It’s summertime and that means blockbuster movies of the week! Last night at midnight, the sequel to Michael Bay’s Transformers hit the big screen. Already this morning the movie is being absolutely slammed in reviews. It’s being called slow, plodding, etc. And I can’t wait to see it!
For those that don’t know, The Transformers are robots that morph (transform) into vehicles and other objects to blend in to their surroundings. The property first came to us in the mid 80’s as a cartoon and has since spawned three (as of last night) theatrical releases, comic books, toys and and episodic television show. I’m a child of the 80’s. I lived for the Transformers. It was my favorite show to rush home from school to watch. I had the toys, I went to the movies, I pretended to be my favorite characters. That’s why I’m going to this movie… cause I have great memories of this franchise and Michael Bay knows it.
The first movie had its flaws for sure. I couldn’t tell what was going on when robots were fighting other robots. The human dialog was kind of sappy. I wasn’t a big fan of the hand held camera views. But you know what? I loved it! I loved the fact that these robots from my childhood were being brought to life on the screen. I loved the fact that Megan Fox is in there (just cause I think she’s completely beautiful). I loved the fact that it didn’t try to be anything but what it was – a balls to the wall action movie. Many of the reviews of Revenge of the Fallen that I’m reading are bitching about those same things. If I could get past them in the first film I’m sure I’ll be able to get past them in the second.
Not Just Transformers!
Transformers isn’t the only 80’s franchise that’s going to get my money this summer. G.I. Joe is getting a big screen treatment of its own later this summer. I’ve been excited about seeing a live action G.I. Joe flick for years and ever since the first trailer showed up during the Super Bowl this year I’ve been counting down the days.
Unfortunately the early reviews of G.I. Joe – The Rise of Cobra have not been good. Reports of the worst test screening in the history of the studio, fired directors, rewritten scripts, etc. have been circulating for a while now. All I can tell you is this: the trailer was awesome and I’ll be there when this one hits the theaters. G.I. Joe (like The Transformers) defined who I was when I was growing up in the mid 80’s. I remember going to the theater to see the original G.I. Joe movie and wondering what the hell Cobra-La was.
These movies get made for one reason: Money. The movie houses KNOW that there are folks out there like me that will flock to the flicks no matter what kind of garbage is put to screen. Throw in a couple of toy lines to hook the younger kids and you’ve got yourself a billion dollar property.
This geek simply can’t wait. Autobots… roll out! Yo JOE!!!
