Transformers One is hitting theaters and it just might be the best Transformers movie since the first one – it’s certainly the best since Bumblebee. Pixar stalwart Josh Cooley brings the animated tale to life, with Transformers One telling the origin story of the Transformers on their planet of Cybertron. Once bonded as close as brothers, Orion Pax and D-16 eventually have a falling out that leads to them becoming sworn enemies Optimus Prime and Megatron.
So far, Transformers One has gotten quite positive reviews thanks to its entertainment value, humor, and heart. While it’s always worth being cautious of critic pullquotes, reviews always tell a more faithful story, and the story critical reviews are telling for Transformers One is a good one.
The Voice Cast Is Great
To start, Transformers One’s voice cast is stacked with talent that brings the characters to life. Check out the names on this list:
- Chris Hemsworth – Orion Pax/Optimus Prime
- Brian Tyree Henry – D-16/Megatron
- Scarlett Johansson – Elita-1
- Keegan-Michael Key – B-127/Bumblebee
- Steve Buscemi – Starscream
- Laurence Fishburne – Alpha Trion
- Jon Hamm – Sentinel Prime
- Isaac C. Singleton Jr. – Darkwing
- + other talented voice performers
The cast has gotten praise for its voice performances in Transformers One, infusing their characters with distinct personality and fun.
The Animation Is Visually Stunning
You may have noticed that the animation style of Transformers One is also something unique, and indeed, the visuals have garnered positive reviews for its visually inventive, immersive style. Pixar veteran Josh Cooley was brought aboard to direct, and VFX wizards ILM, who did VFX for the first six Transformers movies, were broad on board to oversee the animation, which was all computer-generated.
In Michael Bay’s bombastic movies, it’s sometimes been hard to distinguish the individual pieces of the Transformers, especially when they transform. So from the start, Cooley’s vision was to return the Transformers to something closer to the original ’80s style of the Transformers, which are “really clear and have these great silhouettes.” Fittingly of his time at Pixar, Cooley also worked with ILM to make the machines more emotive and human-like in their expressions, making them better able to connect with audiences.
The Story Isn’t Just Mindless Action
Lastly, the story of Transformers One isn’t just over-the-top, mindless action. Instead, there’s a real story that not only lays the groundwork for the origins of the Transformers, but also the more personal story of how two brothers-at-arms became bitter enemies. The story is lighthearted and fun, with plenty of humor, but there are still some darker moments – in this, Cooley’s Pixar influence is all over the movie. Pixar movies do not dumb thing down for children or shy away from including the full spectrum of experience, and that includes dark moments, and neither does Transformers One. Still, it’s a movie that has enough meat on the bone for the whole family, which is why it’s rated PG.
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