Michael Bay’s latest giant robot blockbuster Transformers: Age of Extinction is following in the footsteps of its three predecessors: by making a killing at the box office and angering movie critics across the globe (including our very own Luke Owen). At the time of this writing the film has scored a “rotten” 17% approval rating on RottenTomatoes, but is faring better with audiences and holding steady at a “fresh” 63%.

Film fans have never been quiet about their overall disdain for Bay’s Transformers franchise, and this time is no different. However, according to Michael Bay himself, the tension and criticism surrounding the film is actually a good thing, and something that keeps him in check:

“[Haters] love to hate, and I don’t care; let them hate. They’re still going to see the movie! I think it’s good to get a little tension. Very good. I used to get bothered by it, but I think it’s good to get the dialogue going. It makes me think, and keeps me on my toes, so it’s good. “

Whether or not Bay should care about the largely negative reactions to his films is a whole other can of worms. He’s obviously faced this kind of criticism before, and it hasn’t phased him yet. I doubt it ever will.

Tell us your thoughts on Bay’s comments below.