Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Released 9-20-2024
Watched 11-02-2024
Reviewed 11-04-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"Hi there, I'm B-127. I'm actually working on some really cool nicknames and the one I'm floating with right now is Badass-atron, which is actually pronounced..."
“Transformers One” finally takes audiences back to the beginning, unraveling the origin story of the beloved Autobots and Decepticons on their home planet of Cybertron. Directed by Josh Cooley, this animated prequel to the live-action films reveals the youthful days of Optimus Prime and Megatron, giving us a fresh take on their friendship-turned-rivalry and showing how Cybertron’s peace gradually deteriorates into all-out war. The film delivers a fun introduction for newcomers and serves as a nostalgic revisit for longtime fans, yet it ultimately feels like a decent one-time watch rather than a standout addition to the franchise.
One of the film’s strengths is its nostalgic value. It’s exciting to see Optimus Prime (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) in his early days, just beginning to realize his destiny as a leader, and Megatron (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry) before his descent into villainy. The storyline taps into the essence of friendship, loyalty, and the clash of ideologies, which resonates beyond the Transformers universe. The voice acting, particularly Hemsworth and Henry’s performances, infuses the characters with depth and relatability, giving these iconic robots an added layer of humanity.
Visually, the animation is sharp and vibrant, successfully bringing the metallic world of Cybertron to life with intense battle sequences and stunning landscapes. Each Transformer is distinctively animated, making it easy for fans to recognize familiar faces like Bumblebee and Starscream. The pacing is generally smooth, though some scenes drag a bit, which affects the tension leading to the climactic battle.
Where “Transformers One” falls short is in delivering something truly unique. For those unfamiliar with the Transformers origin story, it provides a good introductory look, but for seasoned fans, the storyline is a predictable rehash of themes seen in other franchise installments. The emotional stakes don’t feel as high as in other Transformers films, and the script often feels formulaic, sticking to familiar tropes without daring to explore uncharted territory. The film’s lighter tone may appeal to younger audiences, but older fans might find it lacking in depth.
Overall, “Transformers One” is an enjoyable, family-friendly watch with a strong visual appeal and solid voice work. It’s a fun dive into the Transformers origin story that brings some of Cybertron’s history to life. However, it lacks the special spark to make it an essential entry in the franchise. Fans of the Transformers universe will find it worth a watch, but it’s not likely to leave a lasting impression.
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