5150 Lego

Ahh.. Interesting. Never knew that about his comic book origins. Very cool. Thanks for the input. Its always cool to learn of different back stories of all the characters. I have a question for you Tyrannt. Since you seem to be a G.I.Fan i'd like you input on the subject. In your post you say that Cobra Commander has a different origin in the comics than the TV series. My guess is that its similar with other characters origins changing depending on what series you read/watch. So my question to you is,.... IS the movie changing things around slightly any different than if a new series was introduced? I ask cause i have this ongoing discussion with many concerning Transformers. Many are upset that the origins and stories aren't exactly spot on, but you never here anyone complain when things change when a new comic book, or series comes out. I don't see why when a movie comes out, as long as it is similar, or at least makes sense, that it should be seen any different. But does ones race really defy said character? in some cases i can see where it would ( i was disappointed that the Baroness was not European and did not have her trade mark accent), but in this case i don't see how changing ripcord to a black guy would hinder his character. My feeling are that it was a good action movie, not so much a good "G.I. Joe" movie. I just didn't scream G.I. Joe to me. But neverless, i can't deny the fact that i did enjoy it. They might have figured in Ripcords case, race did not define his character. Meaning he could have worked as being white, black, Hispanic etc. Producers know that a person a like Marlon Wayne's has fans and can attract people that may not normally be interested in a movie like this. (though personally,i felt his role made the movie less enjoyable. I don't care for him as an actor). But he is popular with the younger crowd. Could you imagine the hype if they got Angelina Jolie to play Baroness? Like Heath Ledger playing the Joker, she alone would have brought in an additional 10 million opening weekend. This is really the only reason i could see them wanting to use Marlon Wayans to play Ripcord.

Nice moc. You captured the movie perfect. Not sure if Kevin Smith directed it or not, but "Jay and Silent Bob Stike Back" is without a doubt the best of the jay and Silent Bob movies! "Don't megabluck with the jedi master son! "In the future we will not spank the monkey...... The monkey will spank us!!" Best line ever! Oh, and Majek, I love your avatar! "Big trouble in little China" was a great movie!

While i can appreciate the moc, it looks nothing like the truck used in the movie. The front is to long and pointy. You need to connect the front wheel wells to the bumper and lower it a bit. Then at least it would be more recognizable.

Exelent moc! Very realistic and the detail is spot on. Do you happen to have any detailed pics of the under carriage? I'm curious how you did the susepntion and steering. Is the steering controled by the spare tire on the back?

Who have you been hearing this from? I wouldn't rely on critics for reviews on a movie like this as it doesn't apeal to them in the first place. Take it for what it is just like Transformers. Now i will say this... For an action movie it was top notch. ..BUt as a G.I. Joe movie..... I dunno.

I'm with you on the looks. While not bad, its not great either. I much prefered the R34 Skyline over this one. That, and it had a real manual tranny, and not the flappypadle gear box that many seem to flaunt over.

Finally, we get a review of the mighty flag ship for the 09 Techinc Fleet! Thank you Starstruck. You did a fine job. I really enjoyed the slide show as it showed the build process. Well done! A few questions... I know you mentioned that the crane can not lift much, but about how much do you reckon it can pick up? Like maybe a standard City car? Or maybe the city bus? How high is the 5Th wheel hitch from the ground ?(the 5Th wheel is technical term for the trailer hitch semi trucks use) I'm curious since i have trailers built for some of my present rigs and am curious if they will be compatible. In you first pic of the truck in the gravel rocks, it appears that the rear axle is following the curve of the ground. Is that a suspension or is the rear axle on a "bogey" type rear suspension?

Very cool. I like what you have as a base to start with. Are you planing on adding suspension? Maybe stakes on the sides would also help modernise it as well. Maybe you can incorporate the receivers at the base of the cab right in front of the flat bed for better reception?

Ya, these types of clips usually only last a few hours to a day before they get removed. Surprised i caught it when i did. Basically you see a Villain that i believe was played my (Mickey Rorke) who had Tony Starks artificial heart. This Villain appeared to be breaking out of prison and had some sort of electrical whips. There also seemed to be some weapons being purchased from Stark by the U.S. military. Thats about what i could remember from the preview.

First, The GTR doesn't have a V8. It has a twin turbo V6. Japanese auto manufacturers are known for underrating the HP numbers on there cars. For yrs nearly every Japanese super cars from the Mitsubishi Evolution to the R32 to the R34 were rated at 280hp when it was clear based on vehicle weight and their respective performance numbers that they produced well over that HP mark. As for the 480hp that the GTR makes, while that is the manufacturers claim, has been proven to be underrated by several automotive magazines. Jeremy Clarkson even address this in his review. most that have dyno tested the GTR found that they were getting nearly 480hp to the wheels. That means if you calculate the 15% HP loss through the drive train you get well over 550hp. That said, the GTR's performance numbers are either identical or better than cars costing two to three times its price. In the end, its about the performance numbers. The interior is more like a fighter Jet with knobs and controls readily available to the "pilot" . and not overly complex. I've had the opportunity to drive one (not 'hard" unfortunately since it was not my vehicle) so i can attest to this. But it really does matter when your spending that much on a car. I remember that review and even James admitted that the materials used were not on par with the cars they were attempting to imitate. So i have to agree with your original comment of "You get what you pay for".

Ya, i can see where someone would start shaking there head to my reasoning's, but bottom line is i did enjoy it. The character development was big in this movie which i think helped it the most. Nearly every character has equal time on screen which is rare and you easily had depth into there purpose. The only two that you didn't get any back ground was Though Cobra Commander never really had an origin in the original series and most of the comics (other than him being part snake or something in that nature) i understand that it was needed to give back ground and development to his character for the general audience. I can accept that. I still don't care for his design though. I really do wish they had more vehicles. I could have forgiven nearly all if the main action scene were comprised of trade mark Joe and Cobra vehicles instead of those Lame Accelerator suits and a Hummer that wants to be a transformer. This would have made the movie more recognizable to its origins. It didn't have to be a remake of the cartoon. In fact, I'm glad they didn't go that route. But while it was a very enjoyable action popcorn flick, it wasn't recognizable as G.I. Joe to me. And the female aspect.... Ya,i'm a pig. While the movie had its problems, Rachel Nichols as Scarlet and Sienna Miller as Baroness were nice to look at. Alot more so than Megan fox was in Tf's.

No bad. Was that Mickey Rorke as the Vilan? Iron Man as a whole never really interested me. BUt i do like that he is a weapons designer/dealer. Preety cool.

OK. So I saw the movie yesterday. I have to say i was pleasantly surprised and was alot better than i thought it was going to be. I (like many) wasn't impressed by the previews, and they left a sour taste in my mouth. But after actually watching the movie most of what i saw panned out. That's not to say that it didn't have its problems. First I'll start with what i liked. Character development: I felt they did a good job of relating the characters to the audience. Most of the actors had a relevant part in the movie and were portrayed well. Story/plot: I think the story was staright forward, and not overly complex. Good for a movie like this. Action: Action was good and well paced. Female aspect: Yes, I'm sorry to say, the girls in G.I.Joe were hot. Baroness and Scarlet (especially Scarlet) were great eye candy! Now what i didn't like: Comedy: Was virtually non-existent. While G.I. Joe has always been serious, from the the 80's cartoon series, to comics to the recent "Resolute" movie, i felt the movie needed some comedy to break it up. While it did have some, it wasn't well placed and very cheesy. (more so than ROTF) A movie like this needs some comedy relief. Accelerator suits: Lame. Just plain lame and stupid. While i get they were part of the Sigma 6 series, they were lame and that part could have been used to introduce a new vehicle. Which brings me to my next point... Lack of cool vehicles: While there were a few jets, other than the Hummer with the snow plow (whitch was lame)and the snow mobiles, there weren't any cool tanks, trucks, Jeeps etc. One of G.I.Joe Main attributes have always been the cool vehicles. There was a serious lack of any. Very disapointed. Marlon Wayne: He is a horrible actor,and much better comedian. He should have stayed with "In Living Color". His character as "Ripcord" was lame cheesy and his attempt at humor was insulting considering he his background in comedy. He brought the movie down for me. The "love story": Man, and you thought Micheal Bay was bad at love stories? While i understand this is needed for the general public, Duke and the Baroness being in love was lame and Ripcord's lame attempt to get Scarlet was even worse. Cobra Commander: I didn't like his appearance. He (like megatron to TF movie verse) was unrecognizable. I do understand that update in character designs are needed, but his overall design was lame. Reminded me more of Darth Vader than Cobra Commander. Baroness: She didn't have her trade mark accent. But much like Soundwave, i got over it. CGI: Sucked. Thats all there is to it. In this day in age, there was no excuse for this. Despite all this..... I still did enjoy the movie. It did just what a movie like this should. Entertain. But still, i just didn't scream G.I.Joe to me.

The interior of the Challenger is far better than the Camaro. Right on par with the Mustang. (who's quality as of late has surpased many of its Japanese compeditors) I've driven one and Chysler really stepped up there game on this one. As for handling, admitly it is the worse of the 3, but it is solid, steering gives good feed back, and handling is actualy decent for a car of its size and weight. Anyways, that can all be changed with some suspention modifcations.

Sorry for the late reply. I wanted to have time toread through and be able to anwser propperly. I couldn't agree more. I movie like this is perfect for the Military. I think your idea is a very good one at that. Though to be honest, it really isn't all that much different than the plot/story of the 2ND movie. Other than the fear the bots as a whole would turn on the humans, you pretty much nailed the purpose of the Nest team. You might actually like this movie. I think the "boy and his car" plot worked very well to show Bumble Bee and his compassion for the Humans. From helping Sam get close to Michaela, to protecting him through the movie. Then Sam showing his compassion when BB was captured. All relevant to the plot and well portrayed. I still don't understand why people saw Sam's character as annoying. I enjoyed him and feel he is a very capable actor. The hackers on the other hand, while relevant to expose the cons virus and introduce frenzy and Barricade, were dragged on a bit. After the Aussie chick found the virus there really wasn't any point to them other than the final fight with Frenzy. Though considering this was the first movie, that could be forgiven. Though from what i understand, that sense was added at the last minute when the decision was made to remove the scene were prime offed Barricade so he could be saved for the 2nd movie. (although he never made it to the 2nd move, so that turned out to be a bad decsion. Unless of course he turns up in the 3rd). Sector 7 again, while did help to tie things toechter, was again dragged on. I felt they were more for comedy relief than anything else. Again, this was the first movie, so it all was more less a test run to see how things would pan out for the first ever live action TF movie. While I'm sure Transformers could have been darker, I'm not sure if that necessarily would have been good. A "Dark Knight" approach to TF would not have been good for this movie. TF is supposed to be a fun, relaxed action packed popcorn flick. Now i can't necessarily argue that Tf would have been a worse film had it taken a darker tone since we haven't seen that happen. But some of the series such as Energon had a more serious darker tone (though was still cheesier than the Pizza i had for dinner) and didn't seam to work. G1 was cheesy, but was fun at the same time. As was Animated. They were an escape from reality that while might have lacked at times in terms of plot and dialogue (there only so much talk of "servos" and "Processors") that one can take before its gets annoying and repetitive. And I've said this time and time before, that one that is a fan of a series does not mean they are fit to direct on the big screen. There are many other things that make a movie good than being "respectful" of source material. Good overall directing, well executed action sequences, exceptional fight scenes with attention to detail. It doesn't mater how much "respect" or a fan the director is. If the movie lacks of of these aspects, then it will fail. Speaking of which, i still fail to see how Bay, or the writers failed in "respecting the franchise" . I honestly don't see it. The stories were all based on TF mythos, Characters (while changed in design) were all based on originals. I will admit that although i liked most of there overall designs, i can understand that being a bit more recognizable (mainly mega tron). Although there are many series in the past that were they changed the overall design of the characters that differed from there G1 counterparts (Energon, Cybertron for example). So the Movie verse is not the only series that is guilt of this. I remember reading a while back that one of the reasons Cameron didn't take on the role of director was because he knew it was a no win situation with fans. TF fans are picky to say the least, and many just aren't open to a different interpetation than what there used to seeing. Many being fans for the full 25yrs already have a set image in there mind of what they expect. If that image or expectation isn't meet, the fist come out. He didn't want that grief. Considering the crap Bay has recieved, i can't say i blame him. Unfortunately i just can't agree with this. While i like the Alternator line as they provide excellent vehicle detail inside and out, but lacked on the robot department. Optimus Prime as a Dodge Ram SRT-10 is perfect example of this. In robot mode from a side profile, he looks as if he wasn't even transformed. Like they just stood the truck up on end. And his feet... its the truck bed spilt in half. These are not Robots worthy of the big screen. While the current designs to leave open the question of integrity in mortal combat, again, you must understand that these designs are not just made for fans. But kids and the general Public. This is why you see the over done use of nitrous Oxide and wheelies in the street in "The Fast and Furious" movies. Not every movie (especially Sci-Fi) is going to make perfect sense. This were you need to That's not to say that you shouldn't have standards, but at some point we need to accept movies like this fiction and just sit back and enjoy the ride. Well to a point your correct. Depending on what view your looking at, you are going to see a different transformation sequence. And while not perfect, i felt they did an overall good job of keeping things uniformed, and again, learned for the next go around. ROTF really had more attention to detail this time around. You should really check out the new toys based of the new movie. Prime is a perfect example. Is is damn near identical to his movie design. At last, finally a point in the Transfandom we can agree on! Regardless what you feel does, or doesn't make a great movie, in this case, the general public (as well as the fans as much to your dismay) have spoken. This movie was highly successful, despite the harsh reviews from critics. Though i do hope that they give the bots some more screen time and dialoge. They did make improvments in the 2nd movie. No reason they won't do the same for the 3rd.

Ahh, the mighty Scania! Such a beautifull rig! I'm preety partail to American trucks, but i have to admit, the Scania isone sexy rig! Thank you for the teaser pics. I'll have to keep those improvements in mind whenever i get mine.

OK, finally some time to comment. First off, than you Blackbird . I always enjoy your reviews as you take the time to highlight each function as well as the mechanics of said function. I have to say that this model really took me by surprise. i was expecting a generic 8459, but was pleasantly surprised to find out not only is it rigid and functional, but looks great to boot. The overall detail of this years sets are getting better and better. Glad to see that it retains 4WD like 8459, and the larger tires really give it a towering view. The LA also seem to work very well and give more precise control than pneumatics. Something that was a bit hard to do with 8459. Its a shame we have to buy the Power Functions separate,as that seems to be the only real draw back of this set. I'm curious about the steering though. You say that 8459 is more sharp. Is this due to its smaller size, or cause this set just doesn't incorporate a small turning radius? Overall I'm impressed. Thanks again for the review. Now get your but moving on 8258!!

My next car will hopefully either be an SRT-8 Challenger or the up coming Z-28 Camaro. Supposed to be around 500-550hp. Though more than likely i'll have to "Settle" for the challenger since the camaro is still being sold for a 10,000 priem over sticker pice. . Lord willing we will see.

Which episode was it? Wa it the one were they had to ride the distance of Veitnam riding around on little motor bikes in the rain? Trying to see if you guys are ahead, or behind us in episodes.

Very cool. Thanks for the clarification. Very impressive.

Thought you didn't like muscle cars that didn't go around corners and got 1 mile to the gallon?

For once i agree with you on a movie related topic. While the original MM films were camp by nearly every defenition, they were great entertainment for there time, and the effects were one of the main atractions. The old schools model props were also what helped make the orignal Star wars movies so great. Real models, real people in full costumes. No lame CGI effects.

The Collector. Not what i was expecting, at all. Basically a a guy that is working on this house, finds out were the owner is hiding all his valubles. He finds out that his wife (or ex wife, can't remember) is in debt to some loan sharks and will do some bad things if the debt isn't paid by tonight. He goes back in the house to steal the valuables so he can pay of her loan sharks, only to find out the family who was supposed to be on vacation, is actually being held hostage by a slasher. Let me tell you, this guy makes Jigsaw look like Pooh Bear. Its very graphic, and not for the faint of heart. If you like slasher films, you will probably like this movie. If not, then I'd suggest you pass.

Other than new front fairings, the tractor is identical to the one we got 2 yrs ago. So is this available now?

Not true. While other Sci Fi shows could be considered camp, TF has taken it to a whole new level throughout its 25yr existence. As far as TF be a serious "film", i have to say I'm seriously glad they didn't go this route. (no pun intended). While TF has always been campy in its own right, it has always been an escape from the real world. This movie has no business being "film",but an enjoyable popcorn action flick. I will agree that more time should have gone to the title characters. Move Jetfire was my favorite,mainly due to the time he was given on screen. His personality was hilarious, and over all demeanour was different than any other TF on screen. I am left to wonder what could have been with Sideways, Jolt, and even the constructicons if they were given similar treatment. One thing i find funny with TF fans, is that when it comes to well writen TF stories, they refer to one series, and one series only. BeastWars. BW never appealed to me much because for me,TF will always be Robots transforming into vehicles. Not animals (i still shutter at the thought of "Optimus Primal" Lame). Though i must admit i did watch a little as a kid. Maybe it was the stories that caught my attention. Or maybe it was the animation. Regardless, the fact that fans fall back to the Beastwars/Machines series as the only source of good writing, kinda proves how lacking the rest of the franchise really is in terms of story and plot. Its not easy to make an depth plot and story when the source material lacks of any of this. Animated was a great series. But it never would have worked for a big screen. That could have worked. But considering that many fans and critics alike are already labeling the movies as being Military propaganda, i could only imagine how your plot would have added to that line of thinking. Just one more thing for "The fans" to female canine about. Ironman, for the most part has always had a more mature setting and the camp was a minimal if any at all. Stark Trek had always had a serious tone to it, well written stories, and for the most part, was what the series was about. The source material was decent to begin with.(that's not to say that some Trekkies didn't find something to female canine about why they felt it was bad about JJ Abrams movie) And Alien...... Sorry man. You can't compare the Alien franchise to TF. While they were both Sci Fi, that all the similarities they shared. Different setting, much darker tone, different audience all together. Seen many of those videos. Most were poorly done, and were nothing but updated blocky images. They would not have passed for aceptable movieverse bots, but rather amatuer makeshift reditions, cause well.... They were done by amatuers. This was a chance for animators to break the mold and give us somthing new and exciting. Somthing that may of the youtube animators lacked. They might have passed for a b rate movie, but would have been laughed at on the big screen. This may sound harsh, but considering the technology that's available today, its the animators duty to give us the most detailed realistic bots that we've ever seen. I do believe they accomplished this. I understand were your coming from with this. As i car guy and mechanic myself i sometimes kringe when i watch movies such as the fast and Furious, Redline, and any other scene with car chases or tech discussions regarding them. I learned along time ago, that while these movies are made to appeal to enthusiast, there in no way shape or form made for them. Same goes with TF. These movies, and others like them are not made for the fan base. There made for the general public. The moving parts, intricate designs and such all are made to make the average movie goer go.. "Wow!! That was cool!" not.. "Dude, Optimus Primes gas tank shifted differently in this scene! Did you catch that?" Someone once told me that Tyrese Gibson's role of "Epps"in the movie was fairly pointless. While i would agree, he does have a star factor and a fan base of his own that helps bring in the numbers. Like it or not, money talks. Either way i still have to disagree that the transformation sequences defined an uniformed throughout the movie. Prime is great example of this. From the show of him in the first movie transforming on the freeway, to when he transforms in the hanger of the 2ND movie. All uniformed. And while not every scene might have been exactly perfect, the same could be said for an series in the TF universe. There's no reason that you should be nit picking the movie for this. Ironhide as a minivan, or Topkick truck? What do you think the majority would have preferred? Or should i say, what would kids have preferred? And again, this could be said of any TF series. Prime as a fire engine with wings and giant cannons in the Cybertron series? Not very undercover if you ask me. And what about Jazz as a red/white/blue Porsche? Like it or not, flashy sells. Considering this movie is breaking records left and right, and every person i talk describe this movie as one of the best action movies they've seen in recent memory, I'd have to say it appealed to them just fine. Its already made over $800 million world wide and at this pace, will easily break a billion. Like it or not, the people have spoken. That's not to say that there isn't room for improvement. Hopefully the writers will take into consideration some of the criticism this movie has gotten and make improvements for the 3rd movie. I felt that they did listen and make improvements for the second, so i see no reason why they wouldn't do so for the 3rd installment.