Following Bumblebee and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Transformers One continues the trend of compelling Transformers films following multiple Michael Bay catastrophes. Bumblebee and Rise of the Beasts were steps in the right direction, but Transformers One is the best theatrically released Transformers film to date.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is there’s not a human character in sight. Removing the humans allows the animated film to dive into the relationships between Optimus, Megatron and the other Transformers. The under 2-hour runtime does mean some of the character evolution is abrupt. The recreation of Cybertron and the overall animation are gorgeous throughout
Transformers One is set on Cybertron generations before a Witwicky could summon the Transformers to Earth. The story centers around the friendship-turned-enemy journey between Orion Pax, aka Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth), and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), aka Megatron. The duo starts as lowly mining bots without the ability to transform. Orion’s optimism makes for a nice contrast with D-16’s stringent adherence to rules.
Eventually, Orion and D-16 connect with B-127 aka Bumblebee (Keegan-Michael Kay) and Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson). The foursome travel to the surface of Cybertron, where they make a discovery that changes them in ways that are more than meets the eye.
Hemsworth’s take on Optimus takes some getting used to, but once the story kicks in, he does a great job giving a unique take on the leader of the Autobots. Henry is fantastic as D-16. Kay brings some necessary levity as Bumblebee. This animated film may have fun moments, but the tone is serious throughout. Johansson’s fine as Elita-1. There’s nothing distinctive about her portrayal.
Another major highlight of Transformers One is Brian Tyler‘s score, the best in the franchise.
From action sequences and the friendship between Optimus and Megatron to performances, it’s tough to imagine a better Transformers film than Transformers One.
After the overview and rating of Transformers One 8.5 out of 10 (Great), let’s explore the lowly origins of Optimus and Megatron, the impact betrayal has on them and the early manifestations of Autobots and Decepticons.
Optimistic Optimus in Transformers One
The future leaders of the Autobots and Decepticons start as lowly mining bots without the ability to transform. Despite different dispositions, Orion and D-16 have each other’s backs at all times.
Orion comes across as a shallow rule breaker at first, with a love for the myths of Cybertron. However, Transformers One makes some slight tweaks to this rote characterization. Orion’s optimism always comes across as genuine. He also showcases an instant dislike for the difference between social classes, which is an excellent way to glimpse into his friendly regard toward humanity.
In Transformers One, bots such as Orion and D-16 don’t have cogs and are regarded as less than those who work for Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm). For instance, there’s a race between Transformers that only robots with Cogs are supposed to enter. Orion convinces D-16 to enter to prove they’re equal to the other bots.
Birth of Megatron
D-16 shares Orion’s loyalty but is a fierce follower of rules. Whenever Orion attempts to break protocol, D-16 tries to and usually fails to pull him back. Everything changes for D-16 once he learns the truth about Sentinel Prime, the leader of Cybertron, who is seen as a hero by D-16 and Orion.
After learning the truth and getting their cogs, Orion, B-127 and Elita-1 go through some small emotional changes. The betrayal hits much deeper in D-16 and it breaks him. He goes from following rules to no longer wanting to follow anyone again. Even when Orion suggests a path forward, D-16 snaps back over the mere thought that anyone would challenge him.
There’s also a divide between Orion and D-16’s goals. They both want to bring down Sentinel Prime. However, D-16 wants to kill him in front of city. Orion wants to show Sentinel Prime’s deceit to the world.
The only issue with D-16 is his dark-side transition is abrupt, and there’s no hesitation once he goes down a dark path.
Past meets Future
Outside of the relationship between Optimus and Megatron, Transformers One does an excellent job of fleshing out Cybertron’s past and teasing the future.
When Optimus, Megatron, Elita-1 and Bumblebee reach the surface, they find Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishbourne). He reveals Sentinel Prime’s betrayal during the war against the Quintessons and helps set them on a new path.
After testing out their powers, they run into former Cybertron’s High Guard members who take them prisoner. One of the Decepticons is Starscream. Megatron usurps the leader of the high guard and Starscream is one of the troops in the guard. Jazz being the Autobot Optimus saves in the mines is a nice moment as well.
Transformers One Final Thoughts
Some of the character development is a bit of a one-way street when some bumps in the road would have made Megatron’s turn more tragic. The approach taken in Transformers One makes the destination inevitable. The combination of great animation, voice work and serious tone paves the way for the best Transformers film yet.
The Review
Transformers One
PROS
- Awesome animation.
- The friendship between Optimus and Megatron.
- Great performances across the board with Brian Tyree Henry shining brightest as Megatron.
- Phenomenal Brian Tyler score.
CONS
- Not enough hesitation in Megatron's evil turn.
