The fact that Optimus Prime and his best buddies then helped to save the world, again, in Age Of Extinction should have helped to restore their reputation, though.
Even the most ferocious Michael Bay critic has to admit that looks pretty awesome.
In fact, the only thing that’s missing from the above image is the American flag, which is disappointingly absent.
I can only imagine that throughout the day’s production on July 4th, Michael Bay was draped in the stars and stripes while God Bless America played repeatedly over a megaphone to simply inspire.