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Tim Briody: This is a massive rejection of...something. I haven't figured out whether it's the "louder is better" motto of Big Event Films these days (if it is, Transformers 2 is screwed), McG, Christian Bale or something else.

Scott Lumley: I think we've seen the first really solid example that a franchise reboot isn't always entirely successful. It's a little shocking to me, (Ok, *REALLY* shocking...) that McG, the man responsible for my beloved Supernatural, can't quite seem to capitalize on what would seem to be an opportunity to print money.

The legs on this one had better be amazing, and I don't think they will be.

I wonder if this film wouldn't have done better if it had been given a November time slot. Some action packed advertising on NFL games, a little competition from the Oscar crowd, this film seems misaligned somehow.

Max Braden: If I were Warner Bros. I'd actually blame this as much on Bale as anyone else. His voice wasn't much different from Batman. Because he's trying to act tough? More likely because he's struggling to hide his accent. In any case the result is an action hero that is off putting. Did anyone want to be John Connor while watching this movie, or were they instead rooting for Worthington and Yelchin? Aside from the actors, during the movie I felt like it was a rehash of The Matrix Reloaded, and I could see a lot of audiences making comparisons with Transformers and thinking rightly that Revenge of the Fallen will be more fun and adventurous. Prior to the movie I got the impression it couldn't lose, but in hindsight I think it just had to hit too many notes perfectly to be a winner. At this point the series feels like it's reached Underworld territory.

Brandon Scott: WB should realize that they shouldn't have made this movie. That the franchise was really dead in the first place. That McG was the wrong choice for director. That Batman is really only a big star as Batman. That on set blow ups don't help matters. And that every indication is that they made a very average or below average movie. WB should be pissed that they are going to lose money on a budget of a reported $200 million.

Reagen Sulewski: *takes out ceremonial sword, nods grimly, thrusts into own chest*

Jim Van Nest: I think one of the biggest missteps for this one was the Bale casting. John Connor is the savior of the human race. You want to root for him, you HAVE to root for him. So, naturally, you cast one of the most unlikable stars in Hollywood to play him. When my wife, who is by no means a movie buff or expert, tells me that she'd rather see the kid from Carnivale back for #4 than Batman, I should have known this was in trouble.

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