A case of the Mondays
Posted 06-30-2009 at 02:35 AM by Rip
6/29/09
Today, I decided to go see the new transformer movie with a few friends. There are quite a few reviews out of the movie, and for the most part they were mixed at best. Actually, that’s being generous – critics thought the movie sucked. There’s no doubt that Tranformers 2 will earn a ton of money, but on the flip side I don’t think many people expect it to be a ‘classic’ either.
In short, the movie is entertaining in a shallow kind of way. There really is no plot, at least none worth noting. The story seems to exist for the viewers to make fun of, and little more. There is a good bit of levity dispersed throughout the film, which is a double edged sword. When there’s robots humping legs and jokes about giant robot testicles, how is the drama supposed to be – well dramatic?
The real trouble is, there’s no real feeling of identifying with the characters, and they all seem like such harsh over-dramatic actors that it doesn’t feel realistic in the least. As one reviewer put it, there was far too much time running from explosions, you know – because we all know humans have the power to outrun explosions, so we should focus on that!
Colleges are apparently high class raves filled with insanely attractive chicks – (Need I say, I wish My college was like that!), and the big drama between hero and heroine was due to the fact neither wanted to say “I love you”? Sorry, the only reason megan fox was in the film was to look pretty, her character really had no significant value other than help sell the film to adolescent males – huge fighting robots wasn’t enough? I don’t really want my hero or heroine to be ignorant, arrogant, and annoying. But there were times throughout the film that you’ll be saying “you stupid stupid person.”
I tend to enjoy looking at a movie from a technical aspect, taking note of inconsistencies and whatnot. This movie also had the entertainment of spotting locations where ideas from other films were clearly rehashed in a similar fashion. Matrix? Yup its there. Terminator? Of course! Hell, it looked like they even took a page from power rangers!
Its interesting to see lots of cultural inspiration for the characters. Did anyone else feel like the twins pulled some ice climber moves from super smash? Actually most of the autobot fights felt like they would be better super smash bother-ized. Back on the tech track, I’m sorry the rail gun on the destroyer is laughable. It might as well have been a magical plasma gun. No, the rail gun that the navy is actually putting on their ships is infinitely cooler, and also happens to be a hell of a lot bigger (and require insane amounts of power).
Look closely at the CG as well, for the most part the transformers themselves look great. It’s the environment that doesn’t cut it. Someone was rushing to production, or the rendering farm was too busy. Several times environmental objects clearly weren’t textured properly. Several scenes the physics looked completely off. And falling one or two hundred feet in a car will be deadly, the airbags won’t save your life.
Did I mention that the pyrotechnics were just a little overboard, and the autobots can't shoot for crap? Seriously - they have the worst aim I have ever seen. For such an advanced group, their aiming skills were lacking.
So all in all, the movie was entertaining mostly because I watched it with some friends and went in having low expectations. At least the movie popcorn was pretty good.
Today, I decided to go see the new transformer movie with a few friends. There are quite a few reviews out of the movie, and for the most part they were mixed at best. Actually, that’s being generous – critics thought the movie sucked. There’s no doubt that Tranformers 2 will earn a ton of money, but on the flip side I don’t think many people expect it to be a ‘classic’ either.
In short, the movie is entertaining in a shallow kind of way. There really is no plot, at least none worth noting. The story seems to exist for the viewers to make fun of, and little more. There is a good bit of levity dispersed throughout the film, which is a double edged sword. When there’s robots humping legs and jokes about giant robot testicles, how is the drama supposed to be – well dramatic?
The real trouble is, there’s no real feeling of identifying with the characters, and they all seem like such harsh over-dramatic actors that it doesn’t feel realistic in the least. As one reviewer put it, there was far too much time running from explosions, you know – because we all know humans have the power to outrun explosions, so we should focus on that!
Colleges are apparently high class raves filled with insanely attractive chicks – (Need I say, I wish My college was like that!), and the big drama between hero and heroine was due to the fact neither wanted to say “I love you”? Sorry, the only reason megan fox was in the film was to look pretty, her character really had no significant value other than help sell the film to adolescent males – huge fighting robots wasn’t enough? I don’t really want my hero or heroine to be ignorant, arrogant, and annoying. But there were times throughout the film that you’ll be saying “you stupid stupid person.”
I tend to enjoy looking at a movie from a technical aspect, taking note of inconsistencies and whatnot. This movie also had the entertainment of spotting locations where ideas from other films were clearly rehashed in a similar fashion. Matrix? Yup its there. Terminator? Of course! Hell, it looked like they even took a page from power rangers!
Its interesting to see lots of cultural inspiration for the characters. Did anyone else feel like the twins pulled some ice climber moves from super smash? Actually most of the autobot fights felt like they would be better super smash bother-ized. Back on the tech track, I’m sorry the rail gun on the destroyer is laughable. It might as well have been a magical plasma gun. No, the rail gun that the navy is actually putting on their ships is infinitely cooler, and also happens to be a hell of a lot bigger (and require insane amounts of power).
Look closely at the CG as well, for the most part the transformers themselves look great. It’s the environment that doesn’t cut it. Someone was rushing to production, or the rendering farm was too busy. Several times environmental objects clearly weren’t textured properly. Several scenes the physics looked completely off. And falling one or two hundred feet in a car will be deadly, the airbags won’t save your life.
Did I mention that the pyrotechnics were just a little overboard, and the autobots can't shoot for crap? Seriously - they have the worst aim I have ever seen. For such an advanced group, their aiming skills were lacking.
So all in all, the movie was entertaining mostly because I watched it with some friends and went in having low expectations. At least the movie popcorn was pretty good.
Total Comments 9
Comments
-
I have to see this movie because they filmed the opening scene right down the street from my house.
As for your review, dude, lighten up gawd. It's Transformers... a duh! Do you remember how shitty the cartoon was lol? Hot chicks, giant robots <transformer sound> fast cars, explosions... yup that pretty much covers it, and that's why it's awesome.Posted 06-30-2009 at 09:59 AM by ZenEye 
-
Yeha but just like you said zen eye"Its transformers" they should have topped the last movie. The effects in the first movie were dope.It seems as if they just rushed into the second one to make some quick cash.Knowing it would sell out in most places,and of course not taking into consideration they way a lot of viewers see the movie. The third better be flawless or atleast close to it or I will not see the next 3!! Nice post Rip!
Posted 06-30-2009 at 01:13 PM by xInTeNsE EnVyx
-
I agree ZenEye. Ryan, I think you just need to go and re-watch the movie and remove your smart brain before you go. Just sit, relax, and enjoy sexy robots.
Posted 06-30-2009 at 01:15 PM by PMS SillyLump
-
twins pullin out super smash was funny, the drama between character = lame, so yea for the most part i do agree wit u rip, but i gotta admit, the fact that a GM car (corvette stingray concept) took out a Audi car (V10 R8) was ironic and stupid. Everyone knows that R8 would torn sideswipe apart if they wanted it to be legit (yes i kno it never will be nor is suppose to be)
Posted 07-01-2009 at 03:59 PM by H2O Darkbunny
-
Very well written Ryan... although a lot of the uncertainties I can actually comment on as I had my hands in most the production of the movie.
A company called Digital Domain did all the transformers and digital rendering for the movie. I do agree that this movie didn't top the first one plot wise. Your comment about Megan Fox was spot on.
I personally think that production was rushed mainly because of all the movies that are coming out this summer and Paramount didn't want to have conflicting viewings to gain more profit.
Although this was a transformers movie everyone went to see it because they remembered how great the first one was. I think that the next one will be better
. Hearing the comments, whether they be negative or positive of the viewers will always push the director/production to make things better and incorporate things that were lacking in the previous film.Posted 07-01-2009 at 04:34 PM by H2O Wired
-
lol I didn't even see it yet but I bet i can accurately describe the plot. If it can actually be called a "plot". lol.
Let's see, Megatron is somehow back and he's pissed off. He calls in the troops, as does Optimus, giant robot fights abound, explosions, something about characters, macho guy soldiers, more robots and explosions, Meagan Fox's chest. The end. lol.
That about sum it up?
Sequels are rarely as good as originals. Except for Matrix reloaded that is
What I was trying to say is that you shouldn't have the same rating system for action flicks like this as you would for say... The 25th hour or Benjamin Button. I doubt Transformers will earn an Oscar consideration lol.
OH NO GIANT ROBOTS GRAWR BOOOM SMASH CRASH KAPOW!!! WHATEVER SHALL WE DO!?!?!?!Posted 07-01-2009 at 10:45 PM by ZenEye
Updated 07-01-2009 at 10:48 PM by ZenEye -
im sry but matrix reloaded was not as good as the first
Posted 07-01-2009 at 11:48 PM by H2O Darkbunny
-
That fight scene in the park with all the Smiths? <3 that part where he rips out that sign post w/ it's cement foot still attached and just crushes Smith with it. Best fight scene ever imo.
Posted 07-02-2009 at 12:51 PM by ZenEye
-
[B][URL="http://www.pmsclan.com/forum/blog.php?b=2181"]Mobil Keluarga Ideal Terbaik Indonesia[/URL][/B] | [B][URL="http://www.andriyarusman.com/mobil-keluarga-ideal-terbaik-indonesia/"][I]Mobil Keluarga[/I][/URL][/B] | [B][URL="http://www.pmsclan.com/forum/member.php?u=22237"]Mobil Keluarga Ideal terbaik Indonesia[/URL][/B]
Posted 01-26-2011 at 02:23 PM by mobilanku
