What Do The Critics Say?

"It was good seeing the first screening of "Transformers" anywhere in the world with a cinema full of fans of the cartoon series. They cheered, they laughed, they applauded at this robust big screen adaptation of the basic good versus evil confrontation. There are nice performances from Jon Voigt as the Secretary for Defence and John Turturro as an agent with the mysterious Section 7. But the real credit must go to director Michael Bay. He brings a muscular, visceral energy to the film that makes you very aware of enjoying a big screen experience." Margaret Pomeranz ABC AT THE MOVIES "what sets it somewhat apart from others is that the human characters are pretty well defined and they're well acted. It's an interesting cast. There's quite a lot of humour in it and, of course, the special effects, as always with these things, are wonderful." David Stratton ABC AT THE MOVIES "Transformers is an all-out robot deathmatch of epic scope, grandiose enough to melt your eyeballs after viewing the Ark of the Covenant. Skeptics were fretfully worried that Michael Bay would drop the ball on this, and packs of fanboys sharpened their canines in preparation for a deadly advance on Bay's studio. They can rest assured, however, that Transformers will live up to the hype. John Turturro, one of the best bit-actors, plays a Sector 7 agent, and nails his role. For that matter, Shia LaBoeuf brings some life to a role that could have otherwise been dry. Great casting brought a lot of light into the movie during the parts with no robots." 20/20 INSIGHT "In terms of sheer spectacle, "Transformers" is a hard film to beat and certainly it looks like every single dollar of its $200 million budget is up there on screen and spent well. Bay and scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci understand that people are simply here to see giant robots thrash the hell out of both each other and metropolitan surroundings - thus don't bother spending time with much preamble. The result is a 140 minute movie with over an hour of it devoted to truly hardcore action, and on that front Bay shines as always. It certainly feels as if it's one of the few movies, that is actually worth the ticket price." Garth Franklin DARK HORIZONS

"If the whoops and clapping during the premiere at Sydney's Entertainment Quarter is anything to go by, "Transformers" has hit its mark among young people, especially young males, and most especially among those who are fascinated by the "Transformer" concept - and of course among those who work in or aspire to working in (or just love watching) digital effects. It's Mayhen Bayhem as Michael Bay destroys, wrecks, blows up and demolishes anything that stands or rolls in pursuit of a noisy and flashy action movie." Andrew L Urban URBAN CINEFILE "Luckily, just about every moment that the Transformers spend on screen is a fan-boy’s dream come true. The music, the action, the voice of Peter Cullen – even my wife, who isn’t a Transformers fan at all, got teary eyed. More then once I wanted to stand up and cheer. This is a great movie for casual moviegoers and action fans. This is movie of the year for me." Tel Prydain EVILAVATAR "Made exactly a generation after Spielberg's masterpiece "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial," and 20 years after the first Transformers animated movie (in 1986), Michael Bay's ultra-slick picture is an escapist summer entertainment par excellence, an event that's much more than a movie. Though the CGI effects are the film's real stars, you can't underestimate the role of the human actors. After giving a strong performance in "Disturbia," which made the thriller into an unqualified spring hit, Shia LaBeouf is extremely well cast as the likeable hero, Sam Witwicky. While the young members of the cast act in a sincere, straightforward manner, the vet ones, such as Torturro and Jon Voight play their parts more broadly, in tune with the cartoonish nature of the source material." Emanuel Levy EMANUELLEVY.COM "It's long and loud and everything about it is big; from the massive stunts, the pounding orchestral score and the transformers themselves, which tower above everything and everyone in this mega-budget sci-fi adventure. Cars fly through the air, explosions boom at high decibels, roads crumble, helicopters crash and gargantuan transformers gyrate their gymnastics as they miraculously change their form. The film is one giant spectacle with considerable entertainment value." Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE

The Inside Story "I’ve been one of the biggest fans of Transformers™ since they first came out," says executive producer Steven Spielberg. "I’m not talking about buying the toys for my kids. I’m talking about reading the comic books and buying the toys for myself. I’d play with them at home with my kids, but I’m the one who was enthralled with them," he recalls. "“I was a collector and I always thought the Hasbro toy line would one day 'transform' into a big summer movie." The core creative force behind "Transformers"™ is a virtual who’s who of Hollywood producing royalty: Steven Spielberg, director Michael Bay, Lorenzo di Bonaventura ("Shooter"), Tom DeSanto (the "X-Men" series), Don Murphy ("Natural Born Killers") and Ian Bryce ("Saving Private Ryan"). "Transformers™ has a rich, established history that inspired all of us," says producer di Bonaventura. "It’s no wonder we each had the same brainstorm; each of us was attracted to its mythology. The hardest aspect of overcoming people’s assumptions about robots; even the fans, was that until we could show footage, no one could really understand what this particular movie is all about. So we focused on the work at hand: developing a human story, finding the best cast and producing the most exciting effects we could. The rest would take care of itself." DeSanto swears that he’s dreamt of making a movie about Transformers™ since he was a kid, but it didn’t occur to his partner Murphy until years later as he was strolling through the Comic convention in San Diego. "I was walking around, looking at a lot of properties and franchises, and all of a sudden it hit me," Murphy says. "The kids of the ‘80s have grown up and now they probably want to see movies based on all this stuff around me, all their beloved characters and stories. Oh my God, this makes perfect sense." Murphy also knew that DeSanto, whom he’d met when the two worked together on "Apt Pupil", was not only a huge fan of the toy franchise, he was a walking encyclopedia of comic book information. Why? Because DeSanto owns over thirty five thousand comic books. "When DreamWorks told us that Steven loved the idea, I couldn’t believe it," DeSanto recalls. "As a kid from New Jersey, to hear that Steven Spielberg liked the same robots, I just thought, 'how did I get here?' The rest is a dream; it’s just been great." "Hasbro and Paramount were very excited about the process of putting another successful product into live-action format, and of course Transformers™ came up because its one of Hasbro’s crown jewels and a brand Brian believes has great potential. Brian is understandably protective of every franchise at the company," di Bonaventura explained. "For that reason he wanted to be involved as a producer, an idea I readily embraced because Brian really knew the brand and has a lot to offer." Screenwriter John Rogers, a comic book writer and enthusiast, was asked to put together an initial draft of the script. “The nice folks at DreamWorks know I’m a geek; I make my living as a professional 12-year-old," jokes Rogers. "So considering I was assembling and disassembling Optimus Prime® in their offices, I really had no defense when they asked me if I was interested. I was very eager; it was a great opportunity. The only real direction I was given was: write a human story." After he'd done the initial work on the story, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci took over. "When I moved onto another project, I left Alex and Bob to take the heat," he jokes. Spielberg, was recently inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame, asked Michael Bay to helm the film when the two were working on "The Island". "Michael is the perfect director for Transformers," says Spielberg. "He really had a feel for this material; he had a focused vision for what this franchise could look like as a movie. Michael had all the freedom he needed to breathe life into the humans, the Decepticons® and the Autobots®." Bay initially dismissed Spielberg’s offer, until when he realized that Spielberg was serious about the project. He agreed to make a trip to Rhode Island to visit Hasbro’s home base. "Walking down the hallway where they created the Monopoly® game, Mr Potato Head® and G.I. Joe®, everything from my childhood, I knew this was a company that took their toys seriously," Bay says. "Meeting with Brian, who’s probably more manic than I am, if that’s possible, really started me thinking. He’s wild, he’s an absolute zealot about these action figures and he loves his business; his enthusiasm was infectious." Bay along with producers di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce were put through their paces and attended 'Transformers™ School'. Bay says, "It was a big leap of faith for me to sign onto a movie like this." "People love Michael Bay or people hate him. It’s just a fact," says the human star of "Transformers™" Shia LaBeouf. "Michael is the sickest action director on the planet,” La Beouf continues. "He’s General Patton: hard as hell, opinionated, but with a great sense of humor, and he’s got an amazing visual sense; he’s a genius. I know that I worked with the best Michael Bay there’s been so far." Academy Award winner Jon Voight notes, "Michael has a great sense of fun, and all of his films reflect that no matter how serious the subject matter. As my mother would say, Michael’s a pip." "Michael is definitely the fastest director I’ve worked with," say actor Tyrese Gibson. "He keeps everybody on edge so that we stay sharp and on top of our game, and that’s because he’s on top of his game." Security was tight during filming. "When I walked onto some of the sets and saw how amazing they were, I understood why Michael and Steven wanted to keep it under wraps," says Voight. For those who were fans of the "Transformers™" during the eighties, this production is set in our time. "You have to keep up with the times, you have to update," LaBeouf says. "You can’t keep the story in the ‘80s. It might work for twenty five hardcore fans, but for the rest of the world, you can’t portray Megatron® as a handgun. Cinematically speaking, you need to amplify the danger. Megatron® is now an alien jet the likes of which you’ve never seen before." But what about his character? "Sam is just a normal kid," says Bay. "I didn’t want him to be the stud or the geek, just a normal Joe. He’s the type of guy who finds his edge through humor. He’s a little awkward, but you immediately like him." So does LaBeouf pass muster? "For his age, Shia is beyond sophisticated," says di Bonaventura. Voight agrees. "Shia’s quite a sensation. He’s the real thing." Cinemagoers who took in "Bobby" and "Disturbia" will agree with those comments. Co-starring with LaBeouf is newcomer Megan Fox. "Given that Michael’s name was attached to the script and that it was planned as a summer release, I knew the movie was going to be huge. I just had no idea how much of a part I was going to play in relation to the whole thing or what I was in for," she says. "Even though Megan’s relatively new to movies, she’s incredibly poised and confident, and it’s not phony," says director Michael Bay. "I also liked that no one really knew about her, which can be scary when you think about giving such a big part to someone untested, but the pairing with Shia really worked. They had a great energy." "Michael Bay is kind of infamous," laughs Fox. "But the more you are around him, the more obvious it becomes that he has this off-beat sense of humor. If he yells, it’s more about entertaining himself and ribbing you. He’s not a scary guy, he’s funny." LaBeouf says, "Michael’s a frat boy and if you’re going to have a relationship with Mike, you cannot be the sentimental actor. You cannot be fearful." "Michael’s a phenomenal director," says Fox. "Audiences are coming to this movie to see robots, explosions, and jets and helicopters screaming overhead; they want to see action. Shia and I were just along for the rides." Josh Duhamel is Captain Lennox. "I couldn’t imagine trying to make a movie out of what I remember as a great cartoon," Duhamel says. "But once I saw the magnitude of the military access we got, the special effects, the robot John Frazier and his guys built, the attention to detail, I knew I was very lucky to be part of this." Duhamel and his compatriots, including actors Tyrese Gibson, Amaury Nolasco and Zack Ward, attended a three-day boot camp, or basic training as it is termed. The group also went through intensive gun training. Duhamel and his compatriots especially liked spending time on actual Air Force bases surrounded by real military personnel and equipment. And what did Duhamel think of the robots? "The Decepticons® are meaner looking and the Autobots® are just wicked cool," he enthuses. "The people who come up with the concepts and art work for these things live in some other world to be able to think of this stuff." John Turturro who plays Agent Simmons was one of the few actors to receive the entire script prior to cameras rolling. "My character lives in this secret society that obviously influences his behavior," he says. “Sometimes the humor is silly, so you do it until the humor just becomes part of the character. It helped that Mike and I were able to flesh out some moments that weren’t in the script, which is why it’s so important to connect with the director." And how did Oscar ® winner Voight feel about taking a role in "Transformers™"? "Some people who’ve been around as long as I have won’t take roles if the piece doesn’t revolve around them," he explained. "But I’ve done a lot of supporting roles and I know what it is to be the lead guy and want to have those supporting actors give you something to work with, so I expect that from myself." Finally here's a couple of trivia snippets. Megan Fox auditioned for a role in the Platinum Dunes remake of "The Amityville Horror". Josh Duhamel missed out on a part in the Platinum Dunes production, "The Hitcher". As for the the Autobots® and the Decepticons®, well I won't spoil it for you. Just believe me when I say they are absolutely awesome. Synopsis

For centuries, two races of robotic aliens, the Autobots® and the Decepticons®, have waged a war, with the fate of the universe at stake. When the battle comes to Earth, all that stands between the evil Decepticons® and ultimate power is a clue held by young Sam Witwicky, an average teenager consumed with everyday worries about school, friends, cars and girls. On the other side of the earth soldier survivors of an attack by a Decepticon are making their way across the desert trying to find a safe haven where they can contact defence force command. Blissfully oblivious to what is happening Sam is unaware that he alone is mankind’s last chance for survival. Sam and his friend Mikaela find themselves in a tug of war between the Autobots® and Decepticons.® With the world hanging in the balance, Sam now realizes the true meaning behind the Witwicky family motto: "No sacrifice, no victory!"

The Verdict "In a word? Awesome! While there is a serious side to the storyline in "Transformers" there is also a lot of good natured humour. As for the Autobots ® and the Decepticons ®, watching them transform will absolutely blow you away. The work that has gone into creating them and the finished result onscreen is to be admired. If there is a weaklink at all in the film, it is I am sorry to say, aussie actress Rachael Taylor who is totally unconvincing. Her accent is so completely out of place, it ruins the tone of "Transformers" every time she opens her mouth. Thankfully everything else is damn good especially Shia LaBeouf (who goes from strength to strength); newcomer Megan Fox (looking a lot like Oscar® winner Jennifer Connolly at times); Kevin Dunn and Julie White (who play Sam 'spike' Witwicky's houseproud parents); Bernie Mac (as a car yard owner/salesman) and John Turturro (playing a Sector 7 Agent who is both menacing and camp). I am sure that the words "Will there be a sequel" will be on everyones lips as they leave the theatre. Here's the answer. Stay for the closing credits. All will be revealed. 4 STARS." Cast & Crew Bytes "TRANSFORMERS" stars .......
Shia LaBeouf ["Holes", "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle", "Bobby" and "Disturbia"]; Kevin Dunn ["Chain Reaction", "Stir of Echoes" and "Live Free or Die"]; Julie White ["Say It Isn't So", "Slap Her... She's French" and "The Astronaut Farmer"]; Megan Fox ["Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen"]; EMMY Award winner Josh Duhamel ["The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!"]; Tyrese Gibson ["2 Fast 2 Furious", "Flight Of The Phoenix" and "Four Brothers"]; Bernie Mac ["Friday", "Bad Santa", "Guess Who" and "Ocean's 11, 12 & 13"]; Academy ® Award and Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award winner Jon Voight ["Midnight Cowboy", "Holes", "The Manchurian Candidate" and "National Treasure"] and Cannes Film Festival Best Actor & Golden Camera Awards winner John Turturro ["Barton Fink", "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", "Mr Deeds" and "Anger Management"] as Agent Simmons.
"TRANSFORMERS" was .......
directed by Michael Bay ["Armageddon", "Pearl Harbor", "Bad Boy I & II" and "The Island"]; screenplay by Roberto Orci ["The Legend of Zorro", "The Island" and "Mission: Impossible III"] and Alex Kurtzman ["The Legend of Zorro", "The Island" and "Mission: Impossible III"]; costume design by Deborah Lynn Scott ["Titanic", "The Patriot", "The Island" and "Reign Over Me"]; production design by Jeff Mann ["Gone in Sixty Seconds", "Swordfish", "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" and "Mr & Mrs Smith"] and Nigel Phelps ["Judge Dredd", "Alien: Resurrection", "The Bone Collector" and "The Island"]; cinematography by Mitchell Admundsen ["The Country Bears" and "Transporter 2"]; original music by Steve Jablonsky ["The Amityville Horror", "The Island" and "The Hitcher"]; executive produced by three time Academy ® Award winner Steven Spielberg ["Men In Black II", "The Legend of Zorro" and "Disturbia"]; Michael Bay ["Pearl Harbor", "The Island" and "The Hitcher"]; Brian Goldner ["Transformers"] and Mark Vahradian ["Annapolis" and "Nancy Drew"]. Who's Who?

Shia LaBeouf Kevin Dunn Julie White Megan Fox Josh Duhamel Rachael Taylor Tyrese Gibson Jon Voight Anthony Anderson John Turturro Michael O'Neill Peter Cullen Charles Adler Hugo Weaving Reno Wilson Jimmie Wood Jess Harnell Mark Ryan Darius McCrary Robert Foxworth Bernie Mac Sophie Bobal

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Sam Witwicky Ron Witwicky Judy Witwicky Mikaela Captain Lennox Maggie USAF Master Sgt Epps Defense Secretary John Keller Glen Agent Simmons Banachek Optimus Prime (voice) Starscream (voice) Megatron (voice) Frenzy (voice) Bonecrusher (voice) Barricade, Ironhide (voice) Bumblebee (voice) Jazz (voice) Ratchet (voice) Bobby Bolivia Tooth Fairy Girl

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