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I grew up in the ’80s when Transformers was a staple of childhood, as it was for most of my peers. Back then, toy fads came and went, and I never would’ve guessed that 40 years later, these glorified toy commercials would still be going strong. Yet, here we are in the final days of 2024, and I’ve just watched the latest installment: “Transformers One”.
After numerous TV series, five Michael Bay blockbusters, and two live-action films that embraced the classic G1 designs, I was curious to see where the franchise would go next. “Transformers One” takes the prequel route, rewinding the clock to a time when Orion Pax and D-16 were close friends and miners on Cybertron. If those names don’t ring a bell, their iconic color schemes surely will—these two eventually grow into the mortal enemies we know as Optimus Prime and Megatron.
Most Transformers movies center around a MacGuffin that every faction is desperate to claim, and “Transformers One” is no exception. This time, the legendary Matrix of Leadership takes the spotlight—the same artifact that played a pivotal role in the 1986 animated movie. You know, the one that traumatized a generation by killing off beloved characters. However, the MacGuffin takes a backseat here. The real focus of the story is on friendship and the oppressed rising up against their masters.
Orion Pax and D-16 are inseparable on and off the job, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. Pax is the rebellious one, constantly questioning authority and even resorting to breaking and entering in his quest to uncover the whereabouts of the long-lost Matrix of Leadership. He truly believes that finding this artifact could end Cybertron’s reliance on mining Energon. Meanwhile, D-16 is the rule-follower, always sticking to protocol and staying in line. However, Pax’s reckless actions begin to have consequences for D-16 as well, and the first cracks in their friendship start to form.
Eventually, the two cross paths with B-127 and Elita-1. Together, they unravel the truth about Cybertron’s downfall and how the current leader, Sentinel Prime, rose to power. With the stakes higher than ever, it’s up to this group to save their world.
I found “Transformers One” to be a delightful surprise. It’s a movie that resonates with both younger and older audiences, delivering a surprisingly emotional story—especially when compared to the explosive, shallow narratives of the five Michael Bay films. By the end of the movie, I was genuinely cheering, and the events felt well-earned. Walking in with tempered expectations, I walked out with a smile on my face.
Visually, the movie is stunning. It’s leagues beyond most CG-animated TV shows, not to mention the classic 1980s cartoon. “Transformers One” is a true feast for the eyes.
The voice acting is another highlight. Chris Hemsworth is nearly unrecognizable as Orion Pax. While he does his best to channel Peter Cullen’s iconic tone, his vocal range doesn’t quite match up. That said, the rest of the cast shines with distinct voices. Scarlett Johansson stands out as Elita-1, and Laurence Fishburne is commanding as Alpha Trion.
To me, “Transformers One” is undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of the year. It wasn’t a movie I had high expectations for, but here I am, singing its praises. It’s a film that left me feeling genuinely uplifted, allowing me to close out 2024 on a high note.
