Review: Long before Optimus Prime and Megatron, robots yearn for better jobs in ‘Transformers One’

As a long-time admirer of the Transformers franchise, I must say that “Transformers One” has truly revitalized my faith in this iconic series. The film’s animation breathes new life into a universe that had grown stale over time, and the fully animated approach perfectly complements the fantastical nature of these metallic beings.

Instead of relying on live-action films to revitalize a once-fresh intellectual property that seems to lose its spark with each successive big screen adaptation, allow animation to breathe new vitality into it. “Transformers One,” acting as a precursor to the entire animated universe, explores the roots of the conflict between the noble Autobots and the sinister Decepticons, a battle that began before either faction was formed.

The “Transformers” films, which began appearing in cinemas back in 2007 (most of them directed by Michael Bay), are more accurately characterized as hybrids instead of “live action.” This is due to the numerous digitally crafted characters, environments, and effects that were developed for these movies with varying levels of effectiveness. However, this entirely animated theatrical release from Academy Award-winning director Josh Cooley (“Toy Story 4”) showcases a stylishly designed world filled with hard, gleaming surfaces that seems tailor-made to inhabit a fantastical realm distinct from ordinary human beings and their biological existence.

In a story filled with heartfelt camaraderie and tender exchanges, the friendship between Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth), a daring dreamer, and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), who is more cautious and doubtful, forms the emotional backbone. These friends work together to mine energon, the source of power for their planet, while Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm), an engaging leader, hunts for the Matrix of Leadership – an ancient relic that would eliminate the need for energon mining altogether.

Orion Pax and D-16, being robots incapable of transformation, were destined for menial labor jobs and faced limited prospects of ever rising above their status. However, they defied the norms and ventured on a mission to discover the Matrix of Leadership independently. The Transformers movie isn’t typically associated with social commentary, but it subtly challenges the notion of power dynamics, suggesting why those in control often exploit the powerless who have no means to advance socioeconomically. Remarkably, this underlying theme resonates deeply within the movie’s mechanical core, eventually leading to the development of Optimus Prime and Megatron as adversaries.

This installment seems to thrive on the low expectations set by its previous versions, yet it doesn’t diminish the fact that the team of writers – Andrew Barrer, Gabriel Ferrari, and Eric Pearson – consistently deliver a humorous script filled with witty dialogues and comical quips. Occasionally, they push boundaries with slightly risqué elements, which adds an edge to this production intended for younger viewers. However, what keeps the narrative grounded amidst the mountain of sci-fi terminology and lore is the authentic, intense bond between the male characters. This bond carries a weight that makes their eventual parting feel genuinely heartbreaking.

In terms of visual appeal, “Transformers One” effectively employs realistic textures, making 3D computer graphics animation a fitting choice for these characters. While the original 1980s hand-drawn animated series still holds its charm, the Transformers in this version seem more tangible or real.

Without delving into their complex physical makeup, these metallic entities can be thought of as mobile mirrors, requiring artists to consider how light interacts with them, how they respond to impacts or collisions with similar objects during fast-paced scenes on a train or during intense races. This involves careful planning and execution of lighting effects and dynamic actions.

Orion Pax’s team of ambitious miners, led by Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson) and the jovial B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key), also makes up part of the crew. B-127 provides some of the funniest quips when the writers satirize his extreme solitude at work and the imaginary companions he’s created to help him cope. The designs of the four-member squad complement the harsh, brutalist settings reminiscent of upside-down skyscrapers, offering a stark contrast to the barren, dystopian landscapes that appear later in their journey. While not always original, these design choices are consistently consistent.

Compared to other efforts aimed at revitalizing a franchise, “Transformers One” stands out as one of the year’s most delightful surprises. In an almost revolutionary manner, its narrative assumes a profound biblical resonance when the beings from Cybertron come to understand that they’ve been influenced by a false prophet all along. Director Cooley’s film maintains its place within the popular realm, deeply rooted in the evolving mythology of these intelligent machines. However, it offers a depth of character exploration and motivation often lacking in many commercially-driven Hollywood productions. Animation can serve as a powerful tool for reinvention and liberation, even for stories that have been overly told.

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2024-09-20 21:03