by Sven Stumbauer
By the Primes! Transformers One was far better than anything I could have expected. This movie is by far the best one in the franchise, and it does so many things right in telling the origin story of Optimus Prime and his brother-turned-nemesis, Megatron. Here are just a few things that this film did to the highest standard.
Stellar Plot
This movie was incredible at telling an authentic and compelling story of Cybertron and its two biggest figures. Everything, from the initial chase scene with Optimus (formerly Orion Pax) to the Iacon 5000, a high-octane race between Transformers, was executed beautifully.
Furthermore, the plot's high points, such as Sentinel Prime's betrayal of the old Primes, the reveal of his subservience to the Quintessons, and Megatron ripping him in half during the film's climax were complemented by suspense buildup and a flood of emotion. I could have not asked for a better plot for the origin of Optimus and Megatron, and they were truly done justice with this film.
Superb Voice Acting
Oftentimes, celebrities or mainstream movie stars and voice acting roles go together like oil and water. However, Transformers One had a star-studded cast and managed to capture the essence of what makes these characters great.
Firstly, Chris Hemsworth was phenomenal as Orion Pax/Optimus Prime. Peter Cullen has been synonymous with the Autobot leader's voice, but the "Thor" star filled in some massive shoes and did so incredibly. His ability to embody the optimistic, playful, and at times naive voice of a young Optimus is top-notch. It brings the character to life in a fun and surprising way, something that I would have never anticipated.
Additionally, his companion, Brian Tyree Henry put on a clinic when voicing D-16/Megatron. His slow transformation in his voice from someone more reserved yet willing to eventually becoming more rageful and assertive as the movie went on was something that can't be described in words alone. It genuinely felt like these two were picturing themselves as the characters when voicing them and it shows with the final product on the big screen.
Amazing Animation
I am so happy that Hasbro decided to animate this movie, calling back to the franchise’s roots through animation. The combat and action are fluid, and the film's lighting provides a more energetic feel while still emphasizing the gritty parts of the world, such as the surface of Cybertron and the Quintessons.
Fans have long wanted a return to animation for Transformers, and this truly serves as a resounding answer to their patience.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at this movie, Transformers One is more than just that. It’s a labor of love, a callback to what made this franchise so magical in the first place. All aspects of this movie shine like the freshest of Energon, and with plans of a trilogy involving this crew, the future has never been brighter for Transformers.
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