Robots in Disguise
filed in Media: Film & TV on Jul.10, 2007
I’m generally not a big fan of film reviews because critics will eventually stop reviewing the technical aspects of the film and move into their own personal aesthetic. This doesn’t work because everyone likes different things. If you don’t enjoy certain genres, or you’re not within the film’s target demographics, then odds are you won’t give it a favorable review – rendering your critique pointless.
Worse yet, when you read a film critique from someone who hasn’t even see the film… like mine below…
I’m very upset at Micahel Bay (director) and Transformers the Movie. I have every intention of seeing Transformers as soon as possible, but I don’t think seeing the film will make me any less upset. I was a Transformer kid. I had the toys. I played with them until they broke apart. I own the original feature-length cartoon film. I have most of the 80’s theme song memorized.
The reason that I’m upset is that two of the main characters, the backbones of the Autobots (the good guys), Jazz and Bumblebee, have been given new vehicle types for the movie. Jazz was (and always will be in my mind) a white Porsche and Bumblebee was a yellow VW Beetle. The financial backing from General Motors that the movie received was apparently enough to alter the creative decision making on the film. Jazz, no longer a white Porsche, is now a silver Pontiac Solstice. Bumblbee, no longer a beetle, is a yellow Camaro. Surely I can devote an entire blog in the future to the pros and cons of hollywood and corporate product placements.
I’m not sure which of these changes upsets me more. The vehicle type added so much to the character’s personality. Is a Camaro as funny as a VW Beetle? I don’t think so. Is Bumblebee even going to have a sense of humor? The comic relief is now a muscle car, and the witty white Porsche looks as mean as the Batmobile.
When I do see Transformers, it better be more than meets the eye.
July 10th, 2007 on 11:19 am
I am in absolute agreement on this. Product placement can be a good thing (I’m thinking of the way Apple does this) when it’s unobtrusive and in the background. It gets annoying when cameras start focusing in on certain things, or pausing, just to make sure the brand is seen. Nasty stuff when it is able to have in impact like this one.
And for me, Bumblebee’s status as a VW Beetle was one of the things that made him special. I was always a short kid growing up. I remember one episode where Bumblebee was the only Autobot that could perform a certain task (was it recovering the Matrix? I can’t remember…) because of his small size. The message was: no matter your size or shape, you’re all important and can play a big role.
I am very disappointed…
July 10th, 2007 on 7:42 pm
Kenny….you are hilarious.
August 9th, 2007 on 2:42 pm
Hey at least they give a little nod to the old Bumblebee. Did you see the VW bug parked next to him in the used car lot? Nice post and nice blog. You have been RSS(ed)
October 9th, 2007 on 4:31 pm
I am in agreement as well, I feel that they cheated! BB, my favorite character is SUPPOSSED to be a vwbug! I also looked up to him, because I was always the shorty too! And The fact what they did to Jazz, thats SO not right! Along with the changes, they made Ironhide a total jerk! I think they all deserve a kick in the butt for this!!!!
-Liolin