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Transformers

Transformers

Date: Sep 12 2007

Themes: Pop Culture

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Why would you want a toy car when you could have a toy car that transforms into an alien attack robot? In the 1980s, Transformers emerged as a really popular animated TV show and toy line.

Recently, a live-action film revived interest in Transformers. While it would be hard not to have fun at a movie about fighting robots, some people find the amount of product placement in the movie to be really annoying. Amanda isn’t one of them.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Amanda

Amanda

Marni

Marni

Amanda:  So. What did you do this weekend?

Marni:  Not a lot, I, uh, just kinda hung around and I wanted to go see Transformers but I didn’t make it. Have you seen it?

Amanda:  I took my kid on opening day. First of all, line around, outside, down the corner. And I was that mom that took the kid that was four because it’s PG-13, so kind of hiding out behind the handbag.

Marni:  But you know your kid can handle it. You’re gauging...

Amanda:  Exactly. And I went for selfish purposes. I think we’re about the same age and I don’t know about you, but I grew up with Transformers.

Marni:  I did too, yeah.

Amanda:  Always obsessed with it…

Marni:  Really? You were?

Amanda:  It’s a very creative toy!

Marni:  Good point.

Amanda:  So two and a half hours…visual dessert.

Marni:  That’s kinda what I figured.

Amanda:  But not only the crazy action, but the cast. Josh Duhamel, Shia LaBeouf, uh Megan, I don’t know her last name…

Marni:  Fox?

Amanda:  Megan Fox, model turned actress. Tyrese. So it is an all-star cast, but a lot of people are complaining that it is a two-and-a-half-hour commercial. But if it entertains? Can you really complain?

Marni:  You’re not really going to watch serious…

Amanda:  No. It’s not up for an Oscar.

Marni:  Exactly. It’s just mindless entertainment.

 

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Discussion

Even though Transformers is rated as a movie that’s only appropriate for children over the age of 13, Amanda took her four-year-old to the movie. She and Marni agree that a parent usually knows what his or her child can handle.

Plus, Amanda really wanted to see the movie. She grew up playing with Transformers. The movie looked really good, not only because of the action sequences, but also because of the beautiful cast members, one of whom used to be a model.

Amanda says that the only complaint she’s heard against the movie is that it’s essentially a commercial because there’s so much advertising in it. But the advertising didn’t bother her. She was still entertained, and after all, that’s the point.

What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? What would a movie made out of it be like? Would you want there to be advertising in it?

 

Comments

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mikinsmith

Germany

This is the best adaptation from a animated movie. Must watch for all the transformers fans.

Learn English Malta

11:35 AM Jun 28 2010 |

SharkYao

SharkYao

China

oh man,it's really a feast for your eyes!

05:06 AM Jun 14 2010 |

mickee85

mickee85

Philippines

Megan fox is damn sexy. How I wish I had her body, lolz!

02:54 PM Dec 10 2009 |

miffoo

miffoo

Slovakia

my favorite toy when I was young is ball. I played with ball everywhere and I learned many ballgames   

06:31 PM Dec 20 2008 |

miffoo

miffoo

Slovakia

good movie but not up for an Oscar

06:18 PM Dec 20 2008 |

magic1015

magic1015

China

oh it is kinda kicking ass movie ~~
it takes my breath away when i see the robots’ transformations , it is fit for my imagination ,lol

01:30 PM Jul 29 2008 |

ALF1309

Mexico

the movie is wonderful, is the best movie i could see, i think yours effects are real. it`s my favorite movie

09:38 PM Jul 18 2008 |

bahaa_diab

bahaa_diab

Syrian Arab Republic

i think the movie is coast alot but it seems to be the part 5 of the {scary movies} it make me laugh…

07:08 AM Mar 18 2008 |

volleyball

volleyball

Malaysia

I  don't watch the movie yet but i really wants to watch it. How about transformer movie? It is interesting?

01:20 PM Jan 07 2008 |

soso il7ilwa

United Arab Emirates

i agree i was so amazed it was so cool the best movie i ever saw

but when i saw the trailer i said i got to see this movie

 

11:11 AM Sep 27 2007 |

murat67

Turkey

ı would like to add something my comment. I am turkish and when I was a child, I read tarkan, karaoğlan and captain volkan ( they were comics ) They werw nice but never did want to become hero like them.

11:39 AM Sep 26 2007 |

murat67

Turkey

don't worry, be happy. just a film

11:35 AM Sep 26 2007 |

Bunty

India

I did not see the movie transformer . But after what I read here all about movie, I am eager to wach this movie.  Actually I like action movies with science fictions and giant robot was one of my favourite serials in my childhood.

11:24 AM Sep 19 2007 |

lore4

lore4

Turkey

it was a lazly toy but we liked its..haha

08:41 AM Sep 17 2007 |

ekidz220

ekidz220

China

i love the transformers franchise and
this movie was something special!

04:18 AM Sep 17 2007 |

solas1974

solas1974

Egypt

i did not watch this movies but i thing theys kind of movies it is  suitable of children over 10

08:00 PM Sep 16 2007 |

solas1974

solas1974

Egypt

i did not watch this movie but i think it is funny

07:57 PM Sep 16 2007 |

HUKUMDAR_01

Åland Islands

Smile

09:44 AM Sep 16 2007 |

jennachoi

South Korea

Comment again..

Transformer is the triumph of CG. I think it's very impressive, but story line is nothing but the ordinary heroism. The movie just for visual fun.

05:40 AM Sep 16 2007 |

wannie

China

when I was young, I like it so much even thought I'm a girl.

10:02 AM Sep 15 2007 |

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