And now, let’s discuss another origin story that involves some people’s favorite robot friends. Presenting to you all the origin of the Transformers in the form of the one, and only Transformers One!
Plot: When two Autobots by the name of Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth), and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry) leave their underground mining world to explore the surface of their planet home, Cybertron, they, along with their friends Elita (Scarlett Johansson), and B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key) discover some shocking secrets that could hurt the underground mining community. Now, it is up to the four of them to save their world from harm once, and for all.
Well, first of all, it was definitely nice to see this film fully animated after some of the more recent Transformers films had been mostly live-action, with the Transformers characters themselves being CGI. The world building was also very good. I mean the undermining world was very good, and even what we got to see of the surface world of Cybertron was very cool. It was also very creative to even see some animals take on a robot form as well. In addition to all of this, Paramount, and Hasbro did phenomenal with the animation for this film. In addition to all of this, how could you not appreciate how this film’s attempt to appeal to an older audience, while also trying to make it appeal to kids at the same time? The characters are also very likable, most notably our main ones Orion Pax, D-16, Elita, and B-127. Alpha Trion, who was voiced by Laurence Fishburne, was also a really good older, and wiser Transformer. Oh, and did I forget to mention that Orion Pax, and D-16 have great chemistry in their friendship? How about that? In addition to all of this, the villain, or villains, though somewhat cliche, also had some really great character development as well. Brian Tyler also had a great score that composed of a nostalgic 80s vibe, potentially mixed in with the kind that you would hear as of nowadays. As for the storyline itself, it almost felt like a film such as DreamWorks’s Antz, but with a better developed story. This film is also very funny at times. It knows when to have the comedy, and when to be more serious. Finally, as far as positives go, there are some really great lessons to take away from this film.
However, there are couple downsides to Transformers One as well. One is that though the story was very well developed, did end up being a little rushed at times. In addition to this, there were some moments that could potentially be a little over the top dark, and violent for a film even aimed at a family audience, most notably when the climax occurs. What’s even more is that by the end, some people will probably find themselves ambivalent about the ending. No, it’s not a sad ending, but may feel somewhat bittersweet, and in just an okay way.
And that’s my review for Transformers One. Though it has a good story, with moments that can likely be a little too dark for kids at times, and things like that, Transformers One is very enjoyable for its other elements. The story is good, the world building is creative, and more. If you haven’t seen Transformers One yet, I would highly recommend it. Though not perfect, there’s plenty to recommend for it. So again, see it, and see what you think!
Final Grade: B+
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 