[REVIEW] Transformers One

[REVIEW] Transformers One

Transformers One, the animated prequel, is receiving rave reviews as the best Transformers movie in decades. Critics praise its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and the doomed friendship between Optimus Prime and Megatron. A must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.
Transformers One, the animated prequel to the iconic franchise, is being hailed as the best Transformers movie since the 1986 original. With a 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics are raving about the film's stunning visuals, strong vocal performances, and a surprisingly thoughtful story that explores the doomed friendship between Optimus Prime and Megatron.
"Transformers One instantly transported me back to my Saturday morning cartoon days," says Ashley Menzel of With Ashley & Co. "Gone are the overly complicated narratives, and the gritty, photorealistic looking robots of the live-action films... Instead we get a return to form for our robots: humanoid features, silly antics, and storylines that are simply yet impactful."
The film, directed by Josh Cooley, follows Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), two best friends on the planet Cybertron before the days of the Autobots and Decepticons. As they navigate the challenges of their society, their bond is tested, leading to the rise of Optimus Prime and Megatron as sworn enemies.

"Hemsworth and Henry lead the way, exuding sincerity and genuine admiration between the two besties," Menzel notes. "Henry layers his performance with just the right amount of goodnatured teasing and likability that you almost forget who he eventually becomes, until it happens. Then he turns on the sinister in an ever-increasing amount of bite to his words."

The film's stunning 3D-style computer animation is a highlight for many critics. "The gorgeous 3D-style computer animation is a wonder to behold throughout, from the character designs (these seem the most expressive Transformers yet) to the richly detailed environments of Cybertron," writes Angie Han for The Hollywood Reporter.

Key Differences in Origin Stories

  • Character Backgrounds: In Transformers One, Megatron's origin is altered from his traditional portrayal as a gladiator to a miner who works alongside Optimus Prime, who is known as Orion Pax in this early stage of their lives. This change simplifies their backstories for the film's runtime of 90 minutes, focusing on their friendship and shared experiences as miners rather than their eventual roles as leaders of opposing factions.
  • Setting and Themes: The film aims to depict a version of Cybertron that emphasizes its earlier, more peaceful state, contrasting with previous portrayals of the planet in chaos or decline. This setting is integral to exploring the characters' initial camaraderie and the societal inequalities that lead to their eventual conflict.
  • Narrative Structure: The film draws inspiration from the Aligned continuity, which integrates various elements from the Transformers lore to create a cohesive narrative. This continuity has established a standard origin story for the characters, where they start as friends working towards equality but ultimately diverge in their methods, igniting the Great War

Similarities to the Movie Story

Despite these changes, Transformers One retains core elements from the broader Transformers mythology. The film acknowledges the complex relationship between Optimus and Megatron, highlighting their transition from allies to enemies, a theme that resonates across many adaptations of the franchise. The film's narrative aligns with the notion that there is no singular "true" origin story for these characters; instead, it offers a new interpretation that fits within the expansive multiverse of Transformers lore.

While some reviewers feel the film's pacing is uneven at times, cramming too much worldbuilding and lore into a single movie, most agree that Transformers One sets the stage for potentially superior sequels. "For now, however, 'Transformers One' is commendable but not exceptional, featuring a captivating character arc at its heart while devoting excessive time to nods at toy roots and why Starscream's voice has always been grating, rather than delivering exhilarating action scenes or truly innovative visuals," writes Kotaku's Ash Parrish. "Yet, this is merely the beginning."

Overall, Transformers One seems to be a triumph for the franchise, offering a fresh take on a beloved story while staying true to the spirit of the original. As Rafael Motamayor of Slashfilm puts it, "Consider this a franchise revitalized."

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About the Writer

Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.
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