Transformers One

September 16th, 2024

MOVIE: TRANSFORMERS ONE

STARRING: CHRIS HEMSWORTH, BRIAN TYREE HENRY, SCARLETT JOHANSSON, KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY, JOHN HAMM, LAURENCE FISHBURNE

DIRECTED BY: JOSH COOLEY

AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 ½ STARS (Out of 4)

RATED: PG
RUN TIME: 104 MINUTES

What’s happening? I’m giving a glowing review of a Transformers movie! Perhaps I’ve softened in my middle age, or maybe it’s my son’s infectious joy at watching everyone’s favorite Transformers that’s to blame. Whatever the reason, director Josh Cooley has crafted a film that resonates with children of all ages—from 1 to 92. Transformers One is an origin story, an adventure, the end of a friendship, and the beginning of a battle between transforming alien robots. It’s more than meets the eye; it’s not just mindless action—it’s a blast for the entire family.

The story unfolds long before the exhausting Michael Bay installments, diving into the origins of Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth), aka Optimus Prime, and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), aka Megatron, who are young worker bots and best friends. They toil in the mines, digging for Energon, the power source of Cybertron. Alongside the rule-abiding Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson) and the scene-stealing B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key), they uncover harsh truths about the current leader, Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm). This discovery puts them on the run as they strive to reveal the truth and unlock their transforming powers.

What makes Transformers One shine is its eye-popping animation, consistent direction from Cooley, and a multi-layered screenplay by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer, and Gabriel Ferrari. While I have a few quibbles—such as the story cramming in a worker uprising, an origin tale, and the brothers’ rivalry—Cooley skillfully weaves it all together. The relentless narrative of Megatron’s descent into evil and Optimus’s choice of allegiance carries an almost Shakespearean weight, a rarity for a Transformers film.

Above all, Transformers One lit up my 6-year-old son’s eyes. Bumblebee’s jokes, especially his hilarious self-reference as “Bad-Ass-A-Tron,” earned a laugh every time. The engaging story had me invested in the unfolding drama. This prequel format is a successful approach—much like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—and it works even better here. This is my kind of Transformers movie, and Transformers One is at the top of my list.

3 ½ STARS

TRANSFORMERS ONE IS IN THEATERS ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2024.

Written by: Leo Brady
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