Transformers One

This weekend, Transformers One, an animated prequel about the Transformers characters, is released in theaters. Transformers One follows Orion Pax (Optimus Prime) and D-16 (Megatron) as they go on a quest to the surface of Cybertron to attempt to bring their home to its former glory. I enjoyed the live-action Transformers movies and thought this movie looked interesting with a fun voice cast.

I had a fun time watching this movie. It is definitely geared towards a younger audience but there was some entertainment for adults. I think kids are going to really enjoy this movie. It has lots of action, bright colors, lots of funny moments, and a very fast pace. I thought that the movie was very efficient with its storytelling. It has a lot to cover but does so in a way that the movie doesn't feel overstuffed or rushed. The movie also moves at a very brisk pace coming in at about 100 minutes. I also thought the movie had a lot of fun moments with Bee delivering most of them. The movie also does a great job of expanding on the Transformers lore. We get a lot of world-building with Cybertron and get to see how the society works there. The movie also expands the planet Cybertron, showing that it is more than just the homeworld of the Transformers. Easily the best part of the movie was the relationship between Orion and D-16 as well as D-16's turn to becoming Megatron. We get to see D-16's gradual transformation as he loses his humanity and doubles down on his rage and desire for revenge. The movie also does a great job of showing the gradual deterioration of the relationship between the two friends so that by the end of the movie you feel the real tragedy of Orion losing his best friend.

One thing that isn't a negative is that this movie is definitely geared more towards kids, similar to last year's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem. The jokes are a little lower in maturity and things just aren't as intense as the other Transformers movies. The biggest negative I have about this movie is that I wish it was longer. I wanted the movie to spend more time focusing on the journey of D-16 and his tragic turn to become the villain Megatron. I also just really like this world and wish we could have spent more time in it. One of the other issues I had was that I just didn't like how goofy they made the Bumblebee character. I felt like they could have toned him down just a bit.

In the end, this was a solid Transformers movie that has something to offer both kids and adults. This would be a good movie to watch as a family.

Score: 7.5/10 Grade: B Recommendation: It is worth checking out