‘Transformers One’ Review: An Exciting Origin Story That Honors Franchise Roots

To keep it real, Transformers has been in a weird place as of late. With Transformers: Rise of the Beasts setting up the unlikely team-up with the G.I. Joe universe, many fans have been wondering where else the franchise could go. So, when the news of the Chris Hemsworth-led Transformers One slowly came out, there were some doubts that it could work in Paramount’s favor. Fortunately for fans, this animated buddy action-adventure flick not only pays its dues to Transformers‘s original incarnations, but also confidently plays with its origin story.

Being a prequel to the long-raging conflict between the Autobots and the Decepticons, Transformers One really gets into some uncharted waters. This film sees how the iconic rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron developed, yet inserts and twists franchise elements that make it stand out. Whether it be making the Quintessons a mighty threat or gathering Starscream’s “old guard” army, Transformers One heightens the stakes by utilizing each element meticulously.

Every character in Transformers One is really brought out by a cast that puts so much charisma into their performance. Chris Hemsworth may initially be the cocky, alpha-type personality as pre-leader Optimus Prime. However, as his journey with Megatron and friends gets more complicated, it seems as if Hemsworth truly begins to channel his inner Peter Cullen. Sure, Hemsworth might not be on the same level as Cullen, who’s made the character undeniably unforgettable. Yet, in that huge final fight, he’s able to give Optimus Prime this unique roughness that enhances his take.

Pairing Hemsworth’s Optimus Prime with Brian Tyree Henry‘s Megatron was the best decision for Transformers One. Their brotherly dynamic in the first act does a great job delivering on the humor before Bumblebee takes over. Unlike Optimus Prime, Megatron fulfilling the cautiously caring personality personally made me want to stick with him. He’s just looking out for the best of himself and his friends, but it’s never taken to that high extreme. When Transformers One hits that turning point, Henry delivers an absolutely devastating performance as Megatron’s rage truly begins to show.

Scarlett Johansson‘s Elita and Keegan-Michael Key‘s Bumblebee simply play off Hemsworth and Henry in their own little fun ways. Elita is more of the wrangling, sarcastic, “know-it-all” of the group, yet her humor feels completely natural in any situation. This is especially so when they travel topside: Elita’s off-handed jokes might soar by quick, but they hilariously stick if you catch them. As for Bumblebee, Key gives a naively chaotic take that never feels too forced in the moment. The trailers definitely played up Bumblebee’s “badassatron”-ness a bit much as this only occurs in serious scenes to lighten things.

The animation, as always, is visually stunning and carries through each scene with this colorful vibrancy. There’s this drastic visual distinction between Cybertron’s inner cities and barren topside that really gives each environment its own life. However, Transformers One‘s visuals truly shine in those large-scale action sequences, each of which are amazing. Besides the epic grand finale, there’s a previous battle between Optimus Prime and his friends where it’s incredibly despairing. Yet, it’s paced in a way that feels so energetic and lively with each blast and blow never feeling stilted. This is likely due to the inspiration taken from the 1980s animated series. Nonetheless, Industrial Light & Magic’s collaboration with director Josh Cooley on this film will never cease to amaze me.

As for the narrative itself, it’s clear that Cooley respects the Transformers franchise to a high degree. Sure, you could see some of its twists miles away or recognize the elements of a MacGuffin story with the “Matrix of Leadership”, Transformers One‘s item of intrigue.

However, it’s Cooley’s presentation of those steps that makes the journey memorable. Optimus Prime and Megatron’s gradual transformations are concisely paced in a way that, while quick at times, feels really impactful. Throughout Transformers One, there are specific moments where overarching events are really influencing the two to change. By the midway point, the inner confliction between Optimus Prime and Megatron really shows out in a way that’s emotionally charged. Its serious undertones later in the film shows that Cooley cares for both new and old fans. Centering the film’s emotional core around these two iconic characters and their shared change really hammers in how mature such an appealing franchise can be.

Transformers One is an exciting, unforgettable story that honors the franchise’s original roots while resonating with fans on a universal level. From its amazing visual designs to its heartfelt story, Transformers One proves that this entire franchise can have new life. Though it’s a long shot to consider it a Best Animated Film contender, Cooley and company have shown what a mature Transformers film could be. It’s definitely going to get you rolling out to theaters to see it again!

Transformers One releases in theaters on September 20.