Sam's parents are being interviewed by a local reporter about the "reports of an alien invasion" (or something like that) and they deny it (though if it wasn't completely open knowledge how would the reporter know to interview Sam's parents). That was played for a laugh but what finally got me to smile was a throwaway line by Sam's mom to the reporter that it head was a different size than on TV.

I guess some people are too snobby, too immersed in politics, or too analytical to have fun with a fun movie.

(and no, you are not alone- check the forum for the movie on IMDB-though you ARE the minority)

It's like we saw two different movies- seriously.

But that's ok- less people in line.

Congratulations, Nephy!

After several days, you're the first to enter a personal attack in the thread!

You win THREADCRAPPER OF THE WEEK!

...and it's only Monday.

Oh, Neph. Don't assume that people who didn't like Transformers can't enjoy a fun movie. I enjoy a fun movie... several times a week, usually. But Transformers was simply not my idea of fun. Don't get me wrong-- the Big Dumb Movie is a genre that can be quite fun, but they have to be well-made Big Dumb Movies for me to enjoy them. Sorry, all, I am firmly planted in the 'Pod-iSm camp, and I know Tom is too.

Our complaints were primarily in the writing (so heavy-handed; such cheap, cheap jokes that, had Michael Bay listened to the advice he gave on "On the Lot," he'd know were "groaners.")

And also in the directing, obviously. I've never been a Michael Bay fan and this is no exception. There is just no excuse for shot after shot in which it is entirely unclear what is happening (from robot transformation to robot-on-robot cllimax action)... particularly when those shots were composed from out of thin air on a computer. That means they CHOSE the blurry, quick-cut style that actually had me falling asleep during the climax. What good is a movie about transforming robots that doesn't actually give you beautiful shots when they do?

But, Neph, people like different things and just because I didn't like this one, doesn't mean your enjoyment isn't valid. Likewise, please don't invalidate my opinion by writing it off as snobby. I enjoy my fair share of shoot-'em-up July 4th releases. This one just did not do it for me.

uh huh....I'm a go-getter.

Can you engrave my name on the trophy? I would appreciate it-

It's not meant as an attack- apologies most profusely- I'll grovel if it helps.

I just can't help but think that preconceived attitudes ruin a movie long before you watch it.

And it is my opinion that filtering a "Big Dumb Movie" through an overly political lense, or some high expectation or over analyzing it- ruins it. Valid- sure- way to ruin the experience- yea.

LOL- you can always tell people who work in, or are close to, the industry. I love Michael Bay movies. You guys see blurry cuts- I just went for the ride. Not better or worse- but certainly like seeing two different movies.

I know my enjoyment was valid- and I am sure that the critical comments are valid.....

You are anything but snobby-

Peace out guys- it's a CRAP monday for me- I am sorry if I came off pissy- really was not the intent.

Well, all of ten minutes before we walked into Transformers, we walked out of Evan Almighty-- a movie which we'd heard was dreadful (and which we rather expected to be dreadful.) We laughed a great deal and walked out smiling. Then we walked into a movie that was based on a toy from my childhood and we'd been told by several people was a brilliant and fun summer movie. I don't think preconceived notions (other than a standing doubt of Michael Bay) had anything to do with it.

(I replied before I saw your reply, btw. You're right-- industry people are much more critical. It's just the reality, really.)

Yes, my preconceived notion that jokes should be funny, that action scenes should be intense and clearly staged, that storyline should be internally reasonable even if externally fantastical.

Transformers is none of these. But like I said just a week ago I saw a stupid summer action movie that I did enjoy (Live Free or Die Hard) because it was all of those things. The one liners mostly connected. The action, while ridiculously over the top managed to still have clarity (though the one one one fight scene were poorly edited; probably because Willis can't really hold his own on that front any more) and the underlying plotline was real-world stupid but internally consistent.

But yes, if to enjoy a movie I not only need to suspend disbelief but also nearly all brain function then I am too snobby for it.

I am not sure how a movie based on toys and a cheesy 80's cartoon could be anything more than it was- but I'm a movie neanderthal who squeaks over shiny things and got a laugh out of many things in Transformers.

It's less notions about the movie itself than people's own biases they take into anything.

My brother- a huge Transformers fan, said it was everything he hoped for. I gave the guys in my family grief for their geeking out before the movie- but I was as bad as they were!