The Transformers franchise under Michael Bay, was known for big, brash action sequences with little in the way of substance or character, however, Josh Cooley’s animated take is embedded in character relationships, empathy, and conflict. Cooley, who directed Toy Story 4, creates a Transformers film more akin to Travis Knight’s Bumblebee and joins a list of successful animated films that are better known for a live-action setting; most notably the Spider-verse series, but also Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, released last year.
The film follows not the more recognisable characters of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee but Orion Pax and D-16, miners who are unable to transform, but throughout the film, in an attempt to search for the matrix of leadership, as a way to prove themselves, and restore Cybertron to its former glory. As Orion Pax says early in the film, there is something more he can do. The first instance of this is a race sequence which has the stadium setting of a Transformers version of the Colosseum with the unexpected obstacles of Mario Kart, in a fun and engaging scene that feels akin to something from Fast and Furious or Mission Impossible rather than stereotypical animated fair. However, the pair of miners must prove themselves time and time again, to prove that whilst they don’t have the power or skill of someone who can transform, they have the spark to make the world better.
The film’s opening is compelling and enthralling. Beginning with a scene where Pax sneaks into an archive and watches a documentary on the Primes, who act as legends of a bygone era, Cooley quickly provides the characteristics of Pax. Someone who is a troublemaker, but is also curious, courageous and ambitious. Cooley also uses some neat editing tricks to engage the audience both in Pax’s character, and the action that unfolds as Pax tries to outrun a couple of security guards that find the trespasser.
The film has a basic style of animation, however, it really aids the film, giving it a texture that replicates the toys and not something of greater magnitude to manipulate emotion.
However, in the film’s second act, it becomes bogged down in exposition about the Primes and a potential traitor. It is in this bloated act where the film is a little directionless, with the film doing so much of the character development in the opening, there is little for the film to explore as they wade through miles of land in search of the Matrix of leadership. The film also aims to include a twist that is both predictable and is concluded quickly, what I assume to be a way to inject some more uncertainty and intrigue, although this fails.
Transformers One is at times engaging, but more importantly, continues to preach important morals for its younger demographic. It is a film with a central quartet that keeps the audience engaged and is definitely worth checking out for those looking for something for children, although there is stuff to be had for all.
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