[Open the door / Close the door]
Transformers
Robots in disguise
The Transformers have a pretty impressive pedigree. Jim Shooter, the then editor-in-chief of Marvel comics, had a large part to play in the creation of their mythology – not only inventing the Autobots and Decepticons but also providing a rough story outline. Acclaimed Batman writer and editor Dennis O’Neil also had input in naming the individual characters, but many of his suggestions were largely overuled by Hasbro executives (although he still retains credit for naming Optimus Prime). Perhaps it is the imput of such creative heavyweights that made the Transformers so enduring in popular culture. However comics legend Jack Kirby had input into the creation of the Centurions, a show that largely sunk without trace, so perhaps the theory does not really hold true.
My friend Paul would have you believe that Transformers: The Movie (1986) is the greatest film ever made. He states that the death of Optimus Prime was the very pinnacle of emotional storytelling and it still makes him weep to this day. I say that Paul is a big wet lettuce, but you have to admit the film had a pretty impressive cast for a kids cartoon: Orson Wells (in his last ever role), Eric Idle, Leonard Nimoy, and Judd Nelson to name but four.
I don’t know if the more recent film made Paul cry or not, although I suspect it didn’t. Personally I thought the movie was really good until the Transformers turned up – then it all got a bit pants. I don’t care what anyone says, Optimus Prime should not be sneaking around flowerbeds trying to hide from someone’s parents.
![[Post to Twitter]](http://allthatcomeswithit.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter.png){kind=icon}
Arjan (2)
Amanda Jane (1)
Erin (1)
Holmes (1)
James (SeattleDad) (1)
Kevin Spencer (1)
Marcio Rocon (1)
Rattling the Kettle (1)
SingleParentDad (1)
slugs on the refr... (1)
on Dec 17th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Avitable’s last blog post..Fuck the Turks
on Dec 18th, 2007 at 6:03 am
on Dec 18th, 2007 at 6:06 am
on Dec 18th, 2007 at 6:52 am
Whit’s last blog post..I May Not Be Smarter Than a 5th Grader, but I Can Kick Their Asses
on Dec 18th, 2007 at 8:25 am
Horrible film.
And I’m a huge Transformers fan.
Lee’s last blog post..OMG First photo from new Harry Potter film
on Dec 18th, 2007 at 8:45 am
But I did like the movie. It also has a good soundtrack with among others tracks from the Goo goo dolls, HIM, the smashing pumpkins and disturbed.
Arjan’s last blog post..Upcoming…
on Dec 18th, 2007 at 9:20 am
I thought the fast cuts were too fast (Michael Bay – chill out a bit!)
As for the original series, or the first film, I don’t really remember either. I remember the hype that surrounded them, but I don’t think I ever watched more than about 5 minutes of it.
And above all, I never had the toys.
on Dec 18th, 2007 at 10:00 am
I’d modify that slightly to say “about as good as a movie directed by Michael Bay could get.” :)
The movie was noisy and pants, and I wanted to like it.
My brother was into Transformers, I was slightly too old but appreciated them from afar.
And I’m slightly miffed that the post included my Top Trivia Fact about Transformers the Movie (Orson’s last role) which I’d been saving up for this day!!