Transform and head out!
Paramount’s new “Transformers One” (in theaters September 20th) is a wildly entertaining animated film showcasing a visual feast of next-gen CGI from Industrial Light & Magic that explores the nature of the fractured friendship between a young Optimus Prime and Megatron, formerly known as Orion Pax and D-16, on the living machine planet Cybertron billions of years ago.
What began as a Hasbro toy line and animated series in the ’80s has exploded over the decades into one of the world’s leading sci-fi intellectual properties, becoming a multi-billion dollar global juggernaut comprised of action figures, comics, video games, clothing, animation and films.
Touted to be the first fully CGI Transformers film, “Transformers One” is directed by Josh Cooley, who won an Oscar for “Toy Story 4,” and it extensively depicts the origin story of Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), foreshadowing the various stories that will be told in the seven live-action “Transformers” films directed by Michael Bay in 2007.
Joining Hemsworth and Henry in the all-star voice cast are Keegan-Michael Key (B-127, aka Bumblebee), Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1), Laurence Fishburne (Alpha Trion), Jon Hamm (Sentinel Prime) and Steve Buscemi (Starscream). While many fans were hesitant to see Hemsworth replace the iconic Peter Cullen as the voice of Optimus Prime, Hemsworth expertly delivers as a younger, more evolved version of the Autobots’ charismatic leader.
“Four years in the making, this exciting family project is an exhilarating experience that catapults Transformers to the top of today’s Hollywood elite IP with its heartfelt story, spot-on vocal performances, captivating visuals, witty humor, evocative music by Brian Tyler, and compelling themes of friendship, trust, loyalty and regret.”
To say Transformers 1 is one of the best movies of the year would be a huge understatement. The film is far more than the sum of its creative parts, and captivated audiences will walk out of the theater after the final credits bubbling with positive vibes and eager to see more.
From humble beginnings as lowly Energon mining buddies dreaming of a better life, Orion Pax and D-16, along with proto-Bumblebee B-127 and Elita-1, set out for Cybertron’s surface to find the legendary Matrix of Knowledge for their leader, Sentinel Prime. On their quest, they encounter the corrupted Prime, who gives the group transformation gears, allowing them to transform into any vehicle they desire. But the clash of ideologies between Orion Pax and D-16 forges a path of contempt that sparks the War for Cybertron and leads to the rise of the Decepticons.
Veteran Pixar director Cooley has crafted a beautifully balanced sci-fi fable that expands the Transformers mythology, celebrating the shape-shifting, sentient robots that have entertained us for nearly four decades.
The character designs are reminiscent of the G1 models of old, with enough enhanced facial detail to avoid the uncanny valley. Cybertron is a cluttered labyrinth underground – with transforming rocks, bluish auroras, magenta-eyed robotic deer and other wildlife – and sublime natural beauty on its surface.
The wizards at Industrial Light & Magic are responsible for the film’s stunning animation, which balances the realism of live-action Autobots and Decepticons with the simplicity of vintage cartoons, dazzling every inch of the composition with metallic textures, evocative reflections, and a rich color palette.
It’s also the first animated “Transformers” movie since 1986’s “The Transformers Movie,” and it may become fans’ favorite “Transformers” movie of all time (sorry, “Bumblebee”!).
It may be a bold statement, but it’s probably true: This is a much-needed reboot that will reinvigorate the franchise into a bright future for fans of charming robots in disguise, regardless of age.
Produced by Hasbro Entertainment and Paramount Animation in association with Paramount Pictures, “Transformers One” is produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian and Aaron Demme. Steven Spielberg serves as executive producer on the film, which also stars Brian Goldner, Brian Oliver, Bradley J. Fisher and Valerie Ang.
Transformers One will be released in theaters on September 20, 2024.
