Transformers: The Last Knight 1st Official Trailer released!

It seems to be that time again, ladies and gentlemen. Michael Bay is back to direct another installment within the somewhat controversial Transformers film series. Although it’s easy to pass this along and ignore The Last Knight as just another half-hearted Bay-directed Transformers movie, it’s hard to not like what this trailer is showing off. An interesting song choice that sets up a darker tone, a focus on the history of Transformers shown through their places throughout history (there are shots of Nazi Germany and medieval knights), and ANTHONY HOPKINS. That last shot of Optimus getting ready to put down Bumblebee also was quite intense, as were many other great shots within this trailer.

Although there’s certainly plenty to like here, it’s important to have a objective mindset on this project. On the more pessimistic side, pretty much each of the Transformers films have had great trailers that hint at a somewhat dark tone that ends up being a complete misrepresentation of the final product. Each of the these trailers are also pretty great, whereas the same cannot be said for each Transformers movie. There’s also the fact that Bay is still attached, which may come with it the previous films’ issues that originate straight from Bay.

On the positive side, due to the news that this will supposedly be Michael Bay’s final Transformers movie, there’s a possibility that he wants to do right by both fans and (maybe, but probably not) the critics. There are also the new writers that are coming in and replacing the previous ones, allowing for some fresh talent to try their hand at the universe. There also seems to be a greater focus on the Transformers themselves, which has been a consistent complaint about the series thus far (too much focus on humans, too little on the namesake of the series).

Overall, there’s no way of truly knowing whether or not this will be Michael Bay’s (Transforming) swan song until the film’s release, but consider myself (and seemingly some others, judging by initial reactions) interested.

What do you think of the trailer? Do you think Michael Bay will go out with a bang (figuratively, at least)? What do you hope the movie improves from the previous installments? Let us know in the comments!