Transformers One Review

Bumblebee aside, Transformers films do not set a high bar. Technically and bombastically they are impressive. But they lack commitment to story, emotion, and even basic cohesiveness between themselves. They can’t treat the Dinobots right, let alone any of the humans.

It’s a lot like Resident Evil. A beloved franchise that hasn’t managed to be effectively translated into film yet. Mishandling well-known characters whilst fumbling around for what to do next. The lack of care is frustrating.

So it seems perfectly reasonable to change things up. Move from live action to animation whilst having no humans due to a change in time period and location. I don’t think Transformers One is a prequel, so I’ll take it as what it feels like; a clean slate.

Much of this is down to one simple decision. The Transformers are the main characters! They are the focus! Heading back to Cybertron before Optimus Prime and Megatron were the larger than life characters we know now, we’re introduced to a world hiding it’s issues behind labour. Bots essentially born into mining servitude, digging for all the Energon they can find.

The focus is on Orion Pax and D-16, voiced surprisingly well by Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry. I questioned both when I heard about them, but credit where it’s due. Starting out as best friends, brothers even, you can feel the shift in their characters as events shape them into who we know they’ll be. Hemsworth manages sounding both younger and – at the right times – Cullen like, without it ever falling into an impression. The story hinges on their relationship, and I came out of it sad that they’ve lost each other. I do wonder if the change from D-16 to a rather violent and nearly unhinged Megatron happens a little too fast, but it’s a small niggle. I enjoyed seeing everything come together, with many characters becoming what we know. It feels organic. Yes, I know they’re robotic aliens but it’s organic!

We know that Transformers can be done well in live action. It was everything around them often let them down. I remember watching Bumblebee and thinking “this opening sequence is really cool”. It showed what one of these films could be. Transformers One takes a big step towards that with design and story that respects the source in an entertaining package.