“Transformers One” is the perfect origin story and change of pace for the Michael Bay Transformers films.
Since "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," the Transformers franchise has struggled to keep a linear story while delivering quality action sequences. Installments like “Transformers: The Last Knight” and “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” have been underwhelming, especially after the first three films were so creative and nostalgic.
Safe to say I wasn’t really looking forward to or expecting another Transformers movie, but “Transformers One” was surprisingly unique, original and funny, while handling complex themes like the difficulties of dealing with power.
“Transformers One” is an origin story taking place on the planet Cybertron, the homeworld of the Transformers. Though they are sworn enemies in the Michael Bay movies, we see the early friendship between Optimus Prime and Megatron who mine for energon after the Matrix of Leadership was lost in battle, which gives life to Cybertron and is possessed by the leader of Cybertron.
The main story follows Optimus Prime and Megatron, who were then known as Orion Pax and D-16 respectively, as they search for the Matrix of Leadership and discover a hidden secret among their home world. “Transformers One” has a simple yet entertaining plotline: venture out and find an artifact that will restore life to Cybertron.
The third act is by far the best and most entertaining sequence of this movie. Everything unfolds so quickly, and we see Optimus Prime in true Optimus Prime form: taking down everybody around him with style and confidence.
“Transformers One” is directed by Josh Cooley, who is no stranger to animated films. He directed Pixar’s “Inside Out” and “Toy Story 4,” bringing the same amount of creativity and humor to “Transformers One” while keeping the story moving.
Compared to the chaotic nature of Michael Bay’s Transformers, this movie doesn’t take itself too seriously and has a very easy storyline to follow.
One of the strongest parts of this movie is the way it focuses on the relationship between Orion Pax and D-16. You feel a sense of sorrow and heartbreak as the story unfolds, and I couldn’t help but feel choked up at some parts toward the end. We spend a majority of the movie getting close with these characters, which makes the ending that much more tragic.
Near the end of this movie, we see two ways of thinking about what to do with the power Orion Pax and D-16 eventually get—compassion vs. domination. Optimus Prime stands for sympathy and autonomy, as the name “autobots” suggests, while Megatron wants total control and desires power for its own sake.
In essence, the movie explores how to deal with enormous amounts of power and the choices made when given that power.
This movie made some interesting but effective casting choices. It took a bit of getting used to hearing Chris Hemsworth’s voice for Optimus Prime, but by the end he did a great job. Other notable names include Brian Tyree Henry as D-16, Scarlett Johansson as Elita-1, a female transformer who joins Orion Pax and D-16 on their journey and Keegan-Michael Key as B-127, or Bumblebee.
I absolutely loved Keegan-Michael Key in his role. He voiced Bumblebee so well and he was hilarious. There were some standout moments from him especially and it’s very believable that this is the same character we see in the Michael Bay movies. I laughed anytime he referred to himself as “badassatron,” trying to make the nickname stick, although it never did.
I have to admit I started rewatching all the Transformers movies, and the nostalgia is starting to hit. I really liked some of the callbacks to the Bay films, like introductions to Decepticons Soundwave and Shockwave and also showing how Starscream got his unique voice. I loved this movie, and I am hoping it will get even better on rewatch.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
“Transformers One” is now playing in theaters.
