Tranformers One: A Surprise Detour to Cybertron: “Transformers One” Delivers Unexpected Heart and Heroism

Sometimes, the best movie experiences are the ones you don’t plan for. My friend and I recently headed to the theater, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” tickets in hand, ready for some spooky fun. But a wrong turn, a case of “can’t miss the opening scene” syndrome, and a sprinkle of “oops, we’re in the wrong theater” landed us in a screening of “Transformers One.” And you know what? I’m kinda glad we got lost. It’s like the universe was telling me, “Hey, Maikaru, you need a break from ghosts and ghouls. How about some robots and explosions instead?”

Now, I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest Transformers fan. Growing up, I was more of a “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” kind of guy. (Cowabunga!) But with the promise of familiar voices like Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) and Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1) leading the charge, I was curious. Plus, who doesn’t love a good origin story? And let me tell you, “Transformers One” delivered a surprisingly engaging and heartwarming tale, packed with action, humor, and some genuinely touching moments that had me reaching for the tissues (and maybe a little bit of robot oil to lubricate my tear ducts).

“Transformers One” throws us right into the heart of Cybertron, a vibrant and bustling world filled with robots, spaceships, and enough futuristic technology to make Elon Musk jealous. We witness the early days of Optimus Prime and Megatron – before they were, well, Optimus Prime and Megatron. They’re just two young bots trying to find their place in the world, navigating friendships, rivalries, and the ever-present threat of war.

We see Orion Pax, a hardworking cog in the machine (literally!), yearning for something more than a life of monotonous labor. His mischievous spirit leads him and his best friend, D-16 (a scene-stealing Brian Tyree Henry, who brings his signature comedic timing and charisma to the role), into a high-stakes race. It’s a classic underdog story, with Orion and D-16 proving that even the most ordinary bots can achieve extraordinary things.

Along the way, they forge an unlikely friendship with the outcast B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key, who injects his signature comedic charm into the role). B-127 is a lovable goofball with a heart of gold, and his friendship with Orion and D-16 is one of the highlights of the film.

The animation is vibrant and dynamic, capturing the energy and excitement of the Transformers world. The action sequences are thrilling, with explosions, chases, and robot battles that will leave you on the edge of your seat. And the voice acting is top-notch, with each actor bringing their A-game to bring these iconic characters to life.

But what truly surprised me was the film’s emotional depth. We see the bonds of friendship tested, the allure of power corrupting, and the emergence of true heroism in the face of betrayal. The film explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the importance of fighting for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you.

And hey, it even manages to sneak in some valuable life lessons for families to ponder. The film highlights the importance of communication, understanding, and accepting those who are different from you. It’s a message that’s both timely and timeless, reminding us that even in a world of robots and aliens, the most important things are the connections we forge with those around us.

While the ending sets the stage for future installments (as expected with a franchise like this), “Transformers One” stands strong as a compelling story in its own right. It’s a film about finding your voice, fighting for what’s right, and the enduring power of friendship. It’s a movie that will entertain, inspire, and maybe even make you shed a tear or two (don’t worry, I won’t judge!).

So, while I might have missed out on Beetlejuice’s latest antics (for now!), I stumbled upon a hidden gem in the world of Cybertron. Sometimes, a detour can lead to the most unexpected and rewarding destinations. And hey, who knows? Maybe I’ll even become a Transformers fan after all. (But don’t tell the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!)

My rating: 7.0 Mainasty Masterpieces

Rated: PG (USA)

Runtime: 104 minutes

Release Date September 20, 2024