Adwin McCants, contributor

Has there ever been a movie franchise with as much potential and as many disappointments as Transformers. Based on the many animated series, the series of live action movies has gone from being well put together action films to unbearable schlock — until recently. 2018’s “Bumblebee,” a reboot set in the 80’s and inspired by movies like “E.T.” gave fans hope that the live action movies would make a comeback. However, after “Transformers Rise of the Beasts” was a critical and commercial disappointment, it seemed that Transformers lost its way in the modern film landscape. 

But thankfully, Paramount decided that the next reinvention of Transformers would be a fully animated blockbuster set entirely on the planet Cybertron and focused on the beginning of Optimus Prime and Megatron’s rivalry. Directed by Josh Cooley and animated by ILM and Paramount Animation, this film slowly but surely has been winning back viewers. 

The film focuses on two mining robots, Orion Pax and D-16, played by Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry respectively, as they uncover the truth about the corrupt society of Cybertron under the rule of the seemingly heroic Sentinel Prime, played by Jon Hamm. Witnessing the journey that turned Orion Pax and D-16 against each other is the heart of the film. Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry have perfect chemistry which turns into playing off each other in electrifying scenes of conflict. Tyree Henry especially makes D-16’s descent to the Decepticon leader Megatron believable and scene stealing. From selling every bromantic comedy interaction with Orion Pax to striking speeches with power and menace which inspires rogue Cybertronians to his cause, Tyree Henry may just be THE voice of Megatron. Scarlett Johansson’s Elita-1 is the perfect foil as the strictness to Chris Hemworth as Orion Pax’s confidence, and Jon Hamm makes Sentinel Prime as hateable as villains can possibly be. 

The animation of “Transformers One” makes the film a true spectacle which exceeds the best looking moments of the live action films. The Transformers’ home planet of Cybertron feels so life-like you come to care about it as much as you do the characters. The designs for all the robot denizens of Cybertron find the perfect balance between their classic and more modern appearances. If you loved the attention to the mechanical feel of the Transformers from the live action films, this film has plenty of complex mechanical wear, tear and destruction. Especially in the high speed action set pieces which are immaculate and never look unoriginal or hard to read. Each breathless fight scene will have you jumping out of your seat in exhilaration. 

“Transformers One” is a must see experience for any fan of mecha, animation or the Transformers franchise. This is a movie which was made to enrapture its audience, and it’ll leave you with the widest grin you can make.