The One Transformers Movie That Leaves All Others in the Dust

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The Transformers film series has had its share of ups and downs in terms of quality. Some films like Revenge of the Fallen and The Last Knight, with their confusing narratives and editing, as well as rapid changes in aspect ratio, have represented the lowest points of contemporary American blockbuster production. Even 1986’s The Transformers: The Movie suffered from poor plot development and excessive noise, but it had the advantage of featuring Grimlock and an Orson Welles vocal performance, making it somewhat better than Age of Extinction.

Although the history of Transformers on the big screen for nearly 40 years may not have been universally acclaimed, there’s no denying that it has had its moments of merit. For instance, the 2018 film Bumblebee stood out as a high-quality live-action Transformers movie due to the fresh direction by Travis Knight who focused on more personal, intimate storylines. However, among all Transformers movies, the one that stands head and shoulders above the rest is Transformers: The Movie (1986), which was unique in its sole focus on the titular robots. Interestingly, it’s also the only film in the franchise to underperform at the box office, but it remains the pinnacle of these disguised robots on the silver screen.

Why Is Transformers One So Good?

In the film “Transformers One”, you won’t find any humans present. Instead, the story revolves around diverse robots who live within a structured society on Cybertron. Notably, future Transformers legends Optimus Prime and Megatron are portrayed as friends, with Orion Pax (played by Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry) representing them respectively. Unlike other Transformers movies where all robots seem to blend together, “Transformers One” introduces distinct characteristics for Pax and D-16 from the start. Furthermore, the robot society depicted in this film is more intricately detailed, particularly in its evident corruption right from the beginning.

In contrast to the Michael Bay Transformers films that often celebrated traditional power structures, Transformers: One offers a thought-provoking narrative as Orion Pax and D-16 uncover the deceptive nature of their leader Sentinel Prime (played by Jon Hamm). This film encourages questioning authority instead of blindly following it. The action sequences and character development in Transformers: One are all the more gripping due to this theme, which adds depth to the storyline. Unlike previous Transformers movies (including the 1986 feature), Transformers: One delves deeply into the internal lives of these robots, giving characters like D-16 a tangible sense of complexity.

It’s surprising how well celebrity voice acting often surpasses expectations. Chris Hemsworth doesn’t entirely transform into Optimus Prime, but he skillfully projects a comforting ambiance that suits his character. However, Brian Tyree Henry truly shines in his portrayal of Megatron’s proto-version. Henry, who is known for imbuing deep emotions into his performances in films like “If Beale Street Could Talk” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”, uses this talent here to make D-16’s transformation into a villainous Megatron even more compelling.

Transformers One Is An Actually Interesting Origin Story

In director Josh Cooley’s interpretation of Transformers One, an intriguing aspect lies in setting the stage for Orion Pax and D-16’s eventual legendary status as Optimus Prime and Megatron. As a prequel, this film includes typical adorable “explanation” scenes that are common to many modern prequels. However, its most effective role as a prequel is in showing why the Autobots and Decepticons would unwaveringly follow Optimus Prime and Megatron.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated during the climactic scenes of “Transformers One” where each robot showcased their leadership prowess. Orion Pax, in his unique way, inspired his fellow miners with an impassioned speech that echoed through the halls. On the other hand, D-16 stood tall against Sentinel Prime even when he was bound, a testament to his unwavering courage. These scenes were imbued with a grand, mythic aura that underscored their significance in challenging the existing order. They served as potent standalone dramatic moments within “Transformers One,” but in the broader mythology of these Transformers, it’s not hard to imagine these acts of rebellion becoming legendary tales passed down among Autobots and Decepticons for generations.

This thoughtfully crafted material sets Transformers One apart from other prequels, standing taller with its unique perspective on these robots. Previous Transformers movies often portrayed them as mere props for jokes involving John Turturro’s character. However, Transformers One breathes fresh life into the franchise by treating these characters and their world with respect and depth. If you seek a film that truly immerses you in the Transformers universe, Transformers One is undoubtedly your top pick. Remarkably, it outshines its competition such as Revenge of the Fallen and The Last Knight , solidifying its position as the best Transformers movie to date.

Transformers One is now streaming on Prime Video and Paramount+.

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2025-04-06 17:11