Image via Paramount Pictures
Chris Hemsworth can do no wrong in Transformers One. He may have embodied Thor for the MCU, but there was clearly one more mountain left to climb in Optimus Prime – uber-Transformer and leader of the Decepticons. In a move that feels like Peter Cullen is passing the torch, Transformers One delivers a thought-provoking origin story with heart, directed by Oscar winner Josh Cooley. Beyond that, this slick animated feature has an awesome ensemble cast in Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi, and Jon Hamm.
In an outrageous opening, both Tyree Henry and Chris Hemsworth carry the brunt of Transformers One, introducing audiences to Orion Pax and D16. Mining bots forced to excavate a precious ore beneath the surface of Cybertron. After surviving a tunnel collapse and getting Scarlet Johansson’s Elita-1 demoted, this intrepid twosome finds themselves 50 floors down sifting through rubbish. Some high-octane animated action might have got them there, courtesy of a Transformers style street race, but none of that matters. Audiences will be on-board regardless, because the chemistry between this cast is on point. The arrival of B127, voiced by Keegan Michael Key, might provide some comedic highlights but Transformers One offers audiences more than just a few laughs.
Image via Paramount Pictures
The Matrix of Leadership serves as a passable McGuffin for getting our heroes on the road, but their encounter with Alpha Trion, voiced by Laurence Fishburne really kicks things up a notch. This is when the preening Sentinel Prime, played with a degree of jazz hands by Jon Hamm comes unstuck. As the stakes are raised and there is a shift in mood between Orion Pax and D16, Transformers One becomes a dramatic game changer. The morally upstanding Pax and his militant best friend experience their own epiphanies, creating an ethical divide that comes to define the characters.
What unfolds from that point on comes down to some masterful storytelling, a keen eye for character, and polished performances. No animated Transformers feature deserves to be this good, which is why everyone needs to see it. Without giving the game away, Chris Hemsworth might come close to touching Peter Cullen’s hem in terms of character, but is savvy enough to avoid imitation. In truth, every actor on this role call gets their moment, from Steve Buscemi on down, making this pure wish fulfilment for fans. Whether people decide to download on digital or splash out for something more physical, no one will be disappointed by this origin story.
Transformers One is available to Buy on Digital, 4K UHD™ + Blu-ray™ SteelBook®, 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD now.