’Transformers One’ Review: A Much-Needed AllSpark for the Franchise
Roll out the red carpet for the Transformers franchise’s best film.
The Transformers franchise has had a rich history since its introduction as a toy line in 1984. Soon after, it became a multimedia franchise encompassing books, comics, video games, animated projects, and live-action movies. The first film, The Transformers: The Movie (1986), underperformed at the box office with only $5.8 million, but has gained a cult following since. For better or worse, Michael Bay‘s Transformers (2007), drew in a large number of new fans for the franchise. While praised for the explosive action and impressive visual effects, the sequels under Bay’s watch strayed too far from the lore hardcore fans knew so well.
While Bumblebee (2018) and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) effectively embraced the franchise’s origins while still appealing to the live-action crowd, audiences felt the fatigue and grew less interested. But Josh Cooley‘s Transformers One is unexpectedly the jolt that fans have been waiting for. The film tells a touching friendship story between the leading franchise characters, Optimus Prime and Megatron, as viewers witness how they were practically brothers before becoming sworn enemies. With this, the hardcore action, and stellar performances, Transformers One is the best film of the franchise.
There’s More Than Meets the Eye to These Characters
After voicing the iconic character of Optimus Prime in every Transformers film, Peter Cullen hands the reins over to Chris Hemsworth in this prequel story. While the voice is distinct enough from Thor, it takes a while to buy into Hemsworth as the eventual leader of the Autobots. Similarly, Scarlett Johansson‘s Elita simply sounds exactly like Johansson. Brian Tyree Henry on the other hand gives the best performance as his demeanour devolves from righteous to downright villainous.
Prequel stories can feel unnecessary because fans often know where the characters will end up, but Transformers One does a great job of making the audience root for the brotherhood between Optimus and Megatron. When the eventual rift starts to form, it’s heartbreaking to see that bond deteriorate.
As to be expected in every one of his appearances, B-127/Bumblebee (Keegan-Michael Key) is a scene-stealer in this film. After being limited to communicating through radio channels in the more recent incarnations, Bumblebee firing off witty lines and speaking like a fan of the Transformers will popularize the character once again.
‘Transformers One’ Rolls Out Epic Action Scenes
Transformers One skillfully uses the animated medium and does not hold back with delivering brutal fight sequences. The action is so intense that it would earn an R-rating if it were released in live-action. It’s interesting to think that Cooley transitioned from directing Toy Story 4 to Transformers One. The only similarities between the two are the mature emotionality and heart of the films, but they could not be more different when it comes to the action scenes.
While the animation is not as smooth as the Spider-Verse films, the fights feel like a mix of Saturday morning cartoons and a child’s imagination when playing with the toys (in all the best ways). Transformers One doesn’t shy away from embracing the long-running history of the franchise and expands on it. Screenwriters Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, and Eric Pearson succeed at condensing the history surrounding Cybertron and its inhabitants while leaving the door open to further storylines.
‘Transformers One’ Is a Love Letter to the Source Material
If you’re someone who has fallen off with Transformers (or never got into the franchise), Transformers One will hook you right in. It exceeds all expectations when it comes to its story and action. This is one of, if not the biggest surprise to come from the 2024 film slate.
None of my previous theater experiences with Transformers films came close to how the audience reacted throughout One. It’s a wonderful blend of heart, laughs, and applause-worthy moments. Between this and the upcoming G.I. Joe and Transformers crossover film, the future of the franchise has never shined brighter.
Transformers One blasts into theaters on September 20. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.
Written by
Ryan Cortero
Social media guru, senior writer, and working towards editor. I'm a Filipino born and raised in the city where 'The Boys' is filmed. I'm passionate for all types of movies and shows, especially reality TV, superhero content, and indie dramas. Since the pandemic, I've started working my way through the world of anime, but I've always been a fan of DBZ and Pokémon. I love talking about pop culture to anyone willing and interested (almost to an annoying level). If someone brings up a movie or show as small talk, I can give a whole monologue behind it. Same can be said if the topic is on the Disney Parks. Currently visited 4 out of the 6 international Disney resorts, with Tokyo Disneyland/Disney Sea being my personal favourite. I graduated from Carleton University with a postbaccalaureate in Film Studies. Even though it was a tough process going back to school post-pandemic, I encourage those who have the means to pursue your passions to do so. You don't want to regret that decision when it's too late.
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