Transformers One Review: The Best Transformers Film Since the 1986 Original

Transformers One is probably the best Transformers films since the original 1986 animated movie. There, I said it. 

Full disclosure, I am a lifelong and hardcore Generation 1 fan. Generation 1 and Generation 2 were my Transformers growing up. It took a long time to accept Beast Wars as canon, even though Simon Furman wrote most of it (I remain undecided on Beast Machines, even though the action figures were pretty cool).

Despite a lifelong fandom, this reviewer has somewhat soured on the Transformers film franchise. They were mostly underwhelming, with convoluted story lines and constant rewriting of continuity to a point where nothing made sense anymore. 

The trailers for Transformers One felt exciting as it did not come off as super serious and the dialogue clearly catered to kids and adults. On opening weekend I took all three of my kids and my nephew to see it. We all walked out of the theater feeling a sense of joy and excitement. The trailers made clear that Transformers One is the origin story of not only how Optimus Prime (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry) became leaders of their respective factions, but how they each found their path through similar experiences but yet with vastly different points of view. One who felt a sense of betrayal; the other pursuing an approach which inspired unity in numbers.

Transformers are not just robots, but sentient beings with thoughts and feelings. The inclusion of the 13 Primes as well as the Quintessons, along with Megatron and Optimus in Lower Class positions, far removed of anything resembling leadership, remained true to the origin story established primarily by Simon Furman in comic book continuity. The one major difference is that Orion Pax was a data clerk or archivist in the comics but the movie has him sharing the same status as D-16, Megatron.

Our main characters, which include a familiar yellow robot named B-127 (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key) and Elita-1 (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), who find themselves pulled into a quest to uncover the mystery of the lost Matrix of Leadership. This leads to discovering corruption in government, and to the revelation of a heinous lie. For a movie which was less than two hours long, they certainly managed to have a seamless flow of progression in which one event served as a catalyst for the next. Additional subplots such as a story about transformation cogs, the sacrifice of ancient leaders, and a thrilling race akin to the podracing scene in Star Wars: A Phantom Menace were strategically placed throughout the film and added to the exciting story. nothing felt forced or shoe-horned in just to make a point. 

The scenes where our characters become aware of the ability of transformation is so cool to see. Yes, there’s a lot of comedy to it but when it all comes together it’s a thrilling moment for everyone. 

The development in personality and behavior between all characters was extremely well done. Watching the naive Cybertronians become thinkers, warriors, and defenders showed true character development from beginning to end.The final 15 to 20 minutes of the movie was so intensely thrilling, The kids may not have grasped the end result, but because the entire film had dialogue and interactions which explained every action and resulting reaction it seemed as though nothing went over their heads and was all completely understood. 

The little Easter eggs and seeing so many familiar character faces, it definitely spoke to me as both a childhood fan and as a parent sharing with my kids. 

The writing was spectacular and all the voice casting was spot on. Steve Buscemi as Starscream had to have been my favorite. It was surprising to hear how well Chris Hemsworth was as Optimus Prime. It’s okay folks, even diehard fans can allow Peter Cullen to take a break once in a while.

If rumors of a second movie being in the works is true and the team behind this film are returning — count me and my kids in for it. 

Transformers One is now playing in theaters nationwide.