Transformers One Brings New Life In An Electrifying Beginning
Transformers One is exactly what the title suggests: the origin story of those iconic alien robots that morph into vehicles. We dive into the tale of two enemies we know well — Optimus Prime and Megatron — who, shockingly, began as best friends. In this vibrant, electric world, we’re taken on an emotionally driven journey. Starting from the beginning turns out to be a brilliant strategy for this film. It’s a story steeped in history, but the appeal doesn’t stop there. The film bends to the will of its audience, almost rewriting what we know about the Transformers universe.
We’re thrust straight into Cybertron with Orion Pax accessing the archives of their universe's creation. This immediately sets the tone. The focus here is on the courage of our protagonist and the story that drives him. Pax is being chased through the city until his best pal D-16 uses a clever distraction to help him escape. Their friendship is at the core of this tale. Pax, wild and full of heart, craves purpose and longs to be part of something greater than himself, meanwhile D-16 is his opposite, steady in the storm, aiming to be a good worker and loyal to their supposed savior Sentinel Prime. Sentinel claims to be the leader destined to restore Cybertron’s power by finding the Matrix of Leadership, but he’s a false god — and it’s not hard to see. Jon Hamm voices Sentinel with flair, making him cocky, arrogant, and the kind of sassy villain we expect in a good kids film.
Sentinel's betrayal sets Pax and D-16 on a mission to free Cybertron from his deception. This is where the story really heats up. It’s fast, shockingly funny, and the plot starts to unfurl before us. As the two characters gain the ability to transform, it alters their identities, both literally and figuratively. For Pax, it brings out his natural leadership qualities, along with his heart and dedication. For D-16, his transformation unleashes all the pent-up anger that turns him into a force to be reckoned with. Once they learn the truth, his hatred for Sentinel drives his every move.
Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry are really the driving force here. From beginning to end, I was fully immersed in their budding friendship. It’s bursting with energy and the dialogue stays engaging and surprising. There’s always that fear with big names in animation that their voices might overshadow the characters, but Hemsworth and Henry bring serious dedication. They’re in full control of their roles and their friendship feels authentic, making the inevitable fallout all the more powerful.
There’s no way you can miss Scarlett Johansson as Elita and Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee — they tag along for the ride and bring so much life to their characters. This squad isn’t exactly who you’d expect to take on a major powerhouse like Sentinel Prime, but they slip right into their roles and their constant banter feels effortless. Johansson’s Elita is a total boss. She’s feminine in every way, with a natural charm. And Key as the young blabbermouth Bumblebee? He’s a burst of energy that lights up every scene.
Gabriel Ferrari, Eric Pearson, and Andrew Barrer, the three writers behind this story, found a way to work seamlessly together. You hear "three writers" and think it could be a disaster, especially given Transformers’ recent track record, but their dialogue is sharp and the plot is layered. Even though it’s a movie aimed at kids, it touches on deeper themes like the effects of change, the complexities of friendship, and the battle between good and evil, relying on solid storytelling to carry it through.
Transformers One gives the franchise a project its audience can truly rally behind. It’s fun, visually exciting, perfectly cast, and undeniably compelling. Most importantly, the story is rich and satisfying.
Transformers One is out now in theaters.
