Optimus Prime's TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION Redesign Unveiled At Hasbro NYCC Party!

During an exclusive party on the eve of New York Comic Con last night, Hasbro unveiled the newest addition to their Transformers toy line, and it was none other than the redesigned Optimus Prime from the upcoming Transformers: Age Of Extinction.

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'Transformers 4' Now Has a Title AND a Teaser Poster!

Transformers 4 can now be called Age of Exctinction. With the rumors of the Dinobots making an appearance, short of a image of Grimlock, ain't that new title is a not so subtle throw to dinosaurs?

You can also check out images director Michael Bay has released of the G1 Autobot favorites set to appear in the next stage of the series, Optimus Prime, a '67 version of Bumblebee, Hound and another yet to be named vehicle via his website.

Set for June 27th, 2014, Bay returns to direct his fourth big screen round of Transformers, whose events takes place five years following the destruction of Chicago in 2011's Dark of the Moon. The film promises to jump start the series in a new direction with revamped versions of the familiar robotic alien heroes and villains. Mark Wahlberg stars with Kelsey Grammar, Stanley Tucci, T.J. Miller, Nicola Peltz, Sophia Myles, Bingbing Li and of course Peter Cullen (returning to provide the iconic voice of Optimus Prime).

SOURCE: Michael Bay Dot Com

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Bumblebee Will Also Get A 2014 Concept Camaro Upgrade in 'Transformers 4'

According to Michael Bay on his website, "Trumpets please . . . Bumblebee, a 2014 Concept Camaro! . . . the final jewel in the Transformers 4 crown."

Bay has been unveiling the sleek new fleet of various vehicles to be featured in the currently shooting Transformers 4 over the past several weeks, and now reveals Bumblebee will have two alternate versions in next year's film. We have already seen the fan favorite's redesign as a modified, vintage 1967 Camaro SS (check it out HERE), and now Bay has plans to unleash Chevy's 2014 version of the Camaro as well (which mirrors Bumblebee's vintage to modern upgrade seen in 2007's Transformers).

You can also check out the previous images Bay has released of G1 Autobot favorites Optimus Prime, the '67 Bumblebee, Hound and another yet to be named vehicle via his website.

Set for 2014, Bay returns to direct his fourth big screen round of Transformers, whose events takes place five years following the destruction of Chicago in 2011's Dark of the Moon. The film promises to jump start the series in a new direction with revamped versions of the familiar robotic alien heroes and villains. Mark Wahlberg stars with Kelsey Grammar, Stanley Tucci, T.J. Miller, Nicola Peltz, Sophia Myles, Bingbing Li and of course Peter Cullen (returning to provide the iconic voice of Optimus Prime).

SOURCE: Michael Bay Dot Com

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See Optimus Prime Dodge Explosions In These 'Transformers 4' Set Videos

Transformers 4 is currently shooting action scenes near Adrian, Michigan. The first video here mainly shows the re-vamped Optimus Prime in vehicle mode rolling through some explosions, and the second clip also features the recently revealed Freightliner truck following (or chasing) Prime down the rural road.

Also worth noting are these pics from the Texas set last month of a rusted cab-over-engine truck that bears a heavy resemblance to the classic 1984 version of Optimus Prime. It's probably no coincidence  but looking closer you can also spot traces of faded painted flames, which Bay famously adornes to his big screen versions of the Autobot leader with.

Set for release on June 27, 2014, Michael Bay returns to direct his fourth big screen round of Transformers, whose events takes place five years following the destruction of Chicago in 2011's  Dark of the Moon. The film promises to jump start the series in a new direction with revamped versions of the familiar robotic alien heroes and villains. Mark Wahlberg stars with Kelsey Grammar, Stanley Tucci, T.J. Miller, Nicola Peltz, Sophia Myles, Bingbing Li and of course Peter Cullen (returning to provide the iconic voice of Optimus Prime).

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Has 'Transformers 4' Revealed Ultra Magnus?

"The adventure continues to transform with a very different offering from Daimler Trucks North America," Michael Bay says on his website, revealing the latest sleek cast addition to Transformers 4. "The imposing 2014 Argosy cab-over truck by Freightliner."

The flat nose truck by Freightliner actually resembles a modern version the '80s model of Optimus Prime that Michael Bay chose not to go with when he took the reigns of the big screen Transformers series, but nonetheless resembles another classic blast from the past.

The first character that comes to mind here is Ultra Magnus, which the toy version was identical to Optimus Prime except for the color scheme. The Autobot was the sucessor to Optimus Prime in the cartoon lore, briefly becoming the possessor of the Matrix of Leadership in 1986's Transformers: The Movie, until Hot Rod rose in the ranks by the end of the animated adventure to become Rodimus Prime followed by a whole lot more plot points that may never factor into the big screen story arc. But since Bay says he wants to make TF4 the springboard for the series' new direction, maybe we will see the baton of Autobot leadership passed on.

There is no official word yet on who this will be in the film. Though the ominous color scheme suggests Decepticon over Autobot and leads to speculation that this could be the evil Motormaster, the newest addition is undoubtedly another sleek ride we can look forward to see featured in the next adventure.

You can also check out the previous images Bay has also released of G1 Autobot favorites Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Hound via his website.

Set for 2014, Bay returns to direct his fourth big screen round of Transformers, whose events takes place five years following the destruction of Chicago in 2011's  Dark of the Moon. The film promises to jump start the series in a new direction with revamped versions of the familiar robotic alien heroes and villains. Mark Wahlberg stars with Kelsey Grammar, Stanley Tucci, T.J. Miller, Nicola Peltz, Sophia Myles, Bingbing Li and of course Peter Cullen (returning to provide the iconic voice of Optimus Prime).

SOURCE: Michael Bay Dot Com

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New 'Transformers 4' Character Revealed. Autobot or Decepticon?

Michael Bay revealed another new robot character in its vehicle mode who will be featured in the next year's Transformers 4 starring Mark Wahlberg. As described by Bay on his website:

"Unveiling yet another surprise . . . the extraordinary and exhilarating 2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4."

There is no mention of a character name or whether this is an Autobot or Decepticon. As previously reported here, Bay has also unveiled Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Hound and two other four wheeled players yet to be named. Lamborghinis did play a part in the classic G1 series, the Autobots Sunstreaker and Sideswipe were members of the sleek Italian automobile line.

Set for 2014, Michael Bay returns to direct his fourth big screen round of Transformers, whose events takes place five years following the destruction of Chicago in 2011's  Dark of the Moon. The film promises to jump start the series in a new direction with revamped versions of the familiar robotic alien heroes and villains. Mark Wahlberg stars with Kelsey Grammar, Stanley Tucci, Nicola Peltz, Sophia Myles, Bingbing Li and Peter Cullen (returning to provide the iconic voice of Optimus Prime).

SOURCE: MichaelBay.com

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G1 Autobot Hound Confirmed for 'Transformers 4'

Michael Bay revealed a new photo today from his robotic cast of Transformers 4. Today's addition is the G1 Autobot Hound in vehicle form, who will be making his first appearance on the big screen. Hound was a green jeep in his original '80s incarnation and maintains that color scheme for the upcoming film set for a June 27, 2014 release.

Michael Bay On his website Bay described the latest Autobot to the team as "the always rugged and reliable Hound, one of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles from Oshkosh Defense."

Bay has also released images of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee on his website.

SOURCE: Michael Bay Dot Com

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Bumblebee's Retro Redesign Revealed From 'Transformers 4'

Yesterday we got our first sneak peek images from the set of Transformers 4, specifically at the new looks for Optimus Prime and two other Autobots in their sleek vehicle modes.

Today, director Michael Bay released a still of Bumbleee, who will sport the design as what he describes as a highly modified, vintage 1967 Camaro SS.

SOURCE: Michael Bay Dot Com

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Re-Designed Optimus Prime and Autobots from 'Transformers 4' Revealed!

Michael Bay is currently shooting Transformers 4 in Monument Valley, a desert area in the Navajo Nation near the border of Arizona and Utah. Courtesy of Bay and Yahoo! we now have our first look at the revamped sleeker Optimus Prime and two of his fellow Autobots in their vehicle forms. Bay posted this pic of Prime, which is from Western Star (a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America).

Also on display is a C7 Stingray Corvette and a $2.4 million custom 1,200-horsepower Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse. We don't know yet if these will be new characters or revamps of classic Autobots from the animated shows or comic books lore.

Set for 2014, Michael Bay returns to direct his fourth as yet untitled round of Transformers, whose events takes place five years following the destruction of Chicago in 2011's  Dark of the Moon, and promises to jump start the series in a new direction with revamped versions of the familiar robotic alien heroes and villains. Mark Wahlberg stars with Kelsey Grammar, Stanley Tucci, Nicola Peltz, Sophia Myles, Bingbing Li and Peter Cullen (returning to provide the iconic voice of Optimus Prime).

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Film Review - PAIN & GAIN ★★½☆☆☆

Love him or hate him (there doesn't seem to be much middle ground for the guy), director / producer Michael Bay always has something up his sleeve with each of his films, and you can at least be certain you are in for a visual ride.

Pain & Gain may seem to be far off the beaten path for Bay, who has settled comfortably into our minds as the ringmaster pounding out uber expensive quick cutting FX heavy films highlighted by intense giant robot-on-robot violence. Yes, the first live-action Transformers was unleashed in 2007, and Bay's fourth installment is on the way. But with his latest film, shot on a relative minuscule budget that may not have even covered Transformers' craft service costs, Bay returns to his grounded roots that allow us to fondly recall his gritty cop comedy 1995's Bad Boys starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

For full disclosure I typically enjoy what Michael Bay brings to the big screen. Visual assault via a summer Friday movie is just what the doctor orders sometimes, it can't be all Atonement or The Artist all the time. But even with Bay stepping things down about three staircases here, it's refreshing and at times enjoyable to witness what he can put forth with a reported $25 million price tag. The camera moves consistently, the colors are often over saturated (which actually works well for its Miami setting), there are obligatory hot cars and ever hotter girls with accompanying lavish beauty shots, and even manages some Miami Vice homage imagery for good measure.

You're either a "doer" or a "don't-er," according to motivational speaker advice that hits hard with personal trainer Daniel Lugo (Mark Wahlberg). Taking those words to heart, the over zealous gym rat enlists his bodybuilder co-worker Adrian (Anthony Mackie) and a Born Again Christian former con Paul (Dwayne Johnson) to kidnap, torture and live off the riches of a snarky local businessman (Tony Shalhoub). These roided roughneck 'do'ers' figure it best to take than earn their way to living the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Pain & Gain, set in 1990's Miami, is based on the true story of a trio of local Miami bodybuilders (the film actually takes a pause to remind us of this at its most ridiculous moment) who turn to a calculated life of crime. Sure this pumped up spectacle is for the most part light fare, but the at times sharp dialogue in the script from Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely makes the most of Wahlberg's quick, determined and necessary dim witted delivery.

I'm not giving much away in revealing that these juice heads aren't blessed with anything above one dimensional thinking in their life of crime, and their plan is pretty much pre-determined to crumble. It's not to say that things sink to a Hans and Franz level of buffoonery, but their grand scheme is blessed only with mostly brawn, and not nearly enough brain to attain ultimate success.

The rock solid key to the film though is easily Dwayne Johnson. Riding high with his winning turns in Fast Five and G.I. Joe: Retaliation, he has become known as a 'franchise saver,' pumping fresh blood into those series. Once again Johnson knows his role by balancing big brawn and charisma with an excellence of execution to boot. It's another case of never enough Johnson on the screen, this despite his prominent role in the film.

Here as the gang's likable weak link that takes pity on their captor, being a God fearing former con Christian (cheers to a well placed Stryper reference) who slides into a coke-filled downward spiral, Johnson repeatedly shows there is so much more to him outside of the wrestling ring and on the big screen. P&G allows him to stretch his chops on a few new levels and further solidify both his tough guy image and ability to remain a treat to watch each time he swims deeper into the acting pool.

The small main cast works well for the material, as in a script weighed down with a lack of heroic characters. Wahlberg and Mackie obviously trained hard for this film and are jacked. Johnson pumped himself back into the Herculean shape that made him a WWE champion as The Rock. Mackie though has the tough gig of constantly competing with Johnson's overall likeability and Wahlberg's monologue heavy meathead mastermind. His presence here is better served through his scenes with scene stealer Rebel Wilson. Shalhoub is rarely outdone, and as the unsympathetic Columbian Jewish hostage who is not below any means to save his own ass, he is a proper foil for the film. Bay calls in favor from Ed Harris, his heavy in The Rock, for a third act appearance as Shaloub's private investigator, but his frail appearance sometimes underscores his role and the film has overstayed its welcome by the time he factors in.

What Bay does well, as always, is keeping the eye candy visuals at a constant. Nobody does it better when it comes to making a feature length movie where near every shot is framed for lavish music video standards. Thankfully his seizure inducing editing pace has been reigned in, but if your brain can tolerate Bay's prowess at 50% power for Pain & Gain's over generous two hour plus running time, you're in luck. It also goes without saying there are multiple helpings of low angle hero shots and of course a perfectly framed silhouette in front of a hazy orange drenched horizon. Plus when Johnson throws a punch, by God Bay makes sure you really feel the brutality of the impact.

Pain & Gain showcases a slick look and some solid muscle at times, and for fans of Johnson and Wahlberg, this is right up your alley. Though there are far less explosions we may have come to expect, Bay haters need not apply. If it ain't your thing, this ain't your thing. But the film  should serve as a precursor of what we can look forward to once he put Transformers behind him. Hopefully we'll see a little more in the vein of Bad Boys that starts here, maybe eventually more in the style of The Rock (still his best film). Although overall clocking in a bit too long, Pain & Gain has just enough juice and entertaining low level crime caper hijinks to pass the benchmark only for its intended audience.

Pain & Gain opens in theaters on April 26th.

REVIEW RATING: ★★½☆☆☆
Directed By: Michael Bay
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris, Rob Corddry
Studio:  Paramount Pictures
Rated: R
Running Time: 129 minutes

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TOY FAIR 2013: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Return To The Toy Fair

Playmates Toys once again pulled no punches when it came to their elaborate Toy Fair booth set up to showcase the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line of action figures, playsets, vehicles and role play accessories. NerdyRottenScoundrel.com toured to booth at the Javits center in New York City to check out what we can look forward to in 2013.

In addition to the collections based on the hit Nickelodeon animated show that appeals to the younger generation of new fans, the Classic Line of TMNT figures are still sure to strike a nerve with us older kids and collectors who have fond memories of the heroes in the half shell from their '80s and '90s incarnations.

The iconic pizza loving superheroes Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo are joined by April O'Neil, Shredder, Splinter and newcomers Rock Steady and BeBop to the various lines which include Throw N' Battle, Flingers and Battle Shell which allows weapons to be stored in the Turtles' shell.

The planned (and controversial 'will they or won't they be aliens?') big screen feature film produced by Michael Bay and to be directed by Jonathan Liebsman (Battle: Los Angeles) is targeted for release next year. Playmates Toys is set to be on deck with a toy line to coincide with the film.

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