Films for Breakfast

Paramount has always been in a bit of a tricky position when it comes to the Transformers franchise, as it feels like the ceiling for profit peaked with Transformers: Age of Extinction back in 2014, yet it simultaneously received massive backlash from fans and critics alike. With the Michael Bay-led universe seemingly ending with The Last Knight underperforming on all fronts, Paramount has been pivoting to trying to strike gold again with a new vision. Bumblebee and Rise of the Beasts were both solid hits with the fans but didn’t quite reach the financial heights I’m sure Paramount was anticipating. With their latest film, Transformers One, it feels like they’re taking the same approach they did with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise in 2023’s Mutant Mayhem; going all-out with an animated feature that cuts to the heart of what makes fans love the Transformers in the first place

Transformers One serves as an origin story before Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) became sworn enemies and finds them as two best friends, working away at a thankless mining job on Cybertron. The pair go down a dangerous rabbit hole that exposes the secret history of Cybertron, as well as gives them insight into the full potential of their kind and a spark for a better future. Throughout the story, you learn about the history of the Transformers and all their different factions, but you also see how complicated Optimus and Megatron’s relationship truly is. For my money, this is where the film truly shines – as this is easily the best depiction of Optimus and Megatron’s relationship in a feature-film to date.

Every other Transformers film has begun with Prime and Megatron at odds with each other, and while that can sometimes be compelling, there is something about Transformers One‘s approach that hits extremely hard. The film goes out of its way to make their friendship genuinely endearing, as you spend quite a bit of time with them simply being friends together. Their chemistry feels so authentic, which is what makes the knowledge of the path they both go down all the more difficult to accept. On the flip side, this also serves as an excellent thematic device for the film, as you’re constantly on edge for what will be the dividing point for the two, and it makes all the moments of action and conflict all the more tense.

A big reason why their chemistry and the dramatic core of the story works as well as it does is due to the vocal performances from Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry. Replacing Peter Cullen is an extremely hard task, but Hemsworth does a truly excellent job at showing Prime in his youth, still grappling with the leader he aspires to be and the change he wishes to see for his home planet. Brian Tyree Henry is also excellent here, as he both humanizes Megatron with a sincerity, yet truly delivers when the character goes darker. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the two acted alongside each other in the recording booths for this, because they have chemistry that is felt in every frame, and it makes the drama all the more effective.

The rest of the voice cast here is quite impressive as well, as Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, Steve Buscemi as Starscream, Jon Hamm as Sentinel Prime and Scarlett Johansson as Alita-1 are big standouts for the story. My favorite of the cast may have been Laurence Fishburne as Alpha Trion who, while in a small role, delivers a truly epic and meaningful vocal performance for the story. The Transformers franchise is so full of iconic voice actors that I was nervous about A-List stars taking over for the franchise, and while I wouldn’t say anyone here tops the likes of Peter Cullen, I think everyone truly holds their own and delivers big time.

Director Josh Cooley and the entire animation department here truly deliver a spectacular vision of the Transformers. From the gorgeous design of Cybertron that feels like a perfect combination of classic G1 designs and modern sensibilities, to some absolutely incredible action sequences that showcase the endless possibilities that the Transformers have in this medium, it feels like a true breath of fresh air for the franchise. By the time both the action, emotion, and story kick into high gear in the third act of the film, it hits so incredibly hard. One of the most exciting movie experiences I’ve had the pleasure of having this year.

My only real gripe with the film is that the first act takes about 10 minutes or so to fully find its footing within the story and tone, but once the story and character drama kicks into high gear, it becomes a total blast. From the best on-screen depiction of Optimus and Megatron’s relationship to date, the exciting action, gorgeous animation, and surprisingly compelling and meaningful story – Transformers One is easily my favorite Transformers film to date and a much-needed breath of fresh air for the franchise. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here!

4/5