Transformers One : Highly Recommended for Its Themes of Freedom and Optimism

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Do you remember when Spider-Man and Nick Fury made an appearance in the third part of Marvel's limited four-issue Transformers series? That was back when the comic book company dominated toy licensing agreements. Naturally, what started as a four-part series evolved into an extensive eighty-issue run, creating a unique storyline of its own. While there were some differences between the weekly animated “Generation 1” TV show and the comic, they both originated from the same place: planet Cybertron. Fans of all versions of the transforming Autobots can revisit the beginning in Josh Cooley’s new animated prequel, Transformers One, which is set to hit theaters this Friday, produced by Paramount Animation and Hasbro.

As fans know, Transformers aren't just robots or mechanical suits; they are conscious metallic life forms. However, during this stage in Cybertron’s timeline, most Autobots can't transform because they mysteriously lack the necessary transformation cogs. Instead, many of them work in Cybertron’s mines, trying to produce energy after the unsettling vanishing of the planet's ancient power source. Among them is our somewhat idealistic hero, Orion Pax, who dreams of uncovering the lost power source and finding out what happened to the esteemed warriors known as the “Primes” who disappeared while searching for it.

On the other hand, his friend D-16 just aims to stay focused and meet his targets. Their driven team leader, Elita-1, encourages them to go above and beyond those targets. Unfortunately, Pax’s tendency to bend the rules lands all three of them in hot water. While they're demoted to basic jobs in the underground sections of Cyberton, they stumble upon a hint regarding the missing Primes' whereabouts, hidden among the scrap metal organized by the quirky and socially awkward B-127, who is clearly on the path to becoming the beloved Bumblebee (you can’t overlook his distinctive color scheme).

Instead of uncovering the power source, they stumble upon clear signs of deep corruption, even linking Sentinel Prime, who is thought to be Cybertron's guardian, to these deceitful acts. While the audience may not be fully aware of Sentinel's troubled past within the franchise, Jon Hamm’s slick voice hints at his shady nature. As the battle to free Cybertron unfolds, the relationship between Orion Pax and D-16 begins to unravel, steering them toward very different destinies. It's well-known that these former allies transform into the legendary Optimus Prime and his rival, Megatron; the real intrigue lies in the journey that takes them there.

The script, written by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, and Gabriel Ferrari, surprisingly follows classic patterns, leading up to an exciting fight for liberation against a tyrannical government. However, it also exhibits a traditional skepticism reminiscent of Edmund Burke about violent uprisings. In fact, like the Jacobins, D-16 and his supporters risk dragging Cybertron into a similar period of chaos and fear.

Even though the animation for Transformers One is completely created using computers, it draws significant inspiration from the classic 1986 animated series. Cooley and his team of animators craft intense action scenes that are visually distinct and straightforward to understand. They also bring a lot of character depth to each figure, while still paying homage to their origins as action figures.

Fans should recognize Chris Hemsworth’s collaboration with Peter Cullen, the voice actor who has voiced Optimus Prime since the original series, as they worked together to create a consistent tone for the heroic Transformer. On the other hand, Steve Buscemi brings a unique yet fitting portrayal to Starscream, the leader of a group of rebellious Autobot outcasts, while still sounding very much like himself.

In the same way, Keegan-Michael Key perfectly embodies B-127's awkward charm, delivering his fast-paced, energetic lines with great enthusiasm. Scarlett Johansson's cool voice is a perfect match for Elita-1, as she delivers some of the film's sharpest one-liners. On the other hand, Brian Tyree Henry, as D-16, might excel the most in bringing his character to life through his voice.

The film really captures what fans continue to appreciate about the original series. The dialogue cleverly nods to the franchise's classic marketing catchphrase and includes a mention of Stan Bush’s song from the 1986 animated film—a song that Dirk Diggler famously performed in Boogie Nights. Additionally, Elita-1 makes a disparaging reference to one of the rival toy brands.

Honestly, even those who aren’t die-hard fans can sense the filmmakers' appreciation for the loyal fans and the positive energy that comes from it. In truth, Transformers One is expected to spark a new wave of fans. It’s a bit disappointing that the animated movie from 1986 isn’t available on a major streaming service right now, but you can watch the live-action films by Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg (who also co-produced Transformers One) on Paramount+.

Transformers One serves as a standalone story, but it also connects nicely with the existing fan base. It’s important for viewers to remember that there’s a scene after the credits that links back to the original "Generation 1" series.

Many would say this is the finest Transformers movie to date, whether animated or live-action. The vibrant animation and fast-paced action sequences are expertly done. Additionally, the nods to the past are well-placed, ensuring they resonate with long-time fans without alienating new viewers. Featuring themes of liberty and hope, along with its eye-catching visuals, Transformers One hits theaters this Friday (9/20) and comes highly recommended.

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Check out the movie trailer here.