Michael Bay returns for TF5 as director

[griffin]

For those who missed the news two weeks ago, Michael Bay has confirmed in a Rolling Stones interview that he is directing Transformers (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/01/04/michael-bay-confirmed-director-transformers-5-tf5-movie-info-307421)... and has said that there will be some filming in Chicago again (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/01/19/transformers-5-filming-returns-chicago-308009).

[griffin]

Don't forget that if you have comments to make about Michael Bay's past works or expected works, there is this discussion topic here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=20884).

[Sinnertwin]

Don't forget that if you have comments to make about Michael Bay's past works or expected works, there is this discussion topic here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=20884).

I also see this thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=4568&page=402) getting a hearty work out ;):p

[Bladestorm]

For those who missed the news two weeks ago, Michael Bay has confirmed in a Rolling Stones interview that he is directing Transformers (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/01/04/michael-bay-confirmed-director-transformers-5-tf5-movie-info-307421)... and has said that there will be some filming in Chicago again (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/01/19/transformers-5-filming-returns-chicago-308009).

I'll be interested to see how he makes Trump Tower look like it's on Cybertron! Given he did so well *choke* making Chicago look like Hong Kong. :D:D

But honestly... is anyone REALLY surprised by this?
Transformers has been as cash cow for him and he gets to play with all the latest in big boy vehicular toys (and I ain't talking about the plastic crack we all love to collect). What's not to love about directing Transformers if you are Michael Bay? ;)

[ChlorHex]

Oh please... Bay overkill.
Having re-watched the Bay TF films, I truly appreciated the first one, a bit on the second and much lesser with the subsequent ones as it kinda became quite predictable... especially the last movie which had a lot of gaps in the plot and I didn't quite enjoy the humor.
It still raked in lots of $$$$ so yeah, I guess that's why Bay's the obvious choice.
Now if only we could have a more G1-like movie storyline that didn't come with bad jokes and remains a joy to watch even after 2 decades.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Filming in Chicago? Or using cut footage from the third and fourth movies?

And I wonder if it's gonna be another suck-up fest to the Chinese market?

[griffin]

I'll be interested to see how he makes Trump Tower look like it's on Cybertron! Given he did so well *choke* making Chicago look like Hong Kong. :D:D

Actually, that was Detroit which he turned into Hong Kong.... complete with a monorail that Hong Kong doesn't even have anywhere. :rolleyes:

[drifand]

Oh please... Bay overkill.
Having re-watched the Bay TF films, I truly appreciated the first one, a bit on the second and much lesser with the subsequent ones as it kinda became quite predictable... especially the last movie which had a lot of gaps in the plot and I didn't quite enjoy the humor.
It still raked in lots of $$$$ so yeah, I guess that's why Bay's the obvious choice.
Now if only we could have a more G1-like movie storyline that didn't come with bad jokes and remains a joy to watch even after 2 decades.

I have the same view as you, I think I will watch this when is available on the internet or rental shops. Not that I don't support TF movie, but the story line has gone quite flat changing major characters for the humans and also killing off many robots. Someone told me to vote with your wallet, so I be doing just that. No point expressing hate for an ongoing project, so just let them do it, I would appreciate if they don't make prime looking too awful though as I could give the toy a chance.

[Defcon]

I hope I have the strength to resist watching it at the cinemas. I will say now I don't want to support this. Must wait for dvd release ;)
Unfortunately my vote will count for nothing as the rest of the world will fall all over this just like the last time. Initially I will sing praises for the movie and then in time I will grow to hate it :p

[Bladestorm]

Actually, that was Detroit which he turned into Hong Kong.... complete with a monorail that Hong Kong doesn't even have anywhere. :rolleyes:

My bad - I thought the scene in Central with the Victoria Secret Tram was Chicago because of the overhead traffic lights and ornate sidings...
What were the towers you can see in the scene behind the Wan Chai "concrete factory" where Optimus fights Lockdown?

Anyways, at least we know Bay can re-use footage from his previous films to cut costs.

I was really hoping for a space based adventure following Optimus but I guess as Bay likes his motorway chases and real pyrotechnics we are going to end up with more of Bumblebee and his Earth adventures with his new buddy Cade... fingers crossed they kill off his daughters boyfriend in the first 5 minutes... I'd pay to watch that in 3D.

Bay would be silly not to pander somewhat to the Chinese & Asian audiences because their inherent love of giant robots and Transformers is always going to make them an easy market, but I really think he could do that without BEING in China (although as Galvatron and the Knight ship are in Hong Kong I guess it does make an interesting starting point... I'd swear 1/2 the taxi's here are Decepticons already).
Personally I think he under-utilised Hong Kong (I'm happy to consult for you Michael!!) as it has some wicked roads with sharp hair pins and routes so windy you become nauseous along with the numerous tunnels including a few that go through buildings you could destroy quite spectacularly.
Honestly I wish someone would have the balls to use Australia. I think it lends itself nicely to Transformers in terms of wide open space for insane desert battles and a selection of both rural and urban cities just ripe for some catastrophic destruction while still looking like true gems of beauty to entice potential tourists. And with those long stretches of road you find almost everywhere imagine the road train battle scenes you could do with Optimus/Ultra Magnus/Nemesis Prime/Motormaster/etc.

[Jetfire in the sky]

For those who missed the news two weeks ago, Michael Bay has confirmed in a Rolling Stones interview that he is directing Transformers (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/01/04/michael-bay-confirmed-director-transformers-5-tf5-movie-info-307421)... and has said that there will be some filming in Chicago again (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/01/19/transformers-5-filming-returns-chicago-308009).

For those who will complain and moan about this please vote with your feet and don't attend this movie at the cinemas. The box office return is the main reason why this destroyer of our love continues to get given the signal to play on.

[griffin]

My bad - I thought the scene in Central with the Victoria Secret Tram was Chicago because of the overhead traffic lights and ornate sidings...
What were the towers you can see in the scene behind the Wan Chai "concrete factory" where Optimus fights Lockdown?

Anyways, at least we know Bay can re-use footage from his previous films to cut costs.


It's possible that some scenes were filmed in Chicago like when they are out by the water in "Hong Kong", but the main battle scene was filmed in Detroit.

If you are referring to the recycled footage in TF3 on the highway (with the Dreads chasing Bumblebee), apparently that was slotted in to replace a scene that was filmed (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_film_accidents#2010s), due to a significant injury to one of the stunt-drivers (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2148950/Transformers-3-Gabriella-Cedillo-receives-18m-head-injuries-stunt.html).




Transformers: Dark of the Moon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers:_Dark_of_the_Moon) (2011). An extra was seriously injured during a stunt in Hammond, Indiana (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammond,_Indiana). Due to a failed weld, a steel cable snapped from a car being towed and hit the extra's car, damaging her skull. The extra, identified as Gabriela Cedillo, had to undergo brain surgery.[148] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_film_accidents#cite_note-148) The injury has left her permanently brain-damaged, paralyzed on her left side and her left eye stitched shut.[149] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_film_accidents#cite_note-149)[150] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_film_accidents#cite_note-150) In May 2012, it was revealed that a $18 million settlement had been reached between Paramount and the Cedillo family.[151] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_film_accidents#cite_note-151) As a result of this accident, recycled footage from one of Michael Bay's previous movies, The Island (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Island_%282005_film%29), was used instead with CG robots inserted into the footage.[152] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_film_accidents#cite_note-152)

[Magnus]

I don't mind the fact that Bay's returning; after all, as an action director, he's up there with the best of them.

I'm more concerned/curious about Akiva Goldsman delivering on the script front, although that writer's room he and Steven Spielberg set up sounded encouraging.

[Bladestorm]

It's possible that some scenes were filmed in Chicago like when they are out by the water in "Hong Kong", but the main battle scene was filmed in Detroit.

If you are referring to the recycled footage in TF3 on the highway (with the Dreads chasing Bumblebee)

I was thinking of the footage in TF4 with the battle of Chicago re-visited. Although if memory serves they also re-used "moon" footage and some of the computer tracking of Autobot footage from one of the earlier movies in TF4 too...

I remember reading one of the scenes from the original TF movie was also used somewhere else (another movie completely) so I guess it isn't unusual to re-use stuff. Even Disney was guilty of it back in the 60's with Jungle Book, Robin Hood, etc.

At the end of the day I guess Bay has to re-use scenes to help cut costs or meet his time constraints... at least I hope that's the reason behind it.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Yeah, the scenes where Bumblebee, Crosshairs, Wahlberg and Lucky Charms are being chased in a drop-fighter and flying through Chicago just looked way to familiar to the Chicago sequences in DotM. Almost as if they were using unused aerial footage from DotM. I swear the drop-fighters were the same as well.

I give it to Bay that he knows how to make good use of a location. Whenever he was shooting in Hong Kong, he made great use of the vertical shots and captured the unique density of the city. My family are from there so it was cool to see.

But this whole propaganda Chinese Govt buttkissing with lines like "We must call the Central Government for help!" and "The Central Government will defend Hong Kong at all costs!" just made me cringe.

[GoktimusPrime]

The Chinese military sure didn't seem to do much. (-_-)

[Megatran]

But this whole propaganda Chinese Govt buttkissing with lines like "We must call the Central Government for help!" and "The Central Government will defend Hong Kong at all costs!" just made me cringe.
We must be 2 peas from a different garden patch. It was reassuring to hear that a superpower defending its territory. In contrast, I'll gladly sacrifce Tassie in order to save the mainland. :p

[GoktimusPrime]

I thought that it was a nice and uplifting line too... but then bugger all happened! I know that previous movies have focused too much on the military (hence taking screen time which could've been better spent on the Transformers), but IMO AoE went too far to the opposite extreme. One of the strengths of Michael Bay has been his excellent ability to work with the military and portray them in a relatively realistic light. And it's true that if alien forces are going to attack a human city, humans aren't just going to sit there and take it. The Transformers aren't gods. Modern weaponry is absolutely capable of hurting and even killing them (and AoE does show this with Cemetery Wind assisting Lockdown in hunting down Autobots). It was pretty cool to see how human military forces would respond to threats like an alien invasion.

The People's Republic of China has the world's largest standing army (2,285,000 active military personnel as opposed to the US's 1,361,755). And while their technology might not be on par with the US, their military tech is still quite formidable, with the Chinese Air Force's Chengdu J-10 rated as the 10th best jet fighter in the world (http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/top_10_fighter_aircraft.htm). And it wouldn't be beyond reason to see Russians send Sukhois and MiGs to assist their traditional ally (after all we saw Jordanians sending helicopters to reinforce US/UK forces in Egypt).

There was also a notable lack of military action when Lockdown's ship was tethered over Chicago, although the film explains it showing Attinger issuing a directive to back down (still seems lame though). But there doesn't seem to be any in-canon explanation as to why there was a lack of military response by the Chinese in Hong Kong, especially from the Hong Kong Garrison (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Liberation_Army_Hong_Kong_Garrison) (whose primary purpose is to defend Hong Kong!) :o And it's not as if the lack of focus on the military gave way to greater story-focus/character development on the Transformers, so it didn't even seem like a worthwhile trade-off. :rolleyes:

*slow.clap*

[Jetfire in the sky]

But this whole propaganda Chinese Govt buttkissing with lines like "We must call the Central Government for help!" and "The Central Government will defend Hong Kong at all costs!" just made me cringe.

As opposed to all the US flag waving crap from every other US made action film? :confused: ;)

[Bladestorm]

As someone who saw AoE in a cinema in Hong Kong twice I can tell you both times those line came up people audibly LAUGHED despite the famous actors involved!

I had kind of hoped to see some Chinese army kicking butt over the skies or on the waters of Hong Kong.
There is an active Chinese base RIGHT NEXT to the LEGCO building - the one Optimus and Grimlock hold on to for dear life from being sucked into Lockdown's ship.
It definitely wouldn't have stayed idle during an attack so close to it given how many active soliders are based there.
And I often have this beauty right outside my lounge window:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1517/24453239401_89745cd8e9.jpg
It appears the minute a typhoon signal is hoisted with a deck full of smartly dressed sailors saluting as it pulls in to anchor.
I'd have loved to see some Chinese jets buzzing Hong Kong harbour attacking an imaginary alien foe (although it would have had to be CGI or filmed elsewhere because HK people would FREAK OUT if they saw a tank or plane in their territory which may be why there were never any scenes that followed through.).

I actually liked the military component worked in with the Transformers. I think the first and second movies balanced it well (just too much of Sam & co) and Bay knew how to make the military action feel "real". Seeing a Chinese military force in the same vein would have been quite cool and it would have offered a different perspective on how all countries are different and yet the same (if you get what I mean). Of course I have no idea how hard it would be for Bay to make a movie with real Chinese military involvement happen... nor how a US audience would react to it.
I guess it shows how many variables Bay has to consider even when making a film about giant robots...

[Ralph Wiggum]

Spot on Bladestorm. My point is that it was a token gesture and a weak one at that. Despite the yay China! chest beating, you all noticed the actual lack of Chinese military arse kicking and it was in fact the American heroes who saved the day (and Hong Kong).

Michael Bay is well known for his 'murica! brand of film making and isn't afraid of showing it. Hell I enjoy the ride as well. But there was no way he was going to be able to do a similar showcase of the Chinese military kicking arse in Hong Kong because that would really go down like a lead balloon to the US audiences (who are totally not feeling threatened by China or anything).

So all we get is some throwaway lines and Chinese product placements. And now that another forumer mentions it, not even a showcase of US military so as not to irk Chinese audiences. It's a movie which tried to please everyone and suffers for it. I'm really, really hoping TF5 is not another joint venture between Chinese and US studios.

[griffin]

Filming for TF5 will begin in May (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/01/30/transformers-5-filming-begin-may-308775), so by mid-year we will get our first looks at scenes and maybe some props of robots (like heads on sticks and their car modes).

[shockNwave]

For those who will complain and moan about this please vote with your feet and don't attend this movie at the cinemas. The box office return is the main reason why this destroyer of our love continues to get given the signal to play on.

Oh I'll be doing that just like I did with AOE but the completist in me will get the DVD so my TF movie collection is up to date.

[Bladestorm]

Filming for TF5 will begin in May (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/01/30/transformers-5-filming-begin-may-308775), so by mid-year we will get our first looks at scenes and maybe some props of robots (like heads on sticks and their car modes).

Would that mean the voice actors are in the studio now? )or would be VERY shortly?
With the last film they had all of Optimus' preliminary dialogue recorded so the on-screen actors could emote to it.

[Sinnertwin]

Oh I'll be doing that just like I did with AOE but the completist in me will get the DVD so my TF movie collection is up to date.

Makes sense
Don't pay for a movie ticket, buy the DVD later :D :p

[drifand]

Rent it or wait for Netflix.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Ehren Kruger is not writing it. That's enough to possibly allow me to go see it at the cinemas.

[Smint]

Ehren Kruger is not writing it. That's enough to possibly allow me to go see it at the cinemas.

Not me. Bay will invariably mark the movie with his "style". Loud, obnoxious, childish.

I'll remain hopeful for TF6.

[GoktimusPrime]

Makes sense
Don't pay for a movie ticket, buy the DVD later :D :p
I call this Fan Obligation. We watch the movies and even collect them because we feel obliged as fans rather than intrinsic enjoyment of these films. It's much like a family gathering where you have to meet that relative that you don't particularly like, but you have to because they're family.

Heck, some of us will even collect certain toys for this reason. It's pretty much the reason why I'm collecting the current RiD line. :o But in both cases, I will try to get the tickets/toys as cheaply as possible (or for free). ;)
e.g.
DotM DVD; got for free*
AoE DVD; got discounted
RiD toys; got most non-Legion class figures for free**
etc.
And as you know, I use coupons to watch the movies in cinemas for free or discount. I try to avoid or minimise paying for these things.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
*competition prize
**I translate stuff for an American friend's web site and he pays me in toys

[Sinnertwin]

i have to disagree there, Goki.

If i thought that a movie or it's director was (insert your choice of derogatory term here) there's no way that I'd watch it or have it in my collection, purchased or otherwise.

[BigTransformerTrev]

i have to disagree there, Goki.

If i thought that a movie or it's director was (insert your choice of derogatory term here) there's no way that I'd watch it or have it in my collection, purchased or otherwise.


I've seen every TF movie with a group of close friends in the cinema and in gold-class seating with snacks and champagne delivered to our seats throughout :D

What's the point of being a hardcore TF fan if you don't set yourself up to enjoy the experience of seeing a new movie in the most fun and luxurious way possible? I'm not particularly extravagant for the most part in my life so it's fun to have an excuse to treat yourself every couple of years :D

[Sinnertwin]

So have I, big fella, but I didn't watch it or purchase the dvd afterwards because I felt obliged as a fan to do so :)

[BigTransformerTrev]

So have I, big fella, but I didn't watch it or purchase the dvd afterwards because I felt obliged as a fan to do so :)

True :) I bought them all because I actually wanted to watch them again (even if it was just my fav parts when it came to ROTF - Ravage and Long Haul rock!). Don't think I've ever felt particularly that obligated that I have to do something as a fan - considering how much I've spent on the brand in the last 32 years I think they owe me, not the other way around :p

That said, it's sorta why I've been subscribing to the TFCC - and considering now with conversion rates the way they are I just got slugged for $120 :eek: so I wont be subscribing again next year if they are still in business

[bassbot]

Bit off topic to the recent discussion here, but related a little...
I mentioned randomly to my wife on the weekend that they start shooting TF5 soon and her immediate reaction was a hilarious "ugh" sigh and full on slouch to the news. Just like there could be nothing worse for a filmmaker to do lol

[Jetfire in the sky]

Bit off topic to the recent discussion here, but related a little...
I mentioned randomly to my wife on the weekend that they start shooting TF5 soon and her immediate reaction was a hilarious "ugh" sigh and full on slouch to the news. Just like there could be nothing worse for a filmmaker to do lol

Smart lady :)

[GoktimusPrime]

i have to disagree there, Goki.

If i thought that a movie or it's director was (insert your choice of derogatory term here) there's no way that I'd watch it or have it in my collection, purchased or otherwise.

By "we," I meant those of us who watch the movie in cinema or purchase the DVD despite disliking the films, and I didn't mean it as an umbrella reference for every fan. :)

There are some fans who will happily pick and choose which toys they want, while others want to collect the whole set, even figures that they don't like. Take G1 for example. I pretty much have collected all the G1 figures that I want; the toys that I don't have are ones that I didn't want as a kid ('cept Time Warrior ;)). I'll grab 'em if the opportunity to get 'em cheap arises, but I'm not going to pay top dollar for something as ridiculous as G1 Iguanus! This is basically how I feel about the Bay TF films; I'll watch them in cinemas for free with vouchers, and I'll buy them on DVD at discounted prices. I don't mind owning these things, but I won't pay premium prices for them either.

[kup]

I only bought the first TF movie. I have seen the sequels going for really cheap at stores in the past down to just a couple of bucks but my movie shelf space is more valuable and deserves better.

[Jetfire in the sky]

I only bought the first TF movie. I have seen the sequels going for really cheap at stores in the past down to just a couple of bucks but my movie shelf space is more valuable and deserves better.

:D:D:D

Love it, I'm sure the BTT team would approve of this brilliant and factual comedy

;)

[drifand]

I only bought the first TF movie. I have seen the sequels going for really cheap at stores in the past down to just a couple of bucks but my movie shelf space is more valuable and deserves better.

I agree though I have a library of DVDs , transformers fall under pop corn and nothing else to watch. Now with Netflix I guess is whether I really want to watch it or catch up with Masterchef or mkr.

[BigTransformerTrev]

:D:D:D

Love it, I'm sure the BTT team would approve of this brilliant and factual comedy

;)

I have a team now? Awesome! :D