Transformers One Review: An Epic Franchise Best

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As a lifelong Transformers enthusiast who grew up with the original animated series and has followed this franchise through its highs and lows, I must say that Transformers One has truly outdone itself. This movie takes us back to the roots of the Autobots and Decepticons, offering an origin story like no other.

It appears that every few years, we find ourselves eagerly awaiting a new Transformers movie. Last year, the ongoing saga of Autobots and Decepticons brought us Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Now, we have a fresh installment with a slightly altered feel. Josh Cooley, director of Toy Story 4, is bringing us Transformers One, marking the first theatrically released animated Transformers film since 1986’s The Transformers: The Movie. This movie serves as an origin story for the duo who would eventually become the archrivals, Optimus Prime and Megatron.

Among all the Transformers movies produced so far, the first one stands out as the most exceptional. Although the series has had its ups and downs, the only instance that comes close to this greatness is the 2018 film “Bumblebee.” This movie represents a significant milestone as it’s the first PG-rated Transformers film in many years. It offers an opportunity to introduce these characters to a new audience, while simultaneously offering a fresh narrative not often seen in cinema. In essence, this film serves as the “X-Men: First Class” of the Transformers franchise, taking us back to the past to witness the camaraderie between Optimus Prime and Megatron before their relationship evolved into what we know today. It’s intriguing to explore their origins and understand how their friendship transformed into a bitter enmity.

Initially, we encounter Orion Pax, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth, much earlier in his life than when he becomes a wise and influential figure. At this point, he labors in the mines and maintains a friendly relationship with D-16, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry. Right from the beginning, the film provides all the essential backstory and follows it up with an abundance of humor. The jokes flow seamlessly, the tempo is brisk, and overall, it presents an engaging viewing experience. It brings new life to the Transformers franchise through its visually updated animation style, reminiscent of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’s approach.

The animation in this movie is also gorgeous. The landscapes and character designs are stunning, and every moment is vibrant. There are references here that work very well for longtime Transformers fans, including a few moments that feel incredibly satisfying for those who have wanted to see these characters done justice. Bumblebee is another character who has always been a fan favorite. Who better to play Bumblebee than Keegan-Michael Key? Key is the best part of every project he’s a part of, and fortunately, he has stayed booked and busy with his recent roles in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Wonka, Migration, and IF. He is hilarious in this film.

As a die-hard Transformers fan, I must say that the first installment in the series doesn’t seem to be catering solely to young audiences despite being family-friendly. It delivers plenty of action, robot fights, and even some language that’s less common in PG films these days. The film lacks Michael Bay’s immature humor and overt male gaze, which often made his movies feel like they were tailored exclusively for teenage boys. However, this movie feels more inclusive, as if it was crafted for everyone to enjoy. While long-time fans might appreciate it even more, I believe anyone can savor this thrilling odyssey.

This group of characters is hard to ignore, with Orion, D-16, Bumblebee, and Elita – portrayed by Scarlett Johansson – being among them. In previous appearances, including Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in 2009, Johansson’s character has captured our hearts, and this time she is no exception. She embodies a brave, powerful persona that you can’t help but admire alongside the other characters. Throughout the film, there are amusing exchanges between the characters, making the dialogue penned by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, and Gabriel Ferrari all the more engaging. The screenplay also skillfully evokes a sense of betrayal whenever a character reveals their true self, adding depth to the narrative.

An unexpectedly fitting casting decision is Chris Hemsworth as the final Optimus Prime. Initially, it’s challenging to surpass Peter Cullen’s iconic voice, considering his long-standing role in movies, TV series, and video games. However, Hemsworth delivers an exceptional performance that might initially seem like typical celebrity casting but proves otherwise. Upon first listening, I didn’t recognize his voice. He adopts an American accent and modifies it subtly to resemble a younger Peter Cullen. His portrayal is truly impressive.

For years, Henry has delivered exceptional performances, adding an extraordinary essence to D-16’s voice. With a remarkable ensemble cast featuring Jon Hamm, Laurence Fishburne, and Steve Buscemi, there’s no flaw in the lineup. Each actor gets their moment to excel and add depth to a heartfelt narrative. The film maintains the traditional Transformers theme while keeping it as fresh as always, taking the story on a darker path during the latter half. While the quality of Transformers movies can be unpredictable at times, this one offers top-tier quality from the series. Don’t hesitate—hurry to catch Transformers One!

SCORE: 8/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 signifies “Excellent”. Although it has some minor flaws, this rating indicates that the artwork achieves its objective effectively and leaves a lasting impression.

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2024-09-12 16:10