Another “Transformers” movie was released on Sept. 20, sooner than anticipated, as the usual schedule for a Transformers movie is every two to three years.
The newest release, Transformers One, is fully animated, though this isn’t the first time the series has ventured into animation. From Transformers: The Movie, released in 1986, to the latest installment, Transformers One centers on Cybertron, the home planet of the Transformers.
The story follows four miner bots—Orion Pax, D-16, B-127, and Elita-1—who seek to improve their standings in the city of Lacon, where two types of bots live: those who can transform and those who cannot. Their pursuit of a better future and the ability to transform will test the friendship between Orion Pax and D-16, ultimately altering the fate of Cybertron forever.
The movie boasts stunning visuals, and the animation is a joy to watch. However, the art style takes some getting used to. It replicates the blocky look of ’80s toys, blended with an alien world design, which can be disorienting at first.
The film’s biggest flaw is its pacing. It’s too slow for the plot yet too fast for the characters. The main storyline doesn’t kick in until around the 25- to 30-minute mark, while the character arcs progress so quickly that they feel unnatural. However, the final act—about the last 30 to 40 minutes—is surprisingly strong, with the story ramping up and the action sequences well-animated.
The cast performs well, with no awkward voice acting or miscasting. The music, however, is underwhelming. While nothing particularly stands out, there are a few familiar motifs that may appeal to fans of other Transformers films or TV shows. One nice touch is the way the characters’ transformations are incorporated into the soundtrack. The humor varies, ranging from not very funny to downright hilarious, though many jokes are aimed at younger audiences, as this is a children’s movie.
Transformers One is a film worth watching if you’re looking for a light, entertaining experience. While it features solid but cliché and predictable story arcs and plot twists, it’s enjoyable if you want to turn off your brain and enjoy the action.
