It looks like the Transformers franchise is getting a kind-of makeover this December with “Bumblebee,” and it’s about time.
Since its beginning in 2007, the “Transformers” movie series has come a long way since Shia LaBeouf first slid into that black and yellow Chevy Camaro. With director Michael Bay at the helm, the explosions and destruction of epic proportions he is known for were constantly carried over to each sequel until the world that was created was unrecognizable from our own. In a way, setting “Bumblebee” in the ’80s is really ingenious; it gives the film a completely blank slate that all the others lacked, without completely cutting ties with the series. From what we’ve seen so far, it looks like director Travis Knight is going to take full advantage of that.
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Just looking at Knight’s film cred indicates “Bumblebee” is going to be vastly different from Bay’s works. Knight is relatively new to the directing game with only one other movie under his belt, “Kubo and the Two Strings.” Yet, the stop-motion fantasy flick was instantly a smash hit, nominated for two Oscars and winning the 2016 BAFTA for Best Animated Film. Before that, Knight worked as an animator on several notable animated films, including “Coraline,” “ParaNorman,” and “The Boxtrolls.” After what Bay put us through for five movies, it’s a little baffling seeing a children’s movie animator take the reins, but maybe that’s just what we need. From the sneak peeks released so far, “Bumblebee” looks a lot more heart-warming and funny than what we’ve seen from Transformers in a long time.
READ MORE: ‘Bumblebee’ Trailer Gives ‘Transformers’ Franchise A Fresh Coat Of Paint
Academy Award Nominee Hailee Steinfeld (“Pitch Perfect 2,” “True Grit”) stars as Bumblebee’s human companion, aiding him as they’re hunted by government agent John Cena. The war between Autobots and Decepticons rages on though, with appearances of Optimus Prime and other favorites hinted.
“Bumblebee” is due out December 21, the anticipated busiest week of the year for movie releases. With “Mary Poppins Returns” coming out the weekend before and “Aquaman,” “Welcome to Marwen,” and “Alita: Battle Angel” jostling with the “Transformers” movie for the holiday spot, it’s a classic game of chicken between the biggest companies in film. One thing’s for sure, with all the hype surrounding the movie “Bumblebee” won’t be backing down from this fight.
