Exploring the Transformers on Cybertron isn’t anything new, it’s been explored in the comics and games (2010’s Transformers Fall Of Cybertron, amongst others). However, we’ve been asking for a new movie or TV series about that, especially since 2018’s Bumblebee gave us a glimpse of that. Now we’re finally getting that but in the form of an animated movie. While receptions to the promotional trailers for Transformers One have been divisive, the actual movie has turned out to be a pleasant surprise, which could become an unexpected blockbuster hit.

More Than Meets The Eye

The trailers for Transformers One highlighted the movie’s humour and comedy, which seemed to cater more for younger viewers. After watching the movie, I can confirm that the tone of the movie is a bit mixed. Yes, in the first half of the movie, the focus is more on setting up the characters and telling jokes with them. However, the second half, especially during the third act, essentially saves the entire movie with an epic and action-packed climax.

Sure, the movie could have benefitted from being darker and more mature. I won’t lie, most of the jokes don’t really land that well, but the jokes are nowhere near as cringy as those in the Michael Bay movies. The humour of Transformers One is more for kids (though there were a rare few that made me laugh out loud), but like I previously mentioned, there’s a turning point in the second half of the movie where it reduces the focus on jokes and shifts to a more serious tone. This is when the movie is at its best and it’s where we get the payoff for all that character development from the first half. There are also actually some quite mature subject matter in the movie, such as a classist society (Cog-less miners are treated differently from Transformers with Cogs, Cogs are what allow Transformers to transform) and the rise of radicalism to combat tyranny.

Chris Hemsworth is amazing as Orion Pax AKA Optimus Prime. He gradually grows throughout the movie and it genuinely feels like he channels the spirit and gravitas of original Optimus Prime voice actor, Peter Cullen. He may well be a worthy successor to Peter Cullen. Meanwhile, Brian Tyree Henry sounds too goofy as D-16 at first but comes into his own as D-16 gradually turns more evil and eventually turns into a more recognizable Megatron. The relationship between Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry (the tragedy of their falling out) forms the emotional crux of the movie. The most impressive feat of all is how both of them can change so much from the beginning to the end, especially by subtly altering their voice gradually.

On the other hand, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee is basically the comic relief (kids will probably love him) and Scarlett Johansson is fine as Elita. There are several easter eggs and unexpected cameos in Transformers One that will leave long-time Transformers fans with a smile as they also get a part to play in the movie. Last but not least, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is responsible for producing the animation in Transformers One and it’s incredible, especially during the transforming sequences and action setpieces in the movie. The attention to detail is also praiseworthy, especially seeing Orion Pax and D-16 go through several design changes in real-time before ultimately becoming the Optimus Prime and Megatron we all know and love.

Robots In Disguise

Transformers One is perhaps one of the biggest pleasant surprises of 2024 so far. No one really expected a new Transformers movie to be any good (considering last year’s Transformers Rise Of The Beasts). This might finally revitalize the franchise for viewers of all ages and different generations, as well as inspire better sequels and follow-ups. And in 2024 too, the 40th anniversary of the Transformers franchise.

P.S. There are two post-credits scenes, so stay until the very end of the credits.

FINAL SCORE: 80/100

We attended a press screening of Transformers One courtesy of United International Pictures Malaysia. Transformers One premieres in Malaysian cinemas on 12 September 2024.