Transformers Review - Transformers 2007 Movie Frenzy (Fast Action Battlers)

Hey there folks,

This is another edition of Transformers, and today we will be reviewing the tiny rascal from the 2007 movie - Frenzy.

I hope you fellas will enjoy this video.

Alternate Mode

Robot Mode

Transformers Review – Starscream (2007 Voyager)

Intro:

            The second-in-command of the Decepticon forces probably needs no introduction. The original G1 fiction describes Starscream as being the strongest of the aircraft-based Decepticons. He is fast, agile in flight and a scheming double-crosser, who would attempt to usurp leadership at every chance he gets.

            In the movie-verse however, he is all of that, but not so much as the double-crosser, at least not depicted in the actual movie itself.

            Despite being the second-in-command, he didn’t quite get a lot of screen time in the movies compared to other Decepticons such as Megatron, Barricade, Blackout and even Frenzy, but when he does get his chance to shine, he really caused a lot of havoc. The way how he single handedly destroyed half a squadron of the air force F-22 Raptors with ease is just unbelievable.

           The early photos on the net depicts his robot mode as being pretty ugly, and I never intended to get him at all, but seeing as how he fared so well in the actual movie, I decided to give him the benefit of doubt.

            So let’s go on with the review.

           

Alternate Mode:

            Well, just in case if you still don’t know, Starscream transforms into a Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, which is probably one of the most iconic fighter jets currently in service. 

            Starscream, being 8-inches in length and 6-inches of wingspan, he’s kinda big. Predominantly light brown in color, with a little bit of shades of grey, he looks almost like the real thing, until you turn him over.

            The kibbles are very bad and as usual, it’s not easy trying to design a Transformer that’s able to completely hide its robot components in his jet mode, and Starscream’s definitely not an exception. You can clearly see his legs underneath and his head at the back. 

From Left: 2007 Movie Starscream, ROTF Starscream & DOTM Starscream

            Starscream has two missile launchers: one on each wings, and each launchers can hold up to 3 bullets. One of the gimmicks of this mode is that when you push Starscream across a flat surface, he will shoot his bullets one by one. One thing about his gimmick is that the launchers are a bit sensitive. The slightest of bumps will launch the bullets.

Missile Storage

            Thus, you may also have the options of storing the bullets on its holders.

            Overall, above average jet mode with lotsa kibbles.

Robot Mode:

            First of all, the robot mode is pretty darn bulky. At about 7-inches tall and 7-inches wide, he looks enormous, even for a Voyager.

            One thing you will instantly notice about the robot mode is that he got no hands. Yes, despite the fact that the movie portrayed him with hands, his action figure doesn’t have any. Instead he armed with a pair of huge blasters.

            While the head sculpt is good (complete with light piping) and easily recognizable as Starscream, I can’t help but noticed how the rest of the body seems a bit disproportionate. He looks to have an ape-like body with broad shoulders and exceptionally long arms. 

 

            Articulation-wise: the head rotates 360°; the shoulders are on universal joints; the arms rotate slightly below the shoulders and bend (with ratchets) at the elbows; the hips ratchets back and forth; the chicken-legged knees come with 2 ratcheting joints; and finally, the feet piece swings up and down.

            The colors are predominantly brown, and can be a little bit boring. Personally, the size itself won me over. It’s deliciously big and looks imposing when paired with other movie figures.

From Left: 2007 Movie Starscream, ROTF Starscream & DOTM Starscream

Overall:

            The robot mode isn’t stellar. It’s huge, but it’s not really over impressive. But if you’re a fan of Starscream, then you’ll probably want to get a piece of him.

            Final verdict: 7/10.

Transformers Review – Bumblebee-2008 (2007 Deluxe)

Intro:

            Came the 2007 Transformers the Movie, Bumblebee was no longer the little brother that most fans have gotten used to. He is now the super-cool, super-agile Autobot warrior that really packs a punch.

            He is probably the most popular Autobots after Optimus Prime, and even that statement itself is arguable.

            This version of Bumblebee is sold as part of the Bumblebee combo along with the 1974-Camaro version.

           

Alternate Mode:

            In the movies, Bumblebee is more popularly known for his concept car mode. Its car mode is highly futuristic and slick. 

            Compared to the 1974 version, I think the people at HasTak put a little bit more effort on this figure. The battle damage (I wouldn’t say worn out look, cuz this car is too new to be worn out) effects looks evenly distributed. 

            Also, there is just enough clearance underneath the car to allow the car to roll smoothly. 

From left: DOTM Nitro Bumblebee, ROTF Bumblebee, 2007 Movie Bumblebee (2008 Camaro), 2007 Movie Bumblebee (1974 Camaro)

            If you can ignore the kibbles underneath, then the car mode is absolutely fantastic.

Robot Mode:

            This robot mode is definitely way better than the 1974 Camaro that came with the set. It seems like HasTak really put in a lot of effort to make Bumblebee looks good. 

            The paintjob is absolutely fantastic with the battle damage effects evenly distributed all over the robot. 

            I also so love the weapon that coverts from a blaster-like thingy to a short blade that reminds me of a bee sting somehow...

            Anyways, the proportions are good, footings are stable and he looks really damn good.

From left: 2007 Movie Bumblebee (1974 Camaro), 2007 Movie Bumblebee (2008 Camaro), ROTF Bumblebee, DOTM Nitro Bumblebee

            Articulation-wise, he is fantastic: the head is on ball joint; the shoulders on a combination of ball joint and hinge; the elbows bend and rotate, with the door flaps on the arms getting in the way some times; the wrists are on really tight ball joints; the waist rotates and crunches (this is probably one of the firsts for Transformers); ball-jointed hips; knees bend and the ankles flap up and down.

            Overall, a very interesting set of articulations.

Overall:

            This version of Bumblebee is truly a worthy figure to get. Excellent in both modes, he could possibly one of the best Deluxe-class figures in the entire 2007 Movie line. Definitely a must have for TransFans, BumbleFans and TF Movie fans in general.

Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9.5/10.

Transformers Review – Bumblebee-1974 (2007 Deluxe)

Intro:

            Bumblebee – from a character, who since the end of G1, had been in obscurity for decades, was eventually given a new life in 2007 as one of the most popular Transformers characters ever since. Some may even argue that his popularity might even surpass both Optimus Prime and Megatron.

            For those old timers who are more familiar with the Little Brother-portrayal character, may have needed a little bit adjusting when the character was portrayed as one of the toughest Autobots available.

            Anyways, I do believe that certain character may need to evolve over time, but so drastically? Hmm…

            Bumblebee was portrayed in two distinctively different modes – an old bashed-up 1974 Camaro, as well as a 2008 Concept Camaro. Today we will review the 1974-Camaro version.

           

Alternate Mode:

            The car mode is boring, which means the people HasTak did something right with this mold. It’s supposed to be a 1974 model, what do you expect?

            While I do like how the car looks, I think the worn out look needs a little bit of work, since it is meant to look worn out. There are in total 3 isolated areas depicting just that: its right roof, just behind the left door and some grease mark on the chassis behind the right front wheel. 

            I think the worn out look should be evenly distributed throughout the figure. But you’re good with customizing paintjobs; you might wanna look into that.

Robot Mode:

            How the robot mode looks really depend your personal taste. The robot mode looks boring at best, and to honest, I don’t recall Bumblebee having two distinct Earth modes. As far as I was concerned, in the movies, Bumblebee had only 1 robot mode, compared to two alternate modes. 

            I don’t quite like how the feet looks as it made Bumblebee looks as though he has duck feet. 

            As with most movie-verse figures, Bumblebee comes with automorph features, i.e. the chest and the feet. The blasters can be pegged onto the holes on the wheels on the shoulders, but I wish there was some way to lock it in place, so that the blasters may aim at the front all the time, rather and sagging. 

            While it is unique to have 2 different robot modes for the 1974 and Concept Camaro, I wished that that was reflected in the actual movie itself rather than just on the action figures.

Overall:

            It’s an okay effort. I can’t say that I am really into this figure, but I am still glad that I got him.

            Final verdict: 7/10.

Transformers Review: Barricade (ROTF Deluxe)

Intro:

            When the first Transformers movie was released in 2007, the fans were pretty darn excited. The movie line figures were selling like hot cakes, and Hasbro and Takara-Tomy probably never expected it to be that huge, hence some of the figures were really hard to come by such as Blackout, Frenzy (Fast Action Battlers), Brawl (Leaders and Deluxe), Bonecrusher (Deluxe), Optimus Prime (Leader) and of course, Barricade. Of those in the least, the only characters that I couldn’t get at the time were Bonecrusher and Barricade.

             Due to demands for these 2007 movie characters, HasTak decided to re-release some of these figures on the sub-sequent movie line – Revenge of the Fallen. I, for one, was really glad they did, because at least I had another shot at Barricade.

            Despite being the bad guy, the action figure was quite popular amongst the fans due to two reasons – a frigging awesome design, as well as the irony of a Decepticon transforming into a police car.

            There have been two variants of this figure: one that came with Frenzy that transforms into some sort of an engine block; and the second came with a claw-like contraption that also transforms into an engine block.

            This review will be based on the second version.

Alternate Mode:

            Barricade transforms into a Ford Saleen S281 police car. The colors are absolutely fantastic and who would’ve thought that a police car can look so cool?

            The black looked so slick and the various decals look pretty darn awesome as well. The light indicators on top of the roof are quite realistic. The word “POLICE” can also be seen on both doors, as well as on the spoilers.

            The numbers 643 can also be seen on the roof and front grill. I’m not sure what it means, but me thinks it’s probably just a random number. On the sides, there’s also a police emblem with a Decepticon insignia in the middle on both sides of the car. This emblem has proven to be quite popular as it has been sought after by many car owners.           

            The icing on the cake, however, must the slogan written slightly above the back wheels – “to punish and enslave”. 

            How cool is that?!

            Realistic looking alternate mode as well as brilliant paint application, what more could you asks for? 

            The engine block also transforms into a claw-like contraption, which can be reattached onto the car to replicate the first scene showdown between Barricade and Sam at the car park.

            Now that is cool…

Classic Prowl vs ROTF Barricade

Robot Mode:

            The robot is really subjective to your taste. In terms of designs, I would consider Barricade to be one of the better Decepticons figures available. Just like his comrades, Barricade tends to have an insect-ish themed face. 

            Barricade has quite a long set of arms, and his left hand, in particular, has a gimmick of extending arm. 

            The legs are a bit of a mixed baggage. I like how they design the feet to make it as though Barricade was wearing police boots, but at the same time, due to that design, the feet can sometimes falls apart too easily.

ROTF Barricade vs Classic Prowl

            In terms of articulations: the head is stationary; the shoulders are on a combination of ball and hinge joints that provide all-around motions, although the design of the hands may limit its movements; the elbows bend and with the hands built into the door panels except for the thumb, it means that only the thumbs are articulated; Barricade has ball-jointed hips with no waist movements; the chicken-legged knees bend limitedly and that’s about it.

            I can’t really say that I like the articulation combinations for this figure, and I do see a lot of rooms for improvement. 

            The claw-like contraption, formed by the engine block can also be attached to the robot’s shoulders to form some sort of a set of extra limbs.

            The chest is a bit awkward, in my opinion. The empty cavity within seems out of place. While the robot mode is somewhat accurate to the movie depiction, I wish they could’ve designed the robot mode a little bit better, streamlined and with a cleaner finish.

Overall:

            Among all of the 2007 movie Decepticon characters, Barricade is the only character that seems to belong on a normal road. He has a great alternate mode, but a bit lacking in robot mode.

            Still, it’s worth to have him in your collection, especially if you are a huge fan of the 2007 movie.  

            Final verdict: 7/10.