Line #37 YMMV/TransformersAgeOfExtinction


1	* AlasPoorScrappy: Even if he was an annoying PluckyComicRelief character like Leo from ''Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen'' (and there's considerably fewer people who hate him than Leo), ''nobody'' was too thrilled to see [[spoiler:Lucas being reduced to a metallic corpse by Lockdown's grenade]]. Even critics who didn't like [[spoiler:Lucas]] admit that it was a ''very'' [[CruelandUnusualDeath brutal scene]].
2	* AlternateCharacterInterpretation:
3	** Drift, as described [[http://fantomdranzerx.tumblr.com/post/90482059081/drift-in-aoe here]]. Given that Drift's backstory is said to be basically the same as his IDW counterpart, it's not too hard to look at his treatment of Lockdown's alien specimen (see HypocriticalHumor on the main page) as a sign that his Decepticon habits haven't died just yet. As explained in the link, Drift's samurai-like appearance and attempts of being virtuous can easily be read as him trying to move past his Decepticon persona; the fact that he slips up shows that it isn't easy to just change when one switches sides.
4	** Lockdown's disgust with the Autobot and Decepticon factions could be chalked up to derision at the idea of subjugating oneself to an ideal, which would fit nicely with his bounty hunter persona. However, there's plenty of room to interpret him as angered with them for the destruction the war has wrought on the Cybertronian race, particularly in his speech to [[spoiler:Ratchet.]]
5	--->'''Lockdown:''' Autobots, Decepticons... like little children, always fighting, making a mess out of the universe. Then ''I've'' got to clean it up.
6	** People still argue about the details of Attinger's death; some believe that Optimus killed him for revenge in an OutOfCharacter moment, while others think he only wanted to save Cade (this is backed up by the fact that Optimus even calls out Cade's name upon seeing him being held at gunpoint by Attinger) but simply didn't have any other options, as he was already occupied by a CombatPragmatist who could use his every move to his own advantage. Note that the film never clarifies if Optimus even knew Attinger was behind his friends' deaths, and he ''did'' spare and forgive the people who recycled their bodies.
7	* {{Applicability}}:
8	** This movie has apparent themes that could be seen as parallels to treatment of immigrants, treatment of "enemy combatants", and some basic human rights questions.
9	** Alternately, it's fairly easy to see the ethics of humans toying with what is essentially the version of Transformer genetic material, as GeneticEngineeringIsTheNewNuke.
10	* BaseBreakingCharacter:
11	** Cade is either seen as an improvement over Sam Witwicky who's more capable and better developed, or an equally as annoying (if not moreso) character for his weird OverprotectiveDad tendencies towards his daughter and temper.
12	** Lockdown. Is he a cool and threatening antagonist whose presence expands on the lore of the series, or an overly edgy character who's hard to take seriously?
13	* BigLippedAlligatorMoment:
14	** In Cade's last fistfight with Savoy, there's a close-up shot where [[EyeScream Cade shoves his thumb into Savoy's eyesocket]] - an injury that is forgotten before the next shot, and Savoy shows no signs of any eye injury for the rest of the fight.
15	** During the final fight, the film regularly cuts to Cade as he does his best to stick to cover while Optimus and Lockdown duke it out right next to him. However, despite being consistently shown to be completely alone earlier, there's a single shot where an unrecognizable man next to Cade is turned into a red cloud by a stray shot. Whoever this unfortunate fellow was and why he appeared out-of-nowhere just to get vaporized is never made clear.[[note]]For what it's worth, ''[=TFWiki=]'' speculates that due to their similar attires, the scene may have been an alternate/earlier take of Attinger's death that was reused.[[/note]]
16	* BrokenBase: It's Michael Bay, and ''Transformers''. This was inevitable:
17	** Optimus Prime's new body. Either it's a new, but still cool and very regal looking design for the character, or it loses a little too many of the "iconic" features (such as the window chest and grill-abs) and doesn't look much like it works too well in terms of transforming, compared to his previous designs.
18	** The toyline. Ever since ''DOTM'', there have been complains that the toys were simplified and downsized to save money, these complaints are increased with this line. Others are just pleased with the design of the toys, especially the Dinobots. Similarly, a movie-style Optimus that resembles his G1 counterpart has also been well-received.
19	** The use of a new Music/ImagineDragons song, "Battle Cry", upset fans awaiting a new Music/LinkinPark song, although some listeners thought it sounded good by its own standards.
20	** Whether the major overhauls to the characters and tone noted under WinBackTheCrowd will give ''Transformers'' a chance at GrowingTheBeard, or whether it'll just be [[FranchiseZombie more of the same]]. Almost nobody, even fans of the original trilogy, is upset about the overhauls, though.
21	** [[spoiler:Megatron being resurrected ''[[JokerImmunity again]]'', as Galvatron. A lot of fans appreciate how the character was [[CameBackStrong brought back to being a genuine threat]] after two movies of BadassDecay, acknowledge it as part of Galvatron's traditional lore, and appreciate his greater similarity to G1 Megatron/Galvatron, but a few fans are accusing Bay of getting lazy with the villains.]]
22	* CaptainObviousReveal: If you're even remotely familiar with basically any version of Transformers lore, it should come as no surprise that "Galvatron" [[spoiler:is Megatron reincarnated]]. Even without knowing the lore, the similar names and the fact that "Galvatron" apparently keeps redesigning its body [[spoiler:to resemble Megatron]] entirely on its own are enough to give it away.
23	* CatharsisFactor: [[spoiler: For all his hatred and bigotry, Optimus obliterating Attinger during the final battle definitely qualifies.]]
24	* CharacterRerailment: [[spoiler:Megatron finally goes back to being a solo antagonist, rather than working for another villain as in the previous two films, and is fully capable of fighting Prime on equal footing again.]]
25	* CompleteMonster: See [[Monster/{{Transformers}} here.]]
26	* ContestedSequel: Fans were split on whether ''Age of Extinction'' was "the worst ''Transformers'' movie of all" (which would be really saying something) when it came out, but consensus among most critics is pretty much "it's ''Transformers'', so it sucks". A few critics (and a few more fans), on the other hand, believe that the numerous retools make for a better movie than its predecessors, and the general public having lower expectations also helps. However, a point of debate is how well it holds up to the other movies in the series, especially the first and third. Supporters point out the somewhat darker tone, lack of gratuitous potty humor, a strong villain and overall better characterized robots, and Wahlberg being a better lead than [=LaBeouf=]. Haters claim that the action brings nothing new to the table, the humans are still annoying and not good, the "humor" involving [[OverprotectiveDad Cade]] and [[MemeticMolester Shane]]'s interactions with Tessa is just as gross as the toilet humor in earlier movies, the movie is simply ''far'' too long, and that most of the previous films' criticized aspects (flat story, pointless scenes, immature humor, offensive stereotypes, shaky-cam) haven't been improved upon.
27	* CriticalDissonance: Critic reviews for ''Age of Extinction'' are quite negative; its Rotten Tomatoes score is similar to ''Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen'', but the reviews themselves aren't ''quite'' as vitriolic in tone (in fact, many reviews give the film an average score, [[FourPointScale but RT counts them as rotten]]). It also became the first live-action ''Transformers'' movie to receive zero UsefulNotes/AcademyAward nominations. However, it has seen quite a bit less backlash from the fanbase than previous films, mostly due to AuthorsSavingThrow and PanderingToTheBase as well as lower audience expectations than for ''ROTF''.[[note]]A perfect example is how the HumanFocusedAdaptation aspect is handled this time around; while critics dislike how the [[InvertedTrope robots have more characterization than the humans]], fans have been clamoring for ''that very thing'', though there isn't quite a fan consensus on that count.[[/note]] The film was also successful at the box office, grossing over 1.1 billion dollars worldwide.
28	* EndingFatigue: The film clocks in at ''2 hours and 45 minutes''. This is one of the main complaints about the film from the critics. On top of that, we get a lengthy action scene in Beijing, which looks like it's going to be the film's final battle... before the ''actual'' final battle in Hong Kong.
29	* EnsembleDarkhorse:
30	** The Dinobots. Despite their WolverinePublicity, they only appear during the last 15 minutes or so and [[TheVoiceless don't even speak]]. However, many have said that they're one of the best parts of the movie, even for some people who don't enjoy the movie.
31	** From the Autobots, Hound has to be getting this treatment. The fact he's voiced by Creator/JohnGoodman ''and'' that one of his most iconic lines is "I'm a fat ballerina!" certainly does wonders.
32	** Crosshairs, too. Being a DeadpanSnarker in the vein of [[WesternAnimation/BeastWars Rattrap]] helps, as does his [[BadassLongcoat awesome-looking kibble duster]] and skydiving scene.
33	* EpilepticTrees: People have theorized that Unicron would be the FinalBoss for the new trilogy that starts with this movie from the moment it was announced. Given that the movie is DarkerAndEdgier (as Unicron stories typically are), that it involves Galvatron who is traditionally Megatron resurrected by Unicron, and that both Galvatron and Lockdown (the BigBadDuumvirate of the film) are ''both'' working for an unseen antagonist that is substantially more powerful than they are, it's plausible to some degree. [[spoiler:Turns out Galvatron is indeed Megatron resurrected, but not due to Unicron - it's due to ''himself'', with a little accidental "help" from the human government.]]
34	* EstrogenBrigade: This movie has a ''huge'' fanbase of girls and women who find Optimus' new appearance very attractive. Hell, even a [[EvenTheGuysWantHim few male fans]] find him attractive.
35	* EthnicScrappy: Drift is one of the offenders for many fans and IDW Generation 1 readers who were familiar to the original character: the Autobot is often accused as one of the heavily stereotypical Cybertronians since [[Film/TransformersRevengeOfTheFallen Skids and Mudflap]]: He wears a literal yellow(-gold) ''Asian'' face, complete with squinty eyes, and wore a very stereotypical Samurai appearance. It barely helped that he almost always spoke out Haikus.
36	* EvilIsCool: Lockdown was already getting this reaction from the fans just from the trailers. The guy's face ''turns into a giant gun''. Galvatron/[[spoiler: Megatron]] too, especially considered that he [[spoiler: managed to [[CameBackStrong come back strong]] after his untimely beheading and dupe the humans who thought they had a brainless weapon on their hands.]]
37	* FanNickname:
38	** The drones Galvatron uses as his army are commonly referred as Vehicons; The name comes from ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'', in which Megatron directly controlled a group of sparkless husks that have no sentience which were called Vehicons.
39	** The film tends to be called "Transformers: Age of Consent" due to how much the film seemed to focus on trying to justify Shane and Tessa's highly questionable relationship.
40	** Hound and Drift are sometimes called "Creator/JohnGoodman-bot" and "Creator/KenWatanabe-bot" respectively since Goodman and Watanabe voiced these Autobots.
41	* GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff: The show is very big in China. [[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-box-office-local-sensation-720189?mobile_redirect=false So big that it sold over 300 Million USD in there as of this moment]], making it the highest-grossing film ''ever'' in the country (at the time). It also made more money in China than in the US.
42	* HamAndCheese: Like others such as Creator/JohnTurturro and Creator/JohnMalkovich before him, Creator/StanleyTucci. In a voiceover role, Creator/JohnGoodman's BoisterousBruiser performance as Hound.
43	* HesJustHiding:
44	** Given that Lockdown is seen taking his intact spark as a trophy and KSI never got a chance to finish melting his head, a large contingent of fans believe [[spoiler:Ratchet]] may be poised to make a return much like [[spoiler:Megatron did as Galvatron.]]
45	* HilariousInHindsight:
46	** Movie Optimus is well known for killing Decepticons by either destroying their heads or taking their faces. In the movie, he's shot down by Lockdown, who has his face turn into a gun.
47	** In ''DOTM'', Epps exclaims with immense frustration over why the Decepticons always get "the good shit," whether it be [[CombiningMecha Devastator]] or [[CombatTentacles the Driller]]. Well now we have Optimus riding a monstrous Grimlock into battle, which sort of evens it all out.
48	** Mark Wahlberg's first major film success, ''Film/BoogieNights'', included a scene of him singing "[[WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie The Touch]]". Seventeen years later, he's starring alongside the character whose unofficial anthem is that song.
49	** In ''ROTF'', ObstructiveBureaucrat Galloway mistakenly believed the Decepticons were on Earth to hunt the Autobots. Cue this movie, and [[BountyHunter Lockdown]] coming to Earth solely to 'hunt' Optimus Prime.
50	** [[spoiler: Creator/FrankWelker replaces Creator/HugoWeaving's Megatron as Galvatron. In the G1 series, Welker's Megatron was ([[WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie temporarily]]) replaced with Creator/LeonardNimoy as Galvatron, and he voiced Sentinel Prime in [[Film/TransformersDarkOfTheMoon this movie's predecessor]].]]
51	** Within the film itself, Optimus hides in a barn, has a discussion with a human on the concept of the soul, and [[spoiler:flies into space]] at the end. Now, does that seem more than a little [[WesternAnimation/TheIronGiant familiar]]?
52	** Cade ''Yeager'' (say it out loud) is a human who goes up against Lockdown, who given his immense size and strength, can be fairly called a [[Manga/AttackOnTitan Titan]].
53	** An Autobot voiced by Creator/JohnGoodman, whose previous films include [[Film/TheBigLebowski one]] where one of his more famous lines ("You're entering a world of pain.") is 99% identical to one of comics writer Simon Furman's frequently-used dialogue phrases ("Furmanisms") in ''Franchise/TransformersGenerationOne'' comics.
54	** "We shall meet again, Prime, for I am reborn!" considering that Mega's brief stint as Galvatron is not even mentioned in the next film.
55	* HoYay:
56	** Cade/Optimus became a very popular ship due to how surprisingly close they have gotten throughout the film. The ship is known as either "Barn Husbands" or "Yeager Program."
57	* ItWasHisSled: Unless you know next to nothing about Galvatron or expected Michael Bay to throw a curveball, [[spoiler:Megatron's return as Galvatron]] will not be a shocker.
58	* ItsPopularNowItSucks: Along with ''Film/TheAmazingSpiderMan2'', some people resented this movie for its massive international success despite its vastly inferior reviews to ''many'' of that year's other summer blockbusters.
59	* JustHereForGodzilla: One word: Dinobots. Also Lockdown. [[AvertedTrope Averted]] for the Transformers in general, though; this is ''their'' story, not Sam's or Cade's.
60	* MemeticMolester: Shane knowing the ins and outs of the state's age of consent laws had some viewers convinced that fear of legal penalty is the only thing keeping him from dating girls even ''younger'' than Tessa.
61	* MemeticMutation:
62	** The aforementioned gunface has led to [[http://i.imgur.com/zNWLUOr.jpg fanart]] of ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated'' Lockdown with a face-gun, as well as kit-bashers modding figures of older versions of the character to have a similar feature.
63	** [[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/7/3/8/6/3/Optimus-Prime-Transformers-4-Age-Of-Extinction_1399883687.jpg This image]] became a meme just hours after it was published.
64	** Drift's brief appearance in the background of the shot of Grimlock breathing fire (and apparently the same scene as Optimus smacking Grimlock with his shield) inspired many a "Let them fight" memes, as an ActorAllusion to Drift's voice actor, Creator/KenWatanabe's famous line in the 2014 reboot of ''[[{{Film/Godzilla2014}} Godzilla]]''. It helps that the two films were released only a month apart.
65	** Rainbow Dash turning into a gun has become a cross-fandom meme.
66	** [[http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--10U9iaYN--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/qlgaw9ksbl2miwgvgkry.jpg Transformers Sex Tape]].
67	** As mentioned in the EstrogenBrigade section, Optimus is quite the MrFanservice in the fandom due to his new body.
68	** A common joke in the fandom is that this film is a romance film due to [[HoYay Cade's and Optimus' scenes together]].
69	* MisaimedFandom: Hound has been repeatedly compared to the modern depiction of Bulkhead pioneered by ''Animated'' due to the fact that he's fat and green. Other than that, he has nothing in common with that gentle, sweet and creative Autobot; Hound is otherwise borderline psychotic, trigger-happy, violent, and crusty, even if he is a JerkWithAHeartOfGold. Ironically, Hound's characterization is more in line with the first Autobot to bear the name of Bulkhead from ''Anime/TransformersEnergon'', who ''was'' a crusty, trigger-happy green Autobot.
70	* MoralEventHorizon: See [[MoralEventHorizon/{{Transformers}} here]].
71	* {{Narm}}: [[Narm/TransformersFilmSeries See here.]]
72	* NarmCharm:
73	** When Cade asks Savoy if he has a warrant Savoy replies with "My FACE is my warrant!" The line is incredibly stupid, but after saying that and considering [[Creator/TitusWelliver Titus Welliver's]] delivery, you're not gonna mess with Savoy.
74	** When Cade asks Optimus if they'll see each other again, Optimus replies with "Whenever you look to the stars, think of one of them as my soul." The line is so ridiculous it wouldn't look out of place in a Disney film, but Peter Cullen delivers it with such dignity and conviction that it sounds awesome.
75	** ''Transformium'' would be an utterly ridiculous name for an element if not for A) the name being [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin completely self-descriptive]], B) the element being what ''transform''ers are made of, and C) the fact that elements such as ''einsteinium'' [[AluminumChristmasTrees exist in real life]].
76	* NeverLiveItDown: To many fans of the original ''Generation 1'' [[BigGood Optimus Prime]]; they're ultimately scarred by the fact that Optimus, the '''''heroic''''' Autobot leader himself, actually killed a human. No matter if [[CompleteMonster said human completely]] [[AssholeVictim deserved it]] and it was to save another human.
77	* SugarWiki/NoProblemWithLicensedGames: The (now defunct) mobile game inspired by the movie was regarded as a genuinely fun EndlessRunningGame[=/=]ThirdPersonShooter. ''[[VideoGame/TransformersRiseOfTheDarkSpark Rise of the Dark Spark]]'', on the [[TheProblemWithLicensedGames other hand]]…
78	* OlderThanTheyThink:
79	** People only familiar with the live-action ''Transformers'' franchise at times complained about robots having human faces, cloth-like kibble, chewing on cigars, samurai robots, dinosaur robots, and all sorts of things that have been a part of the brand for ages. It provided for a nice HilariousInHindsight-moment, as back when the first movie was in the works, the insect-like Transformers designs had lead to such a huge counterattack from older fans that some had to be redesigned mid-production.
80	** There are a few who've criticized Prime's request of loyalty/help from Grimlock while holding a sword to his head, noting that this goes against his "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" speech. However, in the original series, on their first appearance, Optimus ordered the non-loyal Dinobots to be sealed away in a tiny cave, with no plans of ever letting them get out. [[SarcasmMode Apparently, beating someone in a duel is worse than burying someone alive.]]
81	** Optimus killing Attinger proved very polarising, purely for being Optimus Prime murdering a human. However, WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime had Optimus throwing his EvilKnockoff right onto human villain Silas, with no indication in the scene, or in any other episode of the series, that Optimus expected Silas to survive [[spoiler: and if it weren’t for his minions having a robot body to put him into, he wouldn’t have]].
82	* TheScrappy:
83	** Tessa gets a lot of flak for constantly blaming her father and the Autobots for nearly every bad thing that happens to her even when they are attempting to keep her safe from Lockdown. Creator/NicolaPeltz's DullSurprise acting does not help.
84	** Shane is hated for reminding Cade of the former's relationship with Tessa even when they are under attack. The fact that he carries a card with a description of a law that authorizes his relationship with a seventeen-year-old girl in his wallet like a condom certainly rubbed viewers the wrong way. Saying lines like "I'm not here to save your daughter, you're here to save my girlfriend" make people side with Cade on wanting him away from Tessa.
85	* SignatureScene:
86	** [[spoiler:Ratchet’s]] brutal death for being a very effective SacrificialLion scene, especially notable for how for the first time, an Autobot’s death is given weight and consequences.
87	** Lockdown arriving to apprehend Optimus after his fight with Galvatron, particularly his use of his infamous Face-Gun.
88	** The Dinobot charge during the climactic battle in Hong Kong.
89	** Shane abruptly stopping the movie in its tracks to explain the Romeo and Juliet laws, including ''pulling a laminated card from his wallet'' with the details of the law printed on it, is easily the most infamous scene in the film, if not the entire Bayverse.
90	* SpecialEffectsFailure:
91	** While the effects for the most part are well done, the transforming [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Rainbow Dash]] doll is clearly a CG object, as evidenced by the movement of the doll being out of sync with the scientist holding it.
92	** Galvatron slicing a car in half is also suspect[[note]]as in Galvy looks like he's a foot off the ground, and the car itself doesn't seem to have any occupants in it.[[/note]], as are most of the KSI-made robot transformations.
93	*** Several scenes with the Autobots also look unfinished and weirdly lit. This is most obvious during the scenes of Prime in Cade's shed and Drift transforming into his helicopter form.
94	** When Tessa is in Lockdown's incinerator room, the green screen can be seen in the background.
95	** Another faulty green screen[=/=]composite job also pops up during the escape from Lockdown's ship via its anchors.
96	** The blink-and-you'll-miss-it scene as the car lands on the ramp from the factory clearly displays that the car hasn't been shaded very well.
97	** The Sears Tower isn’t edited out of the background in one shot supposedly set in China.
98	** The physical model of the KSI drone moves and looks like a poorly made puppet, to the point where you can '''''almost''''' see the rod it's attached to.
99	** At one point during the final battle, Cade hides behind a broken wall. Then, we get a closer look, and it's clearly a different wall. Then, Lockdown blasts it...and debris showers Cade along with some strange guy who appears out of nowhere. The actor's shots were all cut except for the expensive explosion scene, with no effort made to digitally paint him out.
100	** [[spoiler:Ratchet's head]] in the KSI building is very clearly an unpainted prop in certain shots.
101	** The air conditioner that Cade knocks down is simply a facade, as it leaves no hole in the wall.
102	** More of an editing failure, but the scene where [[spoiler:Lucas]] bites it cuts from said character still alive to a split second of him ''already being charbroiled before the actual blast.''
103	* {{Squick}}: The unsettling age gap romance between Tessa and Shane - and the latter literally carrying a printed version of [[NotIllegalJustification a law explaining why it's okay]] - is probably one of the only things that some of the fans remember about the movie. In particular the scene where Shane explains in detail said laws tends to be brought up whenever this movie is discussed. [[note]]It should also be noted that if one takes a closer look at the Romeo and Juliet Statue in Texas, one will discover that said law only protects Shane in situations involving sexual assault, as Tessa (age 17) had already given consent to him when he was also a minor with an age gap difference of less then three years. However, once Shane became a legal adult, no statue will change the fact that he (age 20) is in a relationship with a minor; with age 18 and an age gap of less then two years being the legal minimum necessary to engage in sexual conduct. As such, their relationship would meet all the legal standards to constitute statutory rape.[[/note]]
104	* StrawmanHasAPoint: While it was obviously wrong for Earth's governments to turn on the Autobots after everything they've done, it isn't entirely unjustified. Despite fighting to defend humanity, the Autobots are partially responsible for bringing the war to Earth in the first place. A war that has caused incalculable damage and endangered Humanity again and again. After the Decepticons attempted to destroy Earth to restore their own planet, with the aid of a rogue Autobot, its easy to see why the government would decide to stop trusting either side and turn against both of them.
105	* TaintedByThePreview: Some preview footage shown several months before the movie's debut showed Galvatron being remote-controlled by Joyce, which fans took offense to. [[spoiler:In the actual film, it turns out Galvatron is [[ObfuscatingStupidity faking it]].]]
106	* TheyChangedItNowItSucks:
107	** Many fans of Drift ([[DisownedAdaptation including his creator, Shane McCarthy]]) have expressed disapproval of his portrayal here, feeling that his stereotypical samurai traits have been elevated to EthnicScrappy levels.
108	** Lockdown's new design has gotten some complaints due to looking nothing like his original incarnation. While some don't mind the look of his new robot mode, the change from a muscle car to a sports car has been less well-received. His characterization and personality, however, have been generally acknowledged as being faithful to the original character.
109	** Even though Hound is easily one of the most popular characters to debut in the film, a minority of fans have given backhanded praise to him since they think he should’ve been named Bulkhead due to being fat and green. This is despite the fact that otherwise Hound has nothing in common with the modern take on Bulkhead.
110	** At least [[WebVideo/CinematicExcrement one fan]] invoked this in regards to the decision to make the Dinobots (especially Grimlock) TheVoiceless.
111	* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter:
112	** [[spoiler:The Dinobots, despite their WolverinePublicity, don't talk and only appear during the half-hour or so of the movie with no prior build-up. While it's pretty clear that Bay was saving them for the climax (possibly to make their appearance "extra-special"), some fans still feel cheated.]]
113	** Galvatron. [[spoiler:While he does manage to reclaim the glory that Megatron lost in the previous sequels, he ultimately doesn't do much in the climax aside from ordering his troops around]]. It seems like they're saving him for the sequel, but compared to Lockdown, he just comes up a bit short.
114	** Embodied with [[spoiler:Ratchet]]. Fan outcry at his death was ''huge''.
115	** The fact that Drift is [[DefectorFromDecadence a former Decepticon]] goes completely unmentioned in the film, despite being an easy way to flesh out his character and conflict between him and the other Autobots.
116	* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot: A major source of complaint about this film -- specifically, the constant teasing of what seems like build-up to some good character moments -- and then cut to the next scene before there's any payoff. For example, any ''real'' arc of Cade warming up to Shane, or of Cade having a nice heart-to-heart with his daughter, or of Optimus and Cade discussing their common problems, etc. are sadly relegated to offscreen.
117	* TooCoolToLive: [[spoiler:Ratchet, Leadfoot, and Lockdown.]]
118	* TookTheBadFilmSeriously: For a [[CriticalDissonance given]] [[ContestedSequel measure]] of "bad", there are a few examples:
119	** Some reviewers have argued that Creator/KelseyGrammer, despite the film being lackluster, is downright ''chilling'' as Attinger. Of those reviewers, many have said that he would have been better playing that character in a film such as ''Film/DieHard''.
120	** Lockdown is downright terrifying, in no small part due to his creepy and badass portrayal by Creator/MarkRyan.
121	** As usual, Creator/PeterCullen and Creator/FrankWelker give it their all as Optimus and Galvatron.
122	* UnexpectedCharacter: More than a few people were not expecting the newly-introduced ''[[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated Animated]]'' CanonForeigner Lockdown to make an appearance.
123	* UnintentionalPeriodPiece: The entire idea of setting the climax in Hong Kong was a very clear attempt to appeal to the now-burgeoning Chinese international audience, which was a signature element of the 2010s. However, the pro-Chinese military slant, and ''especially'' the idea of showing the Chinese military operating in Hong Kong to aid the heroes without a hint of critique or irony? After the 2019 protests in Hong Kong that saw militarized police under the arm of the Chinese government clashing with pro-democracy activists, and China changing the laws to give them a political stranglehold over what they saw as an upstart, that's something that ''no'' Hollywood film would try to get away with.
124	* SugarWiki/VisualEffectsOfAwesome: It goes without saying that once more the film has out of this world special effects.
125	* WinBackTheCrowd: Everything seen about the film so far seems like it's trying to do this. A number of fans are hoping the announcement that the film will be more serious (and that the new trilogy will have [[MythArc an actual overall plot]] beyond Autobots punching Decepticons) means the creators are trying to restore the franchise's respectability on the silver screen. The inclusion of Dinobots and replacement of teenage [[Creator/{{Shia LaBeouf}} Sam Witwicky]] with adult [[Creator/MarkWahlberg Cade Yeager]] as primary human protagonist is also very appreciated. The Transformers themselves getting more screentime and unique personalities is viewed to be a step in the right direction by many. In addition, the visual style of the robots is expanded upon, making them easier to tell apart and becoming almost pretty to look at.
126	* TheWoobie: All the Autobots could qualify, but especially Optimus Prime. He spent years fighting for the humans, gave his life for them (and was prepared to do it on at least one other occasion), helping protect them, teaching them to fend off the Decepticons, and being their strongest supporter even when his team had doubts. In return? The humans decided to wipe out Autobot and Decepticon alike, killing off many of Optimus' teammates and comrades, and forcing the survivors to go into hiding. Though, to be fair, it seems like it was less humanity than it was a secret cabal of CIA operatives and corporate bigwigs stonewalling the rest of the government and the general public to hide the fact that they were hunting down the Autobots as well. Even the president of the United States was under the assumption that Optimus Prime was still working with the CIA on undercover ops.

Context YMMV / TransformersAgeOfExtinction