Children of the 80s and 90s can now rejoice that there is a Transformers movie that dives back into the heart of what made the early iterations of the Autobots inspiring and exciting to watch. Sure, it may have started—and continues—as a way for the companies Hasbro and Takara Tomy to sell toys. Still, it has produced some great stories of true heroism, sacrifice, and loyalty. The new animated movie Transformers One takes this up a notch by giving an origin story to the Autobots that touches on several themes, like exploitation, friendship, corruption, and worker empowerment, in an engaging, entertaining, and fun way for the whole family. Viewers would be wrong to dismiss Transformers One as a “mindless’ cash-grab kids movie.
Directed by Josh Cooley and with a screenplay by Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, Transformers One takes place on a distant planet called Cybertron, where robots have their own society and way of life. Some robots can transform into other items, thus being seen as more powerful and essential. Then, there are different robots who seemingly do not have the power to transform. They are regulated to the dangerous mines to dig for energy sources to sustain their planet since their primary energy source from long ago disappeared. These worker bots are often exploited with extended hours in the mines with no hope for a brighter future.
This is where Orion Pax comes into the story. He’s a rebellious mining robot who refuses to accept his lot in life. He’s on a mission to figure out where the primary energy source is so that he and his friends can have a better life than working in the mines and trash heaps for the rest of their days. While chastising Orion’s shenanigans, his reluctant best friend, D-16, often has his back when Orion gets into trouble. The stakes become higher when Orion stumbles upon some information about the primary energy source that puts into question everything they’ve been told about their society and the current leaders who claim to be on their side.
Now, fans of the franchise will know as soon as they come on screen who best friends Orion and D-16 are destined to be (spoiler alert: Orion is Optimus Prime, and D-16 is Megatron, future arch-enemies), but the story isn’t about knowing that, it’s about following the journey of how we get there. The creators do such an excellent job with the character development of our protagonists that although knowledgeable fans will know where the story is going, they will nonetheless be on the edge of their seats, holding out hope that the best friends somehow work it out.
That said, those who are not fans of the Transformers franchise need not fear that they will be left in the dark during the film. Since it’s an origin story, everything is explained straightforwardly for returning and possible future fans alike. It’s the kind of story that gives balanced fanservice to those in the know but also stands on its own as a story that would be just as compelling if it wasn’t tied to an established franchise. That’s a strength that not many movies of its kind can say they’ve done, as they often rely heavily on fanservice and nostalgia in place of a quality story.
The film explores themes of exploitation, corruption, and worker empowerment. It makes clear that unsafe working conditions and back-breaking labor can be just as evil as someone trying to take over the world. It also showcases that even when it seems like those at the top have all the power, the collective might of most workers coming together can make a difference—if they believe in themselves. It’s pretty inspiring stuff and surprisingly relevant to today’s world, where most people are searching for joy under a system that can be oppressive for many.
The voice cast knocks the acting out of the park. Those familiar with Transformers may miss the iconic Peter Cullen as the voice of Optimus, but Chris Hemsworth brings charm and power to the role and fits the kind of early story the creators are trying to tell. Brian Tyree Henry as D-16 is a marvel, conveying the contrasting layers of his character struggling with his moral compass in the face of betrayal and chaos. Scarlett Johansson as Elita-1 and Keegan-Michael Key as B-127/Bumblebee add so much laughter in their roles without coming off as complete comic relief.
Transformers One is a rollercoaster ride with action, humor, and heart. Some very intense emotional moments play out. This critic wonders if young children may miss the impact of the storytelling, which seems to be aimed more at teenagers and adults. But there will be incredible action sequences to keep them busy. Then again, it’s never too late to learn about working-class unity and power.
Overall, Transformers One is a fun movie with much happening beneath the surface. Despite being about robots, the story is human at its core. Those wanting the more flashy and explosive-heavy Transformers of the live-action Michael Bay films will probably be disappointed because there’s more dialogue than fire and bombs. But when action does happen, it feels earned and impactful.
Hopefully, Transformers One will spark sequels that continue with this type of storytelling. But, if not, this film stands out as a quality and relevant movie for the whole family.
Transformers One will be released in theaters on September 14, 2024. The trailer can be viewed here.
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