By: Rickey B. Combs, N2Entertainment.net Contributing Writer
Hey, "Transformers" fans. Get ready to "Roll Out" and dive into theaters for the exciting new film,
"Transformers One." Trust me, this is the "One" you didn’t know you needed in your life.
It is a nostalgic joyride that hits all the right bots/spots. The rock 'em sock 'em robots are back and looking sharper than ever in stunning animated form, just as they were meant to be.
"Transformers One" marks the franchise's first theatrical animated feature since 1986's iconic "The Transformers: The Movie," and it serves as a great throwback for longtime fans and an enticing introduction for newcomers.
"Transformers One" brilliantly weaves together breathtaking animation and a fresh storyline that delves deep into the origins of our beloved Autobots and Decepticons.
As one of the biggest "Transformers" fans around, I found myself gleefully transported back to my youth, reliving those cherished Saturday afternoon cartoons.
This movie is so good that I managed to convince my movie critic wife to let me tackle this review after our viewing together. And let me tell you, I absolutely loved it—there is truly more than meets the eye here.
That said, this film is especially tailored for those of us who grew up with the "Transformers" saga. Newbies venturing into the world of Autobots and Decepticons might need to do a bit of homework to fully grasp the lore, but believe me, it's a rewarding assignment.
I also had the opportunity to listen to the "Transformers One" press conference, featuring director
Josh Cooley ("Toy Story 4") and lead stars
Chris Hemsworth ("Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga") who voices Orion Pax/Optimus Prime, and
Brian Tyree Henry ("The Fire Inside"), the voice of D-16/Megatron, as they shared their insights on what "Transformers One" means to them. The event was moderated by
Perri Nemiroff, Senior Producer at
Collider. Click here to watch.
In "Transformers One," we first see Orion Pax/(Hemsworth) and D-16 (Henry) as good friends who will become staunch enemies Optimus Prime and Megatron. The brutal war has ravaged the Transformer’s home planet Cybertron and forced many, like Orion Pax and D-16 to work underground in dirty mining camps digging and searching for Energon, the juice that gives the Autobots life/energy.
Energon used to be plentiful on Cybertron, but now it's in short supply and buried deep beneath the surface which leads the head of Cybertron, Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm, Upcoming, TV's "Landman") and mining manager Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson, "Fly Me to the Moon") and B-127/Bumblebee (Keegan-Michael Key, "IF" and "Wonka"), to search for the powerful artifact, the Autobot Matrix of Leadership with hopes it will provide Energon and power the Star Harvester.
However, Elita-1, Orion Pax, and D-16 soon uncover some surprising truths about Energon, Sentinel Prime, and Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishburne, "Megalopolis"). Alpha Trion, an ancient sage capable of transforming into a fearsome robotic beast, is also the keeper of the ancient Primes' cogs. This revelation sparks an awakening in Orion Pax, D-16, Elita-1, and Bumblebee, compelling them to unite in a quest to save their planet.
"Transformers One" not only delivers frenetic action and stunning visual effects, but it also features a cleverly crafted screenplay--courtesy of Eric Pearson ("Thor: Ragnarok" and upcoming, "Blade"), Andrew Barrer ("No Exit"), and Gabriel Farrari (TV's Quantum and Woody") --that's filled with laugh-out-loud moments.
The voice cast is nothing short of exceptional, with Steve Buscemi (TV's "Wednesday") lending his talents to Starscream, the former leader of the Decepticons, and Vanessa Liguori ("The Super Man") as Airachnid, Sentinel Prime's spider-themed consigliere who transforms into a sleek Cybertronian jet.
"Transformers One" offers plenty to savor, seamlessly blending action, heart, and humor without ever overstaying its welcome.
Rickey B. Combs is a "Transformers" enthusiast and is married to
N2Entertainment.net movie critic, Lana Wilson-Combs. This is Rickey’s second review for the Website, and it’s probably not his last.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"TRANSFORMERS ONE"
