By Linda Song
Gargoyle contributor
Posted Thursday, June 28, 2007, The OG, arts

“AUTOBOTS, TRANSFORM AND roll out!”

“Transformers.” Opening nationwide early next week, it's the first Transformers film since the animated movie released in 1986. (The new film is scheduled to open 8 p.m. Monday at the Beverly 18. Three shows are scheduled for Monday night at the Savoy 16: 8, 8:15, and 8:30.)

Following the latest slew of summer trailer releases from director Michael Bay, Transformers fans all over the world are abuzz with excitement. What fan wouldn't be awestruck watching the iconic figure of Optimus Prime come to life and transform with amazing realism right in front of their eyes or hear the voice of Peter Cullen, the original voice actor of the Autobot leader, emanating from the big screen? Even the loud jabberings of earlier critics of the movie and its director seem to be silenced in favor of prerelease anxiety.

Directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg, this movie features the voice talents of Cullen as Optimus Prime and actor Hugo Weaving as the voice of Megatron. It also stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Tyrese Gibson, and Josh Duhamel.

The story runs parallel to all the other threads of Transformers storylines, old and new. It follows a young man named Sam Witwicky (in tradition of the Marvel comics and Sunbow cartoon series following Buster and Spike Witwicky, respectively) and the downward spiral of events that occur after receiving his first car. A car that turns out not to be any old car but, as the official Web site calls it, a “robot in disguise.” Cheesy sounding? Maybe. A car lover's dream? Definitely. A flop in the making? No way!

Recently (that being since winter break) committed to this small but thriving fandom, I know I'm certainly hyped and ready for July to come storming in. It will make any cartoon watcher in the 1980s think back to when the Generation 1 Transformers was still large in most children's minds.

With all the summer blockbusters making their way out of Hollywood, the Transformers movie is the film I'm most rearing to see this summer. I'll even go so far as to say that I'll be at the midnight premiere (if there is one) along with all the other Transfans that the world has to offer.

The action-packed story is definitely promised as well as superb and mind-blowing special effects. If there's anything that Michael Bay and Industrial Light and Magic can pull off with flare, that's it.

Guys aren't the only Transfans out there. Chicks can dig giant alien robots from outer space, too.

Only four days until the release of “Transformers” into theaters. Excuse me now, but I need to go get my Autobot insignia shirt.

“Transformers” is scheduled to open 8 p.m. Monday at the Beverly 18. Three shows are scheduled for Monday night at the Savoy 16: 8, 8:15, and 8:30.

RELATED

— External link: Trailer for “Transformers”

— External link: Official site