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| Transformers woo China as Michael Bay defies critics with box office hit | Transformers woo China as Michael Bay defies critics with box office hit |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Michael Bay's films are not exactly known for their poignant dialogue. In fact, there's very little dialogue and performances are usually flat, to say the least. | Michael Bay's films are not exactly known for their poignant dialogue. In fact, there's very little dialogue and performances are usually flat, to say the least. |
| There are, however, lots of explosions, car crashes and giant robots. But you'd be a fool to underestimate Mr Bay, because if there's one thing he knows, it's how to make money by blowing things up. | There are, however, lots of explosions, car crashes and giant robots. But you'd be a fool to underestimate Mr Bay, because if there's one thing he knows, it's how to make money by blowing things up. |
| Transformers: Age of Extinction, which our own film critic described as “meaningless mayhem on screen”, has made $575 million worldwide in less than two weeks, according to box office tracking firm Rentrak. | Transformers: Age of Extinction, which our own film critic described as “meaningless mayhem on screen”, has made $575 million worldwide in less than two weeks, according to box office tracking firm Rentrak. |
| That's partly because Mr Bay, described by critics as a 13-year old trapped in the body of a man, has succeeded where others have failed: China's box office. | That's partly because Mr Bay, described by critics as a 13-year old trapped in the body of a man, has succeeded where others have failed: China's box office. |
| With much fanfare, the Transformers hosted three premieres in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong with a strong Chinese angle aimed at wooing local audiences. The film also features actress Li Bingbing, footage of Chinese landmarks and local brands. It also plays it safe. | With much fanfare, the Transformers hosted three premieres in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong with a strong Chinese angle aimed at wooing local audiences. The film also features actress Li Bingbing, footage of Chinese landmarks and local brands. It also plays it safe. |
| There isn't a single line in the film that could upset Chinese authorities, in fact, Beijing will be pleased to see there is a scene where a Hong Kong official shouts: "We need to call the central government for help now!" as giant robots threaten to destroy mankind. | There isn't a single line in the film that could upset Chinese authorities, in fact, Beijing will be pleased to see there is a scene where a Hong Kong official shouts: "We need to call the central government for help now!" as giant robots threaten to destroy mankind. |
| And the plan has worked as Age of Extinction is on track to become the highest-grossing film in China’s box office history, taking in $212 million since it premiered on 27 June, coinciding with its American release, which makes it more difficult to distribute pirate copies. | |
| Despite the title, there is no sign the Transformers are anywhere near extinction and Mr Bay is laughing all the way to the bank. | Despite the title, there is no sign the Transformers are anywhere near extinction and Mr Bay is laughing all the way to the bank. |