TRANSFORMERS ONE Review: An Epic Animated Classic Is Born

Hasbro and Paraomunt’s Transformers One is the franchise’s first animated film in 38 years. The Transformers’ long-awaited return to their roots has exceeded expectations with a story that juggles thrill and tragedy in this captivating film that benefits from its human absence, ironically having more heart and soul than any of the live-action movies.

Transformers One is an origin story of how Orion Pax and D-16 became Optimus Prime and Megatron, and how their brotherly bond dissolved into a tragic rivalry between good and evil, with themes of classism, redemption, and betrayal.

Bots, Lies & Politics

We first meet Orion Pax and D-16 as miner bots looking for Energon, they along with half of the inhabitants of Cybertron can not transform. It is no spoiler to say that everyone transforms by the end of the film but the journey the film showcases in getting their true power and finding their true selves is worthwhile. Orion Pax and D-16 set out to prove “they’re more than meets the eye” with the help of future Autobots Elita-1 and B-127(Bumblebee). After uncovering a devastating truth, they earn their transformation cogs and must liberate their fellow Cybertronians.

The revelation angers D-16 mostly, sending him down the dark path to becoming Megatron. Pax notices D-16’s drastic personality shift and can’t help but bear responsibility until he realizes that no one is responsible for D-16’s fall from grace other than D-16.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “If you want to test a man’s character, give him power“. Power is the true underlying theme of Transformers One. Every conflict, reveal, or twist circles back to power. In the Transformers’ case, if you want to test their character, let them transform.

Humanity Behind The Transformers

There are no humans in Transformers One, does that mean there is no humanity in the film? No, it does not. They feel, work, play, and fight like we do. Michael Bay’s live-action films excellently gave the Transformers personality with amazing performances from voice actors like the legendary Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime. However, one can argue that the Transformers were supporting characters as the faces of Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Hayley Steinfeld, and Anthony Ramos were front and center.

The absence of humans in this animated movie is not felt, it heightens awareness of the superb voice-acting, making it abundantly clear that Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry are more than capable of carrying the film as Orion Pax and D-16, transforming into Optimus Prime and Megatron along the way.

I must confess, I had initial doubts regarding Hemsworth as the young Prime but they were quickly put to rest as I watched Transformers One. He fully embraces his character as intimately as possible, becoming one with Orion, emerging into Optimus one moment at a time in tandem with the character development and story progression. Hemsworth also gradually changes his voice along Orion’s transition to Optimus Prime, complementing the transformation, no pun intended.

Brian Tyree Henry’s D-16 is a worthy contrast to our protagonist, his evolution into Megatron is less gradual but equally captivating. Before his villainous turn, he reflects the average lower-class worker who minds their business and follows the rules to avoid making life harder than it has to be. When he learns that everything he knew is a lie he snaps, immediately yearning for anarchy. Then he quickly progresses from an angry D-16 to a hateful Megatron.

Tyree Henry succeeds at making his character development relatable without making audiences over-sympathize to the point where they forget he is the story’s true villain.

The Beautiful Transformers One

Apart from the story’s Shakespearean nature, Transformers One boasts stunning animation and visuals. I was disappointed upon the reveal of this movie being animated, as 2018’s live-action Bumblebee delivered an incredible prologue on Cybertron. It left fans including myself wanting more, however, neither Hasbro nor Paramount has the budget to make a live-action Transformers movie set entirely on Cybertron, hence why this movie is animated. Ultimately, that decision was for the best because Transformers One surpasses the live-action films in visuals and action sequences.

Aside from the faces looking like they belong on a Nick Jr. Show, the animation is stunning and goes to great lengths to bring new life to the world of Transformers. Industrial Light & Magic, the same studio behind not only the visuals in the live-action Transformers films but Lucasfilm’s original Star Wars trilogy, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Rango, and Strange Magic among many others did the animation for Transformers One.

Watching this movie did not make me miss Cybertron’s atmosphere in the Bumblebee movie. I say this as a testament to how well ILM translated this world to immerse fans and audiences of all ages. The animation also grants the Transformers more fluidity and distinguishability, allowing the fight scenes to feel slightly more personal than the live-action movies.

Still Not Without Hiccups

Though I enjoyed Transformers One much more than I anticipated there are a few minor issues I need to address, starting with Keegan-Michael Key’s Bumblebee. It’s fun seeing B-127 with his voice intact until he keeps talking regardless of whether or not anyone else is listening. After years of seeing him with a built-in radio as his only form of communication, I have been longing to hear his own voice throughout a new movie. This pre-mute Bumblebee iteration makes me regret that wish.

He is supposed to be a source of comic relief but his humor is mostly forced and juvenile. Children may appreciate that brand of comedy, but adults may quickly grow agitated with this take on Bumblebee.

Another issue is the story’s quick progression in the second and third acts, it does not leave much room for characters apart from Orion Pax and D-16 to develop. This feels like a disservice to Scarlett Johannson’s Elita-1 in particular. Her character has so much potential with interesting scenes until her development stops midway through the film. Without her remaining lines and fight scenes you can easily forget she’s in the movie.

The Final Verdict

Despite the shortcomings in the juvenile humor and pacing, Transformers One stands tall as an engaging animated film that’s not afraid to veer into philosophical territories with Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry embracing the tragedy of brothers dissolving into opposing forces of nature.

Once you tolerate their faces, the sleek animation will enhance the viewing experience, making you an active participant in what may be Cybertron’s most exciting history lesson.

Transformers One is not only a movie fans of all generations would love, but it’s also a movie I predict will age remarkably well. I strongly recommend seeing this movie with your family in a theater near you.

About Transformers One

RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2024
RATING: PG
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Olivier Dumont, B.J. Farmer, Zev Foreman, Don Murphy, Brian Oliver, Matt Quigg, Steven Spielberg
PRODUCERS: Michael Bay, Aaron Dem, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Mark Vahradian
WRITERS: Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, Bobby Rubio
DIRECTOR: Josh Cooley
CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm, Steve Buscemi, Keegan-Michael Key, Laurence Fishburne

SYNOPSIS
TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. In the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie, TRANSFORMERS ONE features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi with Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm.

SCORE: 8/10

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