Transformers

Caution non-readers, there are a couple of spoilers.

At long last, I have seen this movie. Up until this point, I'd avoided reviews, trailers, general commentary, etc. regarding this movie. Most of the people I work with have no interest as transformers is post-generation for them. I wanted to see it when it came out, but I was in China. My one night free in Hong Kong I tried to see it, but they didn't have it yet. We've been incredibly busy during the weekends and weeknights dealing with some transitions that, I must admit, took precedence over going to see a movie. Plus, Julie wasn't that interested in a movie about giant robots, so it was hard to lay out some time.
I'd tried to take some time off work to see it, but the schedule never worked out quite right. By now it was becoming a running gag that I'd never see this damn movie! But at last, August 6th, at 12:20 pm, I scarfed down my lunch and ran to the movie theater.
AND IT WAS WORTH IT!!!

Anyone who knows me well is aware of my love for Godzilla. Anyone who has been to my house has seen the custom built shelves containing my not insignificant collection of Godzilla collectibles, including a cigarette lighter, and a toilet paper dispenser. But closer inspection (like that'll ever happen!) will reveal a transformer also resides on those shelves. It's Jazz, as a Pontiac Solstice, residing between the toilet paper dispenser and a box of tissue. What? I have sinus issues!

Transformers played second fiddle to Godzilla, but only just barely. They were the toys I played to death, the few that my parents could afford. What they couldn't I'd build out of legos. Unfortunately, those didn't transform quite as easily. I'd basically have to take it apart and rebuild it as a car. Eventually I gave that up and built a robot and a car and would just switch them when I wanted them to transform. At one point I was sick and my parents rented for me the original Transformers movie. I watched it for 12 hours straight. The next day I started to watch for another 12 hours when my parents finally took it away from me.

On the one hand, Transformers represent a battle between angels and demons. Those that are benevolent and fight for the weak simply because it is the right thing to do. They face off against those that would lie, cheat, deceive if you will, and prey upon those weaknesses to greater empower themselves. Optimus Prime is the archangel Michael facing off against Lucifer (Megatron), arguably a more powerful creature but Prime fights nonetheless.
On the other hand, it's robots that transform in cars, helicopters, tanks, trucks, jets, and all kinds of cool stuff. Some of you may be saying, 'yeah, but a soda machine? What angel in the pantheon is represented by the soda machine?' Touche.

I'd not realized the extent of the Transformers influence until this day. The first time I heard Optimus Prime speak, I actually teared up. Thank goodness Peter Cullen reprised the voice from the TV series. That, in and of itself, made the movie for me. With all its epic scope, they still managed to have plenty of fun, and of course some tragedy. I'll admit it was all I could do to not cry when Jazz died. If I had a complaint to level against the movie it is that they did not do justice to Jazz. Originally appearing as a Porsche, he was always able to remain calm despite the chaos around him or how badly the odds stacked up against him. He faced Megatron, a robot more than twice his size. Alas, it was not to be. He is my favorite autobot, and I will miss him.