The latest film in the “Transformers” series has arrived in an animated format and serves as a Prequel to the prior films.
“Transformers One” tells the tale of two miners named Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth), and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), who toil away mining Energon to power their race as the once free-flowing essence has dried up forcing them to mine to survive.
Their promotion-obsessed boss Elita-1 (Scarlett Johannson), has no patience for deviation from the rules and sees Orion as a dreamer who will cost her a valued promotion as she like many others do not have the ability to transform which keeps them limited to the more menial tasks in society.
When their leader Sentinel Prime (John Hamm), initiates a day off and a competitive race, Orion convinces a reluctant D-16 to join him saying that if they should finish ahead of transforming racers; then they will be noticed. Their plan does draw the attention of Prime but relegates them to menial duty and introduces them to B-127 (Keegan- Michael-Key). When a map is discovered amongst the scrap that could lead to the discovery of a lost relic and gain them favor, Orion convinces his companions to follow him to the surface and even when their efforts lead them to reunite with Elita-1; they are amazed by a discovery that changes their destinies and has the potential to alter life as they know it.
What follows is an action-packed adventure that is filled with excitement and an engaging plot that holds your attention from start to finish. The key absence of human characters in the film puts the focus entirely on the characters who are more than up to the task as they tell a story that almost makes one forget that they are living machines.
The visuals and sound of the film are first-rate and enhance the story rather than carry it as too often the focus on the recent live-action films seems to put a priority on the visuals with the story being little more than a way to get from A to B, with the characters along for the ride.
The cast does great work and Director Josh Cooley mixes the action, story, and character development well never letting one overshadow the others which would be easy to do in a setting as visually engaging as this film.
Not only was “Transformers One” a great Transformers film; but it is easily one of my favorite Transformer films ever and sets a very high standard for future films to follow.
4.5 stars out of 5
