07.06.07
More Than Meets the Eye
This is actually happening across the country. Grown men are getting together to talk about The Transformers. Is this the mid 1980’s? No, this is 2007, but grown men that were reaching their cartoon viewing zenith around that time are fueling the robot-laden fire once more.
At first glance, I felt about all the Transformers Speak the way I feel about anyone who’s hit either their teens or puberty (whichever comes last) still playing Dungeons and Dragons or Magic the Gathering. Admittedly, the Transformers were a few years before my time (the show’s original run was syndicated from 1984-1987 – I was just 5 years old when the first run ended), and most of my older friends barely snuck into their original intended demographic. Also, I confess I’m saying nay about this movie having never seen it, but crediting myself with recently viewing Shrek the Third on opening day. So it’s up to you which situation is worse. I’ll say this, though. You won’t catch me carrying on 20 minute conversations at parties about a jolly green Ogre and his friends from the forest (or swamp).
At any rate, and before you diehards come to dress me up as Megatron and go to work with your wrenches and screwdrivers, I’ll reiterate that “at first glance” phrase. I’ve had a chance to go back and narrow my perspective on this matter and I’m thinking now that maybe these machines are like the fountain of youth for robo-nerds everywhere. If this is the way that Baby Boomers’ Babies can get back in touch with their inner child and escape the horrible headlines that dominate news nowadays, maybe it’s not so bad. I will say this. As my brother and I sat affixed to the preview (yes, before Shrek), I was shamed into looking at him and uttering aloud my self-hate, as I confessed to be somewhat interested in seeing it. I’ll chalk that up to good editing of the teaser.
One other note about the Transformers (which is a solid A- rating on Yahoo by users and a B- by critics). The show, with its lead character being in the person of an 18 wheeler colored up like Old Glory, is every bit as Japanese as it is American, despite its Patriotic color scheme. I just wanted to clarify that. I also wanted to let you all know that Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime, is Canadian; French Canadian in fact. I’ll leave that on the table for you the chew on.
Some people get back to their youth by eating ice cream, some live vicariously through their children and others watch cartoons. I guess I’m ok with it now. But if I catch any of these guys with some trading cards, there might be a problem. Grow up. Now excuse me, I’m going to play some pool basketball “H-O-R-S-E” in my above ground and follow that up with a Flintstone’s Push Up.
Be Well.