Transformers One (2024) delivers a fresh and captivating experience compared to its predecessors. It serves as an animated origin story that dives into the lore of Cybertron. The focus is on the early lives of Orion Pax (later Optimus Prime) and D-16 (who becomes Megatron). These two friends are destined to become enemies. Unlike the previous live-action films, this movie takes a deeper look at character development. It focuses especially on the evolving friendship between Orion and D-16. The story gives a nuanced portrayal of their bond, which makes the eventual rift between them emotionally impactful.

Visually, the film is stunning. The animation opens up Cybertron in new ways. It uses vibrant colors and fluid transformations. The action sequences keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a massive improvement over the heavy, sometimes chaotic visuals in Michael Bay’s live-action movies. The action here feels smoother and more coherent​.

The voice cast, led by Chris Hemsworth as Orion Pax and Brian Tyree Henry as D-16, gives life to these characters in a way that fans will appreciate. Hemsworth’s portrayal of a young, curious, and morally driven Orion contrasts well with Henry’s slow descent into anger as D-16. Keegan-Michael Key’s performance as B-127 (Bumblebee) provides much-needed comic relief, while Laurence Fishburne, Scarlett Johansson, and Jon Hamm round out a stellar supporting cast​.

In comparison to the earlier Transformers movies, Transformers One takes a more story-driven approach. The live-action films, especially those directed by Michael Bay, were known for their high-octane action but often lacked depth in their character arcs. This prequel corrects that by focusing on emotional depth and exploring the origins of iconic characters. While it doesn’t have the bombastic, larger-than-life battles of its predecessors, the film excels in storytelling and character building​.

If you’ve been a fan of the franchise or simply enjoy good animation with solid storytelling, Transformers One is definitely worth watching in theaters. It’s not just a fun action movie but also a refreshing take on the Transformers universe that respects its rich history.

I’d rate it 4 out of 5 stars.