silly me.

[Ezee E]

You see, NASCAR gave Bay millions to do it. Easy advertising.

[megladon8]

You see, NASCAR gave Bay millions to do it. Easy advertising.


And no better way to advertise than portraying your fans as ignorant rednecks!

[Ezee E]

And no better way to advertise than portraying your fans as ignorant rednecks!
I think they're past that.

[Lazlo]

You see, NASCAR gave Bay millions to do it. Easy advertising.

Nah, not NASCAR but Chevy/GM. The cars in the movie are the 42, 48, and 88, which are all "Impalas". GM has provided all the cars for these movies since the first one. NASCAR probably has no idea about the redneck robot and would probably (definitely should) be against it. The cars look cool on their own but in the movie I can't imagine a way to make them not come off as retarded.

[/NASCAR nerd/employee]

[Raiders]

This news disturbs me. I am concerned Michael Bay is losing his sensitivity and subtlety.

[Morris Schæffer]

Slightly spoilerish news about who the robot on the moon is:


Optimus Prime's brother


http://static3.aintitcool.com/assets2011/tfempirecovernew.jpg

[Dukefrukem]

Robots can have "brothers"?

[Lasse]

Robots can have "brothers"?

That's the least of my worries from a Bay movie about living robot cars. ;)

[megladon8]

I can't wait for this to be out and done with, so the franchise can pass hands to someone else.

Because, I mean, we all know there's no way this will be the last Transformers movie.

[Dukefrukem]

Not if they keep raking in 3/4 of a $1 billion

[megladon8]

Not if they keep raking in 3/4 of a $1 billion


Yeah, that's what I said.

They're going to keep making them without Bay.

[Dukefrukem]

I should have put in front of my post. "Agreed"

[Morris Schæffer]

Robots can have "brothers"?

As long as they don't have mother-in-laws

[Skitch]

Well they've made about 15 Harry Potter movies and those are awful, so I hope they keep making Transformers movies. I don't really care who they bring in to make 'em, just keep 'em comin'.

[Henry Gale]

Robots can have "brothers"?

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G96gxvrHqrE/SkM0gIqzlBI/AAAAAAAAG7c/YhOFxX0NCq0/s400/TF2TwinsStill1.jpg?And that response can work two ways...

[Dukefrukem]

I erased that bit of info from my memory.

[lovejuice]

I can't wait for this to be out and done with, so the franchise can pass hands to someone else.
Why do you assume it will? Bay is unlike Raimi. He doesn't have artistic integrity.

[megladon8]

Why do you assume it will? Bay is unlike Raimi. He doesn't have artistic integrity.


No, Bay has already said he's done with Transformers after this movie. He has other stuff he wants to do.

[number8]

You don't really need artistic integrity to say, "Transformers 3 is going to make a bajillion dollars. Done and done. Now I want to go make Bad Boys 3."

[number8]

So Michael Bay and Shia LaBeouf both admit that the second movie was crap, and the fans who defended it feel insulted now? Get real.

[EyesWideOpen]

So Michael Bay and Shia LaBeouf both admit that the second movie was crap, and the fans who defended it feel insulted now? Get real.

Can we get them to admit the first movie was crap also?

[Dukefrukem]

I loved the teaser trailer to the first movie.

[Fezzik]

I'd love to see Michael Bay move away from film directing and start a marketing firm. People/studios would hire him to make trailers and what not to make their movies/tv shows look more dynamic and interesting.

I think he'd be really good at it.

[number8]

I'd love to see Michael Bay move away from film directing and start a marketing firm. People/studios would hire him to make trailers and what not to make their movies/tv shows look more dynamic and interesting.

I think he'd be really good at it.

He has one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Institute_for_the_Developm ent_of_Enhanced_Perceptual_Awa reness

[Morris Schæffer]

Leonard Nimoy will voice Sentinel Prime, Optimus's forefather.

[Sxottlan]

Yeah, apparently he and Michael Bay are connected by marriage.

[Dukefrukem]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/coolproduction/ckeditor_assets/pictures/1459/original/TF31.jpg?1303917021
http://s3.amazonaws.com/coolproduction/ckeditor_assets/pictures/1460/original/TF32.jpg?1303917047
http://s3.amazonaws.com/coolproduction/ckeditor_assets/pictures/1461/original/TF33.jpg?1303917067

[Wryan]

Well, this one won't make any money.

[Morris Schæffer]

Exclusive trailer is supposed to debut today. So where the fuck is it? WHERE???!!!!!!

http://www.babynewsnow.com/images/baby_crying.jpg

WEAAA!! WEAA!!! WEAA!!!

[Watashi]

Did you guys not see the second or first movie?

What the fuck is wrong with you people?

[Dukefrukem]

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/

[number8]

AMCUl0JqnJo

WE NEED TO TRANSFORM DEEPER.

[Henry Gale]

That's absolutely the sort of footage you use to make someone like me forget that they liked neither of the first two. There are very few seconds of action there that didn't make me think "OH MY-- WHAT. HOLY...".

My inner 13-year-old is now very excited. Thanks a lot, you trailer-editing bastards.

[Dukefrukem]

They certainly do FX well. I like the idea of Chicago blowing up for a change. I'd also like to see the ruins of NYC from the other movies too.

[DavidSeven]

I'm not sure what's less convincing: giant and agile brightly colored robots or the quality of tail we're supposed to believe Shia can pull. That girl doesn't even look human.

What's the deal with Michael Bay and all of the Coen Bros' go-to actors?

I won't see this or the one that came before it.

[Ezee E]

I like that it appears that Bay is actually holding onto shots for those action sequences.

[Ivan Drago]

Skyscraper fall make head go kaplooie!

[Henry Gale]

I like that it appears that Bay is actually holding onto shots for those action sequences.

When he was quoted as saying he was going to do so months ago, along with how working with 3D changed up his aesthetic, I thought he was just lightly bullshitting and telling people what they wanted to hear. I'm glad to be wrong with what I saw in that trailer.

[B-side]

AMCUl0JqnJo

WE NEED TO TRANSFORM DEEPER.

I'll watch it.

[Dukefrukem]

That shot in the youtube preview looks almost identical to the Armageddon skyscraper falling down.

YyHRZRnPhLM

[Scar]

That trailer makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I hated the last two. I'm sure I'll hate this one, more coherent visuals and all. So I'll do myself a favor and pass.

Hope those of you who see it enjoy it.

[Morris Schæffer]

No, parts one and two were sorta okay, sometimes awesome, but sometimes dismal. This trailer is badass...and I can't wait for it!

[Boner M]

I motion that everyone who purchases a ticket for this & makes any subsequent complaints about the state of Hollywood filmmaking be banned from the forum.

[transmogrifier]

I motion that everyone who purchases a ticket for this & makes any subsequent complaints about the state of Hollywood filmmaking be banned from the forum.

I was going to say, the best thing about these threads is that it stands as a record documenting the curious phenomenon of trailer-induced amnesia. It's like the first two movies didn't exist (and didn't have trailers that looked exactly the same as this one)

[Skitch]

That chick looks dumber than even Fox did, and thats saying something.

[Skitch]

Oh, and I, of course, will be seeing this. But I'm a giant Transformers/Bay defending douche, so...yeah. :)

[Boner M]

looks dumber than even Fox did
Good one.

[megladon8]

I can't wait for the scene when Shia is all like "N-n-n-n-n-no! NOOO!! NO NO NO! NO!!!"

[Henry Gale]

Well, if there's another 3D movie of actual quality that I would like to rather support (again) the weekend that Dark of the Moon is playing, I'll gladly pay for the better movie, get my glasses, and then subject myself to hours of robo-smashing.

[Morris Schæffer]

Where was Malkovich?

[lovejuice]

That chick looks dumber than even Fox did, and thats saying something.
And not quite as hot.

[KK2.0]

I was going to say, the best thing about these threads is that it stands as a record documenting the curious phenomenon of trailer-induced amnesia. It's like the first two movies didn't exist (and didn't have trailers that looked exactly the same as this one)

I'm part of the problem.

new Transformers announced

:frustrated:

trailer released

:eek: :D

me at the movies

:rolleyes: :|

repeat cycle

[Raiders]

I motion that everyone who purchases a ticket for this & makes any subsequent complaints about the state of Hollywood filmmaking be banned from the forum.

No promises as banning myself would be counterproductive to the future of the forum.

[Ivan Drago]

No promises as banning myself would be counterproductive to the future of the forum.

Plus, wouldn't banning yourself tear a hole in the universe?

[Dukefrukem]

He could temp ban himself.

I say do it.

[number8]

Oh man. :lol:


“Megan developed this Spice Girl strength, this woman-empowerment [stuff] that made her feel awkward about her involvement with Michael, who some people think is a very lascivious filmmaker, the way he films women,” LaBeouf said. “Mike films women in a way that appeals to a 16-year-old sexuality. It’s summer. It’s Michael’s style. And I think [Fox] never got comfortable with it. This is a girl who was taken from complete obscurity and placed in a sex-driven role in front of the whole world and told she was the sexiest woman in America. And she had a hard time accepting it. When Mike would ask her to do specific things, there was no time for fluffy talk. We’re on the run. And the one thing Mike lacks is tact. There’s no time for [LaBeouf assumes a gentle voice] ‘I would like you to just arch your back 70 degrees.’”

“Rosie comes with this Victoria’s Secret background, and she’s comfortable with it, so she can get down with Mike’s way of working and it makes the whole set vibe very different,” LaBeouf said.

And the WTF:


“Sam’s sort of frustrated,” LaBeouf said. “He has no purpose in life. When he was with the Autobots, he had purpose. He was needed. But he’s got this very supportive girl [Huntington-Whitley's Carly Miller] who’s having him go to these job interviews and trying to nurture him, get him back on his feet. It’s a different female energy than he experienced with Mikaela, who was a very cold biker chick. This woman’s more of a maternal, loving type. Sam wants a domestic, eggs-in-the-morning kind of a thing.”

[TGM]

And not quite as hot.

Which is amazing, considering Fox isn't even all that hot herself.

[Irish]

Always kinda liked The Beef, but that bit about "Spice Girls strength" was a real facepalmer.

[Skitch]

Always kinda liked The Beef, but that bit about "Spice Girls strength" was a real facepalmer.

Agreed all around, but considering who he's talking about, it seems pretty accurate. :lol:

[Dukefrukem]

Which is amazing, considering Fox isn't even all that hot herself.


This again? See the Tomb Raider 3 thread plz.

[Scar]

Which is amazing, considering Fox isn't even all that hot herself.

True.

[Morris Schæffer]

Clocks in at 1 hour and 39 minutes according to RT, which is considerably shorter than the last two.

[Skitch]

Clocks in at 1 hour and 39 minutes according to RT, which is considerably shorter than the last two.

Reedit the first two and cut a at least half hour out of each, and they'd be vastly improved.

[angrycinephile]

Clocks in at 1 hour and 39 minutes according to RT, which is considerably shorter than the last two.

It's 153 minutes.

[Morris Schæffer]

It's 153 minutes.

Then the conclusion is simple. If, as Bay has said, all infantile humour has been jettisoned etc... this is primed (ha ha, Primed. Get it?) to deliver the most bang for the buck in 2011. :D

[angrycinephile]

Then the conclusion is simple. If, as Bay has said, all infantile humour has been jettisoned etc... this is primed (ha ha, Primed. Get it?) to deliver the most bang for the buck in 2011. :D

You just have to watch this TV-spot to notice the humor is still there:

2b-pD2gDRN8

Remember that this is the "humor" they choose to advertise the film with. Knowing Bay, the actual "humor" will be much, much worse.

So don't get your hopes up.

[Morris Schæffer]

Contrary to popular belief, I'm not hoping anything. :D

[Morris Schæffer]

http://youtu.be/oLpx7PQDOpI

Well, it may have boatloads of CGI, but this looks great.

http://screenrant.com/transformers-dark-moon-3d-preview-kofi-118150/

And early word on the 3d which is said to rival avatar.

[number8]

http://i.imgur.com/8ag3K.jpg

[[ETM]]

^"Most likely to blow shit up"

[Skitch]

;353881']^"Most likely to blow shit up"

:lol:

[Morris Schæffer]

He does look like a brat who would blow up small rodents for fun.

[Morris Schæffer]

I just read that Megan Fox was promptly fired by Spielberg when she referred to Michael Bay as Hitler.

Supposedly, Bay has just now confirmed that.

[Irish]

I just read that Megan Fox was promptly fired by Spielberg when she referred to Michael Bay as Hitler.

Supposedly, Bay has just now confirmed that.

Wow. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/8585545/Steven-Spielberg-demanded-Megan-Fox-be-fired-from-Transformers-film.html) Yeah. Too much Sean Young level crazy from somebody with no resume. Her career is over.

[Spinal]

Bay said he wasn't hurt by the Hitler comment.

:lol:

[B-side]

Her career is over.

If hyperbole were nearly as damaging as you seem to think it is, I'm not sure who would be left with a career in Hollywood.

[Morris Schæffer]

Wow. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/8585545/Steven-Spielberg-demanded-Megan-Fox-be-fired-from-Transformers-film.html) Yeah. Too much Sean Young level crazy from somebody with no resume. Her career is over.

Perhaps she will be in a Von Trier flick next.

[Ezee E]

Well, the only thing Fox has been cast in since was a DTV Indie.

[Irish]

If hyperbole were nearly as damaging as you seem to think it is, I'm not sure who would be left with a career in Hollywood.

It has nothing to do with the remark itself and everything to do with having a bad reputation.

If the screenwriter, crew, and your costars are complaining about you in the mainstream press, you're in serious trouble. That's beyond 'difficult' and into 'pariah' territory.

You don't get a lot of second chances in this industry, especially if you're a woman and most especially if you're not a big box office draw.

[Morris Schæffer]

For some reason, this has made me look at Spielberg in a completely new light. He always seemed so cuddly, amiable with that big ol beard of his. Suddenly he's firing people. I need to process this.

[Morris Schæffer]

Our good friend Harry K. has seen Transformers 3 and grants an insight into what his bulging eyes have witnessed

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/50176


This is a strange series that I am mostly not a fan of. I love TRANSFORMERS – the toy line and the animated show – but never quite have been able to count myself as a fan of any of the films, until now. TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON is simply the best film of the franchise – by a great deal.


How this came to be, many of us will speculate, but I’m pretty sure it is a combination of Michael Bay fully embracing and shooting this outing in full 3D – using the amazing camera set-ups innovated by James Cameron – with Cameron’s tech folks – and even some advice from James Cameron himself. Shooting in 3D requires you to slow down – especially if you’re Michael Bay. I’m told that it takes 3 seconds for your brain to properly process a shot in 3D, 3 seconds is an eternity in Bay-speak – but in this film – you’re going to see a dynamic to his action that is nothing short of jaw-dropping. I say “Jaw-Dropping” not with any sense of hyperbole – in the last hour of this film you’re going to see shit go down that will physically cause your jaw to drop. Hang open and perhaps end with a smile.


In TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON – he still has some of that silly shit that I don’t like. You know – like Shia’s parents, like John Turturro’s character… and to the ultimate in silly, they add a character by John Malkovich and Frances McDormand – and it is like Bay was saying, “I want Academy Award level actors, but I’m going to make them act like the silly characters in a Russ Meyer flick.” Because that’s how Turturro, Malkovich and McDormand come across. Those 3 characters & the parents are just terrible. I might be so abused by John Turturro in the overall series, but I did think his character dialed it back quite a bit from the last film. But still… Why can’t the three best actors in the movie be the three best actors in the movie?


The action in this film is truly amazing work. Bay’s talent for designing these shots is nothing short of amazing to watch. The physical look of everything is amazing. That I really kinda loved Shia’s Sam in this film – and he has a moment when he’s going after a pillar in this film, where I’ll be damned, but I stopped thinking of Sam as some idiot kid, and saw an incredibly brave soul that was putting his life on the line against incredibly terrible odds – and he acted quickly, decisively and with a true sense of heroism that I found quite powerful.

And a little bit from ign


Transformers: Dark of the Moon definitely has more of a plot than either of its predecessors. There are genuine stakes this time, and it's the first Transformers film where you actually get some sense of physical or emotional consequence to the events that transpire. (That said, the timing of the villains' scheme makes no sense given all that's happened in the series thus far.) Mostly the film works because of its kick-ass 3D action scenes. Transformers 3 could very well be 3D's savior in light of its waning box office appeal in recent months. The 'bots battles have never been more vibrant or entertaining than they are in this installment. Unlike say Green Lantern or Pirates 4, Transformers 3 really is a movie you need to see in 3D. The 3D action highlights transpire mostly during the film's final hour in Chicago, such as the wingsuit jump sequence and the set-piece where Sam, his new girlfriend Carly (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (http://stars.ign.com/objects/074/074991.html)) and the now-retired Epps (Tyrese Gibson (http://stars.ign.com/objects/913/913157.html)) are inside a collapsing skyscraper.

[Dukefrukem]

Well then.

[Ezee E]

Not that I should ever trust Knowles or IGN, but that gives me comfort in what I'm looking to get out of that movie.

[Henry Gale]

It feels strange that this already essentially opens tomorrow, at least for a couple of later showings at my closest theatre. Tuesday is cheap movie day there, even for 3D, so I may just try and go.

Man... why am I getting my hopes up for this?

[Dukefrukem]

It feels strange that this already essentially opens tomorrow, at least for a couple of later showings at my closest theatre. Tuesday is cheap movie day there, even for 3D, so I may just try and go.

Man... why am I getting my hopes up for this?

Oh shit! It's playing tomorrow at my theater too!

9:00 9:15 9:30 9:45pm

I'm goin.

[Ezee E]

I'll predict Ebert likes the 3D here, but hates the rest.

[[ETM]]

Ebert is on anti-3D and anti-VG crusade, I don't much care for anything he says on either subject.

[megladon8]

I find it amazing that someone like Knowles has developed this amazing career on his writing that's absolutely not amazing at all.

It's nothing short of amazing.

[Ezee E]

I find it amazing that someone like Knowles has developed this amazing career on his writing that's absolutely not amazing at all.

It's nothing short of amazing.

It's not his writing that he's famous for at all.

[megladon8]

It's not his writing that he's famous for at all.


You mean his website?

I mean, it's based around his writing. Wouldn't you say he's a writer by trade?


Besides I was just poking fun at how many times he used "awesome" in, like, 3 sentences.

[Irish]

It's not his writing that he's famous for at all.

True, but after 10+ years, you'd think he would have gotten better at it.

[number8]

True, but after 10+ years, you'd think he would have gotten better at it.

He has. There are punctuations, full stops and complete sentences now.

[number8]

http://i.imgur.com/ERtJV.jpg

[eternity]

I only saw the first one because I got free advance tickets. Hated it.

I only saw the second one because I got free advance tickets. Hated it.

I had free advance tickets for the third one tonight. I made sure I had to work so I wasn't compelled to go.

[Sxottlan]

Yeah, Ebert may hate 3D, but I'm pretty sure he'd get behind that letter from Bay. He's been going on for years about theatres turning down the brightness of their bulbs.


Wow. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/8585545/Steven-Spielberg-demanded-Megan-Fox-be-fired-from-Transformers-film.html) Yeah. Too much Sean Young level crazy from somebody with no resume. Her career is over.

I'm not really sure it got going to begin with.

[Morris Schæffer]

More random praise for the movie's action scenes, espesh the last hour which is apparently insane!



Audiences will likely have so much fun with the final hour of this film, however, that they’ll soon downplay or even forget many of its issues; the closing set-piece – a colossal battle in Chicago which takes place in the air, on the ground, inside collapsing buildings, and everywhere in between – is a jaw-dropping technical achievement, both a testament to the present state of visual effects and Bay’s prowess as an action director of scarcely contained confidence. For all of Bay’s flaws, there’s never a spatially confusing moment in this, or in fact, any of his films; his coverage is consistently exhilarating, that is, when he chooses to focus on action rather than drama. The film’s 3D presentation also lends itself extremely well to Bay’s directorial sensibilities, and given that Bay was egged into adopting the format by James Cameron, it’s little surprise that for the level of detail and sheer heart-pumping factor, this is probably the best use of 3D since Avatar.
It’s difficult to imagine more effort – or money, for that matter – being poured into any set-piece this year, for while it very nearly exhausts with its length and outright intensity, Bay’s slick direction and tendency to keep the action moving fast makes it difficult to become restless. This is absolutely the film at its very best – the most entertaining moment involving a desperate dash to escape a half-destroyed building, causing Sam and his comrades to slide several stories through it as though characters in a platforming video game – yet the chilling focus on a destroyed Chicago also inevitably recalls more serious-minded disaster fare, and of course, the spectre of 9/11. Bay doesn’t reach too far for pathos, but for what it’s worth, this is the least forgiving, most brutal film of the franchise; in the final showdown, innocent civilians die ad infinitum, exploding indiscriminately into piles of ash and bone.

[Morris Schæffer]

the Tomatometer is in freefall right now and I'll doubt it'll recover. But my ticket for tomorrow is reserved. :)

1 star from Ebert:

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110628/REVIEWS/110629981

[Dukefrukem]

I'm going tonight for shits. And it's one of the few nights that I don't have class.

[[ETM]]

Ebert wrote that before seeing it, even the bit about 3D being dim.:lol:

[number8]

Note: Bay is said to have tried to improve the characteristic light level of 3D. In my screening, it was as dim as usual.

Well, duh. Most theaters don't have experienced projectionists anymore, just random employees operating the booth. What would they care about Michael Bay's letter.

Paramount should have done what Pixar does for their movies (they send techs to infiltrate random theaters and judge the projections, and the best theaters get prizes and have their employees invited to Pixar Studios).

[Morris Schæffer]

;356478']Ebert wrote that before seeing it, even the bit about 3D being dim.:lol:

Well, ain't that reassuring. :D

[Raiders]

;356478']Ebert wrote that before seeing it, even the bit about 3D being dim.:lol:

What?

[[ETM]]

What?

Except for a few notes on dialogue, he could have written that without seeing the film, based on previous knowledge. In other words - of course he hated it.

[Qrazy]

This movie is going to be terrible shit people. Accept that now so you won't feel cheated later.

[Morris Schæffer]

This movie is going to be terrible shit people. Accept that now so you won't feel cheated later.

No! I will resist you! And I shall get my eyeballs fondled.

or something along those lines.

[Irish]

Slashfilm really liked this. Said the same thing about the 3D f/x as Harry Knowles ("amazing!"). Though noted "if you're going to a Transformers movie for the story/screenplay, you're doing it wrong."

[number8]

Slashfilm really liked this. Said the same thing about the 3D f/x as Harry Knowles ("amazing!"). Though noted "if you're going to a Transformers movie for the story/screenplay, you're doing it wrong."

I saw the first two with Peter (we were friends when we lived in SF and always sat together at screenings). He's always been an unapologetic fanboy of the series and have said that same thing about the first two. So that's not really surprising. If anything, it probably just means it's more of the same.

[Scar]

I saw the first two with Peter (we were friends when we lived in SF and always sat together at screenings). He's always been an unapologetic fanboy of the series and have said that same thing about the first two. So that's not really surprising. If anything, it probably just means it's more of the same.

So I'll probably enjoy it.

[Ezee E]

I've seen both, waiting for a remarkable action sequence which I haven't seen yet. I know Bay is capable of that, and with the remarks about the last hour, I'll give it a shot and hope that the third time is the charm.

Even from the preview footage, the shots of the skydivers, and the long shot of one of the Transformers wrecking havok through the street was better then anything in the previous two movies.

[Ivan Drago]

I expected giant fighting robots kicking the crap out of each other before seeing the first two movies, and one of them delivered. Hoping that the third delivers as well.

[Barty]

Well, duh. Most theaters don't have experienced projectionists anymore, just random employees operating the booth. What would they care about Michael Bay's letter.

Paramount should have done what Pixar does for their movies (they send techs to infiltrate random theaters and judge the projections, and the best theaters get prizes and have their employees invited to Pixar Studios).

Damn it! 3D projectors, at least Sony 320's which is what AMC and Regal uses, CAN NOT be calibrated, messed up, made dimmer by projectionists or on the flip side improved by any technique. This argument is such an incorrect non-starter it's not even funny. Any dimming has nothing to do with the projectors or operators, but everything with the way 3D simply is. Ebert needs to learn what he is talking about.

[Raiders]

Damn it! 3D projectors, at least Sony 320's which is what AMC and Regal uses, CAN NOT be calibrated, messed up, made dimmer by projectionists or on the flip side improved by any technique. This argument is such an incorrect non-starter it's not even funny. Any dimming has nothing to do with the projectors or operators, but everything with the way 3D simply is. Ebert needs to learn what he is talking about.

Ebert didn't say anything about calibrating. Michael Bay wrote a letter requesting projectionists make sure the brightness level is correct and Ebert just gave a postscript comment that it was still dim.

[Boner M]

I expected giant fighting robots kicking the crap out of each other before seeing the first two movies, and one of them delivered
:confused::confused::confused:

[Barty]

Ebert didn't say anything about calibrating. Michael Bay wrote a letter requesting projectionists make sure the brightness level is correct and Ebert just gave a postscript comment that it was still dim.

That's the point, there's nothing a projectionist can do with the brightness level. Digital projectors calibration is locked in when they are installed. Bay's letter doesn't even make any sense in that regard. His Platinum 6 version is a smart idea, but that's changing the source content to up the brightness, which will allow more light through each scene, but no by changing anything on the projector.

[Ezee E]

Can't say that I've ever had a problem with brightness to begin with.

[baby doll]

Though noted "if you're going to a Transformers movie for pleasure, you're doing it wrong."Fixed.

[baby doll]

;356490']Except for a few notes on dialogue, he could have written that without seeing the film, based on previous knowledge. In other words - of course he hated it.If so, good for him. It's too bad that he can't ignore it completely (or at least pass it along to a second-string reviewer at the Sun Times) and just write about the films he'd like to.

[Dukefrukem]

My expectations were low, and the theater pretty much was filled with kids under the age of 17. They were cheering before the movie started and a few of them were really thinking this was going to be the best movie they've ever seen. That said, this was completely out of left field entertaining.

1. There are not many scenes with the parents. (which is a good thing)

2. The new chick (i forgot her name already) is gorgeous and the first shot of the movie is a an absolute showcase of her hotness. There's also a poke at Fox in the movie where one of the robots calls her a "bitch". I was the only one in the theater that laughed at that comment.

3. The movie itself could stand by its own as one movie, as most of you probably can see from the trailer, there are leaps in consistency that make the previous movies irrelevant. They pretty much travel to Chicago, only to blow it up.

4. The action scenes are probably the absolute best use of CGI special effects I'v ever seen (better than Avatar) and the 3D complements it well. The shots are longer (sorry some are in slow mo) but it works! I'm telling you, the quotes earlier about jaws being open is the dead honest truth. I would pay to see this again because there is so much going on screen, I want to go back and watch it all over again. And not the confusing-too-many-things-on-screen complaint, but there's really stuff you'll miss after the first viewing.

5. The John Malkovich scenes are embarrassing and forced humor. Did he get caps on his teeth? They look weird... in 3D.

6. The movie ends on a flat note. With stupid credit rolling scenes.

More tomorrow when I remember stuff, but you heard it here first, Transformers 3 must have blown up the most cars I've ever seen in a movie, CGI and/or real. There's one highway scene that stands out, the building crumbling was impressive and extremely good choreography for the robots. That may sound weird, but they transform from car to robot to car and robot to car to robot in multiple fight scenes that looks cool as shit.

It's definitely the best of the trilogy and I'd even go as far to say I'd buy it on Blu-ray when it comes out. I don't own either of the first two.

[Sxottlan]

Well, duh. Most theaters don't have experienced projectionists anymore, just random employees operating the booth. What would they care about Michael Bay's letter.

I struck up a conversation one afternoon with the manager at a Regal and he revealed that when Sony brought in their digital projectors, the installers gave the employees approximately five minutes of orientation on how to run the projectors and then they took off. They've had to fumble their way through since then and learn on the fly.

When I saw How to Train Your Dragon in 3D, the projector just shut off about two-thirds of the way through. I was the only one in the theatre, so I waited a few moments and when I didn't hear any movement upstairs, I had to run all the way out to the lobby where they had no idea anything had happened. Several minutes went by at which point they came in to the theatre and told me they had no idea what was wrong and they couldn't restart it at the spot where it quit. It's the only time I have ever had to leave a theatre without seeing all of a movie. I was so pissed. Thankfully I had already seen the film.


Paramount should have done what Pixar does for their movies (they send techs to infiltrate random theaters and judge the projections, and the best theaters get prizes and have their employees invited to Pixar Studios).

That's a good idea.

[[ETM]]

If so, good for him. It's too bad that he can't ignore it completely (or at least pass it along to a second-string reviewer at the Sun Times) and just write about the films he'd like to.

That'd be awesome. I don't want to read another word from him on 3D or video games.

[Morris Schæffer]

Sounds like a dead-on review Duke. I'm excited about this. Going tonight!

@Sxottlan: Yay for the three stars for Final Countdown! :D

[Dukefrukem]

Yeh the continuity of Trans3 is pretty bad in typical Michael Bay fashion. Scenes are exaggerated to the fullest extent and characters are easily convinced to go along with what's best for the plot line.

One other thing i forgot to mention. Trans3 is also the most violent of the three. The best analogy I can think of is comparing the invasion scene to the War of the Worlds remake- only in Trans3 humans are turned into bones. It was a little bit disturbing because I wasn't expecting it.

One of the more impressive 3D scenes I can remember is during a space shuttle launch. I cannot stress how good the CGI looks in this pic.

continuity problems and obvious spoilers below - and i forgot Ken Jeong was in this. ugggggggggg its bad.


1. The biggest question is why didn't the decepticons go after the pillars from the first movie. Didn't Megatron fly from Saturn? He should have stopped at the moon on the way to Earth. I realize they needed Sentinel Prime to activate the pillars, but did they not know Sentinel Prime was going to open the gate anyway? The argument here is only Optimus could revive Sentinel, but I remember Optimus being either dead or subdued enough to steal that little floating blue key to activate Sentinel.

2. Patrick Dempsey's reasoning to betray the human race is absurd- i don't think he actually HAD a reason other than his company inherited the secrets from the Apollo mission to the moon- Even after the Decpticons go against their word, and he's left in Chicago (for no reason, he just tags along and goes to Chicago) still believes the invasion is a good idea.

3. Why is Washington DC completely rebuilt? They still refer to Sam as a teenager so it's not like YEARS have past since the destruction of that city from the other movies...

4. The first 20-30 minutes is a snooze fest other than the impersonators- JFK, Nixon and Obama. Neat tie ins with real video and real audio. BUt Sam is looking for a job and he takes one in the mail room working for Malkovich? The Malkovich company was one of the worst attempts at humor I've seen in a movie. THe whole yellow red cup on the yellow floor was bad. Ken Jeong was bad. Ken Jeong was so bad... The scene in the stall and then when Sam visits him in his office. Terrible.

[Fezzik]

:confused::confused::confused:

I actually agree with Ivan on this one. The first one left me disappointed because the fights looked like Katamari Damacy: Extreme Closeup Edition.

I couldn't make out what was going on during the action scenes at all.

The 2nd one, for all its abhorrent flaws, got most of the action right. The fight in the forest is one of the better executed CGI action scenes I've seen.

[Dukefrukem]

I laughed at this:


"The screenwriter for this latest rehash is listed as Ehren Kruger, but Transformers 3 might as well have been written by a machine, given its tin-eared comedy and noisy soullessness. ... Blockbusters don't have to be brainless and soulless, but apparently director Michael Bay thinks otherwise."—Claudia Puig, USA Today

Other funny ones:

"I can't decide if this movie is so spectacularly, breathtakingly dumb as to induce stupidity in anyone who watches, or so brutally brilliant that it disarms all reason. What's the difference?"—A.O. Scott, The New York Times

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon—high on any list of the worst blockbusters ever (move over Green Lantern, you've been bitch-slapped)—is a movie bereft of wit, wonder, imagination, and any genuine reason for being. Watching it makes you die a little inside."—Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

"Director Michael Bay, Hollywood's answer to the Antichrist, isn't primarily interested in your soul, though his movie does a pretty effective job of sucking that away (and sucking, in general)."—Lou Lumenick, The New York Post

"Frances McDormand, playing a government bigwig, can now rest content knowing she has given the worst performance of her career."—Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor

[number8]

I like that in keeping with their dishrag status, the New York Post's film critic is also just consistently one of the worst.

[eternity]

The only reason I have to see it is that Michael Bay went to my theater last month and they assured him that they would display the film the way he intended it.

...wait, no, that's not a real reason. I'm not going to see this.

[Skitch]

My lord do I hate Peter Travers.

[Morris Schæffer]

I liked it....enough! Oh sure, there are reservations as some of it is still infantile, racist, and stupidly plotted, but...I ain't gonna lie. I was really blown away by the action scenes, the scale of the destruction, the astonishing special effects and certainly the spectacular 3D. What Bay and his gang of FX wizards pulls of in that last hour is flatout unbelievable to see unfold. It's hardly nerve-shattering or genuinely pulse-pounding, but I was immensely entertained by it all although some of those shots were quite vertiginous. What a pity though he still doesn't quite seem to care about the full package such as interesting characters, trimming some fat, interesting plot etc... He could really deliver a few action classics if he got that sorted out.

There were some cool geek moments such as Sentinel Prime saying The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Malkovich I actually enjoyed as well.

Whiteley is terrible and terribly good-looking, and Jason Statham is a lucky fucking sod.

[megladon8]

I actually find Whitely a little...odd looking.

Not unattractive. She just looks kind of like a Mrs. Potato Head, in that she has features from about 8 different people put onto one face.


I have to ask - does this feel as totally bloated as the first film?

I can't help but feel that there's absolutely no reason why these movies need to be 2 1/2+ hours long.

[Morris Schæffer]

I actually find Whitely a little...odd looking.

Not unattractive. She just looks kind of like a Mrs. Potato Head, in that she has features from about 8 different people put onto one face.


I have to ask - does this feel as totally bloated as the first film?

I can't help but feel that there's absolutely no reason why these movies need to be 2 1/2+ hours long.

I think I know what you mean. In some of the shots she looks sort of like a robot, but still oddly amazingly hot. Those lips are disproportionate, kinda like Angelina Jolie, but I don't find that ugly.

As for bloat, it's there although I was loving the 3D all the way through so even if some stupid scene was developing before my eyes or something that could have been trimmed, I was enjoying the 3D aspect of it. And the action really is better cut and compared with parts 1 and 2, there's no equal. This movie is amazingly spectacular although it's still superficial given that the plot is so so and the characters are so so.

[megladon8]

Ha.

Harrison Ford called Shia LaBeouf a "fucking idiot" for what he said about Indy IV.

[[ETM]]

Ford has been somewhat... disturbed for a while now.

[Dukefrukem]

I think I know what you mean. In some of the shots she looks sort of like a robot, but still oddly amazingly hot. Those lips are disproportionate, kinda like Angelina Jolie, but I don't find that ugly.

As for bloat, it's there although I was loving the 3D all the way through so even if some stupid scene was developing before my eyes or something that could have been trimmed, I was enjoying the 3D aspect of it. And the action really is better cut and compared with parts 1 and 2, there's no equal. This movie is amazingly spectacular although it's still superficial given that the plot is so so and the characters are so so.

What did you think of the:

Scene where Sam gets thrown through the air when Bumblebee transformers in mid air to avoid the debris on the highway? That was one of the most impressive 3D shots I've ever seen.

The second most impressive 3D shot I've ever seen I just remembered;The first sky dive scene. There's a part where the Decpticons shoot the side of the building, and dust, glass and shit gets thrown at the camera as the sky divers go right through it. I definitely flinched during that scene.

[Pop Trash]

;356991']Ford has been somewhat... disturbed for a while now.

Ever since he got his ear pierced as a blatant attempt to rekindle his youth, he's been in a neverending mid-life/late-life crisis tailspin.

[Pop Trash]

Walter Chaw's review of this might be the best so far. Such a great piece.