Transformers One Review: Truly More Than Meets the Eye

Transformers One Review: Truly More Than Meets the Eye

As a gamer who grew up with the original Transformers cartoon and has watched every movie that followed, I must admit that I was hesitant about another animated Transformers film. However, after witnessing the magic of Transformers One, I’m ready to change my user ID to “Optimus-Converted”.


Recently, the battles between the Autobots and Decepticons for Cybertron and Earth’s future have primarily been depicted in live-action films on the big screen. Since the original “Transformers The Movie” from 1986, it has been rare to see Optimus Prime and Megatron clash in animated form in theaters. Due to the success of the live-action movies, Paramount Pictures has decided to delve back into the animated world of Cybertron with a prequel film that tells the story of Orion Pax and D-16, who would eventually become the leaders of the Autobots and Decepticons. In this new computer-generated animated movie, Paramount has crafted one of the best “Transformers” films yet, breathing fresh life into the franchise in an unexpected manner.

Set in a time predating the arrival of the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth, the story of Transformers One revolves around Megatron and Optimus Prime during their tenure as “mining robots.” Instead of battling for their world’s destiny, they struggle to find their place in a society that discriminates against them due to their social standing. As they embark on a journey that exposes them to both virtuous and malevolent mechanical beings, Transformers One explores how these two characters eventually rise to become the Autobot and Decepticon leaders we recognize, as well as revealing what ultimately shatters their friendship.

In “Transformers One,” the friendship between Orion and D-16 is vividly portrayed, with their characters complementing each other exceptionally well. This isn’t just because of the scriptwriting, but also due to the impressive voice acting by Chris Hemsworth as Orion and Brian Tyree Henry as D-16. It’s challenging to surpass Peter Cullen’s iconic portrayal of Optimus, but Hemsworth delivers an impressive performance here, balancing his unique identity with a convincing stand-in for the usual voice actor of Optimus. Similarly, Henry’s portrayal of D-16 is commendable, as the initially innocent robot embarks on a dark journey without feeling like a completely different character from what we know. The transformation of Megatron into villainy and Optimus into heroism feels authentic, creating a gripping tale that is heartbreaking in its portrayal of these friends losing their bond and starting armies that continue an endless war. Pivotal moments throughout the movie provide a sense of the origins of both Optimus Prime and Megatron, making these transformations feel deserved due to a strong foundation.

Transformers One Review: Truly More Than Meets the Eye

Absolutely, it might seem that Orion and D-16 are the primary figures in the movie, but they certainly aren’t embarking on their mission to uncover Cybertron’s hidden truth alone. They gain companionship from Elita-1 (portrayed by Scarlett Johansson) and Bumblebee (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key), who become part of the main duo’s journey. The movie provides these secondary characters with ample opportunities to shine, particularly Bumblebee, who brings humor to the storyline. Many of Keegan-Michael Key’s jokes in this film hit the mark, and a recurring joke remains fresh due to its clever execution and Key’s impeccable comedic delivery.

The narrative of Transformers One delves into deeper, sometimes ominous themes, keeping both new and seasoned Cybertron enthusiasts hooked. The danger that confronts D-16 and Orion Pax is not easily resolved, pushing them towards contrasting strategies to tackle it. For long-time franchise fans, there are subtle yet significant Easter Eggs scattered throughout, offering Transformers aficionados several intriguing reasons to revisit the animated movie, hunting for familiar figures among its runtime. Without revealing any secrets, Transformers One goes beyond introducing Optimus Prime and Megatron’s origins; it presents engaging tales for some of the franchise’s most prominent characters.

Transformers One Review: Truly More Than Meets the Eye

In terms of visual appeal, “Transformers One” is a stunning spectacle to behold. The computer-generated animation employed by Paramount seamlessly breathes life into Cybertron. Unlike its live-action counterparts, this movie lacks human characters, which actually enhances both its animation and narrative flow. The emotions portrayed by Orion, D-16, and their cohort ring true due to the superb animation quality. Additionally, the characters are not the only captivating aspect; Cybertron itself is visually striking, often leaving one awestruck by its breathtaking terrain.

It would be a mistake not to acknowledge that this movie stands out as the finest Transformers film since the 80s animated version. If this is a glimpse into the future of the Transformers series, then both Autobot and Decepticon enthusiasts have a promising future ahead.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Transformers One will be in theaters on September 20th.

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2024-09-12 20:10