Press Screening Report

I was lucky enough to be on the guestlist for the press screening of "Transformers" at the Empire cinema in Leicester Square. As there is a review embargo until the first of next month, I can't say too much about the film itself, but as it was such a fun evening, I wanted to share a brief report.

Security was tight. Mobile phones/cameras/anything that could record images or sound were confiscated literally as soon as people went into the foyer. And after that we were frisked and searched with a handheld metal detector. (After seeing the film, it could have been a life saving decision!)

It's a shame, because once upstairs there was a whole load of Transformers displays and slutty girls wearing "Giant F**king Robots are Coming" teeshirts and all sorts of photo opportunities.

It took over an hour to get seated, after all the screen was over 1300 seats and every single one was filled. And it was all very lavish as we got a free bottle of water each(!) There was also a 100 page "production notes" on the film given out as well.

What was a total surprise was that Michael Bay himself plus the actors Megan Fox (who, in her sparkling, curve enhancing one-piece got a lot of wolf-whistles and even high-fived one lucky fanboy at the front), Tyrese Gibson and Shi Le Beouf showed up on stage in front of the screen to say a few words. Michael Bay warned us the film would be LOUD. (And he wasn't wrong!)

Once the film got started the atmosphere in the auditorium seethed with excitement and the electricity in the air was palpable.

There were cheers and rounds of applause throughout the film (and from myself included, I just went with the flow), from the very beginning right through to the Autobots' introductions and at one point where Optimus Prime drops *********** by using his ****** *** from the ******* there was almost a standing ovation!

The chaps sat next to me admitted that they positively disliked Transformers and were only at the screening because they had to be there to write a review; and even they were caught up in it all... they had no idea who Optimus Prime, Bumblebee or Frenzy were but they loved them and what they were doing.

There were a lot of laughs, too, mainly generated from the above three Transformers and the priceless family values of the Witwickys.

As much as I want to say more, I can't. But I promised myself unconditional suspension of disbelief and I was rewarded with over two hours of undiluted entertainment. I honestly can't wait to see it again in five weeks time.

I want to give a huge thank you to the people at Paramount (particularly Jenny) for such a great experience.