A big fan of “Transformers.” Our JP gives his take on ‘Transformers One,’ the latest animated version featuring the voices of Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, and Scarlett Johansson.
Transformers One
(Paramount Pictures)
- Directed by Josh Cooley
- Screenplay by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari
- Story by Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari
- Based on Hasbro’s Transformers action figures
- Produced by Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, Aaron Dem
- Starring Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Hamm
Studio Synopsis:
TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. In the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie, TRANSFORMERS ONE features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.
JP’s Take:
If you’re part of a generation of people that were kids in the 80s, chances are the “Transformers” were part of your cartoon viewing experience. It’s one of my favorite cartoon / animated series; I even own the anniversary edition on DVD. So when a trailer popped up for “Transformers One,” it piqued interest to a certain degree, as it felt like just another childish iteration made to appeal to the newbie kiddie population. I’ve become unimpressed with the many rehashing of animated series and side stories that I just couldn’t bear to watch another outing. Yet again, the fanboy in me needed to give “Transformers One” a chance, mainly because this is an origin story of origins stories.
This is a prequel that delves further into the once friendship backstory of when Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth), before his enlightened transformation into Optimus Prime, and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry) before he becomes Prime’s ultimate nemesis Megatron. Yes, you heard me right — Megatron and Optimus Prime were best buddies, much like “Star Wars'” Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anikan Skywalker or “X-Men’s” Professor X and Magento. Furthermore, you can expect the story to play out much in the same way as the mentioned mythos.
What “Transformers One” does best is allow new viewers a clear viewpoint into Megatron’s descent into authoritarianism and Optimus Prime’s fight for truth and justice. We also learn of the individual bots’ plight and what drives them to choose sides, as viewers we witness the fracture of groups into the factions that will eventually become Autobots and Decepticons.
As an animated feature, it aims at the youngsters who have unearthed the original series. The plot leans heavily into social-political discord between D-16 and Orion Pax, after discovering the suspected dealings of their beloved leader Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm).
This is a fresh and energetic in-depth spin on the “robots in disguise,” and is far more comprehensive to watch story-wise and action-wise. You’re not cross-eyed by the entanglement of mechanical bodies bashing and wrestling about in battles. As the brooding circumstances between Orion and D escalate, the story’s pace quickens, yet not to the point where you lose track of what’s happening. You clearly understand the distinction between mindsets and points of view of the two sides. I was elated to see they’ve integrated the story of the thirteen Primes in a contemplative way.
The animators have done an excellent job constructing and choreographing battle scenes that won’t leave you dizzy and confused, which, in all honesty, is more watchable than the live-action movie series. And funny enough, this animated feature just so happens to be jointly produced by Mr. “Bayhem” himself, Michael Bay, the director of the first five films in the “Transformers” film series.
The star-studded cast who lent their voices to these Transforming machines gave spirited performances, which enlivened the experiences for me even more.
- Chris Hemsworth as Orion Pax felt mischievous, yet his gradual rise to the valiant Optimus is notable.
- Brian Tyree Henry plays the laidback and astute D-16, yet he can turn on a menacing Megatron with ease.
- Scarlett Johansson slips easily into Elita-1, a female miner and eventual Autobot, with toughness and a steady-handed approach to being a natural-born leader.
- I didn’t have Steve Buscemi in mind for the voice of Starscream, yet he brings a unique style to voicing the leader of the Cybertronian High Guard. Here Starscream feels less of a pest and more of a battle-weathered nuisance.
- Keegan Michael-Key lends his voice to Bumblebee with glee and zany fun.
- Laurence Fishburne brings a commanding and steadfast voice to the wise Alpha Trion, one of the oldest living Transformers.
- John Hamm is a convincing leader type as Sentinel Prime, yet underneath he’s a showboat and a con.
- Isaac C. Singleton brings a brooding vocal tone to Darkwing, a Cybertronian dockworker.
If it were not for the vivid revision of the true past of Megatron and Optimus Prime and how Cybertron became a battlefield, I would have left this version of Transformers in my “I’ll get around to it” file.
“Transformers One” carves out a good bit of humor, with mild harsh language for grit and nicely paced action and story pieces, making it an essential piece of lore, to a franchise that’s showing some wear. Glad I didn’t miss out.
Official Site: TRANSFORMERS ONE
