JoBlo

razgriz21 · #1 06-24-2009, 11:47 PM

Seriously, the hate has reached an all time high for this man. He works his ass off making action sequences and people continue to tear him down.

Reasons why Michael Bay is a good action director

-shots most of his scenes with real elements (helicopters, explosions, stunts)
-blends in digital FX with filmed action
-nice, kinetic cinematography
-great action sequences
-knows how to put people on a wild ride

My only con that I can come up with him iss that he has inspired a few wannabe movie directors who copy him frame by frame (McG, Len Wiseman).

There is only one Michael Bay and he is good in my opinion. Not great, but good.

For the record, my favorite action movies are

-Die Hard 1-3
-Heat
-The Rock
-First Blood
-Predator 1-2
-Aliens

I just also to happen like Michael Bay's work. He actually shots most of his material piratically. None of that wire fu bullshit that McG loves or an overabundance of CGI.

adamjohnson · #2 06-24-2009, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razgriz21

or an overabundance of CGI.

HAHAHAHAHA.

BakeTheMooCow · #3 06-25-2009, 12:12 AM

No, I refuse to leave him alone.

He's a horrendous director and he has a crooked douche face.

adamjohnson · #4 06-25-2009, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razgriz21

Reasons why Michael Bay is a good action director

-shots most of his scenes with real elements (helicopters, explosions, stunts)
-blends in digital FX with filmed action
-nice, kinetic cinematography
-great action sequences
-knows how to put people on a wild ride

Notice how every single thing you mentioned are the jobs the stunt coordinator and the cinematographer do.

Not the director.

RicochetShaw · #5 06-25-2009, 12:19 AM

This has been up for a while, but for anyone who hasn't seen his fake Twitter account, it's pretty damn funny:

http://twitter.com/michael_bay

My favorite update:
"Im giving myself an f'ing awesome back massage. Nobody has fingers like this."
8:27 PM Jun 17th

ilovemovies · #6 06-25-2009, 12:35 AM

Michael Bay is great when he doesn't do Transformers flicks.

Tweek · #7 06-25-2009, 12:42 AM

Eh, I've got no problem if one likes Michael Bay (or any other thing I might dislike). But I'd hope no one tries to convince me into being a fan in the same way I wouldn't try to convince someone to be a fan of, oh, Charlie Kaufman...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RicochetShaw

This has been up for a while, but for anyone who hasn't seen his fake Twitter account, it's pretty damn funny:

http://twitter.com/michael_bay

My favorite update:
"Im giving myself an f'ing awesome back massage. Nobody has fingers like this."
8:27 PM Jun 17th

From about 11 hours ago it says:

Michael Bay lost his virginity to a bolt of lightning

Oh man...

Kevin Smith fan · #8 06-25-2009, 12:43 AM

I'm tired of the sappy "leave Brittany alone"- like posts on here supporting Michael Bay, whether it be his own shitty films or his awful production company which continues to plague horror.

The guy gets paid hundreds of millions of dollars to go off and play like an 8 year old with a.d.d. and an unlimited supply of action figures and fireworks for audiences all over the world and we're supposed to feel bad when people jump his shit for putting out less than mediocre work?

At least Uwe Boll is relatively obscure and irrelevant in the general public's eye. The financial success Michael Bay has achieved is absolutely criminal, in that it implies that what he's doing is acceptable cinema. It is not.

And I love mindless action as much as the next guy. Prolly even more than most. I loved Eraser, Last Action Hero, Judge Dredd, Waterworld, Robocop 2, Cobra, Die Hard 2, and a slew of other critically bashed action films. But I had fun with those. Michael Bay's films come off so fake and forced I feel like he's trying to sell me something rather than entertain me. I guess his years as a commercial director have stuck with him.

Here's my all time top 10 action flicks:

1.Terminator 2:Judgement Day
2.First Blood
3.Heat
4.Batman
5.Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
6.Darkman
7.Escape From New York
8.The Dark Knight
9.The Warriors
10.Robocop

someguy · #9 06-25-2009, 01:06 AM

Please god no one come in here and start saying we shouldn't be expecting Oscar quality material with Michael Bay. No one is, we're just expecting good action movies that will provide entertainment. Some people just believe there should be more substance when it comes to these kinds of movies and Michael Bay's successes only harm the chances of more movies like the new Star Trek, Iron Man or even The Dark Knight being preferential to studios.

All it really boils down to is whether or not you think his movies are fun. I don't think he's a great director but I don't think he's the horrible monster some of his critics paint him out to be. When I watch a Michael Bay movie I'm entertained, it's the same with someone like Roland Emmerich. It's trash, it's offensive and horrible trash but I enjoy it.

Z_oasis · #10 06-25-2009, 02:47 AM

Starting these posts for a guy that 90% of everyone here hates (im being nice with that estimated guess) is just adding more fuel to the "HATE Bay" fire...

I'm not stopping you, i like seeing people coming to their senses and seein shit as it really is.

If it looks like shit, sounds like shit, tastes like shit, it HAS to be a Michael Bay film.

adamjohnson · #11 06-25-2009, 02:49 AM

I maintain that I am STILL glad Addicted2Bayhem is no longer here.

rocknblues81 · #12 06-25-2009, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razgriz21

Seriously, the hate has reached an all time high for this man. He works his ass off making action sequences and people continue to tear him down.

Reasons why Michael Bay is a good action director

-shots most of his scenes with real elements (helicopters, explosions, stunts)
-blends in digital FX with filmed action
-nice, kinetic cinematography
-great action sequences
-knows how to put people on a wild ride

My only con that I can come up with him iss that he has inspired a few wannabe movie directors who copy him frame by frame (McG, Len Wiseman).

There is only one Michael Bay and he is good in my opinion. Not great, but good.

For the record, my favorite action movies are

-Die Hard 1-3
-Heat
-The Rock
-First Blood
-Predator 1-2
-Aliens

I just also to happen like Michael Bay's work. He actually shots most of his material piratically. None of that wire fu bullshit that McG loves or an overabundance of CGI.

All works his ass over for is making one dimensional movies for his fanbase that flock to see his fast food movies like they flock to McDonalds to stuff fatty foods down their throat.

Vanderzaiden · #13 06-25-2009, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someguy

Please god no one come in here and start saying we shouldn't be expecting Oscar quality material with Michael Bay.

micheal bay dosen't make oscar material films. so you mean that he usually makes cinematic mastperpieces...

Natty · #14 06-25-2009, 07:24 AM

That twitter account is pretty damn funny.

echo_bravo · #15 06-25-2009, 09:37 AM

The only Bay film that I like and actually own is The Rock. And its not only cause of the action. All of the characters are great in it especially Sir Sean Connery and Ed Harris.

All his other films are giant piles of shit IMO.
(Downright AWFUL dialogue, TERRIBLE plots, horrible acting)

poopontheshoes7 · #16 06-25-2009, 10:31 AM

His films are no more or less "empty" or "shallow" then half of the movies that come out any give year.

When I watch a Bay film I get slick and polished visuals, some good humor (Some not so good), entertaining characters (Come on people, you can't say the characters in Armageddon/The Rock/Bad Boys aren't fun and likable), and yes, balls out entertaining action.

It is possible to love and enjoy a simple big budget boomfest AND thought provoking cinema. I certainly do.

I do understand not liking his films. They are the epitome of excess, of over-the-top. Everything is so big, so loud, so damn good looking and polished it turns people off. But thats why I like him and hell, ADMIRE him. No director has the balls to be so in your face. He has no illusions about what he does. He does what he does and says "Take it all in! I dare you!" He is almost a parody of big budget Hollywood and I find it hilarious and entertaining.

If enjoying the occasional Bay flick makes me a dumb, mindless, idiotic drone then so be it.

Mr.HyDe807 · #17 06-25-2009, 11:14 AM

I never ragged on Bay, due to enjoying his flicks on some levels, but Revenge of the Fallen was pretty terrible.

rocknblues81 · #18 06-25-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poopontheshoes7

His films are no more or less "empty" or "shallow" then half of the movies that come out any give year.

When I watch a Bay film I get slick and polished visuals, some good humor (Some not so good), entertaining characters (Come on people, you can't say the characters in Armageddon/The Rock/Bad Boys aren't fun and likable), and yes, balls out entertaining action.

It is possible to love and enjoy a simple big budget boomfest AND thought provoking cinema. I certainly do.

I do understand not liking his films. They are the epitome of excess, of over-the-top. Everything is so big, so loud, so damn good looking and polished it turns people off. But thats why I like him and hell, ADMIRE him. No director has the balls to be so in your face. He has no illusions about what he does. He does what he does and says "Take it all in! I dare you!" He is almost a parody of big budget Hollywood and I find it hilarious and entertaining.

If enjoying the occasional Bay flick makes me a dumb, mindless, idiotic drone then so be it.

I can't think of one single thing that I liked about BB2. Martin Lawrence is about as bad of an actor as you can find. He is not funny in the slightest. The movie is overlong for what it is. Even if I wanted to accept the movie on the most shallow level it overstays it's welcome. A movie needs something to justify 2 1/2 hours of running time.

razgriz21 · #19 06-25-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poopontheshoes7

His films are no more or less "empty" or "shallow" then half of the movies that come out any give year.

When I watch a Bay film I get slick and polished visuals, some good humor (Some not so good), entertaining characters (Come on people, you can't say the characters in Armageddon/The Rock/Bad Boys aren't fun and likable), and yes, balls out entertaining action.

It is possible to love and enjoy a simple big budget boomfest AND thought provoking cinema. I certainly do.

I do understand not liking his films. They are the epitome of excess, of over-the-top. Everything is so big, so loud, so damn good looking and polished it turns people off. But thats why I like him and hell, ADMIRE him. No director has the balls to be so in your face. He has no illusions about what he does. He does what he does and says "Take it all in! I dare you!" He is almost a parody of big budget Hollywood and I find it hilarious and entertaining.

If enjoying the occasional Bay flick makes me a dumb, mindless, idiotic drone then so be it.

Agree.

Also, Michael Bay directed The Rock starring Sean Connery.

Face it, Michael works with some of the best stunt coordinators and cinematographers. All he needs is a good editor and he'll be unstoppable.

Are we not supposed to enjoy movies anymore? Transformers is not a bad movie. Far from terrible. Just a movie where you can eat pizza and drink beer with your friends.

Michael is an entertainer and puts on a wild ride.

Cenopath · #20 06-25-2009, 01:52 PM

As long as his shitty movies keep oversaturating the theatres in place of good ones, no, I won't leave Michael Bay alone.

razgriz21 · #21 06-25-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bukkake

As long as his shitty movies keep oversaturating the theatres in place of good ones, no, I won't leave Michael Bay alone.

There are other scapegoats.

-McG
-Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer
-Len Wiseman
-Joel Schumacher
-Brett Ratner
-John Moore
-Jon Avenet

rocknblues81 · #22 06-25-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razgriz21

There are other scapegoats.

-McG
-Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer
-Len Wiseman
-Joel Schumacher
-Brett Ratner
-John Moore
-Jon Avenet

In fairness, Red Dragon is better than anything Bay has ever done. Phone Booth is better than anything Bay has ever done.

Preston_79 · #23 06-25-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razgriz21

Are we not supposed to enjoy movies anymore? Transformers is not a bad movie. Far from terrible. Just a movie where you can eat pizza and drink beer with your friends.

Who is suggesting we can't enjoy movies anymore?

Bays movies are best watched when partially distracted by pizza, beer and friends. That's not a very good endorsement. I say the same thing about watching Teletubbies.

Kevin Smith fan · #24 06-25-2009, 02:15 PM

Yes but none of these films acheive the commercial success and studio handjobs that Bay's films do. Despite how terrible Aaron Seltzer's parodies are, I don't think there's been one of them to cross the 50 million dollar mark. So I think people realize his films are terrible.

Mc G's We Are Marshall is criminally underrated and I don't care what the critics say, Terminator Salvation has been the best summer action flick this year. Period. (See I can like mindless action films, too).

And as bad as Schumacher's Batman films were, he's still made some great pictures like Phone Booth, A Time to Kill, Falling Down, The Client, The Lost Boys, and St. Elmo's Fire.

And with the exception of Rush Hour 3 and X3, I don't know why Brett Ratner is so universally hated. Red Dragon was fantastic and Rush Hour is exactly what a summer action flick should be.

Abbie Normal · #25 06-25-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BakeTheMooCow

No, I refuse to leave him alone.

He's a horrendous director and he has a crooked douche face.

He does have a weird face. He is not a horrendous director. He does a particular type of movie. With some movies the point is just mindless action and some humor. There happens to be a big market for mindless stuff. Obama's supporters like it this way and I don't think you want to mess with Obama. Remember the Fly?

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjohnson

Notice how every single thing you mentioned are the jobs the stunt coordinator and the cinematographer do.

Not the director.

Where is it written that he can't do these things in his movie. Do you bitch about directors who also edit, write, director, produce and star in their own movies too? I think you are being petty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bukkake

As long as his shitty movies keep oversaturating the theatres in place of good ones, no, I won't leave Michael Bay alone.

Yeah, because this time of year is when all the "good" movies come out. I am sure the teens and young adults would be lining up for something like "The Reader". Get real man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Preston_79

Who is suggesting we can't enjoy movies anymore?

Bays movies are best watched when partially distracted by pizza, beer and friends. That's not a very good endorsement. I say the same thing about watching Teletubbies.

Fucking A man. I will say it again. As long as there is a market for mindless movies like Bay's, he will keep making them. It is the same way with the stupid Wayans Brothers movies, slasher films, teen comedies that suck.

What would all you haters like Bay to do? If he made a drama that was nothing like his other movies, you would kill him for it even if it was awesome. Get over yourselves and accept the fact that people like mindless movies to ENTERTAIN them.

BTW I tried to go see Transformers last night and the last 4 shows were sold out. Will try again on Friday or Sat night.

adamjohnson · #26 06-25-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abbie Normal

Yeah, because this time of year is when all the "good" movies come out. I am sure the teens and young adults would be lining up for something like "The Reader". Get real man.

This is your problem. Actually, it's your entire arguement.

You think that because we dont like Bay, the only things we do like are shit like the Reader, Doubt, the Soloist, etc. And thats simply not true.

However, we DO like truly great action movies like T2, Die Hard, etc etc.

If I dont care about a character, how is that considered entertaining? Isnt the plot of the movie revolving around whether or not they will live? In Die Hard, EVERYBODY wondered if McClane was going to survive. Thats good writing.

So, yeah, I expect more from an action movie than explosions. I expect little things - like a well written story, coherent plot and likeable characters. No biggie.

poopontheshoes7 · #27 06-25-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocknblues81

I can't think of one single thing that I liked about BB2. Martin Lawrence is about as bad of an actor as you can find. He is not funny in the slightest. The movie is overlong for what it is. Even if I wanted to accept the movie on the most shallow level it overstays it's welcome. A movie needs something to justify 2 1/2 hours of running time.

I do agree with you on Bad Boys 2. BB2 and Pearl Harbor are the only Bay flicks I don't dig. The rest is aces in my eyes.

Abbie Normal · #28 06-25-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjohnson

This is your problem. Actually, it's your entire arguement.

You think that because we dont like Bay, the only things we do like are shit like the Reader, Doubt, the Soloist, etc. And thats simply not true.

However, we DO like truly great action movies like T2, Die Hard, etc etc.

If I dont care about a character, how is that considered entertaining? Isnt the plot of the movie revolving around whether or not they will live? In Die Hard, EVERYBODY wondered if McClane was going to survive. Thats good writing.

So, yeah, I expect more from an action movie than explosions. I expect little things - like a well written story, coherent plot and likeable characters. No biggie.

So do I, but those movies are few and far between. Would I like a better Transformers with an awesome story and everything that goes with it? Sure, I would, but what the hell do you expect with a base from a toy and a cartoon?

Your problem is you think the studios care about what you want. They don't. They want to make as much monye as possible. They do not care if the movies they put out are good or not. You would think they would have learned a lesson from The Dark Knight and Wolverine (too recent I know), but they don't. So we have what we have.

Did you actually think McClane was going to die? In general, good guys don't die in action movies.

adamjohnson · #29 06-25-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abbie Normal

Did you actually think McClane was going to die? In general, good guys don't die in action movies.

Its one of the reasons Die Hard is studied in film schools across the nation.

adamjohnson · #30 06-25-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abbie Normal

So do I, but those movies are few and far between. Would I like a better Transformers with an awesome story and everything that goes with it? Sure, I would, but what the hell do you expect with a base from a toy and a cartoon?

With this logic, we could very easily compare Transformers and Pirates of the Caribbean, which was built around even less IE a theme park ride. While they both have similar flaws (runtime, for instance) I think everyone would agree that the acting all across the board is better in Pirates, that Gore Vibinski is a better director, and the plot is much more interesting.

rocknblues81 · #31 06-25-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abbie Normal

He does have a weird face. He is not a horrendous director. He does a particular type of movie. With some movies the point is just mindless action and some humor. There happens to be a big market for mindless stuff. Obama's supporters like it this way and I don't think you want to mess with Obama. Remember the Fly?

Where is it written that he can't do these things in his movie. Do you bitch about directors who also edit, write, director, produce and star in their own movies too? I think you are being petty.

Yeah, because this time of year is when all the "good" movies come out. I am sure the teens and young adults would be lining up for something like "The Reader". Get real man.

Fucking A man. I will say it again. As long as there is a market for mindless movies like Bay's, he will keep making them. It is the same way with the stupid Wayans Brothers movies, slasher films, teen comedies that suck.

What would all you haters like Bay to do? If he made a drama that was nothing like his other movies, you would kill him for it even if it was awesome. Get over yourselves and accept the fact that people like mindless movies to ENTERTAIN them.

BTW I tried to go see Transformers last night and the last 4 shows were sold out. Will try again on Friday or Sat night.

Hell, just make an action movie that is truly good. People you know... Actually did that before this horrible decade started. Any level of badness is now acceptable people because that's mostly what's been made this decade. Badness.

rocknblues81 · #32 06-25-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjohnson

This is your problem. Actually, it's your entire arguement.

You think that because we dont like Bay, the only things we do like are shit like the Reader, Doubt, the Soloist, etc. And thats simply not true.

However, we DO like truly great action movies like T2, Die Hard, etc etc.

If I dont care about a character, how is that considered entertaining? Isnt the plot of the movie revolving around whether or not they will live? In Die Hard, EVERYBODY wondered if McClane was going to survive. Thats good writing.

So, yeah, I expect more from an action movie than explosions. I expect little things - like a well written story, coherent plot and likeable characters. No biggie.

It's amazing that some folks think were asking for everything to be an academy award winner just because explosions on their own aren't enough to fill the bill.

g1ng3rsnap9ed · #33 06-25-2009, 04:05 PM

I hate michael bay. (See how I refuse to capitalize his name?)

But that's cool that you're a fan, I guess. Everyone has their own taste, that's what makes us individually interesting.

Danger^Cart · #34 06-25-2009, 04:26 PM

Bay won't leave ME alone!!

ilovemovies · #35 06-25-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danger^Cart

Bay won't leave ME alone!!

No offense, but that's bullshit. You don't have to see his movies.

adamjohnson · #36 06-25-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjohnson

With this logic, we could very easily compare Transformers and Pirates of the Caribbean, which was built around even less IE a theme park ride. While they both have similar flaws (runtime, for instance) I think everyone would agree that the acting all across the board is better in Pirates, that Gore Vibinski is a better director, and the plot is much more interesting.

In addition, it looks like WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE should put an end to this "It was just a childrens show" arguement. WTWTA is a Dr. Suess book and it looks to be one of the best movies upcoming.

poopontheshoes7 · #37 06-25-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjohnson

In addition, it looks like WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE should put an end to this "It was just a childrens show" arguement. WTWTA is a Dr. Suess book and it looks to be one of the best movies upcoming.

Not to be nitpicky but it's not a Dr. Suess book.

John Galt · #38 06-25-2009, 05:20 PM

Spielberg made the cinematic puncture wound. Michael Bay plunged the blade in and twisted it around.

Michael Bay is an anathema. He has set a standard of infantalism that is destroying cinema and making it almost impossible for quality films to make it into the theaters.

Abbie Normal · #39 06-25-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjohnson

With this logic, we could very easily compare Transformers and Pirates of the Caribbean, which was built around even less IE a theme park ride. While they both have similar flaws (runtime, for instance) I think everyone would agree that the acting all across the board is better in Pirates, that Gore Vibinski is a better director, and the plot is much more interesting.

Jack Sparrow did not exist on the Disney ride until after the 2nd Pirates movie came out. About the only things that the ride inspired were pirates, boats, Caribbean and the song. Jack Sparrow is the greatest character invented since Tony Montana.

Pirates has no flaws. They are all perfect movies. You are not and forever banned from the ride in Disney and if you don't watch your P's and Q's you will be banned from all the Disney parks including the one outside Paris.