“Transformers: Age of Extinction” review

Michael Bay is back with a new “Transformers” movie. Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci and Kelsey Grammer head the human cast. Is this film the best in the franchise? Or is time for this series to roll out.

The Good

Let’s face it. We know what’s good about a “Transformers” film. There are those money shots that are indeed glorious. But there are also long action scenes involving the humans that aren’t the military. And it’s a breath of fresh air … at first.

Perhaps more surprising is that, even though the film’s run time approaches three hours, it didn’t feel like the longest of the series to me. That may not be high praise, but hey, it’s praise all the same.

There’s way more focus on the human characters this time around … which isn’t always a good thing. But, the characters aren’t nearly as annoying as some of the characters who appeared in past installments. And, Tucci is entertaining throughout while Grammer does his best with his limited character.

The Bad

With the focus so much on the human characters, there’s surprisingly little robot action in this one. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of action scenes. But, never the all out robot vs. robot battle the film was seemingly building up toward. Focusing on story may seem like a step in the right direction … Except when the story is pointless, dumb and with characters who don’t think or act like a rational human being in parts.

Also, none of the characters rank as overly annoying, but they all have their moments. And there are absolute throw away characters who serve almost no purpose in the film (though I’m sure some would make the argument all the human characters in this franchise serve no purpose).

The Final Word

At times, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” seems to bring the franchise into new directions that could be genuinely interesting. At other times, you’re reminded that this franchise has some really bad moments in them. If you’re looking for a lot of action, you won’t be disappointed. But those hoping a new cast meant a new start will be disappointed.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Robots set for “Transformers 4”?

Michael Bay’s sort of reboot “Transformers 4” may have some new robots for fans to get excited about. JoBlo is reporting that the Dinobots and, specifically fan favorite Grimlock, will appear in the film. Also the Autobot Hound and a Decepticon “Samurai” robot will appear as well. And Galvatron will be replacing Megatron. Now I’m pretty sure the Dinobots have been rumored for every film, but maybe this reboot will see them make their way to the big screen. The film stars Mark Wahlberg, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz, Sophia Myles, Li Bingbing, Kelsey Grammer and Stanley Tucci.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

“Transformers 4” adds “Underworld” actress

The cast list keeps growing as Michael Bay’s (“Pain & Gain”) nears the start of filming. Sophia Myles, best known to American audiences for her role in “Underworld” and “Underworld: Evolution” has joined the cast in a “major supporting role”. She joins Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor and Kelsey Grammer, who was revealed to be the main antagonist in the film. Of course, gone are Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf are out. This sort of reboot is scheduled to hit theaters on July 10, 2014.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Get ready for Oz the musical!

WIth the success of Sam Raimi’s “Oz The Great and Powerful”, get ready for an upcoming 3D animated musical “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return”. Normally I’d be skeptical, but there’s serious talent behind this film. Oscar nominated musicians Bryan Adams and Toby Chu are writing the music. The voice cast will feature Lea Machele (“Glee”), Dan Aykroyd, Kelsey Grammer, James Belushi, Bernadette Peters, Martin Short, Hugh Dancy, Patrick Stewart, Oliver Platt and Brian Blessed.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

 

Trailer for “Dorothy of Oz”

Here’s the trailer for “Dorothy of Oz” featuring the voices of Lea Michele, Martin Short, Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Hilty, Hugh Dancy, Oliver Platt, Patrick Stewart and Bernadette Peters.

So we have a prequel with “Oz: The Great and Powerful” and this, a sequel. Not sure I want to see either as “The Wizard of Oz” is a classic, but I guess I’d give the nod to James Franco and Sam Raimi right now.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Four teaser trailers for “Monsters University”

There are four different versions of the teaser trailer for “Monsters University”, the prequel to one of Pixar’s early hits, ‘Monsters, Inc.”

Here’s the first one to be posted on youtube.

You can check out the other three versions here.  The film sees Mike and Sulley’s early days together in college. The film features the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Ken Jeong, Rob Riggle, Kelsey Grammer and more. The film hits theaters next June.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.