It's no secret the Transformers franchise has endured quite the cinematic journey since its Generation One film introduction in 1986. From the Bayformers to the new journey begun with Bumblebee leading into the Rise of the Beasts, which itself is acting as the segway into the prophetic, and in some circles controversial G.I-JOE crossover series, it's certain that Transformers' journey has undergone as many ups and downs and turns and surprises as the MCU, DCEU, and countless other theater-bound franchises. It's all seemingly culminated to this: Transformers ONE- a film diehard fans have been requesting for years, an origin story regarding the mythical Cybertronian Civil War that's constantly referenced in Transformers media, but rarely ever depicted aside from scant flashbacks in television shows and the aforementioned movies.
How Optimus Prime and Megatron, the two catalyst bots behind the contemporary Transformers lore, went from allies, friends, even brothers- to spiteful enemies battling for control over not only their home planet, but the universe itself. I'm glad to say Transformers: ONE does its franchise justice, respecting the source material whilst providing its own unique spin on particular events and characterizations which ultimately cascaded into the devastating War for Cybertron.
If you've any fears of taking family and friends to this movie because the lack of human characters would remove any supposed relatability, put your mind at ease. Orion Pax (Optimus's former moniker) and D-16 (Megatron's designation before ascending the ranks of power), alongside fan-favorites Elita-One and Bumblebee have more than enough personality to suffice for the lack of physical human presence throughout this film. Long has Paramount shied away from releasing a Cybertronian-exclusive story, fearing audience reception would dwindle upon finding no homosapien anchors throughout the narrative, but this movie's proven the opposite. Not once was the fact this was a purely Cybertronian setting ever dwell on me, as I was far too invested in the storyline which seemed endemic to the human social and political condition.
Orion Pax and D-16 start out as Energon miners. Them alongside their contemporaries constitute the lowest rung of Cybertronian society, and their inability to Transform (roll credits) is indicative of this unenviable status. Without spoiling too much, the nature of their dreary existence becomes the crux of the film's events, setting into motion Orion and D-16's arcs, and their encounters with Elita-One and Bee. Joining them are countless other favorites- Jazz, the speedy, suave, slippery-tongued Autobot infiltrator everyone knows and loves makes a short cameo at the movie's beginning, Ironhide, Arcee, Wheeljack, and countless others equally make brief yet memorable appearances; and of course, what's a Transformers movie without the Decepticons? Though the actual faction of conquering, murderous robots doesn't form until the movie's exciting after-credits scene, the formative members of Megatron's empire; Starscream, Shockwave, and Soundwave, all make appearances as leaders of Cybertron's 'High Guard', an exiled military regiment currently waging war against the false prophet- Sentinel Prime.
Speaking of Sentinel, they couldn't have chosen a better villain to start off this foray into the Transformers universe. It's become a uniform rule throughout Transformers lore now that Sentinel Prime, typically the last member of that rank before Optimus takes the mantle, is unabashedly a fraudulent, elitist maniac with plans ranging from enforcing an inequal, cruel oligarchy to outright genocide of entire species to see his ambitions through. Transformers One, well... it certainly gives Sentinel the characterization of such an aristocratic nonce, and in doing so ties the franchise together with another staple of its universe, that being the enigmatic, ruthless Quintesson alien race, typically depicted as a soulless conglomerate of slavers and oppressors. If the Decepticons weren't enough, it seems the newly-formed Autobots under Optimus Prime will also have to contend with them.
Capping off this review without specifically mentioning the relationship between Orion and D-16 would be unjust. Their descent from the best of friends into the worst of enemies is displayed with saddening detail, as revelations regarding Sentinel and the very system of which they've known nothing but slavish obedience toward is brought down upon them, and Optimus seeks a more peaceful solution whilst Megatron embarks down the path of violence and strength, emboldened by the actions of his idol, the late Megatronus Prime. We've seen Optimus and Megatron late in their story, weary and weathered by the ceaseless eons of constant warfare against one another, but only here are we greeted with the origin of this violence, the genesis of their conflict. And it couldn't be more tragic. It's a story, I'd contend, of Biblical nature, of how pride, hatred, divisiveness, and political injustice can breed the best of leaders and the worst of monsters.
Please, this movie's struggling right now in theaters. I'd confidently give Transformers One a 10/10, it engaged me from beginning to end, and I want everyone, from loyalists of the Transformers universe to newbies just seeking a fun time this weekend at the theater, to support it unilaterally. God Bless, and stay tuned for more reviews!
Comments