Movie Review – Transformers One
Principal Cast : Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Hamm, Vanessa Liguori, Jon Bailey, Jason Konopisos-Alvarez, Evan Michael Lee, James Remar, Isaac C Singleton Jr, Steve Blum, Jinny Chung, Josh Cooley.
Synopsis: The untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but who once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
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Holy mother of Megatron, I think Hollywood is finally starting to get it. And by Hollywood, I mean Paramount, the rights holders to the immensely popular Transformers franchise, who have, for the most part, stumbled into box office gold while delivering films many regard as absolute trash – myself included. Michael Bay’s live-action Transformers films were undeniably successful at the box office yet reviled by audiences and critics alike, and anyone who sat through 2023’s Rise of the Beasts with their intelligence intact is doing better than I. The lone bright spot in the franchise’s cinematic history has been 2018’s Bumblebee, directed by Travis Knight, which worked largely due to the warm, sincere chemistry between human star Hailee Steinfeld and her charming CG counterpart, Bumblebee.
Now, the franchise has taken a fresh new turn, returning to its animated roots in the form of Transformers One, an origin story set on Cybertron. Thankfully, this means no humans are involved, and the narrative instead focuses on the genesis of the epic rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron, leaders of the Autobots and Decepticons respectively. It’s a bold shift and, frankly, an absolute cracker of a film.
The story is set on Cybertron (not Earth, a substantial departure for the franchise thus far), a technologically advanced world powered by Energon, and charts the rise of the eventual leaders of the Autobots and Decepticons, who were once inseparable allies. Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth), a diligent Energon miner, is driven by an unrelenting curiosity about Cybertron’s past and the mythical Matrix of Leadership. His best friend, D-16 (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry), works alongside him in the mines, and the two share a brotherly bond. Together, they endure the oppressive rule of Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm), a once-revered leader who secretly collaborates with alien invaders, the Quintessons, to maintain his dominion over Cybertron. Sentinel sacrifices the well-being of the planet’s miners, stripping them of their ability to transform and suppressing their freedom in exchange for power. When Orion and D-16 uncover evidence of Sentinel’s treachery – including his betrayal of the ancient Primes and the theft of their transformation-enabling cogs – they are thrust into a perilous journey. Guided by the wisdom of ancient warrior Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishburne) and joined by allies like Elita (Scarlett Johansson), Bumblebee (Keegan-Michael Key), and Jazz (Evan Michael Lee), the two friends attempt to expose Sentinel and restore balance to Cybertron.
The greatest challenge in creating a compelling Transformers film lies in giving these sentient robots agency. Michael Bay’s live-action films largely failed in this regard, focusing instead on turning Shia LaBeouf into a stammering buffoon or Mark Wahlberg into… well, whatever he was supposed to be. The problem with giant talking robots as characters is that it’s easy for them to come across as emotionally hollow, which makes it difficult for the audience to invest in their plight. Most of Bay’s films reduced Optimus Prime and his Autobot companions to cheesy, one-dimensional archetypes, sacrificing depth for spectacle. Transformers One, directed by Josh Cooley and written by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, and Gabriel Ferrari, strips the franchise back to its roots, jettisoning the hopelessly clumsy human storylines and instead focusing entirely on Cybertron and its denizens. This decision alone is key to the film’s success, as the filmmakers have crafted a story with real emotional resonance, bolstered by a “brotherhood” narrative that feels both authentic and engaging.
Central to the film’s appeal are the terrific vocal performances of Chris Hemsworth as Orion Pax (later Optimus Prime) and Brian Tyree Henry as D-16 (later Megatron). Hemsworth, stepping into the enormous shoes of the legendary Peter Cullen, imbues Optimus with authority, heart, and a sense of hopeful determination. While his natural Australian accent occasionally slips through, it never detracts from his overall performance, which strikes the perfect balance between vulnerability and heroism. Meanwhile, Brian Tyree Henry takes D-16 on a deeply compelling journey, transforming (pun fully intended) from a loyal, mild-mannered friend into the vengeful and fearsome Megatron. The ideological clash between Optimus and Megatron is portrayed with genuine pathos, giving their eventual enmity the weight of a Shakespearean tragedy.
The supporting cast also shines. Keegan-Michael Key steals scenes as Bumblebee, delivering the film’s funniest lines with effortless charm. Jon Hamm is perfectly cast as the villainous Sentinel Prime, chewing scenery with gusto as a leader corrupted by power. Steve Buscemi brings sly menace to Starscream, while Scarlett Johansson’s Elita is a strong and empathetic presence, despite being somewhat underutilised. Laurence Fishburne lends gravitas to Alpha Trion, serving as the film’s sage-like moral compass. Rounding out the cast is Jon Bailey, whose voice work as Soundwave gave me serious nostalgic chills.
The screenplay deftly balances humour, action, and mythology, introducing the storied history of Cybertron and its legendary figures without overwhelming the audience. The camaraderie between Pax and D-16 is handled with warmth and subtlety, making their eventual rift all the more heartbreaking. The filmmakers wisely avoid bogging the narrative down with excessive lore, ensuring even casual viewers can follow the story without feeling lost. While the film does lean on some familiar genre tropes, it does so with such enthusiasm and freshness that it’s hard to fault.
Equally impressive is the animation. The visual style strikes a harmonious balance between the sleekness of modern CG and the nostalgic simplicity of the original 80s cartoon. Iconic characters like Optimus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, and Jazz retain their classic designs, updated just enough to fit the film’s aesthetic. The action sequences are dazzling, with fluid animation and stunning effects that never feel overwhelming or cluttered. The attention to detail is remarkable, and it’s clear the animators approached the material with both reverence and creativity.
If Transformers One is indicative of where this franchise is heading, then sign me up. The film doesn’t just reinvigorate the Transformers brand; it resets expectations for what can be achieved when the focus shifts to storytelling, character, and quality craftsmanship. With sharp writing, superb performances, and breathtaking animation, Transformers One is easily the best film in the franchise since Bumblebee and might just be the best Transformers film, period. Decepticons, rise up – because this one’s an absolute blast.
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