The first fully computer generated imagery (CGI) animated film of the Transformers franchise, “Transformers One,” was released Sept. 20 as a prequel to the past eight films.
The nine film franchise has spanned over 40 years with the first introduction of them into pop culture being the 1984 animated series. The newest installment to the iconic legacy is the origin story to it all.
Orion Pax, voiced by Chris Hemsworth, and D-16, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry, are widely known as the sworn enemies, Optimus Prime and Megaton, in their native planet of Cybertron. However, long before the hatred, the two once had a heartfelt bromance with one another.
Sentinel Prime, the antagonist of the story who is voiced by John Hamm, is on the search for the long-lost ancient artifact, the Matrix of Leadership, which would end the need for energon, a substance mined that fuels the planet.
Being forged without the ability to transform, Orion Pax and D-16 are two lowly miners, a part of the underclass in charge of getting energon for the planet. Although, with little hope of ever becoming more than they are, a clue comes to them about where a vital key to their world’s energy is, causing them to break the rules and embark on a quest.
The film follows Orion Pax and D-16 as they embark on a journey to find the Matrix of Leadership with the help of Elita-1, voiced by Scarlett Johanson, and B-127, who later becomes the fan favorite, Bumblebee, voiced by Keegan-Michael Key. The adventure that the film follows ultimately changes the fate of Cybertron forever.
The film is directed by Oscar-winner Josh Cooley, who has directed other films such as “Toy Story 4” and “Inside Out.” The work done by Cooley showcases action-packed, exciting visuals that allow for fans to be entranced throughout the film.
The prequel has received extremely positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an 89% with a fan score of 98%. The movie is very comical, with one liners funny to children and adults alike. Many reviews chronicle a deeper meaning to the plot that surpasses the high tech graphics.
“Transformers One” saw an opening day box office gross of $9.5 million, and an opening weekend gross of $26.3 million. The film was predicted to earn a bit more than that before its debut, but these current numbers have resulted in a higher gross than the new “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” released just a few weeks prior.
The success from the film has guaranteed another prequel from Paramount Pictures, in order to connect the live-action franchise to where this movie leaves off. A second prequel smoothes out the complicated backstory of the franchise and creates one cohesive universe.
One hour and 44 minutes of non-stop action and entertainment has left long-time and new Transformers fans with a shockingly good origin story to a beloved franchise. The legacy of Optimus Prime and Megatron lives on for the next generation.
