I'll assume, for the sake of assuming, that "those who know what Transformers are" means "those who are more intimately familiar with the animated series and/or toy line from the 1980s."

That's what I was assuming but from what I've seen describing the plotline, the movie does not keep at all to the "mythology" underlying the TV series and animated movie.

But I've only been half-reading reviews so maybe that is a wrong understanding on my part.

Since I have yet to see it, I don't know. From what I understand from first-person account, it does not follow the Transformer universe. It does, however, have some b*tchin' effects that make this totally okay.

In terms of long-time Transformer fans, I'll just assume it's just great to see what you've dreamed of (ordinary objects transforming into powerful giant robots right before your very eyes in a larger-than-life fashion). At least that's what I'm going for. Oh, and my lust for that LaBeouf kid.

Kick. A$$.

saw it a couple hours ago.

Movie was great. Awesome Brain candy. I went in not expecting much, and despite 2 cheesy parts it was a good movie. The effects were awesome and caused our little Tanglet to stir a few times.

I think everyone should see it.

I guess we're off to the see it. The boy has decided that is how we'll spend our 4th. I'll let you know what a non transformers person thinks. At least it has the guy from the tv show Vegas in it and it should be interesting to see a more grown Shia LeBeouf acting. I'm off to the movies!

The chief reason I'm not psyched about this movie - in the trailers, the transformations are lightning fast (and thus awfully CGI fakey). The main appeal of the Transformers characters for me would be to see the transformations happen gradually enough that I can follow the sequence of steps and get some idea of how these robots are put together. For any of you who have seen this, do such sequences exist in the movie?

Yes and no.

They do show the transformation, but some things are so intricate that you can't follow it all. The first transformations of the Autobots are the best to follow as I remember. They are a lot more complex than the ones I had when I was a kid. They go together like I always dreamed they should. It was non-stop action, and a good story line. Our theater was really loud, almost deafening, but it still rocked.

It was a long movie but at least I wasn't bored like I was with Superman5. The CGI was amazing and I enjoyed the differing personalities. There were a lot of moments where I grabbed the boys leg, lots of action. Our theater was mostly men, only about 8 children. I think they all enjoyed it, the guy behind us was really getting into it.
I'd say it was a good movie just not one I'd go to without the boy. Zach says he loved it and would give it a strong recommendation!

Transformers! (Merged)
 

Ok Swank gang- this movie is amazing!

Go....see it...now.

Seriously!

I know some of you played with Transformers as kids (admit it :))- and this movie is great fun!!!

So go...see it :D