As fans already understand, Transformers are not robots or mecha suits. They are sentient metallic beings. However, at this point in Cybertron\u2019s history, most Autobots are unable to transform, because they mysterious lack transformation cogs. Instead, the majority toil in Cybertron\u2019s mines, laboring to supply energy after the ominous disappearance of Cybertron\u2019s ancient power source. However, our slightly na\u00efve hero, Orion Pax, has big ideas about discovering the lost power source and the fate of the revered warrior \u201cPrimes\u201d who went missing-in-action while searching for it.<\/p>\r\n
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In contrast, his buddy D-16 simply wants to keep his head down and fill his quota. Their workaholic team-leader, Elita-1 prefers they exceed their quotas. Awkwardly, Pax\u2019s rule-breaking gets all three into trouble. However, while demoted to menial labor assignments in Cyberton\u2019s subterranean levels, they discover a clue to the missing Primes\u2019 destination amid the scrap-metal sorted by the eccentric and poorly socialized B-127, who is obviously destined to become fan-favorite Bumblebee (you cannot miss his signature color scheme).<\/p>\r\n![\"Transformer](\"https:\/\/cinemadailyus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Transformer-One2.png\")
Photo by Courtesy of Paramount Pictures – \u00a9\u00a02024 Paramount Animation
Unfortunately, instead of the power source, they discover evidence of high corruption, even implicating Cybertron\u2019s presumed protector, Sentinel Prime. Of course, the audience already suspects his duplicity, even if they do not know the character\u2019s checkered history in the franchise, thanks to Jon Hamm\u2019s smarmy-sounding voice. During the ensuing fight to liberate Cybertron, the bonds between Orion Pax and D-16 fray, leading them to vastly different fates. (It is no secret the former friends evolve into the iconic hero Optimus Prime and his nemesis, Megatron. The question is how they get there.)
The screenplay, credited to Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, and Gabriel Ferrari, shows surprisingly archetypal dimensions, building towards a rousing battle for freedom against an oppressive regime. Yet, it also reflects a traditional Edmund Burke-like skepticism regarding revolutionary violence. Indeed, like the Jacobins, D-16 and his followers threaten to plunge Cybertron into a comparable \u201creign of terror.\u201d
Although the animation of Transformers One<\/strong> is entirely computer-generated, it was directly inspired by the original 1986 animated series. Cooley and the animators stage super-charged action sequences, but visually, they are clearly delineated and easy to follow. They also invest each character with a great deal of personality, while harkening back to their action figure roots.<\/p>\r\n
Fans should also appreciate Chris Hemsworth<\/a>\u2019s work with Peter Cullen, the voice-over artist who portrayed Optimus Prime since the original series, to develop a consistency of tone for the heroic Transformer. However, Steve Buscemi sounds perfectly in character and still very much himself when giving voice to prickly Starscream, the leader of a band of rebel Autobot outcasts.
Similarly, Keegan-Michael Key fully captures B-127\u2019s nebbish charm, while rattling out his manic, mile-a-minute dialogue. Scarlet Johansson\u2019s<\/a> frosty tones aptly suit Elita-1, tartly delivering some of the film\u2019s best one-liners. However, as D-16, Brian Tyree Henry might have the greatest success vocally personifying his character.<\/p>\r\n![\"Transformer](\"https:\/\/cinemadailyus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Transfromer-One2.png\")
Photo by Courtesy of Paramount Pictures – \u00a9\u00a02024 Paramount Animation
In fact, the whole film shows a healthy understanding of what fans still love about the original franchise. Slyly, the dialogue deliberately references the franchise\u2019s enduring marketing slogan and Stan Bush\u2019s song for the 1986 animated movie (which Dirk Diggler infamously covered in Boogie Nights<\/strong>). Elita-1 also uses the name of one of the toys\u2019 knock-off competitors in a suitably derogatory manner.
Frankly, even casual viewers can pick up on the filmmakers\u2019 respect for the franchise faithful and the resulting good vibes. In fact, Transformers One<\/strong> will likely inspire a surge of new fandom. Frustratingly, the 1986 animated feature is not currently available on a major streamer, but the live-action films produced by Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg (who also co-produced Transformers One<\/strong>) are available on Paramount+.
As a prequel, Transformers One<\/strong> necessarily stands alone, but in this case, it works equally well inside and outside the pre-existing fandom. Viewers should keep in mind there is a post-credits stinger that directly ties back to the \u201cGeneration 1\u201d series.
Arguably, this constitutes the best Transformers<\/strong> film yet, animated or live-action. The dynamic animation and the ultra-kinetic battle scenes are cleanly executed. Plus, the nostalgic hat-tips create goodwill without distracting or confusing new-comers. Highly recommended for its themes of freedom and optimism, as well as the colorful animation, Transformers One<\/strong> opens this Friday (9\/20) in theaters.
Grade: A<\/p>\r\n