TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Reviews Are In - What Are The Critics Saying?

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Reviews Are In - What Are The Critics Saying?

"Clusterflick," "Pointless," and "Zero Fun" are just some of the words used to describe Transformers: The Last Knight in these reviews as the fifth instalment of the franchise hits theaters today.

By JoshWilding - Jun 21, 2017 01:06 AM EST
Filed Under: The Last Knight
The Transformers movies have never been met with particularly kind reviews from critics but they are successful commercially and that's why a FIFTH instalment of the franchise is heading into theaters today. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound as if Michael Bay has learned any lessons from the past as the overstuffed movie clearly has a lot of issues and isn't an improvement on what's come before.

Perhaps that shouldn't come as a surprise, but the sad thing here is that it doesn't even sound like fans of these characters will find much to enjoy. It does, however, sound like Bay is setting up at least two more movies here so this is one series Paramount Pictures isn't giving up on any time soon! After all, there's a very good chance that this release will end up being a smash at the global box office. 

Will you still be checking out Transformers: The Last Knight or have the reviews put you off from watching the movie? As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section down below. 




So what to make of Transformers: The Last Knight? Fans of the franchise will likely cheer over its final 40 minutes, which are one long action sequence featuring a barrage of battle bots. But people looking for some bang for their buck would be hard-pressed to do better, as Bay offers more bangs, bells, whistles and bonkers moments than any filmmaker working today. Story-wise, the movie is a mess. There are too many characters to keep track of, much less care about, so many of the big emotional moments lack resonance. Nonetheless, there’s some genuinely wild and fun stuff to be found in this clusterflick. If nothing else, see it for the WTF.

SOURCE: Comic Book Resources

Once it calms down a little after the humans-vs.-Transformers battle that opens the film, it is blessed to have Anthony Hopkins back to light this edition up, adding dignity, credibility, wit and his regal presence to make this all tolerable.

SOURCE: Deadline

Bay’s genuine determination to give you a good time still doesn’t result in fun. Overlong, overstuffed and soulless, for fans who grew up with Optimus and Co, The Last Knight will sting like a bee. [1*]

SOURCE: Empire Online

Monster metal, mass destruction, Anthony Hopkins saying “dude.” This is your brain on Michael Bay—a cortex scramble so amped on pyro and noise and brawling cyborgs it can only process what’s happening on screen in onomatopoeia: Clang! Pew-pew! Kablooey! (Which, to be fair, does cover about 80 percent of the script.) [C+]

SOURCE: Entertainment Weekly

And so the ageless, endless, pointless struggle between good and evil in the Transformer community recommences, and the final explosive showdown seems to be competing with Marvel movies for spectacle. But Marvel brings wit and fun. As far as those factors go, the Transformers franchise is in very short supply. [1*]

SOURCE: Guardian

The power of Transformers has always been in the visuals and the “global event” it creates through the most scorching months of the year and like those before it, The Last Knight will be a global phenomenon once more. Everything that fans want is here, but with a sixth and indeed seventh entry already planned, as well as the countless spin-off, it will send many of them home exceedingly happy. But like the Pirates of the Caribbean and X-Men franchises, isn’t it time now to give the robots a few years rest before pouring more on us? [2*]

SOURCE: HeyUGuys

The good news about the latest Transformers movie is that — spoiler alert! — the world gets saved at the conclusion. The bad news is that it leaves the opportunity for more Transformers movies. Anyone capable of explaining the near-incomprehensible storyline deserves a prize of some sort. Suffice it to say that the world is very much in peril; there are lots of large-scale battles involving robots good and bad; and Mark Wahlberg, who returns after making his first appearance in 2014’s Transformers: Age of Extinction, hasn’t forgone his rigorous exercise routine.

SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter

Michael Bay has now been making Transformers films for more than ten years. In that time, the series has moved on very little and The Last Knight is the loudest and most explosively dull instalment yet. A recycled plot told through an overly on-the-nose script, read by a confusing parade of characters, and muddled action scenesdoes nothing to justify its epic length. [4/10]

SOURCE: IGN


The final act is a non-stop, special-effects bludgeoning of the senses that is zero fun. And the movie introduces the most annoying Transformer ever, Sir Edmund’s robot bodyguard Cogman (voiced by Jim Carter, aka Downton Abbey’s lovably crusty Carson). Worst of all? That Last Knight title is a misnomer: Bay has warned that this is his franchise finale, Wahlberg is tapping out, but the climax clearly sets up a sixth Transformers. Thanks for nothing, Prime. [1*]

SOURCE: USA Today

The fifth time may not quite be the charm, but the latest entry in Michael Bay's crunched-metal robot-war mega-series is badder, and therefore better. Sort of.

SOURCE: Variety

okhvk;OFIavomitousdischargeofplotpointsbeuuauuq3c2i;C HIfihiehfeshliketheresachosenonehereandanotherchosenoneJK ljjkfaejjeexkandmultiplesacredobjectsmlecjaje;lfja;eaejl;a33itm jafcandjesusatonepointhteyevenhavemarkwahlbergutterarthurcclarkes famousquoteabouthowanysufficientlyadvancedtechnologywillbe indistinguishablefrommagicohgodstopcnhfhplerafffkalkqh jsgfffrkitsalloverloadandoverkillandchaoszcsmwmezzeajcjeaa pflikeyourshoppingbagburstandsplatteredrobotsalloverthefloorlchdqh ;3dbutwelostthiswaralongtimeagokrcifhahaeifiajekjj,l ekjfwhatdoyoudowhenthesignalbecomesthenoisezclkhwa4 friaghskfbandyoucannolongertellthedifference.

SOURCE: Village Voice*

*Yes, this is actually an excerpt from their review!

Without apology, Transformers: The Last Knight is a gut-busting cinematic entrée that transcends satisfaction into levels of gross overindulgence. Robot aliens are polished down to the slightest chrome grate, but fault lies in execution. Michael Bay is directing four different movies, none of which NEED to play together. This leads to slight reconciliations (Bumblebee and Optimus Prime have their own “Martha!” moment), underdeveloped inclusions (Isabela Moner as a fill-in child figure) and bad, ramblin’ story work. Casual racist stereotypes? Clunky story mechanics? Anthony Hopkins saying “dude?” Bring a pillow and some Advil – this is going to be one long, bumpy ride filled with “Are we there yet?” prayers. [2*]

SOURCE: We Got This Covered   

For non-fans, there’s no explaining how this series got to a fifth installment, but if you’re one of those audiences that has eagerly forked over your cash four times before, Paramount and Hasbro thank you, and they’ve served up another hasenpfeffer of loud, disjointed confusion for you in “Transformers: The Last Knight.”

SOURCE: The Wrap

BOX OFFICE: TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Opens In North America With A Series Low
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MUTO123
MUTO123 - 6/21/2017, 1:14 AM
"Clusterflick," "Pointless," and "Zero Fun"

incredibleTalk
incredibleTalk - 6/21/2017, 3:54 AM
@MUTO123 - Mike Bay taking a lot of heat though....
captquirk
captquirk - 6/21/2017, 7:11 AM
@incredibleTalk - What movie is that gif from? Looks familiar...
SendMoreIdiots
SendMoreIdiots - 6/21/2017, 7:32 AM
@captquirk - Chronicles of Riddick
pesmerga44
pesmerga44 - 6/21/2017, 7:33 AM
@captquirk - Chronicle of Riddick
Kurne
Kurne - 6/21/2017, 1:15 AM
Damn.





They're really holding back.
CaptainElrond
CaptainElrond - 6/21/2017, 1:16 AM
Sorry, one review caught my eye matey

"SOURCE: Variety

okhvk;OFIavomitousdischargeofplotpointsbeuuauuq3c2i;C HIfihiehfeshliketheresachosenonehereandanotherchosenoneJK ljjkfaejjeexkandmultiplesacredobjectsmlecjaje;lfja;eaejl;a33itm jafcandjesusatonepointhteyevenhavemarkwahlbergutterarthurcclarkes famousquoteabouthowanysufficientlyadvancedtechnologywillbe indistinguishablefrommagicohgodstopcnhfhplerafffkalkqh jsgfffrkitsalloverloadandoverkillandchaoszcsmwmezzeajcjeaa pflikeyourshoppingbagburstandsplatteredrobotsalloverthefloorlchdqh ;3dbutwelostthiswaralongtimeagokrcifhahaeifiajekjj,l ekjfwhatdoyoudowhenthesignalbecomesthenoisezclkhwa4 friaghskfbandyoucannolongertellthedifference."



Floke
Floke - 6/21/2017, 1:24 AM
@PirateCipher - it was the Village Voice.

https://www.villagevoice.com/2017/06/20/heres-what-the-new-transformers-movie-is-like/

...and wow... wtf!? Lol
CaptainElrond
CaptainElrond - 6/21/2017, 1:27 AM
@Floke - Thats my type of language.

Luminus
Luminus - 6/21/2017, 2:43 AM
@PirateCipher - The funny thing is that you can translate it. Here's the translation with the extra text included:

fiiigjhkwetwnwwwjsahafajhwfohofoehaoowofoeoicioeciaqidjFaerlaeaffjgjlje XGRSXSsfdsmfjjj so much random stuff so much egjwogpjwd bldklhj its like you thought the earlier movies were e confusing hahahah mfjff7ga98fhfhfplwxczchow are kids supposed to understand any of this VSSH gmnskgl actually how are adults supposed to understand any of this jskjjlvr lmnkrjsljrj say what you will but once upona time jsogrjdvpvarivpaeimp grfggjsfsfpoe Michael bay could bring beauty to an action scene eeevgrhcgg oiwxg a manic poetry filled with kinetic grace and herois mgjvbbp mnfwdwdwkpad3dkka like whatever happened to THAT guy dzxwqs szm the guy who made the rock and bad boys 2 and even the first transformers wzns hmnffrqerqrq pain and gain too that was pretty good hah qqxjpq3Oirgaraaem hjsxsmvermavr but now hes become a self parody kljekwjkjjjejhar grmfagafafmmfhkjasxxand the crazy thing is he knows it jcejjdagmfflrlrl 3jq3aefra but doesn’t seem to know how to escape it zklWSCMC

And here's the clear translation, without the erroneous text:
So much random stuff; so much. It’s like you thought the earlier movies were confusing. Hahahah! Are kids supposed to understand any of this? Actually how are adults supposed to understand any of this? Say what you will but once upon a time Michael Bay could bring beauty to an action scene. A manic poetry filled with kinetic grace and heros. Like whatever happened to that guy. The guy who made The Rock and Bad Boys 2 and even the first Transformers. Pain and Gain, too; that was pretty good. Hah! But now, he’s become a self-parody. And the crazy thing is, he knows it. But doesn’t seem to know how to escape it.

@Floke
@Josh Wilding
Floke
Floke - 6/21/2017, 3:33 AM
@PirateCipher - Is that the village people who wrote it?
Kevwebsz
Kevwebsz - 6/21/2017, 1:19 AM
Origame
Origame - 6/21/2017, 4:04 AM
@Kevwebsz - Yeah. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Michael Bay isn't learning anything because there's no reason to. We are the ones who need to learn. Seriously, we talk about how these movies are ruining the Transformers name and are just the worst examples of Hollywood yet we support them to the point that year after year they make more and more money. Each movie being declared the worst of the series yet also making more than before. Even if it has a devoted fan base, we're still clearly seeing them since they're making over a billion each time. Just stop watching them people. Right now Paramount knows that Transformers can make money so just stop watching them so they'll know to make changes with the whole cinematic universe they're stopping. This is our chance. We NEED to tell them how we feel in the language all studios speak, money.
CaptainElrond
CaptainElrond - 6/21/2017, 1:22 AM
OFF TOPIC

Interesting new front page format

MarDCel
MarDCel - 6/21/2017, 1:17 PM
@PirateCipher - That option has always been here. You can switch back to the old format.
KIDCOM
KIDCOM - 6/21/2017, 1:22 AM
That review from Village Voice.



CaptainElrond
CaptainElrond - 6/21/2017, 1:28 AM
@17daysleft -
Luminus
Luminus - 6/21/2017, 2:46 AM
@17daysleft - Translated above.
Floke
Floke - 6/21/2017, 1:23 AM
That Village Voice reveiw.. oh my, I guess that village has its own meth lab.
Illium
Illium - 6/21/2017, 1:24 AM
Did anyone else read cluster[frick] and think josh was reviewing gustos new movie?
ThatAlexDude
ThatAlexDude - 6/21/2017, 1:28 AM
Village Voice must've taking a lot of cocaine when writing that review...

...like... A LOT OF ****ING COCAINE!
MUTO123
MUTO123 - 6/21/2017, 1:29 AM
@ThatAlexDude - Almost as much as Bay and the writers on this movie from the sound of it.
Asturgis
Asturgis - 6/21/2017, 1:29 AM
Wait, those sell-outs at IGN are finally criticizing something? I thought their reviews for all movies were just a pasted "One of the best movies in theaters" and for all comics "One of the best books on the shelves"?

I can literally grab 10 TPBs from the past year alone from where I'm sitting, and they all say "One of the best books on the shelves. IGN" on the back cover, even unreadable trash.
CaptainElrond
CaptainElrond - 6/21/2017, 1:32 AM
Why is it you have such good special effects and such terrible story.
Spock0Clock
Spock0Clock - 6/21/2017, 1:42 AM
@PirateCipher - China and... uh, China.

Seriously, these movies are written for non-American audiences to follow (i.e. no nuanced emotions, plot complexities, or clever dialogue that could be hard to translate), and they look so good because many of those non-English speaking audiences just want to see the visual spectacle.

Oh... and uh, also China. Because at least one of the big VFX companies is Chinese.
CaptainElrond
CaptainElrond - 6/21/2017, 1:45 AM
@Spock0Clock - China!!!!
Spock0Clock
Spock0Clock - 6/21/2017, 1:49 AM
There's a really interesting conversation that people should have about American cultural-privilege since (mostly by happenstance) we've inherited an entertainment architecture where the only major big-budget spectacle-driven media is Hollywood, and that global appetite for that spectacle (without the trappings of American cultural expectations) is actually a totally reasonable thing.

But, it's unfortunately true that the result is often a lowest common denominator like Michael Bay. That sucks.
CaptainElrond
CaptainElrond - 6/21/2017, 1:59 AM
@Spock0Clock - To be fair, western culture in movies is alot more critical than in the east.

We do agree on most things, like hunger games being a rip off of battle royale (they must be laughing there asses off) and i remember the Japanese film, lesson of evil, had a very strange metaphor nobody could understand, american or japanese

Thats japan though, im not familier with chinese film as much i should. Not really my department.
teragon
teragon - 6/21/2017, 2:17 AM
@Spock0Clock - Be careful what you wish for though, because when you go on the opposite side of the spectum, you fall into european independant films, which are for most either boring as all hell movies about social workers and whatnot, or just regular comedies, no better no worse than US ones... It's a caricature of course, but trust me, I work in the european industry, and most of what comes out can't even make its meager 1.5mil to 5-6Mil tops budget back, because nobody wants to watch it.
CaptainElrond
CaptainElrond - 6/21/2017, 2:18 AM
@teragon - Or even worse, french films (love the french tho)
Spock0Clock
Spock0Clock - 6/21/2017, 2:21 AM
@PirateCipher - Yeah, don't get me wrong, there are some great Chinese stories and films, with all kinds of emotional nuance and strong characterization. And even their bigger broader stuff can be quite good, deep, and entertaining (I love me a good Stephen Chow film, personally).

But the problem with movies like Transformers and Independence Day Resurgence and so many blockbusters isn't that they're merely targeted to foreign markets. The problem is that they're made for what dumb Western movie executives' envision those markets wanting. And it's this weird "Google Translated" version of international blockbuster culture that really sucks.
CaptainElrond
CaptainElrond - 6/21/2017, 2:23 AM
@Spock0Clock - At least plenty of ok and good films get a boost from china.
Spock0Clock
Spock0Clock - 6/21/2017, 2:26 AM
@teragon - What I'm really getting at is that Hollywood is trying (and generally fails, I think) to cater to the cultures of the entire globe. And they're the only ones who can do these super big-budget spectaculars because they're the only place with that kind of investment and infrastructure.

It would be interesting to see what the European movie industry could do with a 200 million dollar budget and aiming it at a global audience. Or Bollywood. We're rapidly seeing what the Chinese film industry would do with stuff like the Wall. And at the very least it would be a more democratized system that doesn't depend on a very narrow selection of studio heads in California making these decisions.
Kyos
Kyos - 6/21/2017, 1:37 AM
I love that Village Voice excerpt! Perfectly represents the experiences I had with these movies.
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