It's impossible to judge an actor from "Crystal Skull" and the "Transformer" movies -- it's like judging a chef whose only available ingredients are beets, rats and Emeril's Essence spice. We should reserve final judgment until he's actually had a good script to work with. At the same time, I'm not yet convinced that "Y" is great film material.
While I don't dislike Shia as much as some people and haven't read Y yet (I have the first TPB on my "to read list"), I think based on what I know that he'd be a decent enough fit.
I think taken seriously this could be a moving role for him, much like Ashton Kutcher's turn in Butterfly Effect. Something for him to step out of his normal self and really show people some more depth.
I loved his work in "Holes". Ever since then, I have thought of Shia LaBeouf as quite possibly the greatest actor of his generation. He is the reason that "Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull" was such a worthy addition to the franchise and he has been the main reason that I saw "Transformers" 3 times in the movie theatre.
It's easy to forget how taut "Eagle Eye" was as a technothriller because of Shia's star turn in "Disturbia". For those who do not bother with DVD extras, watch any of the interviews with Shia on the DVDs and you will see what an intelligent, nuanced artist Shia is. He can turn even the most mundane sci-fi flick into a thought-provoking exercise on what it is to be young and American in the 21st century.
We may be looking at the next Paul Newman in Shia.
I really don't understand why people hate him so much? Is it because he comes off as a normal person and everyone thinks they can do what he does and is jealous?
Watched Constantine again on Friday and actually forgot he was in it. Maybe it was the same role that he has in all his films but he's still fun to watch on the screen.
I honestly think he comes across so naturally on the screen that people think its easy to act that way, when in reality it takes a great actor to pull it off as easily as he does.
@transbastard: I've heard stories of this legend-made-flesh in other Gawker networks... his execution and methods are prime, his style, subtle. 'Ware those who fall into his Pony trap.
@Bongoes: A very strong performance, enhanced by the always-funny Dave Coulier. And the Mark Mothersbaugh soundtrack made this movie a little piece of heaven for me.
For a TV movie, the acting, writing, and production value were top-notch.
what is hollywood's facination with this kid? he is honestly terrible. if it weren't for megan fox the human element in transformers would be unbearable.
@TemporalSword: what demographic does he actually bring in? he seems to star in geek friendly movies but geeks hate him. so what is the angle here is what im asking.
@GreyHammer: Well, there's the star factor for one thing. Public interest and hype in movies are arguably more important than quality; for instance, many people here will see Transformers 2 in theaters, even though we know it will be terrible.
I also get the feeling that movie makers are detached from what constitutes a "likable geek" to real geeks. Shia's forced geekiness might seem humorous to someone like Michael Bay, but seems artificial and painful to actual geeks.
I'd like to see Jonathan Woodward in the role. (aka. the guy Joss Whedon turns to when he needs a talented supporting actor to play a guy who is instantly likeable but really kind of a douche)Of course, if they think Shia is too old for the part, then Jonathan definitely would be.
Alternatively, the guy who plays Topher Brink on Dollhouse could work out, given a few years and about 20 lbs. He's got the look and the comedy chops, though I've never seen him play anything other than a geek or stoner. Hopefully the next season of Dollhouse will give him a chance to do something other than cringe and run around screaming "It's not my fault!"
Let's see what all you Shia haters say when the news comes down that the movie isn't going to be made without him to pull in an audience. Something this big budget usually needs to have a name attached.
Just based on what he said, shouldn't any 'modern' transformer be able to kick his ass, seeing as that they're hyperadvanced compared to him? Or is it some weird 'he was a prototype who had more kickassery that we could fit on later models'?
06/22/09
06/22/09
06/22/09
I think taken seriously this could be a moving role for him, much like Ashton Kutcher's turn in Butterfly Effect. Something for him to step out of his normal self and really show people some more depth.
06/22/09
06/22/09
Now the sadistic streak in me is asking for the live action Cowboy Bebop with Reeves. I would enjoy it while thousands screamed out in terror.
06/22/09
06/22/09
06/22/09
It's easy to forget how taut "Eagle Eye" was as a technothriller because of Shia's star turn in "Disturbia". For those who do not bother with DVD extras, watch any of the interviews with Shia on the DVDs and you will see what an intelligent, nuanced artist Shia is. He can turn even the most mundane sci-fi flick into a thought-provoking exercise on what it is to be young and American in the 21st century.
We may be looking at the next Paul Newman in Shia.
06/22/09
06/22/09
I really don't understand why people hate him so much? Is it because he comes off as a normal person and everyone thinks they can do what he does and is jealous?
Watched Constantine again on Friday and actually forgot he was in it. Maybe it was the same role that he has in all his films but he's still fun to watch on the screen.
I honestly think he comes across so naturally on the screen that people think its easy to act that way, when in reality it takes a great actor to pull it off as easily as he does.
06/22/09
You must be a blackbelt in troll-fu.
06/22/09
06/22/09
06/22/09
For a TV movie, the acting, writing, and production value were top-notch.
06/22/09
06/22/09
06/22/09
06/22/09
06/22/09
06/22/09
06/22/09
I also get the feeling that movie makers are detached from what constitutes a "likable geek" to real geeks. Shia's forced geekiness might seem humorous to someone like Michael Bay, but seems artificial and painful to actual geeks.
06/10/09
Alternatively, the guy who plays Topher Brink on Dollhouse could work out, given a few years and about 20 lbs. He's got the look and the comedy chops, though I've never seen him play anything other than a geek or stoner. Hopefully the next season of Dollhouse will give him a chance to do something other than cringe and run around screaming "It's not my fault!"
06/10/09
06/10/09
06/10/09
06/10/09
06/10/09
05/30/09
05/30/09
05/30/09
And will there be Quintessons?
05/30/09
Caveman: Me =/= Emperor: Darth Vadar
11/01/08
i'm one of shia's biggest fans... he was my laptop wallpaper for a while....
but he's a bit too young to play eddie spinola.... actually WAY too young... they're going to have to change the plot around A LOT