A funny, entertaining, and action-packed story, Transformers One takes viewers back to the days before the Autobots and the Decepticons were at war when their two mighty leaders were best friends.
Transformers One Review
This might be the eight theatrical film in Paramount's Transformers series but this one thankfully returns to its animation roots, fitting for a story that is also about the origins of the two most iconic robots to ever do battle. Despite the films, the animated TV shows, and all the toys, fans have rarely gotten a good look at Cybertron or what led to the warring factions of robots. Transformers One changes all that. In a world of prequels and sequels stuffed into the main storylines of franchises, this one justifies its presence with a funny, action-packed, surprisingly resonating story that adds meaningful layers to existing Transformers lore.
Transformers One instantly transported me back to my Saturday morning cartoon days. (And the frustration I felt when my toys would never fully transform. Kids have it way too easy these days.) Gone are the overly complicated narratives, and the gritty, photorealistic looking robots of the live-action films–which in my humble opinion never captured the spark of what made these characters special to begin with. Instead we get a return to form for our robots: humanoid features, silly antics, and storylines that are simply yet impactful. Plus, being that it is an origin story for Optimus Prime and Megatron, it serves as an easy entry point for new fans of all ages.
Directed by Josh Cooley from a screenplay by Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, and Eric Pearson, Transformers One is set on the planet Cybertron before the days of the Autobots and Decepticons. Best friends Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and D16 (Bryan Tyree Henry) are miners who dig the depths of the planet looking for energon, a powerful mineral that is in short supply due to Primus (Cyberton's creator) losing the Matrix of Leadership during a long-ago war with the Quintessons. The lack of energon is one of the reasons why half of the robots cannot transform. D and Pax are part of that group that was born without their transformation cogs. Pax is determined to find the Matrix but what he and D soon learn is that there is something far more sinister going on in Iacon City. Together with their friends Elita 1 (Scarlett Johansson) and B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key) the two hope to restore Cybertron to its former glory.
Not all prequels successfully explain how two friends turn into enemies, but Transformers One does simply by taking the time to showcase the bond between Pac and D-16. These aren't two identical robots, but rather their differing personalities complement each other. Pax is prone to getting the two into trouble with his free-spirited, act-first think-later approach to life. While D-16 acts as the rational one, getting Pax out of jams, and following the rules in an effort to be promoted. They are both massive fanboys of the original Primes and like all real friendships, they encourage one another and push each other to be great. It's what makes their eventual falling out (spoiler: Pax becomes Optimus Prime and D becomes Megatron) pack an emotional gut punch even if D's turn to the dark side seems a bit too sudden.
When the group finds out the truth behind the rulers of Cyberton it causes diverging reactions between D and Pax. The latter sees it as a chance to do better, to become worthy of the Matrix of Leadership. D on the other hand becomes angry. His prior passivity and adherence to the rules (and order) are gone. Once he gains power for himself, he becomes less interested in being a better robot and more fascinated with seeking revenge. Now, it's understandable why he felt betrayed and I could see where his anger was coming from. However, the switch from justifiable anger to the unfiltered rage we know so well from Megatron happens so close to the climax of the story that there is very little time to let it sink in. A few more moments spent with D as he allows his fury to steep would've made the final scenes between the friends more effective. This issue aside, Transformers One is still entertaining and a whole lot of fun.
Transformers One animation is crisp, beautiful, and full of sparks of imagination. Industrial Light + Magic (ILM), who also worked on the live-action Michael Bay films, have brought Cybertron to life, holding nothing back as they dive into the varying areas of the Transformers call home. From the dark mines to the techno-nature surface areas to the robots themselves, everything is given a distinct feel that draws the eye to important details and moments. The action sequences are loaded with jet fuel, placing us right in the middle of the thrills. They never overstay their welcomes which is a nice plus. Of course when the friends finally transform it's a big moment and ILM knew this. It's what we longtime fans are waiting for, and they don't disappoint. Then there are visual gags and other comedy that works so well not only due to the animators work but also thanks to the skilled vocal performances by the cast.
Hemsworth and Henry lead the way, exuding sincerity and genuine admiration between the two besties. Henry layers his performance with just the right amount of goodnatured teasing and likability that you almost forget who he eventually becomes, until it happens. Then he turns on the sinister in an ever-increasing amount of bite to his words. Hemsworth pours his charm into Pax, making him lovable and silly but with a heart of gold. The way he shows us glimpses of the leader Pax can be makes his transformation from random miner to the Optimus Prime believable. Johansson's Elita is very much the Black Widow to the rest of the Avengers. She's a snarky voice of reason and one tough robot. Naturally, B-127, the future Bumblebee, is a scene-stealer as Key effortlessly captures the cheerful, excitable robot. Your children may love his “nickname” in the film but if you're a Key and Peele fan there is an even funnier moment.
Verdict
Transformers One is the best Transformers movie yet, as it brings the franchise back to its roots. For millennials and Gen X, it's like Saturday morning cartoon time all over again, albeit with better graphics. It's a deeper look into the transforming robots that have captured our hearts and imaginations for decades. With gorgeously detailed animation and strong vocal performances, Transformers One is funny, action-packed, and a total blast. The filmmakers have created a world with plenty of potential, adding to the lore in a meaningful way. Being that this is the first film intended to kick off a trilogy, I'd say they have more than made a case to justify those plans. To paraphrase Bumblebee, it's bad*ss!
Transformers One will be released in theaters on September 20. The film is rated PG for sci-fi violence and animated action throughout, and language with a runtime of 104 minutes.
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