Transformers One Review: The Perfect Redefinement of The Transformers Franchise

Whenever we think about Transformers, usually the first thing that comes to our mind is the live-action adaptation of the franchise. However, it seems that for the new generation, this notion is about to change with the release of Transformers One. When this movie was announced, a lot of people were skeptical about it. This skepticism got one notch higher with the first trailer of this movie being kind of underwhelming. Despite the skepticism, the movie has turned out to be a massive “what were you saying again?’ for everyone doubting its potential, and in this review for Transformers One, let me tell you why.

The Plot of Transformers One Is Absolute Perfection

Usually, one of the biggest problems we have seen in Transformers movies is the plot being a bit too crammed with elements. However, with Transformers One, Paramount has acknowledged this and created a plot that works on every level. The plot gives us a perfect idea of the depth of Orion Pax’s (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16’s (Brian Tyree Henry) friendship.

It also perfectly sets up how Elita One (Scarlett Johansson) and Bumblebee (Keegan-Michael Key) just naturally become their allies and brothers in arms which in any way or form seems to be forced. The transition of D-16 into Megatron is so flawless and the way Orion Pax turns into Optimus Prime will quite literally give you goosebumps.

Even though the total runtime of Transformers One is just 1 hour 51 minutes, every minute of this movie seems to be delicately put together like threads in a priceless piece of handcrafted carpet. The movie works so beautifully that this relatively short runtime will feel like you have been watching it for hours and can go on for a couple more. Overall, the writers of this movie deserve an award for what they have put together because something like this happens only once in a while.

Voice Acting Has Blown Life into a Franchise Thought to Be a Lost Cause

The overall voice acting in the movie by the cast deserved the maximum appreciation there is to give and then some more. When I first got to know that Chris Hemsworth was going to play the role of Optimus Prime, I’m not going to lie, I was extremely skeptical of this. So, as I walked into the theater, my expectations were not really high. However, as soon as I heard his voice as Prime, it blew my mind to pieces. Chris Hemsworth does a fantastic job as both Orion Pax and Optimus Prime.

While he is Orion Pax, his voice is much more eased out and what you can call slightly casual. As soon as he gets his ability to transform, you can see a slight shift in his demeanor and voice. However, when he is given the Matrix of Leadership by Primus, OH MY GOD, that scene in itself is pure poetry and the transition in his voice will turn you into a porcupine with goosebumps.

Not only Chris Hemsworth but Brian Tyree Henry as D-16/Megatron is as perfect as it can get. The gradual transition of a friendly and likable voice into something that can turn into nightmare fuel for kids deserves a standing ovation. This is also the first time we get to see Bumblebee speak and the way he has been portrayed in the live-action movies in an easygoing and fun manner is exactly the element Keegan-Michael Key had brought to the screen with his voice. Elita One, who has made her debut in Transformers One, sounds exactly how you would think she does with Scarlett Johansson.

Overall, just when people stopped expecting something extraordinary to come out from the Transformers franchise, they hit us with the definition of the word with Transformers One.

The Musical Score Is a Breath of Fresh Air…Scratch That, A Whole New Atmosphere

Overall, I would watch this movie again in theaters any day, but the one thing I will travel to countries for is to listen to the live orchestra of the musical score of Transformers One. The live-action Transformers has been using the almost same musical score for all their projects and at one point it got too repetitive to make me feel what the score intends.

However, with Transformers One, we are given a brand new musical score that brings out the intensity of a scene or a moment in the film with the utmost perfection. The musical numbers in this movie use the perfect blend of two different genres, techno and opera. These two are usually not supposed to go together but somehow it works, and it does so marvelously, enhancing the effect of Transformers One.

Animation Style of Transformers One Is Both New and Nostalgic

Whoever decided the style of animation to go for with Transformers One deserves the maximum raise there is to give. I say this because the idea behind this animation is truly brilliant. This movie sticks to the designs of Transformers seen in the 1986 Transformers animated show while making it third-dimensional and more detailed. Essentially, they have reimagined the OG 1986 Transformers with the thought of “What if it was made in 2024?” creating something truly spectacular and an experience in itself.

So, Should You Watch Transformers One?

Seriously? Is that even a question now? For people who think that animation can never beat live-action, this movie is a huge “Inappropriate word” for them. Transformers One is truly a one-of-a-kind movie that happens once in a long time. It is almost ironic that the live-action run of Transformers couldn’t fully deliver to us in such a long time, one animated movie is all it took to deliver it all with absolute perfection.

Trust me when I say this, I watched the movie trying super hard to find a flaw in it. Don’t judge me, it’s a professional hazard, but even after trying I could not find a single flaw in Transformers One. So, if you’re wondering if you should watch it, it’s a massive Y-E-S! Book your tickets now, take your friends, your family, your colleagues, your grandparents, or if you can’t find anyone to go with, just get a ticket and make friends with the person in the next seat, but under any circumstances, do not miss out on Transformers One. And thankfully, the producers have hinted that a sequel is also possible and I am really hopeful for Transformers Two.