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Gone are the days of Sam Witwicky in Transformers One, an animated film based on the Transformers franchise. Directed by Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4), the film tells the story of how two Transformers, Orion Pax and D-16, became the Optimus Prime and Megatron fans of the franchise have come to know. Transformers One features the voice talents of Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele), Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), and Jon Hamm (Mad Men). As it tells their origin story, the film takes place on the Transformers homeworld, Cybertron.
Transformers One follows two Energon miners called Orion Pax (Hemsworth) and D-16 (Tyree Henry). Orion wants to prove that miners are just as capable as other Cybertronians even though they can’t transform, whereas D-16 wants nothing more than to continue with the status quo. After somewhat proving their abilities in a race, the pair are confronted by Sentinel Prime (Hamm), the only survivor of the Primes, after they gave their lives to end the war with the Quintessons. Instead of getting rewards for boosting morale among the miners, a guard they disrupt during the race throws them both into the trash-smelting area of the mines.
We’ve Seen Transformers One Before
We soon meet Bumblebee (Key) when the pair find a message from Alpha Trion (Fishburne) that reveals the location of the fallen Primes. Together, they take a ride on a train taking Energon to Cybertron’s surface, along with their supervisor in the mines Elita-1 (Johannson) who tries to stop them. There, they not only learn that the Quintessons are still alive but that everything they were told about the Primes’ demise was a lie. The group manages to find Alpha Trion, who gives them the transformation cogs from the fallen Primes. Turning into the Transformers we know, they attempt to bring prosperity back to Cybertron.
The story is arguably Transformers One’s biggest issue. Even though there are plenty of cool moments, it’s a fairly by-the-numbers Transformers story. The emotional throughline of the movie seems to be Optimus Prime and Megatron’s path to becoming sworn enemies, but it’s one of the most well-known antagonistic relationships. Knowing that Megatron will become a villain makes D-16’s path an uninteresting one. It’s constantly teased from when he’s introduced, so there aren’t reasons to root for him not to go down that path either. Megatron isn’t the only villainous issue, because the film is overstuffed with antagonists.
Transformers One has essentially three main factions of villains, and rather than thoughtfully developing any of them, they all end up one-note. With that being said, Orion Pax’s journey is quite engaging. The journey of a miner turning into Optimus Prime and uniting Cybertron is one that will make any Transformers fan happy. But, it doesn’t seem like this would be interesting for many new adult audience members.
The Whirring of Robots in Disguise
Transformers One isn’t filled with jokes, but there are plenty of humorous moments. With that being said, most of the humor is directed at children. But, there are still a few moments that might give the adults in the theater a reason to laugh. Most of the cast is doing some fine voice acting, with Hemsworth having some range. Laurence Fishburne is terrific, and although he isn’t around for long, he monologues exposition like a pro when he is. Every flick should have Fishburne throw out exposition because he gives it gravitas and emotional weight that is otherwise sorely lacking.
Hamm is good as Sentinel Prime, playing condescendingly charming well. Henry also nails Megatron, dipping into reserved anger during his time as D-16 and viscerally exploding when he finally turns. The designs are simultaneously one of the best and worst parts of Transformers One because they get new designs once they get the fallen Prime cogs. The pre-cog Transformers don’t look great, but they look sleek afterward. Optimus Prime’s look towards the end is phenomenal. But, it does make you wonder why they couldn’t have looked good throughout the entire film. The design and overall look of Airachnid (Vanessa Liguori) was probably my favorite.
Brian Tyler’s (Iron Man 3) score is good, with most of it delivering on the hype of some of the more suspenseful moments of the film. But, it never quite reaches the heights of some of the other more iconic Transformers music. The sound design is great though, with every transformation sounding terrific. It’s one of the most important parts of Transformers, hearing the sounds of machinery, and Transformers One nails it.
More Than Meets the Eye?
Most of the animation in Transformers One looks good and feels smooth. The group shots look great and the backdrop of Cybertron feels vibrant. The surface is meant to be dilapidated, so it does look bland. But, otherwise, the look of the film feels better on the big screen than it did when the trailers were first released.
Transformers One is a perfectly serviceable Transformers story that relies on a brief understanding of the franchise to shine. Too many characters, a streamlined remixed plot, and undercooked villains keep this from soaring high. While it feels like a poor entry point for new fans, children and diehard Transformers fans should have a good time. If you are a Transformers fan or have children you should go see this one at a theater, if not, you can wait until it’s available to stream.
You can watch Transformers One in theaters now.
Transformers One
A by-the-numbers Transformers story that has too many villains, but stays afloat due to that Transformers spark.
Pros
- Good voicework from most of the cast.
- Great animation and a good art style showing off the Transformers and their vibrant Cybertron.
- Stellar mechanical sound design that helps bring the Transformers to life.
Cons
- Too many underwritten villains in an overwritten story.
- Too reliant on previous Transformers knowledge.
- The first round of character designs aren’t as bold as their final designs.
