Free Republic

Paramount’s Transformers: Age of Extinction debuted to $100 million in North America, the best number of the year to date and reinvigorating the giant robot franchise. Overseas, it was even more massive in its initial assault, taking in $201.3 million for a worldwide bow of $301.3 million. The $210 million tentpole, earning an A- CinemaScore despite blistering reviews, is easily the biggest opening of star Mark Wahlberg's career, thanks to a strong turnout by males (64 percent).

Tokyo—The Toyota Group* (the Group) today announced its plans for the performance to be featured in the Toyota Group Pavilion at EXPO 2005 AICHI, JAPAN. The richly entertaining show, based on the theme “The Dream, Joy and Inspiration of Mobility in the 21st Century,” will introduce the concepts of “Mobility in Harmony with the Earth” and “Achieving the Dream and Joy of Worldwide Movement ” in its presentation of possibilities for a bright and fulfilling future. [snip]

CUYAHOGA FALLS -- A member of Ohio's 5694th National Guard Unit in Mansfield legally changed his name to a Transformers toy. Optimus Prime is heading out to the Middle East with his guard unit on Wednesday to provide fire protection for airfields under combat. "On Sunday, we were awarded as the best firefighting unit in the Army National Guard in the entire country," said Prime. "That was a big moment for us." Prime took his name from the leader of the Autobots Transformers, which were popular toys and a children's cartoon in the 1980s. He legally changed his name on...