Editorial Staff
The “Transformers” spin-off “Bumbleebee” might actually…. be good!?
According to those that attended Paramount’s CinemaCon panel today, the few minutes of footage screened from the Hailee Steinfeld starrer has more to offer than all of Michael Bay’s “Transformers” efforts. wowzers.
First, the film’s newly-released synopsis :
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach town. Charlie, on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken.
Comic Book Movie were there and have the following description :
An alarm goes off at 8:00 AM. Charlie shuts it off, unhappily waking up. Her room is covered in posters. She rocks out with headphones on while brushing her teeth. In the garage, her car is playing the same song. When she enters, it stops.
A piece of the car hits the floor. She look beneath it. Getting on a board with wheels, she slides under the car. Ultimately, she finds Bee’s face, which lights up in the eyes and stands up above her. She’s shocked. This thing fits in the garage! They have a standoff. Bee stumbles around. She reaches for the door handle but sees he is just stumbling around and scared as he huddles himself into the corner.
She approaches and says, “Hi.” Bee chirps back. He’s still scared and avoiding her in the corner. “Do you speak?: she asks. Bee nods to indicate he does not. He stands up, holding his neck, after seeing the wrench in her hand. He analyzes her hands and comes closer, allowing them to touch his face. He can understand her. “What are you?” she asks. “Where did you come from?” He shies away from answering. He points to her shirt. He is asking who she is. “I’m Charlie,” she tells him. “Charlie Watson, I’m 18 today. Actually, it’s my birthday today. What’s your name?” He shies away, with his ears going down. She rules, “You sound like a little bumblebee.” That’s what she’s going to call him from now on. “Matches your outfit, too,” she says.
Later, clips of Bee running from a helicopter, trucks exploding, Bee playing on the beach, driving Charlie around, and other Transformers cut into the frame. A red and white winged Transformer is fighting him. He uses his arm cannon. He fights fighter jets. Charlie does her best to help him. He lands in a desert.
There was more character and emotion in the 5 minute clip they just showed from Bumblebee than in all 372 hours of Michael Bay Transformers movies.
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) April 26, 2018
First footage from Bumblebee was very heavy on the heartstrings. Very relationship heavy. But also, BLUE AND RED STARSCREAM. Designs looks like Bay’s movies but with just a BIT more toy influence. I’m much more interested now.
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) April 26, 2018
The #BumbleBee footage is amazing. Hailee Steinfeld’s character Charlie has a very, very special bond with him. Plus explosions and stuff because of course. #CinemaCon pic.twitter.com/CG9k41waRV
— Lauren Cox (@Iaurencox) April 26, 2018
#Bumblebee footage shows a story that feels closer to Iron Giant or ET than what we’ve seen from Transformers franchise. But, yes, there’s also plenty of action. #CinemaCon
— Jillian Sederholm (@JillianSed) April 26, 2018
Really dug the BUMBLEBEE footage. Set in the ‘80s, has a buddy movie feel… but with explosions #CinemaCon2018
— Jason Guerrasio (@JasonGuerrasio) April 26, 2018
