While the Tranformers franchise has been awash with special effects and action sequences that all melt into one big assault on the senses, the latest trailer for the fifth installment appears to be something unique to Michael Bay. The director is not known for subtlety at the best of times, but the latest look at Transformers: The Last Knight with Anthony Hopkins on narration duties looks a pleasant change of pace.
There is the usual conflict between man and machine. Of course. But then the teaser (spoiler alert) gives away the return of Optimus Prime. All so he can return to a large scale battle where the Earth is once again under attack. Alongside Hopkins to provide some levity to proceedings, the supporting cast has been beefed up with the likes of Laura Haddock, Jerrod Carmichael, John Goodman, Isabela Moner, Gil Birmingham and Jean Dujardin. Oh, and let's not forget Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci and John Turturro.
A far cry from the Shia Labeouf and Megan Fox days.
Fears Bay Will Revert To Type
Critics saw hope in the opening minute of this installment from the filmmaker, giving some darkness and grit to a series that has flattered to deceive with any credibility outside of the box office takings. Complete with a sword dripping blood, images of the Crusade and shots of the Nazi's in World War II. This might be something fresh from a franchise that has delivered anything but.
Then the second half happened. And some believe the movie will be more about the second part than the first. Lots of explosions, chases, fire fights and whatever else can be fit inside the big budget. Bay is likely to turn something with substance into popcorn fodder.
Hopkins Regrets Lecter Legacy
Fronting Transformers after his work on the smash hit television series Westworld, Hopkins has every right to sit back and receive the plaudits for a career that is surpassed by very few of his peers. Yet his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs was so good that it spawned a series of sequels. But, for the actor, he sees that as a mistake.
Going on to play the character in Hannibal and Red Dragon, Hopkins wished he said no to the offer when the chance came up to reprise the villain.
Speaking to the press, he said he “made the mistake of doing two more (Hannibal Lecter movies)” when he “should have only done one.”
For anyone else, those performances would be a highlight rather than a regret.
Source: A.V. Club
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