Transformers One (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – The untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.

My Take – Ever since the Michael Bay directed live-action Transformers released theatrically back in 2007, the franchise centered on warrior robots battling for dominance on Earth along with their human compatriots has been a global phenomenon. Motivating Hasbro, on whose groundbreaking line of transforming toys the series is based on, to churn out five more sequels with more amounts of mayhem and Bay-ism. That is until dismissing returns finally set in with The Last Knight (2017).

But though the studio’s approach to reboot the series with a more-lighter approach saw Bumblebee (2018) and Rise of the Beasts (2023) receive better critical results, those glorious financial results had long gone.

Allowing the pursuit of another avenue: an animated prequel story exploring the deep friendship and eventual rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron, bringing a fresh and emotional depth to the Transformers saga. Something which also incidentally marks the franchise’s first theatrical animated feature since the infamous bomb turned eventual cult film, Transformers: The Film (1986).

Surprisingly, despite the rather simplistic trailers, this final film is not only a great Transformers flick but a great film in general. Helmed by Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4), who directs from a screenplay by Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, and Eric Pearson, the film is simply good storytelling at display.

Delivering previously unseen complexity that is inspiring, and even heartbreaking at times, solid action, and gorgeous animation that longtime fans will appreciate while being a nice entry point for those who are newer to the world of Transformers. Once again, rejuvenating excitement for the franchise.

Most importantly, it manages to integrate the iconic moments of the past with some various Easter eggs that referenced the live action films and even the various animated series, making it a treat for loyal fans.

Set on the planet of Cybertron, long before the Transformers bots escaped their dying planet for Earth, the story follows Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth), a worker bot, who along with his best friend, D-16, (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry), are assigned to the Energon mines deep within the planet, to extract Energon, the fuel that keeps the planet going.

Despite his lowly status, Orion is set on finding the Matrix of Leadership, which carries the power of Cybertron creator Primus, which was stolen during a long-ago war with the ruthless alien race, Quintessons.

And when he comes across new information regarding the location of the talisman, along with D-16 and fellow workers Elita-1 (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) and B-127 (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key), Orion travels to the forbidden surface of Cybertron and discovers a breathtaking landscape – as well as a shocking conspiracy that extends into the highest levels of Transformer life.

Here, director Josh Cooley delivers a fabulous job in extending the world of transformers into animation with a prequel to the story. The background score maintains the theme of transformers keeping viewers connected throughout.

There was so much that the film explores when it comes to the Transformers universe, from the political system of Cybertron, a brief history of the primes, and the origins of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron, which makes it completely different from the live action films which focused more on the interactions between humans and Transformers. It even does an excellent balancing act between nostalgic and new storytelling, showing the emotionally charged relationship that’s between Optimus and Megatron.

The former is energetic, hopeful about finding the Matrix of Leadership, and confident that it’ll change his life. While Orion is unbothered about breaking the rules, D-16 is more hesitant about stepping out of line. He’s not as hopeful as his friend, resigned to making the most of his life as a miner. The film is heavier on character dynamics and emotional depth, skimping on heavy action sequences, unlike its predecessors.

Visually, the film is sleek and shiny with lovely animation, bringing back lots of the original ideas from G1 but modernizing the designs. The Transformers’ home planet of Cybertron has only been glimpsed in snippets in the previous films and the grandeur is a wonder to behold. It’s richly colorful and gorgeously lit, with beautiful landscapes, while also giving the audiences a sense of metals and mechanics, as if Transformers designed it.

Voice performance wise, Brian Tyree Henry shines bright, filled with inner turmoil of a hero now villainous Megatron. While Chris Hemsworth brings grace with the young Orion Pax, the future Optimus Prime. Hemsworth steps into the role of Orion Pax with a natural ease. He had some big shoes to fill and he really honors Peter Cullen’s previous work. Scarlett Johansson‘s sultry voice is fabulous as always. Jon Hamm seems to be having an especially great time as Sentinel Prime.

Keegan-Michael Key is bubbly and bursting with energy as the lovable B-127, aka Bumblebee, and the rest of the supporting cast like Laurence Fishburne and Steve Buscemi leave a good impression, even if some of them have limited screen time. On the whole, ‘Transformers One’ is an intriguing and thrilling addition to the franchise that will impress both fans and casual viewers alike.