Well, if we are to believe mister Michael Bay, supposedly this is the last time he takes the plunge into the world of Transformers. I do say supposedly on purpose, because he has made this statement quite a few times already in the past. And we all know what happened with those words: they were covered up in a pretty large sum of money. Michael Bay has always been a director that has been receiving large amounts of very negative press, especially where the Transformers are considered. It has also divided the fan community as well, with some people absolutely hating the direction he has taken the beloved robots in disguise into. This fifth part of the franchise has certainly been pounded into the ground the most. Pretty much every single review, with maybe one or two exceptions, has completely destroyed this movie. As such, despite being a fan of the previous films, my expectations for this one were at their lowest. Let us see if this movie really deserves the amount of punishment it has been receiving. Roll out!
This movie continues the story almost right from where part 4 ended. Optimus Prime has left Earth in search of his creators and hasn’t been heard from in quite a while. On Earth almost every single government has declared the Transformers as outcasts, and a special task force called the Transformer Reaction Force (TRF) has been established to destroy and kill them all. Cade Yeager together with Bumblebee try to save as many Transformers as they can, but it is an almost impossible task. During one of their rescue attempts, he comes into possession of a mysterious metallic talisman, that might hold the key to saving the Earth from an ancient threat. Together with an English lord who seems to know more about the object, and a beautiful female Oxford professor, Cade tries to stay alive while on the run from Decepticons who are also after the talisman. But amidst all the chaos there are indications that the homeworld of the Transformers is on it’s way to Earth, bringing doom for every single living being on the planet. But the greatest threat comes in a very unexpected way: namely in the form of a robot called Optimus Prime…..
This is a typical Bay movie, and that means you know what you can expect from it. Mindless action, slowmotion shots, explosions and an almost non-existent story. Yep, this movie certainly has all of these elements in it. I’ve heard it said that because of this fans will use it as an argument to say that this is the reason for watching it any way. Well, I am a fan of Transformers, both the old cartoons and these new movies, but from an objective point of view I have to say this movie was one of the weakest installments from the franchise. That’s not to say that this film is as bad as everyone says it is, there is still enough in it to enjoy, but the engine certainly has run out of steam. For a movie that is supposed to feature robots kicking the crap out of each other, there is actually quite a lack of scenes like that in this film. Except for a gigantic battlescene near the end, we hardly see robots fighting each other, but instead it focusses on the human elements engaging the Transformers.
The special effects are still every bit as impressive, and you can certainly tell that is where most of the budget for the movie went. The Transformers themselves look awesome, especially a new robotic dragon form that makes it’s first appearance here. The humor for this movie was the thing that was ridiculed the most by everyone in reviews. Comedy is a very selective thing, and admittedly there were certainly quite a number of cringeworthy scenes in it. But, during those scenes, there were also a lot of people in the audience with me that did laugh out loud. Which means that it’s all a matter of perspective. What works for some people, might not work for others. I did have a few laughs as well, but the humor certainly wasn’t it’s strongest point. That honour still goes to the numerous special effects and action sequences.
Lastly we ofcourse have the human factor, this time represented by Mark Wahlberg who reprises his role from part four, and none other than Sir Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins plays the role of the English Lord Edmund Burton, a role which suited him, and he seemed to be having a lot of fun while playing it. The female element this time comes in the form of the beautiful actress Laura Haddock, who plays the love interest for Mark Wahlberg’s character. Ofcourse as you know Bay always objectifies his women and this movie is no exception, although when compared to the previous films it wasn’t too bad I guess. Lastly we have the young actress Isabela Moner who plays the role of the kid Izabella who gets caught up in the war by accident. Her part, though small, was pretty interesting, and I wish she would have had a larger role in the film.
So, in the end we are left with a film that just feels like a washed up version of what has come before. There were certainly enough things in it that I did enjoy, like for instance a King Arthur angle that was pretty interesting, and the large scale battle at the end. But most of the scenes in between felt more like filler, and it almost seems like they just ran out of ideas of what to do. Combined with a pretty weak story, and action scenes that also weren’t as impressive as what came before, this was definitely the least interesting part of the franchise. Still, the heavy flack this movie has been receiving has blown things way out of proportion. This is still mindless fun, and certainly has enough entertainment value to make it worth a trip to the cinema. Just don’t expect to enjoy it as much as the previous ones. It will be interesting to see in what direction this franchise will go with a new director at the helm. Only time will tell I guess.
I give Transformers the Last Knight a 6 out of 10 score.
You are more generous than I in scoring this movie, I would have rated it a 3 at best. Mark Wahlberg’s character was good. Hound was better in this movie than in 4, where he sounded like a furby on the full metal jacket setting. The Dragon and the Historic Angle were cool too (I wrote a post on my writing blog about nostalgia and my personal like for contemporary stories that have a historic link, and I think that helped me appreciate this) The rest, I really didn’t like. You raise a fiar poit about the subjectivity of humour. I can’t dispute that and can only say I found all of cringworthy (maybe there was the odd funny bit but I cannot remember them), and I actually wasn’t keen on Anthony Hopkins character. He does serious better than silly. One thing that really annoyed me (and the entire franchise has done it to one extent or another) was the treatment of the Dinobots. A big hype was made about their introduction in part 4, and I was really looking forward to that. But instead of coming up with a good idea, they were introduced as Deus Ex Machina at the end to resolve the plot. Fair enough, that is not a failing of 5. But, like all the other previous films, they were basically forgotten about. Grimlock was in it to be a bit of silly comedy but not for the rest of the movie. The finale was an ideal place to trot out the dinobots, and thus was a missed opportunity. I am glad that some folks found good stuff in the films, it makes me think they aren’t a complete waste as even if I cant enjoy them other folks are. Fair play to you. Your review was more balanced than I could have done.
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Haha, talking about the subjectivity of humor, I really had to laugh about the furby on the full metal jacket setting comment lol 😂 The Dinobots certainly were a wasted opportunity. I really wonder why they weren’t in the final battle either. Then again, it would probably have made it even more chaotic than it already was lol 😂 But yeah, the Dinobots were an important part of Transformers history, and I really hated the way they were treated in these movies. As for Hopkins, agree with you on that. Hopkins certainly is better in serious roles than comedic ones, but I did like the way he seemed to be having fun on his old age. And that made his role for me fun to look at. Still, you are quite right, this certainly was the least of the franchise. Part 6 is already going into production though. I hope a new director will bring a bit of fresh air to it. Else this fanchise is going to die with the next one 😊
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Thing is, as much as I loathed this one, I will go see the next one as I am committed. I need to know how the story ends. Its interesting, not that long ago I was put in a similar situation as yourself, reviewing and defending Iron Fist on Netflix which also got poor reviews. I conceded it wasn’t great, but that the harsh criticism was a bit unfair as they were treating it as any critic treats any tv show, and I argued that wasn’t fair as it is part of a much larger whole. By my own argument, I went into a michael bay transformers movie wanting to see a non michael bay transformers movie. So, in that sense I got what I deserved. I just feel that with such constant outcry there is an element of aloofness bordering on arrogance in Bay’s apparent disregard of said outcry. Such is life. Incidentally, the movie I am recommending today is Open Grave. A bit of a zombie film, but with more suspense and mystery. Free on Amazon Prime (UK) if you have access
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Haha, I know exactly what you mean. I will definitely go and check out the next one too. That’s pretty much a given (and with such a cliffhanger it’s almost impossible not too lol 😂😂). But you are right. Bay was just very lazy with this one, and there was almost nothing in it that we had not seen before. But who knows, maybe a new director atbthe helm will do something with thus dying franchise to give us a big surprise 😊 As for Open Grave, thanks for the recommendation…always interested in zombie films, so pretty cool 😀
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I’ve struggled with the live action films, if i’m being honest. Sure, the animated one isn’t perfect, but it at least has nostalgia going for it. That being said, I did enjoy the recent Transformers Prime animated series.
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I completely understand. The animated films/series are for me better than the live action movies too. I have always seen the live action movies as a different take on the original series, but never better than them. As for this latest version,as mentioned it’s just not as good anymore. The originality is just not there anymore. I hope a new director at the helm, will breath some more life into it, otherwise I’m afraid the franchise is pretty much death as far as the live action series.
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I think that a new director may work wonders now. You know what your getting with Bay, and mixing it up wouldn’t be a bad thing.
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I was hoping that this one might take it in a more interesting direction, but to hear it is just a washed up version of previous films is all I need to hear to put any interest to rest for me. Micheal Bay moving away for me might make me be interested again with a franchise that I have wanted to get into since its inception. The LaBoeufilogy of Transformers were only decent material in the beginning and the Wahlberquels seem to me just par for the course of what to expect from this franchise under Bay’s tutelage. I hope that the next director gives this franchise a needed jump start for me.
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Yeah, I actually did not really hate the Bay versions of Transformers, but with this one je was just being very lazy. Pretty much nothing that was in it, was original, except for a few scenes. I think this was just a very easy way fir Bay to make some money, and the only reason he did this, was to cash in a paycheck. I really hope the new director will take the franchise into some different directions than we have seen, else the next movie will in all likelyhood be the last one of the series.
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Appreciate the reblog, thank you so much 😊
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Your review is fantastic as always. But I’m getting bored with the Tramsformers movies. They’ve just got to be shitty and repetitive.
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Yep….that’s pretty much the same reaction I had yesterday while walking out of the theatre. Bay was very lazy with this one. It was okay, but I’m pretty much done with the franchise as it is now. I hope a new director might take the franchise into a new direction.
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I hope you didn’t mind my language. I’m not one for swearing, but I couldn’t think of any other word except shitty.
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Haha, no problem at all. I swear all the time, even if you don’t always see it on my blog lol 😂 So, no worries there 😊
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Ah, thanks for that. I just try to be polite but occasionally, something calls for some expletives.
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I loved the first Transformers movie but I don’t think I even made it all the way through the third one? Or was it the second one? I can’t even remember anymore and that should tell you everything. I’m surprised they’re still pumping out more of these – let it die in peace – but I guess money is a very great motivation.
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Lol 😂😂 Yeah, I think mister Michael Bay made some very easy money with this one. Which resulted into the laziest movie that je has ever made. But as long as we’re all going to the cinema for these films, I’m guessing they keep making sequels. Admittedly, it’s not the worst film that I have ever seen, but it’s definitely not a work of Art so to speak 😂
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Love your review! 😊 But I’m good with just reading about Transformers, than actually sitting through the entire movie. I just can’t watch these anymore. Too loud, too dull for me. Besides, Mark Wahlberg just irks me so much. 😂
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Haha, lol 😂😂 Well, you are not missing much let me tell you thst. I have seen worse films, that is certainly true, but in the end it’s just a very lazy movie that played it safe. I’m hoping with a new director at the helm,and a new cast that hopefully we will get a better movie for part 6.
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I literally laugh when I read your words “I am Optimus Prime. Yes. We heard you for the first 300 times.” That line is getting cheesy because he said it too much. Like we don’t know that already. Duh? Anyway, I agree with you that this film is the weakest installment of the franchise. I like the first three films anyway and when it cones to the fourth, my interest has already decreased by lot. Still, I do enjoy the action sequences but yes, like you said, they are not enough. Too much talking with the human and such. Great review by the way! I really enjoy reading it 😊
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Thank you very much for the kind words, as always they are very much appreciated 😊 Yeah, I think I literally rolled my eyes when he saud that line again. Seriously, as much as I love the character of Optimus Prime, it really was getting annoying to keep hearing him say that. Yes there were some interesting scenes in the movie, but all in all it just wasn’t as good or original as the previous installments. Hopefully a new director will make the movies go in a new and better direction 😊
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Great review Michel! Too bad it’s a bit disappointing for you. I haven’t consider to go see this movie yet but seeing your rating and a comment from your follower about rating it 3 stars… I guess it’s not worth to see it at the theater haha.. Although, I do like the mention of humor. 🙂
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Thank you very much. Yeah as much as I really like the Transformers franchise, I really feit this movie just was made to make some money, and almost had little to no inspiration to it. It lacked originality, and even the action scenes felt stale. That said, it wasn’t a total waste, and I still think it’s worth seeing in the cinema 😊 Just don’t expect too much from it 😀
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I think it’s time for Mr. Bay to finally stop milking the cow… The cow is clearly exhausted and out of milk! But seriously though, other than the nice special effects and cool robots, is there anything remotely substantial about this franchise?
I’m glad you were able to enjoy it (a dash of nostalgia does help, of course hahaha) despite everything. I’m sorry it was a bit disappointing but at this point, one kind of expects it and just goes with the flow. I have no idea how they got Hopkins to act in this, though XD
Awesome review, as always! 🙂
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Haha, I think they probably gave Hopkins a whole lot of money for this one 😊 But I think he had fun playing in it despite everything. He’s never really been in big action films before, besides one, so I think it was a bit of a change of pace for him. But yeah this one was very disappointing. Hopefully with a new director at the helm, we might get a better film 😊 Thank you for your comment 😀
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Yeah, I think so too XD Well, he must be tired of all his serious movies, after all 😛 Let me man have some fun hahaha
Crossing my fingers for you!
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I’m glad someone else brought up the fact he says I am Optimus Prime way too often. I wanted to enjoy this movie and really struggled to find positives with it. The two biggest issues I had was the out of place humour which I don’t think I laughed at and the ever changing aspect ratio through out a scene. The IMAX footage was incredible but when it would jump between that and the standard definition I was completely taken out of the movie
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I haven’t seen this one in an Imax theatre some I did not experience the issues yiu mention, but reading that, I know I would really find that seriously annoying. But yes I had pretty much the same response, I really wanted to like this one to, but it was just a very mediocre film. And hearing Optimus Prime say that he is Optimus Prime again I think he probably thinks humans are pretty forgetful or something lol 😂
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The screening I went to was IMAX and it was impressive but not enough to save the bad story I find
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Michael Bay. Let’s blow stuff up and use heavy CGI to cover up what the movie is lacking. sigh.
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Lol 😂😂 Yep, that is a pretty good and accurate description lol 😂
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I love Transformers but this doesn’t look as good as the previous ones! Fantastic Review! This is another movie that has escaped me. I guess I have been living under a rock! Lol.
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Haha, no worries…I have been living under a rock as far as books are concerned. Am running so far behind, that I will be close to retirement before I catch up with it all lol.
But true, I love Transforners Yoo, this one though is just not a very good one unfortunately. Oh well, can’t win them all I guess. Thanks again 😀
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You’re exactly right you can’t win them all!!! 😁 It’s easy to fall behind on movies and books! There is so many and too little time!
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Yeah, I really wish we would get five days off work, and two days that we need to work lol. I never have enough time to do everything I want to do: Seriousky we need to get more hours in a day: wonder if there is someone who is able to arrange that 😂😂
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