Transformers One Is A Perfect Animated Journey Through the Origin of Optimus and Megatron

Transformers One delivers a CG masterpiece in an origin story we needed.

I’ve always been a massive fan of every Transformers project in film and television. When an animated feature film was announced, it had me buzzing with excitement. Having loved the recent Paramount+ series, EarthSpark, and enjoyed the live-action Transformers films (with Bumblee and Rise of the Beasts being a standout), I knew that an animated movie would be the perfect medium for this iconic franchise. And Transformers One did not disappoint. It delivered everything I had hoped for and more, cementing itself as the Transformers movie we’ve all been waiting for.

Directed by Josh Cooley, Transformers One dives into the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, two of the most iconic figures in the Transformers universe. The film takes us back to when these two were sworn enemies. It explores their bond as friends who were practically brothers. The story offers a unique and emotionally charged take on how they ultimately shaped the fate of Cybertron and became the fierce rivals we know today.

The animation is stunning! It’s visually epic, with a nostalgic touch that brought back memories of Beast Wars and Beast Machines but also took things to a new level. The detailed design of Cybertron and the Transformers felt fresh and familiar. The CG technology enhances the visuals, making everything feel larger than life. But, instead of reinventing the wheel, the film doubles down on the designs we’ve come to love, giving them a polished, modern look that’s just jaw-dropping. Every frame was a feast for the eyes, and you could feel the love that went into making it.

As for the story, it’s full of vibrance and heart.

Transformers One balances intense action with strong emotional moments and a solid dose of humor. Clocking in at just 1 hour and 44 minutes, Transformers One doesn’t waste a second, and the pacing is spot on. From the early stages of Optimus and Megatron’s friendship to the climactic, jaw-dropping finale, I was locked in from beginning to end. The film’s climax, in particular, is one of the most powerful scenes I’ve seen in any movie, animated or live-action.

The voice cast is absolutely stellar. I admit that I was initially skeptical about Chris Hemsworth as Orion Pax (who eventually becomes Optimus Prime) and Brian Tyree Henry as D-16 (the future Megatron). But as their characters evolved, so did their voices, transforming into the powerful, iconic tones we know and love. It was spot on and felt completely natural. The rest of the cast shines, too. Scarlett Johansson as Elita, Jon Hamm as Sentinel Prime, and Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee (or, as he hilariously insists on calling himself, “Bad-Ass-Atron”) all bring their A-game. Steve Buscemi as Starscream is an absolute revelation, and Laurence Fishburne as Alpha Trion is perfection. Fans will also be thrilled to see familiar faces like Shockwave and Soundwave in action.

Verdict

I give Transformers One 5 out of 5 stars because it has everything a fan could want. It’s exciting, emotional, beautifully animated, and perfectly cast. This film is a perfect Transformers movie in every sense of the word!

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