Ignore the film critics. Go watch Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen!

They are back! Those giant effing robots are here again. That's right. Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen is finally out in the cinemas. The movie opened yesterday here in Singapore but I was able to catch it on Monday at its Gala Premiere held at Cathay Cineplex.



Ok. Here's something you should know. Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen does not suck. Really! Don't listen to those bloody film critics. In fact, there were plenty of cheers and claps at the Gala Premiere. And me, well I was probably the noisiest. So noisy that I was surprised nobody tried to kick me out of the cinema. And yes, I did shout "I love you Michael Bay" at the end.

So what's Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen all about? It takes place two years after the events in the first Transformers movie. Autobots are now working with the US military to wipe out the remaining Decepticons on Earth. Megatron gets a second chance at life, flies out of the sea where he was dead for the past 2 years to somewhere in outer space. He meets Starscream and The Fallen, who surprise, surprise is Megatron's master. The Fallen is one of the original Primes who betrayed his fellow robot brothers millions of years ago. The Fallen wants Optimus Prime dead so he gets the Decepticons to kill him. Yes, Optimus Prime dies! But Prime being Prime cannot stay dead forever so he returns towards the later part of the movie after being revived to give both Megatron and The Fallen a major ass whopping and save Earth in the process. The end.

So do I really like Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen? You bet! It's one hell of an entertaining movie from start to the end with lots of action packed into the 2 1/2 hours long film. The first Transformers movie was superb and this sequel is just as good. The Transformers and their transformation scenes are exhilarating to watch and so are all their fight scenes especially the one where Optimus was fatally wounded.

There are plenty of Transformers in the film and fans of Autobots and Decepticons should be satisfied. I thought the Constructicons were amazing. They looked menacing even in their vehicle mode. And when they transformed and combined into the giant Devastator, I was like WOW. That thing is scary! Both Megatron and Starscream got lots more screen time together which is great to watch.

Autobots being Autobots are pussies just like in the first film but in Revenge of The Fallen, Optimus Prime really stood out and showed us what a kick-ass Autobot he really is. Bumblebee is super cool but Optimus, he's someone I would want on my side when I face evil robots. Hear that, Optimus?

The humans in Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen are enjoyable to watch too. Shia LaBeouf once more did well in his role as Sam. This guy is really destined for big things. Sam's parents are funny as usual but his mum was just way too irritating in this movie. I was hoping Optimus or some other Transformer would just step on her. I give full marks to John Turturro who plays the Sector 7 agent. Yes, he makes a return in the sequel and shines. And what about Megan Fox? Well, pictures tell a thousand words so here's one.



Aren't those beautiful? I meant she! Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen gets a 8 out of 10 from me and yes, I'm a fanboy.



Now, bring on the third, hopefully with more Transformers, Unicron, Hotrod/Rodimus Prime and more Megan Fox!

Previously: Singapore Gala Premiere of Transformers (the first movie)

New Transformers Theme Song Sucks!

The folks at Ain't It Cool News are busy discussing the allegedly new theme song for the upcoming Transformers movie. You can download it there. It's a zip file. From Ain't It Cool News:

Escaping from the highly secured coffers of Sector 7 comes this little ditty: a full song, evidently associated with Michael Bay's TRANSFORMERS movie. It's a riff on the "Transformers - more than meets the eye" theme.

I can't seem to locate a damn track listing for the artists contributing to the movie's soundtrack, so I'm not sure who this is. Sounds a bit like Linkin Park, maybe? Maybe not.

It's definitely not Linkin Park. I listen to Linkin Park a lot and I don't think the voices in that song sound like Chester's or Mike's. Someone left a comment over at the Ain't It Cool News page, saying that it is by a band called MuteMath and yes, it is the new Transformers theme song. Shit.

Gosh, they murdered the theme song! I just hope the director and writers didn't murder the movie too. Anyway, I have always thought the best Transformers theme song was done by Lion for the 80's Transformers animated movie. Don't believe me? Go listen to the new Transformers theme song by MuteMath and compare it to the one did by Lion below.


YouTube Link

Some dude used footage from the upcoming Transformers movie and the old Transformers theme by Lion. Now tell me if this doesn't rock?! Kick ass aye. Gives me goose bumps.

Update: The new Transformers theme song is indeed performed by Mute Math. You can listen to it on their MySpace page. It is still weak, in my opinion. The official Transformers soundtrack also has a website here. You can sample all the songs over at the website.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a mind blowing epic must see 3D action film

I caught the first 3D IMAX public screening of Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon on Tuesday night and I was blown away. The whole movie is 2 hours 35 mins long - you guys better pee first before watching it - but it's very well paced. The story is well written, directing excellent and even the acting was good. Yes, the new girl that replaces Megan Fox, can indeed act! The finale of the movie lasts one whole hour and it contains some of the best 3D action scenes that you will ever see in the cinema. It's fucking orgasmic! It's Michael Bay at his best!

As a 3D movie, is it better than Avatar? Nope but it comes close. Is it the best of the three Transformers movies? Hell yeah! Is it the best movie this year? Yes, in my opinion, it is better than X-Men: First Class which was my number one before Transformers 3 came out. Transformers: Dark of the Moon gets 9 stars out of 10 from me. Go watch it!



Here are other reviews of Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Sujeet from Moviez Adda: An experience of a life-time, the movie is exceptionally well made, the visuals are simply mind-boggling, the 3D is eye-popping, the story is very intelligent, the treatment is perfect.

Drew from HitfFx: If you're considering sitting this out for a 2D version, don't. Really. This is a meticulously designed 3D experience, and Bay impresses often and in a real-world setting that makes this more surreal than "Avatar" in many ways.

Andrew from Salon: Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon is a momentous achievement and it will make untold amounts of money and you should see it even though it's hateful and empty and preaches the worst kind of reactionary violence without even really meaning it.

Jay from MovieWeb: Overall Transformers 3 is as fine and beautiful as a spectacle as it comes and it sets down and destroys the majority of the Summer blockbusters setting the limits down and making it near impossible for any other film to step in the ring with it.

Ted from Seattle Times:  A plot element that's nearly as important to "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" as its mega-machine battle between evil Decepticons and benevolent Autobots is the movie's offensive to gain back control of 3-D. Both struggles fare pretty well based on genuinely impressive technical feats and the adequately engaging story this unapologetic explosion of summer escapism delivers on its (literal) blockbusting road to box-office bonanza.

A.O. Scott from New York Times: Dark of the Moon is one of the few recent 3-D movies that justify the upcharge. Mr. Bay clearly enjoys playing with the format, which is also to say that he takes it seriously. A lot of glass and metal comes flying at your head, and you feel surrounded, plunged into a universe governed by new and strange laws of physics.

Amy from SF Gate: Dark of the Moon is even longer, even louder, even more ridiculous, fries even more synapses, includes roughly 87,531 more explosions, and was filmed in glorious 3-D. And nope, I'm not using "glorious" sarcastically. The effects are sensational; I've never had such fun watching humans get tossed around like bean sprouts.

Nick from The Gamer Access: The last 20-25 minutes of Transformers: Dark of the Moon contains one of the best endings to an action film in a long time! Without spoiling the action-packed conclusion to the trilogy, let me just say that all supporters and followers of Transformers since its birth in 1984 will not be disappointed.

Gary from News Tribune:  The battle scenes are bigger, louder, and more intense than anything you have seen before on screen. It was like "Blackhawk Down" with robots. This is something that Michael Bay just knows how to do right!

Chris from Twin Cities: The action in "Dark of the Moon" is clear and it doesn't feel like an assault because it's broken up with humor, a smidge of romance and even a little mystery. In other words, this is exactly what a summer movie should be.

S.T. from Esquire: Dark of the Moon is legitimately stunning to watch, logistically outrageous at nearly every step — watch for the guys in wingsuits, for starters — and nothing short of a success for a director who's lived in the shadow of short-sightedness for a decade now.

Graham from Birmingham Post: "These stunning, groundbreaking 3D sequences just have to be seen and could have made Dark of the Moon the greatest summer blockbuster action experience in the 20 years since Cameron’s Terminator 2."

Previously: Transformers 3 opens in Singapore tonight midnight!

Transformers ride coming to Singapore!

Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World at Sentosa will get the first ever Transformers theme park attraction! Universal Parks & Resorts which manages all the Universal Studios, will be collaborating with Hasbro, DreamWorks, Transformers movie director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg to bring the spectacle and excitement of the Transformers to millions of theme park goers.

The attraction will fuse 3D-HD media, mega special effects and stunning robotics with a ride system that will transform perceptions of theme park experiences. The rides are scheduled to make their debuts in early 2011, first at Universal Studios Singapore and then at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Click here to view a high resolution image of an artist impression of the Transformers ride (pic above).

Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World at Sentosa, the mega resort that is home to Universal Studios Singapore, says: "It is great that Asia will be the launch pad for the first Transformers attraction. Transformers was introduced in the United States in 1983 but traces its roots to Asia. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron are familiar names to Asian audiences, who grew up with the robot toys and love the movie. When Transformers opens in Universal Studios Singapore in 2010, it will be the first of its kind in the world. We may see a surge of Transformers mania."

Resorts World at Sentosa is a 49-hectare integrated resort on Singapore's holiday island of Sentosa. When completed in early 2010, the S$6 billion resort will house six hotels, a casino, Universal Studios Singapore, The Marine Life Park, the Maritime Experiential Museum and the Equarius Water Park.

Image credit and copyright: Hasbro and Universal Studios Singapore

Previously:
360 days to Transformers 2
Singapore Gala Premiere of Transformers

Win Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen goodies!

Contest time! I'm giving away exciting Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen goodies. It's simple. Just email 5 friends and cc me (izreloaded at gmail dot com) with the title: "Contest: Win Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen goodies!". In the email, write: "Hi guys! I've just joined this cool contest at I.Z. Reloaded to win exciting Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen goodies. Check it out!" And don't forget to include the permalink to this post.



One lucky winner will win the first prize of a Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie poster, a lanyard, two tattoos, a window decal, a pair of Autobot and Decepticon face masks and the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen soundtrack! 2nd prize winner gets a DVD of the first Transformers movie!

Contest is only for readers based in Singapore and it ends this Wednesday (11:59 pm). Winners will be contacted by me via email. Good luck!

Also read:
Ignore the film critics. Go watch Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen!
$1 China made Transformers toy can really transform but not roll out

Transformers Robotcon 2007 in KL!

Those of you in Malaysia should check out the Transformers Robotcon 2007 at Cineleisure, Damansara. Robotcon is an exhibition of robot toys mainly focused on Transformers (90%) and some other miscellaneous brand and toys. This event was held in conjunction with the upcoming Transformers Movie. From Transfans Malaysia:

Event: Transformers Robotcon 2007
Venue: Cineleisure, Damansara
Date: 22nd - 24th June 2007
Participation: Open to public
Highlights:

Transformers Movie Showcase (UIP's stuff)

Movie showcases about the upcoming movie. Expect re-runs of trailers, teasers and tv-spots that you have familiarised with in the Transformers fan news feeds and medias such as Youtube. Be the witness of some of the biggest movie standees of all time that would make your visit worthwhile

Transformers: The Generation Exhibition

TransMY was given the honour to compile the list of toys that will be displayed in the exhibition. Surprisingly the toys doesn't come from the organisers but TransMyians; that is you! We need volunteers for this section as this part is where fans deliever their show of passion. So be part of it and be proud of it!

FAQ here, latest update here and Cineleisure's page here. Damn, how come we don't have one in Singapore? Argh!

Singapore Gala Premiere of Transformers

Last night, I attended the Singapore Gala Premiere of the new Transformers movie at The Cathay. Before I write any further, here are the 5 things that you people should know:

1) Transformers is so far the best movie this year!
2) Megan Fox is a babe! No wait. She is a goddess!
3) The Transformers robots look so awesomely real that I really believe that they exist.
4) Shia LaBeouf is destined to be a big, big name actor.
5) And err, yes, I did scream and shout with excitement throughout the movie.

Ok. Let's start with the pictures taken last night.



That's the pamphlet containing tickets to the Gala Premiere.





The giant heads of Megatron and Optimus Prime greet the guests at the Premiere.



That's Optimus and me!

Ok, now to the review. The movie is about giant robots making a big mess on Earth. The good guys are the Autobots led by their leader, Optimus Prime. The bad guys are the Decepticons, led by Megatron. They fight. They shoot rockets, bullets, bombs. They try to kill each other. Some are really killed in the end. I won't tell who. Ok now you guys should just go watch the movie. Ha!

Seriously, Transformers is the best movie so far this year. It's a movie that I think even the girls would enjoy watching. It is highly entertaining from start to finish - very rare for a movie nowadays. Credit to the writers. I was worried that the script for the movie would be poor but I was surprised that it turned out to be much, much better that I expected. Lots of humorous moments too.

The CGI was brilliant - the best I've seen in a movie. Like I said earlier, the robots look damn real. The way they transformed into their vehicle modes is awesome. I have never seen anything like it before. Totally breathtaking. Makes you want a real Transformer as a buddy.

There are so many moments in the film that is worth mentioning but there's one that I like the best. That's the part when Optimus Prime said to Megatron, "One shall stand and one shall fall." Brilliant! That's the same line that was said during the 1986 Transformers animated film. What a classic! I bet the writers included that line to pay homage to it.

The biggest credit has got to go to director Michael Bay. Oh boy, did he prove the doubters wrong - that he IS the right person for the job. His directing was of the highest quality. I even shouted, "I love you Michael Bay!" once the film ended. Hehehe.

Now, I can't wait for Transformers 2. I'm very sure there is a sequel coming. Till then...



Transform and roll out!

Previously: Transformers Singapore Gala Premiere tonight!

Transformers 4 Robots, Vehicles & Dinobots!

Here's a look at the new Transformers 4 characters and their robot-vehicle modes! Transformers: Age of Extinction (Transformers 4) is the sequel to Transformers: Dark of the Moon, taking place four years after the invasion of Chicago. Returning Transformers include Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, and the film will be the first live-action Transformers film to feature the Dinobots (Grimlock, Sharp Claws, Slash, Strafe and Scorn)! Transformers 4 will also see the first appearance of new Decepticons leader Galvatron. New characters in the film include Lockdown, Stinger, Crosshairs and Drift.

Transformers 30th Anniversary Exhibition Singapore: Optimus Prime and Dinobots Repaint

Transformers 30th Anniversary Exhibition Singapore celebrates 30 years of evolution of the much beloved and world famous Transformers series. Spotted in the exhibition held at the Science Centre Singapore is this showcase of repainted Transformers toys by Sang Zhong.

Sang Zhong has built great interest in toy models and figures since childhood. After he graduated in fashion design from Donghua University, he still kept the passion for models and figures. He began working on Transformers DIY work, and gradually fell in love with repainting the toys.

Upon the release of the Transformers movie, a series of toys was released in the market. However, due to mass production, the toys were not quite satisfying and their look - especially the colours - appeared quite different from the movies. Some were also disappointed with the plastic texture of the toys. To solve this problem, Sang Zhong started his re-painting project on Transformers toys, hoping to give the toys a rebirth.

Sang Zhong's project is to repaint the original Transformers toys with an ornate metal paint to give texture. The toys had to be completely dismantled and each part was repainted. Paint is applied in multiple layers to ensure the colouring is in perfect condition.

Michael Bay has written Transformers 2

Transformers fans all over the world will be pleased to know that Michael Bay has said that he has written the story for the sequel of Transformers. Yay! From Rotten Tomatoes:

"I've been writing Transformers 2," said Bay. "We've got our characters all designed. I always write all my scripts, my movies anyway so at least I've got something to give the writers. It's like a template. We have a really good outline so I worked on that...

When you do your first movie, you break the back of it. Now we can have a lot more fun. We can actually make the depth of these characters more fun and a lot more interesting characters. To see actually what you can achieve visually, you never know. When you go into a movie, you never know visually. I think I've got a lot of fun, interesting, funny characters."

Now please give me Hotrod/Rodimus Prime in the new movie and I'll be extremely happy.

Previously:
Transformers Beginnings
I'm officially a crazy Transformers fanboy
Autobots, transformer and roll out!
Singapore Gala Premiere of Transformers

This is how the Transformers movie theme should sound

YouTube Link

I've said it before how much I dislike the new Transformers theme that Mute Math did for the movie. Check out this clip by a band called Black Lab. The song used in the clip is a 2007 cover of the Transformers theme did by Lion for the 1986 Transformers animated movie. In my opinion Lion's version is the best Transformers theme song. Now after listening to the one by Black Lab, I'm loving it too and I think these guy did justice to the 1986 version. It should have been the official Transformers movie theme instead of the one by Mute Math.

Also read: Singapore Gala Premiere of Transformers

I'm officially a crazy Transformers fanboy

At the Premiere with the one and only Optimus Prime.

Yesterday, I watched Transformers with my SIA Girl mates. It's rare to have all of them free on the same afternoon so when they asked (more like forced) me along to watch Transformers with them, I gladly said yes. BTW, that's my fourth time watching Transformers! Yup, I'm officially a crazy Transformers fanboy now.

Watching with a bunch of girls who have no clue about the Transformers is some experience. They kept asking questions like "who is Optimus Prime?", "what is a Decepticon?" and "are Autobots evil?". I had to do lots of explaining throughout the movie (and after). And boy, they sure were noisy. Some of the folks sitting beside us even had to move seats.

Despite their lack of Transformers knowledge, they enjoyed the movie a lot. They even said it's the best movie they watched this year - that's a compliment from a bunch of girls who don't really like the normal guy type movies. Now I should transform, roll out and get ready for my fifth. Ok, I'm joking.

Transformers Age of Extinction Toy Launch in Singapore

More than 1000 fans showed up at Hasbro's Transformers Age of Extinction Toy Madness @ 2200 event at Toys R Us at Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore to be the first to own the toys from the new Transformers movie.





The top spender of the night walked away with a Gold-Chrome Transformers 4 Optimus Prime Leader (with display case) which is limited to Toys R Us Star Card members only.





Fans also put their skills to the test in a race against fellow fans to convert Transformers figurines and have their photos taken with their favourite Transformers characters. Casts from local movie Ah Boys To Men were also there to interact with the fans.

Watch the Transformers Age of Extinction Toy Launch video!

Transformers Movie Fanaticon Contest

The Transformers Movie is having a contest to find the ultimate Transformers fan. From Transformers Fanaticon:

Maybe you have the entire collection of Transformers action figures in a climate-controlled case. Maybe you quote Optimus Prime in everyday conversation. Or maybe you and your friends like to act out scenes from the Transformers cartoons in suits made of aluminum foil and popsicle sticks.

Whatever it is, film it and then submit your video here starting March 26. Our expert judges will review the videos and pick three true Fanaticons on May 14.

Winners get to fly to Industrial Light and Magic studios in Hollywood and watch as they put the finishing touches to the Transformers movie which will be out on July 4! Too bad the contest is only open to residents of US. I was thinking of documenting my day and night dressed up in an Optimus Prime costume. Damn!

Transformers movie will blow you away

That's according to this dude who attended a special screening of the new Transformers movie in Sydney recently. From Ain't It Cool News (link contains some spoilers) :

Which bring me to the following conclusion: those people out there who rued the day Michael Bay picked up directing duties for Transformers are idiots. Out and out fools. A flame on a once-flameless robot does not a bad movie make. Paul WS Anderson would have made this movie flameless and delivered a turgid pile of soggy salmon stool sample. There is NO OTHER director working today who could have provided the over-whelming spectacle that I witnessed last night. Exhilarating, and then some. This movie is exactly what a 2 hour live-action Transformers episode should be. In fact, I’m going to go as far as say that this is very possibly the best TV to big screen adaptation I can recall (having only recalled The Fugitive, Mission Impossible, The Mod Squad and Charlies Angels: Full Throttle). Transformers totally recaptures the euphoria of being 7 years old, sitting on the carpet in front of my old television set, TOTALLY engulfed by the awesomeness of fighting Transforming robots, neglecting my rice bubbles until they neither snap, crackle nor pop. Everything great about 80’s action cartoons from the action hero poses to the cheesy-fun good guy/bad guy back and fourths is here in hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades!

Boy, I sure hope he is right. Transformers opens in Singapore cinemas on June 28th!

*Looks at my calender

Someone bite me!!!

Transfomers Timeline: 1984 - Present

Here's everything you ever want to know about the Transformers - where the robots came from and how they evolved from being a popular toyline into one of the most anticipated movies of all time. From Rope of Silicon:

Pre-1984

Hasbro secures the rights to many changing/converting robot brands in Japan and creates the umbrella name The Transformers to unite them. Takara, a Japanese toy manufacturer, saw the potential for future Transformers growth and becomes Hasbro's lead partner in the development of new Transformers products. This successful alliance has lasted for more than 20 years.

1984

The Transformers toy line is launched by Hasbro, with a classic theme song that had kids all over the U.S. reciting the refrain "Robots in Disguise." The 21 toys in the original set include Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Jazz and Starscream. This is the beginning of what has come to be known the "Generation: 1" era.

The Transformers animated television series debuts with a mini-series entitled "More than Meets the Eye." New episodes began in September, airing on Saturday mornings.

A Guide to the Transformers and Dinobots in Transformers 4 Age Of Extinction

Can't tell who is who in Transformers Age Of Extinction? Here's a guide to the Transformers in their robot and car/alt modes in the new Transformers film. Now complete with character bios! Do note that the Dinobots in the film are not as colourful as the ones depicted in the video above. The toy version of the Dinobots have been given colourful paint jobs for the sole purpose of attracting kids to buy the toys.

Bay and Spielberg inducted into Transformers Hall of Fame

Hasbro inducts Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg into the Transformers Hall of Fame at the 2011 Transformers BotCon Convention. Very much deserved! Bay is the director of all 3 Transformers film including Transformers: Dark of the Moon which will open in Singapore on 29 June 2011. Spielberg is the executive producer.

Fiona Xie + Transformers = Nosebleed!

Boss showed me the 25th June 2009 issue of iWeekly. It has local TV hottie Fiona Xie on the cover. Inside the issue, there are more photos of Fiona posing with Bumblebee and Optimus Prime! Pics so smoking hot that I had to scan them for your viewing pleasure.





You can view the high resolution scans on my Flickr photoset here. Btw, the Transformers costumes were from Movie Mania.

Transformers Mosaic

Transformers Mosaic is a collaboration of many talented artists and writers in the Transformers fandom. Each Mosaic is a one page webcomic set in the Transformers universe. I love the artwork in these comics!