by Rosa Parra
“Transformers One” follows the origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron. Although we know them as enemies, this prequel showcases their friendship and how they changed Cybertron’s fate. Directed by Josh Cooley, the film stars the voices of Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishbourne and Jon Hamm.
My relationship with the Transformers franchise isn’t deep. I didn’t watch the animated series growing up, nor was I too invested in the films, meaning that my knowledge of this franchise is basic. I had fun with the first 2007 film, and I quite enjoyed “Bumblebee” as well as last year’s film, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.”
A few months back, I watched a clip of this movie at Cinemacon, which piqued my interest.
This film is such a fun and enjoyable time in the movie theater. I haven’t had this much fun since “Deadpool & Wolverine.” It’s the origin story of two friends turned enemies, Orion Pax and D-16, known as Optimus Prime and Megatron respectively. In their world of Cybertron, Orion Pax and D-16 work in the Energon mines. Energon is the lifeblood of Cybertron, and it’s believed that retrieving the Matrix of Leadership, a powerful artifact that can only be wielded by a true leader, will restore the free flow of Energon.
Orion Pax is a rebellious young man who is trying to find the Matrix of Leadership to help his fellow miners and everyone in Cybertron. D-16 is an obedient, follow-the-rules kind of bot whose character arc is a revelation.
This story has no business being this deep, relatable and even moving. We all know Megatron as the ruthless nemesis of Optimus Prime, but after this film, we learn the evolution to who he is now. This complexity adds layers to this character, making his story truly compelling. The character development in ‘Transformers One” is so well done that it will keep you connected and engaged throughout the film.
The leader of Iacon city is Sentinel Prime (voiced by Hamm), a leader who initially comes across as caring and commanding, but the illusion disappears when his true intentions and motives are discovered. Elita-1, voiced by Johansson, is the bot responsible for reason and strategy in the group. She’s also the one who pushes the others to become who they truly are. My favorite one was, without a doubt, B-127 (who will be later known as Bumblebee and is brilliantly voiced by Key). B is the nerd and comic of the group. He is hilarious and his pairing with Elita is a delight to watch.
The animation in “Transformers One” is not just good, it’s stunning. This is the first ever CG-animated Transformers movie, and it delivers on every level. There were several moments when I completely forgot I was witnessing an animated film, further validating the reality that animation is cinema. The visual effects are so impressive that they will leave you amazed and impressed.
Although I praise this film, my only erk is that this story isn’t anything we have yet to see. However, this familiarity with the plot of “Transformers One” will make you feel comfortable and at ease, allowing you to enjoy the film without any surprises.
Overall, “Transformers One” is a thoroughly enjoyable entry to the franchise. Its wonderfully executed origin stories parallel stories of self-discovery. It’s funny, filled with action, and one of the best-animated films of the year.
8/10
Film Critic, Rosa Parra, also contributes to The Daily Chela and Rotten Tomatoes. You can also follow her on X.
See our full Transformers coverage HERE.