“Transformers One” adds itself to the long list of films in the Transformers franchise, being the first animated picture since the 1986 release of “Transformers: The Movie.”
“Transformers One” tells the story of Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) and his journey of how he became the leader of the Autobots. The movie is said to be canon within the Transformers universe, providing a deeper exploration of moments that lead up to events in past movies. It delves into the backstory and origins of certain characters such as the relationship between Orion Pax and his best friend D-16 (oiced by Brian Tyree Henry), and showcases how their relationship deteriorated from one of brotherhood into a rivalry.
The film definitely has its funny moments that made me burst out laughing, but it never derails from telling a heartfelt action-packed story. While the producers of the movie are aware that the audience knows the climax will culminate in a showdown between Optimus Prime and Megatron, the approach they take to reach that point is both nuanced and careful. Rather than relying on action-packed fight scenes to propel the story forward, the film focuses on the complex relationship between the two Transformers. In this way, the audience can feel the weight of their inevitable confrontation—once as friends, now as enemies.
While this film is great for fans of the franchise’s original movies and shows, it also serves as an appreciable introduction for new fans. Seasoned fans can spot familiar names throughout the movie, such as when the scoreboard for the Iacon 5000 race is displayed. The name Mirage can be seen in first place, fitting his description in the lore as a speedster. These subtle references and Easter eggs offer longtime fans a sense of nostalgia, while the film’s fresh narrative makes it accessible to those unfamiliar with the Transformers lore.
I would definitely recommend this movie to both new and old fans of the franchise. Transformers One sets itself apart from the live action movies through features like the setting of Cybertron instead of Earth. What I appreciate most about the film is that, despite its many incredible action scenes, it doesn’t rely on them to drive the plot. Instead, the dialogue between characters built and layered the plot, making the film more character-driven than one might expect from a typical action-heavy blockbuster.
A rating of seven out of ten is appropriate, as it leaves audiences on a curious note for the remaining movies in the trilogy. Ω
