Transformers is considered one of the most iconic series, from having TV shows and toys since 1984, to the movies directed by Michael Bay, many people have experienced the glory of the Transformers series. In this movie, a newer generation is dipping their toes into this franchise. Not only does it tell how the Autobots and Decepticons come to be, but it also expands on the characters themselves.
Transformers started as a set of toys from Japan, originating from a company named Diaclone, which Hasbro soon used toys and licensed under their company. Hasbro also explored new ideas in this film, like adding backstories to the characters and giving them deeper identities of who they are. The movie builds off what characters Hasbro already defined, reinstating who they are and what they fight for.
The story follows how Optimus Prime, Megatron, and the other Autobots & Decepticons came to be. Instead of seeing these robots interact with humans on Earth and engage in battles, audiences see through the eyes of the previous identities of Optimus and Megatron: Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry). Instead of legendary warriors, they were miners, searching for a source called Energon due to their leaders, the Primes, losing a special artifact called “The Matrix of Leadership.” To make up for it, miners like D-16 and Pax have to scavenge their planet to find what’s left. Not only does this plot stay true to the original backstory created by Hasbro, but it also finds a way to humanize these robots.
It’s nice to have a movie that is literally the definition of an “epic adventure.” Its plot may be simple, but it still has good story beats, like the character’s idealism, the greatly animated fight scenes, and the family-friendly comedy. In comparison to the previous Transformers films, it’s interesting to see the friendship of Orion Pax and D-16 before they inevitably become enemies. They incorporated the characters’ ideologies into the movie nicely, like seeing D-16 slowly change from having morals to a tyrant’s mindset.
The story has the characters go from Iacon City to the surface of Cybertron, traversing the planet to locate the aforementioned Matrix of Leadership to help the robots, which results in them finding out secrets that lead to the fall of D-16’s ideology, which would soon spark the rise of Megatron. This journey is a great representation of Orion’s and D-16’s relationship, seeing how they interact with each other, how they support each other when danger is in their faces, and when they eventually break off into bitter enemies fighting for what they believe in.
The animation and music within this motion picture helps complement the story. The score, performed by Brian Tyler, shows emotion throughout the story, like the greatly terrifying reveal of later betrayal. Animation from Paramount Animation provides beautiful visuals to complement the music, from the beautiful backgrounds of Lacon City, to the plentiful expressions of the protagonists, and the complex transformations of the robots. The people who worked on this film made sure to put in effort, not only to honor old fans and their appreciation for the series, but also to impress new fans.
Yet, this is still a kids’ movie, so it has to have that one annoying comedic relief character. Yet, B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key) still fits into his later identity, Bumblebee. I like how they incorporated his flaws into his fated persona. Even though he’s a chatterbox (quite literally), he still contributes to the plot, as well as being a very iconic character in the franchise.
Overall, “Transformers One ” has proven itself to be a fresh new start for this franchise. With great voice acting from the cast, stunning visuals from Paramount Animation, and a great soundtrack from Brian Tyler, this is a friendly introduction to the complex world of Transformers.
