Before Michael Bay’s blockbusters, the Transformers universe unfolded in comic books and animated series. After seeing Transformers Oneit is clear to us that animation is a better fit for these alien robots.
In the early 1980s, toymaker Hasbro commissioned Marvel to create comic books to better define the characters. They then conquered the small screen and then made the jump to the big screen in 1986 with Transformers – The MovieIt was the only film in the franchise to be released theatrically, and its dark narrative still haunts those who saw it at the time.
Transformers One is certainly more enjoyable, but still contains a good deal of drama.
Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth, who does justice to Montreal’s Peter Cullen) and D-16 (Brian Tyree-Henry) are best friends despite their different personalities. The former is a dreamer and idealist, the latter serious and rational. Energon miners, they spend their time in the depths of their planet Cyberton, because the source of life for their species is no longer found on the surface. The reason: the matrix of leadership was lost during the invasion of the ruthless Quintessons. Since then, Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm), who became leader of the Transformers following the war, has been trying to find it with his troops.
Even though he is just a simple worker, Orion is ready to do anything to help his sovereign in his quest. His dedication will take him to the hostile surface of Cybertron, in the company of D-16, the pragmatic foreman Elita (Scarlett Johansson) and B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key), very happy to have company after being condemned alone in the subsoil of his planet. Together, they will discover the truth about their past and will consider the future in a very different way.
The eternal story of friends turned enemies is very well-crafted and consistent with this vast universe. Screenwriters Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, who have contributed to Marvel Studios films, were inspired by old and new works from the Transformers franchise, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.e birthday.
It was easy to imagine how Orion would evolve into the valiant Optimus Prime, but D-16’s metamorphosis into Megatron happens in a surprising way. Although it’s just his voice, Brian Tyree-Henry delivers a breathtaking performance. His encounter with Starscream (Steve Buscemi) and the fight that follows are memorable.
Even though they are cartoons, Transformers One remains fairly violent, with plenty of beatings and shooting. On the other hand, there is plenty of humor, especially from “Badassatron,” better known as Bumblebee. The animation, the characters’ expressive faces, and their bright colors also add some lightness.
Josh Cooley, director of Toy Story 4has managed to find a balance never seen before in a work inspired by Hasbro toys. Long-time fans will discover another side of the heroes of their childhood, while younger ones will be amazed by these robots that go beyond appearances.
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Animated science fiction
Transformers One (V. F.: Transformers One)
Josh Cooley
Featuring the voices of Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree-Henry, Scarlett Johansson
1 h 44