transformers – Geek Crafts

Optimus Prime + The TARDIS = Awesome.

I love Transformers. I love Doctor Who. So, what’s not to love about a 3-D printed, actual working/transforming Tardimus Prime??!! Seriously. What’s not to love? Inspired by Jason Casteel’s TARDIS Prime artwork, user Ellindsey designed and created this 3-D printed realization, and it actually transforms. What’s even cooler is you can find Ellindsey’s CAD files and instructions for building your own. Oh, for a 3-D printer. Even you don’t have one, you should definitely check out the link for the additional pictures. Transform and roll out!

A Decepticon In Foam

Jamie, AKA Familyman, posted his lifesize Ravage Decepticon that he made, over at Seibertron.

Jamie builds replica props out of foam anti-fatigue mats. This Ravage is for display and to help Jamie get the templates all correct, so he can build a few more for sale. He’s also built a life size R2 out of foam, Wall-e, proton pack, Flux capacitor, and a Horus headdress from StarGate SG-1. Currently, he’s also working on an Ironman costume, Master Chief costume and K9 from “Doctor Who.” Check out his Facebook page, Foamtastic Props, for more photos of his other projects and to see if there’s anything you need for your own collection.

Gingerbread Optimus Prime!

This is the gingerbread Optimus Prime made by a friend of a friend of Redditor downvotedagain. Caroline Eriksson, the girl in the photo, made our favorite Autobot, and said it’s only made of gingerbread and melted sugar to hold it together.

3D Transforming Optimus Prime Cross-Stitch

This three dimensional Optimus Prime is impressive to say the least. Plastic canvas has never looked so extreme. Based on the original toy series, superstar Lord Libidan, I would say this is his pièce de résistance. What? Not uber enough for you? IT TRANSFORMS!

That’s right. Not only did he make a poseable transformer, Optimus Prime transforms into a truck!!! No seriously, look at this!

Just when you thought this couldn’t be any cooler! He also has plans for other Transformers including Starscream. Head on over to his Etsy shop and be prepared to have your head explode!

Lord Libidan on Etsy

More Transformers on Geek Crafts

Accessories Sold Separately

As promised, I come bearing geekiness as gleaned from Mr X Stitch at the Stitch and Craft show…

I am, frankly amazed (and a little appalled) at myself for never having come across Lord Libidan before. His work is amazing – generally centered around video games, and packed full of original, interesting ideas.

The Transformers, sewn onto plastic canvas, actually transform. Oh yes. There’s Jetfire & Optimus Prime (as seen here) who of course become a plane and a truck respectively – and also a couple of tapes; Ratbat & Laserbeak, which will fit into the soon-to-come Soundwave/tapedesk. I love that they are based on the original toys, not the new versions – tres retro chic. And (this is the best bit) all of the patterns are all available from his Etsy Shop. Huzzah!

This Pokemon image is stitched stereoscopically – so if you put on red & blue 3D glasses (great fashion choice, btw) it pops out at you. Excuse me while I cry at the awesomeness.

This manbroiderer may not really be a lord, but I agree with him; he should be.

Movie Review: Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon (2011)
Director: Michael Bay
Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel,Tyrese Gibson and John Turturro
Voice actors: Peter Cullen, Hugo Weaving, and Leonard Nimoy
157 min
Rated PG13

You might think that crazy-awesome special effects, a pulsing soundtrack and GIANT FIGHTING ROBOTS would be enough to guarantee an summer blockbuster. And you’d be correct – in terms of box office sales. In fact, Transformers 3 is currently the 47th highest grossing movie of all time.

But if you think the same formula would guarantee a movie worth 2-1/2 hours of your time…not necessarily.

The latest installment in the movie series based on Hasbro’s toy line of yore, Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, has all the elements of a sure-fire Hollywood hit. Tested director of notable action movies like Armageddon & Pearl Harbor, Michael Bay? Check. Fan-boy favorite producer, Steven Spielberg? Check. Score by Steve Jablonsky, composer of the two previous Transformers film scores? Check. Voluptuous love interest? Check. Mighty morphin’ robots in disguise? Check.

Strong storyline told in logical progression…not so much.

Don’t get me wrong – I know that any Transformers movie is not exactly meant to have an Oscar-worthy script. I’m not expecting rich character development, or to be able to relate to the story on a deeply personal level. I know it’s a summer blockbuster that’s meant to be eye candy. And on that criteria, the movie did deliver. The transformation from vehicle to robot was as flawless as in the previous movies, with all the whirling cogs & gizmos, and usually while in motion. Visually stunning.

But the story seemed all over the place. It was like they just thought up a bunch of scenes, filmed them, and just threw them together. It felt very abrupt and disjointed, and was generally distracting, even with the impressive special effects.

Also distracting was the newly-introducted love interest – Rosie Huntington-Whiteley took over for Megan Fox in this installment. Her role was completely gratuitous to the story, though perhaps that’s to be expected, too, especially after the first two movies. Giant robots and a pretty girl, and fanboys are typically content. (oh I’m sorry, did my bitter resentment show?)

That said, a delightful surprise (for me) was the voice acting by Leonard Nimoy (need I say he played Spock in “Star Trek“?), and the “sidekick” part by Alan Tudyk (“Wash” from “Firefly“) as a rather flamboyant German assistant. So there was a little something for the geek girls – at least THIS geek girl. ;)

Overall, I’d say Transformers 3 is a renter, if anything.

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