User reviews

This is 100% the best Transformers movie. It's definitely one of the best of the year as well. For rather simplistic trailers, this movie goes into more of a complexity that is inspiring, and even heartbreaking at times. The bond between Orion and D was sweet, and seeing it fall apart had me on the edge of my seat. My favorite part about the movie has to be that it is a definitive Transformers movie. It's been the Transformers movie fans have been waiting for a long time. It was such a cool experience finally seeing the Transformers lore unfold on the big screen. I'm also quite surprised how funny this franchise can be. Bumblebee, I mean Badassatron, is definitely the best part. I can't wait to see the future of this franchise, and how our two leads unfold into their different characters and to see more of their backgrounds.

Transformers One is not a cliché, nor is it a typical story where we see the often shallow battle between good and evil that's prevalent in most films. Here, we finally get a fantastically told story. We are given the chance to see what Optimus and Megatron were like as ordinary robots, exploring what their personalities were like when they were nobodies.

Optimus's noble character is portrayed brilliantly, along with his sacrifice, hope, and longing for something greater. On the other hand, Megatron is depicted as a depressed figure who, after learning the real truth, grows increasingly bitter and filled with hatred as he gains more power. As their power grows, the paths of these two friends diverge further and further. Optimus Prime is rewarded for his nobility, while Megatron is consumed by hatred to the extreme.

The film is very well-written, with no forced humor, and the humor that is present works perfectly. Additionally, the other characters in the film have depth and personality, which makes this animated movie feel much more serious than it might initially seem.

All in all, it's a film that you are guaranteed to enjoy.

If you're a fan of the Transformers universe, this is the installment you've been waiting for! This latest addition dives into the intense and captivating backstory of Cybertron. Finally, we get to witness the dramatic events that led to the rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron. The storyline fills in the crucial gaps, giving us a deeper understanding of why these two iconic leaders became mortal enemies. With thrilling action, stunning visuals, and a plot that pays homage to the rich history of Cybertron, it's a must-watch for any Transformers enthusiast. Don't miss out-this one's a game changer!

Transformers One is the BEST Transformers Movie! High Octane Action, Hilarious, and most importantly emotionally deep with its thematics on friendship + its layers on social hierarchy brings to life some eye opening pieces to the Transformers universe!

It is good. Way different than anything else we've seen on the big screen. I'm going to need to see it a few more times. Very excited to see what direction this takes the franchise in!

The animation is truly epic, with visuals that are more than meets the eye. The star-studded cast knocked it out of the galaxy with all the action, emotion, heart, and humor, making this the Transformers film we have all been waiting for!

This is more than meets the eye!

Transformers one delivers and then some!

As a fan of the transformer story, this film provides a unique tail on the origin of both Megatron and Optimus prime.

It is a brilliant new direction to this franchise! The animation is top-notch, and perfectly fits the style of storytelling. The story of both Megatron and Optimus prime is a lovely one and riveting, and they do justice and telling it in such a great way. Developing the introductions for the characters that we will soon come to love. This is truly a great introductory film that any fan can enjoy!

Overall rating: 7/10 Highly recommended.

7.2/10 (Definitely Recommend)

I don't really know the story of the Transformers other than what I've seen in the movies so it took a bit of time for some of the characters to click in such as Bumblebee. Despite super lack of knowledge I was thoroughly entertained and wasn't really sure what would happen next. As things clicked in, I knew what to expect for an ending, but everything in between was a question mark.

The animation is absolutely amazing. It feels very much real, and a bit of an exaggeration, but almost doesn't feel like animation. The cinematography is great. Everything is captured very well especially the battle scenes. In 3D I feel like the film blurs a bit to truly enjoy the view, but the outcome is still enjoyable.

The acting is good, and it kind of kindles some of the vague memories I have about watching "Transformers" as a kid and young teen. No one felt out of place for me, and the emotions behind the voice fell in line with the facial expressions to kindle the emotion needed to tell the story.

Overall, I liked this film so much that I definitely want to go back and watch the live action films again. I always had some enjoyment in them. For this film, while 3D did work and was enjoyable, I think you can find just as much happiness in a regular showing. You also don't need to know the story of the legends. This movie does a good enough job to introduce you to the world, and will actually help understand who is who in other iterations of the franchise.

That's it for now. Thanks for taking time to read my review. Happy watching and enjoy the show!

I went into this film expecting it to be mediocre at best, but my 9 year old loved the previews and asked to go. There was an early screening at our local theater, so we went, and dear lord, this was good. I am not well versed in Transformers lore, nor have I seen most of the films, so I'm not able to speak from a fan's perspective. With that being said, I now feel SUPER motivated to go watch and learn as much as possible about these characters. The main focus of the film on the relationship between Orion Pax and D-16 was an absolute emotional rollercoaster - and the action scenes absolutely had us on the edge of our seats. Every. Single. One. From the initial mining accident, to the race, to the train (and so on, don't want to ruin too much from the final act), each big action event seemed to one-up the last. I had an absolute blast and was not intending to go see this film twice, but I will absolutely be going back once it hits theaters for real.

This movie is the what the transformers franchise needed after years of mediocre bay films and even though I really enjoyed bumblebee it's arguably the best live action transformers movie but being a fun 80s throw back with charm and a fun cast and having heart I think transformers one is the best transformers movie we've ever gotten even better than then the transformers movie (1986) which I hold dear to my heart because I watched it all the time as a kid this is 10 times better this movie has strong characters funny jokes pretty good voice acting from a celebrity cast and amazing visual's highly recommend you watch this.

Watching the first trailer, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this, then the final trailer looked much more interesting but I was still not sold on it but it turned out to be so much fun in the theater. It's probably the best Transformers movie I've seen.

It perfectly balanced the comedy and drama in it, so that both kids and adults could really enjoy it. The animation style is also designed to be perfect for this in a way that the Transformers can emote and look good, which worked, so I got over my initial dislike of this particular look of the movie. The action and the whole third act were way better than I expected. Even though there were only around 30-40 people in the theatre, there was one group who were clearly fans and their excitement at some of the fan service moments made it a lot more fun.

The 3D in the theatre though was flipped, the two layers of projection were reversed and the foreground and background were in reverse 3D which made my head ache. I realized it after a few minutes and put the 3D glass upside down so the horizontal and vertical sides of the lenses were changed and it turned out to be correct. Inox should really make sure their projection and glasses work perfectly.

Had some really sick visuals and it was very funny. The abrupt cuts to transformers running away and their metal feet clacking on the ground is funny every time. Honestly the physical comedy is perfect and absurd and edited so well. Other than being awesome sometimes and nailing the goofiness, there isn't a ton of compelling story. World building is cool, but it's hard to relate to robots in the midst of alien war. Not much to say about the emotion of this film. D-16's turn to the dark side was abrupt and poorly done. He had no violent tendencies before being betrayed. Could've been done better.

The writing is superb! The animation is gorgeous. And the voice acting is top notch.

There are plenty of Easter eggs to appeal to long time fans. There are new story elements that reshape the lore of the Transformers franchise, but it feels organic and more refined than prior origin stories.

A pre-Civil War Cybertron is beautifully rendered. We are introduced to a planet that contains both technological and organic life. You will see familiar faces throughout the movie. Aside from the main characters. The film is great to see.

Kudos to the writing, production, and acting.

I can't wait to see it again!

As an 80's kid here... This movie can bring back childhood memories to anyone that has enjoyed the transformers since the first animated series. This movie shows that new stories from old franchises can be done the right away.

The story keeps you entertained from start to finish, every character was developed perfectly and you connect with them.

The movie is visually stunning along with a great soundtrack. This could definitely be the start of more movies from Hasbro Entertainment and hopefully other directors and producers can start doing things the right way again to entertain audiences the way we want to be entertained.

My wife and I watched Transformers One (2024) in theaters last night. The storyline follows two minor Transformers on Cybertron who want to help their leader find "the Matrix," a powerful artifact that could restore energy to their people, end their reliance on mining, and possibly change the course of their future. As they search for the Matrix, they uncover secrets from their past, revealing that not everything is as it seems, and a dark truth about Cybertron could alter existence as they know it.

This film is directed by Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4) and features the voices of Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Brian Tyree Henry (Bullet Train), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Keegan-Michael Key (Wonka), Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), and Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix).

Transformers One is a brilliant new direction for the franchise. The animation is top-notch, and the character dynamics, dialogue, and voice casting are spot-on. The story has clever twists and turns as the heroes discover their true selves, their abilities, and how they fit into the broader Transformers universe. The chemistry between the characters is fantastic, and once the transforming begins, the film really takes off. The movie features smart subplots and two epic concluding battles that were fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

In conclusion, Transformers One is a fantastic relaunch for the series, and I hope it gets plenty of sequels. I would score it an 8-8.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

A fresh take on the beloved franchise, diving into the origins of the Autobots and Decepticons. With its vibrant animation and engaging visuals, the film captures the essence of the Transformers universe, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The action sequences are dynamic and well-executed, showcasing the iconic transforming mechanics in a way that feels both exciting and innovative.

Character development is lacking, many of the Autobots and Decepticons come off as one-dimensional, failing to resonate emotionally with the audience. Additionally, the pacing can be uneven, with some scenes dragging on while others feel rushed.

While succeeding in delivering visual spectacle, it ultimately falls short in narrative depth. Fans of the franchise will likely enjoy the ride, but those looking for a compelling story might find it lacking. Overall, it's an entertaining addition to the Transformers saga.

'Transformers One' is a prequel to all the Transformers cartoons and films, and is a great return to form, partly because I think it works better when there're no pesky humans to worry about, just space robots! This is from Cooley, the writer of 'Inside Out' and director of 'Toy Story 4', so he knows how to balance comedy and heart. It's nice to have a fresh slate with Orion Pax/young Optimus (Hemsworth) and D-16/young Megatron (Tyree Henry, who are just miners trying to find their way in Cybertron.

Strong voice cast with Elita (Johansson), B-127/young Bumblebee (Key), Alpha Trion (Fishburne), Starscream (Buscemi - great origin story for his voice) and Sentinel Prime (Hamm), plus many other familiar faces of future Autobots and Decepticons. The plot is clear for younger kids - all the "Primes" (leaders) were killed in a war decades ago and the leadership matrix thing was lost, so Orion, D, B & Elita set out to find it and uncover a huge conspiracy. They set out to fix it while discovering their new abilities.

Crazy to think it's been 38 years since the first film and 40 years since the cartoon first started. It does well to give each of the main characters time to shine, and does a good of showing Orion & D-16's friendship and how/why it evolves. Also important to note there's some great action sequences, a fitting finale and lots of chuckles/funny moments. Should suit older audiences (i.e. Me) and new ones: "9.9 out of 10" from the nephew!

I went and saw Transformers One (2024) and it was pretty awesome. Great animation, great origin story with interesting twists, likable characters, very funny moments, and really cool action scenes. I'd say it's an emotional roller coaster and I'd argue that it's better than any of the live action Transformers movies. I can't think of any problems with the movie. 10/10

(I'm not going to spoil it, but if you're familiar with the Transformers lore and characters, you'll pretty much know what's coming. However, the way the plot is set up is very well presented.)

Full review coming soon to my blog (link in bio).

For starters, I think it's refreshing that the story takes place on Cybertron and not on Earth. The animation looks pretty good, though I didn't like how they designed their faces.

The political aspect was somewhat interesting, and Megatron's character development was the best aspect of the movie. However, my main problem was the tone inconsistency. The first/second acts were very jokie, but in the third act it gets pretty dark - which I liked.

I did enjoy some of the humor, but the tone should have been consistent. It wants to take itself seriously while also being a funny, lighthearted kids movie, which I don't think was balanced too well. Also, if you really think about it, humor and Transformers don't really mix. The franchise as a whole is more serious than jokie.

Not to mention that there were some boring moments in the movie, and Chris Hemsworth was miscast as Optimus Prime, in my opinion.

Overall, I somewhat enjoyed it, but it's not without its flaws. It's not a movie that I would like to rewatch.

6/10.

Pros:

• The visuals are quite excellent overall, and the full-CGI visuals serve this story-verse far better than live action.

• No humans.

• The last act where all the heavy moments occur is really quite good, and sort of harkens back to classic animation that wasn't afraid to have intense themes and imagery.

Cons:

• The celebrity voice cast just doesn't serve the characters well at all -- except for Laurence Fishburne. Everyone else lacks the gravitas that made the animated show characters so memorable. Frank Welker has an extremely rich voice that conveys dignity and strength, and Chris Hemworth's bro-dude vibes can't even begin to match, despite him attempting an imitation later on in the film. Similarly, Brian Tyree Henry's Megatron just sounded out of place and too "normal". They really should have used professional voice actors from different media, or at least used Hollywood actors with more distinctive voices.

• The humor is a little silly too much of the time, and the whimsical moments of dialogue can be extremely trite and unimaginative. This is an issue with a great many films these days, so it's a common critique in my reviews.

• The music is not that interesting or memorable. Fortunately, it doesn't make the egregious mistake of using trendy pop culture songs, but not using some big melodic synthwave tracks to capture a nostalgic-but-modern feel was a huge missed opportunity.

Overall, I think a move away from live action to a fully CGI setting is absolutely the right move, but there are too many creative decisions that hold it back from competing with the quality of the classic works, especially the beloved 1986 animated movie.

I never expected an animated movie to be this good! I wanted to watch this for the nostalgia and I got it. There were no characters I found annoying or disliked...they were all amazing and fun to watch on the big screen! The plot was incredible and the pacing was just spot on. There was not one second that was wasted and the story moved pretty quickly without sacrificing the necessary character arcs.

I loved Chris Hemsworth's voice acting - who would've thought that Thor would be great as Optimus Prime? And Scarlet Johansson as Elita was fabulous. Jon Hamm certainly fit the role as Sentinel but the scene stealer was definitely Key as B aka Bumblebee!

Definitely worth watching. I miss those Saturday morning cartoon extravaganza and this really reminded me of the good old days back in the 80s.

I was impressed and inspired at the strong Biblical undertones throughout this movie. As a Christian who is consistently disappointed in Hollywood, this portrayal of a nostalgic show from my childhood was refreshing and inspiring to see! Plot was well built and PACKED with humor that kept the theater laughing! "B" stole the show!

The writers found new ways to set the Transformer story with as many original characters as possible, with a few newbies worked in. This seemed like the right time for a movie of this type that helps rebuild the franchise. Soundtrack was fun and supported the closing well.

It was truly "More than meets the eye!"

In a year where fellow animated compatriots Inside Out 2, The Wild Robot and Despicable Me 4 cleaned up at box office booths around the globe, Paramount's return to Transformer animation ventures Transformers One was a notable financial disappointment, ending its theatrical run worldwide with a undesirable $128 million dollar gross off a reported $75 million dollar budget, meaning not too many bean counters from Paramount or Hasbro will be overly excited about reporting period on this latest robots in disguise feature.

The lacklustre reception monetary wise didn't reflect a mostly glowing reception from critics and audiences however, with Toy Story 4 director Josh Cooley managing to steer clear from the problems of heartless and mind-numbing Transformer features that started to pop up in the wake of Michael Bay's 2007 smash hit that gave birth to a wild period in the Transformer universe that resulted in some huge up and down moments that the series has in recent times struggled to overcome.

Employing the services of a talented voice cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry and Scarlett Johansson, casting moves that may've not sat well with long-term Transformer fans, One has a fair amount of assets at its disposal all overseen by producers that include Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay and for the most part this fun and fast-paced family friendly experience is an entertaining one, even if it lacks the spectacle or emotional prowess to be regarded as a top-tier success.

Taking us all the way back to the early days of a struggling Cybertron where young best friends Orion Pax and D-16 struggle in their mining jobs as they battle too understand the beginnings of their civilisation and also questions without answers that relate to an item known as The Matrix of Power, One is very much a film for those that have held long affiliations with the Transformers brand as Cooley's film pays a lot of homages and respective nods to the past iterations of Hasbro's multi-billion dollar property.

It's not too say there's not spectacle and character beats that newbies or youngsters won't enjoy but One does feel like a fan service movie rather than an entirely engaging stand-alone effort where a film like the underrated 2018 Transformers off-shoot Bumblebee worked as a very enjoyable entry level exercise or Bay's highly entertaining octane and Linkin Park fuelled 2007 Transformer iteration worked as a fantastic beast of throwaway entertainment, One never gets to those similar levels despite good intentions.

With a curiously bland visual palette and a story that at times feels like its merely pushing itself through the motions there's nothing truly standout or visually appeasing about Cooley's effort, that is a film hard to call out in a major or vocal way but that at the time isn't one you can praise without question, making it fairly clear as too why around all the animated success of 2024, this effort was never anything that was more than meets the eye.

Final Say -

Harmless and sure to please those that require a form of a Transformer fix, Transformers One is solid but far from memorable. With a lack of support from the pockets of those that matter, this return to the animated world of Hasbro's property may likely be a short-lived venture.

3 cogs out of 5

Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)