So, I've Watched Transformers One... Was It Any Good?

Transformers 1 is a film 40 years in the making as we finally have a dedicated movie based on the origins of the Autobots and Decepticons, allowing audiences to explore the early beginnings of Optimus Prime and Megatron, where before the Great War there was known as Orion Pax and D-16. Director Josh Cooley and the team have done a fantastic job in combining elements of old and new Transformers lore, creating a movie that fans will be talking about for years to come. And while yes, this film is definitely one for the diehard fans, it also serves as a great introduction for brand new ones. Now you may have noticed during the lead up to this film that there has been many, many early fan screenings, and I was lucky enough to go and see one back in July, and ever since then I have not been able to stop thinking about this movie, because I loved it. Honestly guys, a Transformers film has not been able to make me laugh and cry so hard in a long, long time, and I'm 26, I'm not supposed to have feelings for robots in an animated film, but I do, and there's no shaming that. And I have so many videos lined up that this is going to be my non-spoiler review, so when the film releases in America, September 20th, I'll be uploading all of my spoiler videos, including the ending explained for the film, and exploring certain moments in the movie, so if you're interested in those, be sure to subscribe to get updates instantly. Now what makes Transformers 1 so unique compared to the live action films, is it's dedication to the robots themselves. While Bayverse is definitely a delightful spectacle, for the most part, the characters themselves never lived up to their true potential. Yes, they definitely succeeded in the high octane action and awesome one liners, but I always wanted to know more about these characters than their badass skills. Regardless, I don't actually think it's fair to compare the live action films to this new animated movie, because honestly, Transformers 1 is in it's own league, and I hope they make 10 of these. I know we're expected to only get a trilogy, but give me more. But that doesn't mean I'm not excited for live action movies, I just think they really need to start upping their game now. Because even though I said it's not fair to compare, there's no doubt in my mind that fans are going to be comparing these films for many years to come. I'm done with the days of Optimus Prime saying the you die one liners, and now I want him saying something more remorseful like, Bear in mind this is the same dude who flipped the bird. Throughout history, Optimus and Megatron have been inseparable as sworn enemies, so it's heartbreaking to know as you're watching the film, that their bromance will shortly come to an end, and will start beefing with each other that will eventually lead into a conflict that will endure for millions of years. Hard times. So yeah, the film's ending can be somewhat predictable, but the journey of how we got to that point will leave many fans very surprised, with moments being burnt into your head. Now the film doesn't overstay its welcome, with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes, making it 14 minutes longer than the 1986 movie. But Apotome does feel like an extra 15 minutes could have helped give more context to certain characters motivations. Like the minor bots, I just felt like more could have been explored with them. The film does a good job on showing how bad the cast system is, but I felt like they could have pushed it just a little bit more, perhaps in more darker territory. And the friendships they have with Orion Pax and D-16. Don't get me wrong, some definitely have their moments to shine, but I just felt like more could have been done. This couldn't be said more for Starscream, Soundwave and Shockwave. While they definitely have their moments that will make audiences both gasp and laugh, these characters are just so iconic where it just feels like their presence was cut short. But that's me saying that as a fan, from a moviegoers perspective, it does feel like they just came out of nowhere, so if they had their own origin story that went into more detail, it would have worked out better. But if they did this at the start of the film, it would have exposed a big twist, so I can understand that. I think it somewhat makes up for it because these characters have some of the best moments in the film. Plus I can't be too sad because I have no doubt that these characters will get more screen time when it comes to the sequels. I'm just so eager to see these versions of the characters again, and the wait is going to be kind of painful. Now let's talk about our main characters. I do feel like Orion Pax's story arc was fully fleshed out, but I do feel like more could have been done for D-16, just to add additional context to his motivations to help make that turning point when he eventually shows his dark side, not seem so sudden. But I am someone who just really loves long films and I wanted to spend more time with these characters. When the first trailer dropped, a lot of people assumed that this was going to be a toned down, comedic version of the hardcore and epic War for Cybertron and Fallout Cybertron games. But this film succeeds in being hardcore and epic all on its own. And yes, the film definitely has its funny moments that made me burst out laughing, but it never derails from telling a heartfelt, action-packed story. And when the action hits, oh man, let me just tell you right now, when shit hits the fan in the third act, the film brilliantly commits to it. There are no funny one-liners when it comes to the action scenes. I hope you have the same cinema experience as mine, because we all gasped, laughed, and cheered from start to finish. And I've not had that experience since really the opening scene of Bumblebee. And when we went to go watch that film in 2018, there was only like six of us in the cinemas. Now let's talk about the comedy. Is it getting bigger? Or closer? Reviewers might tell you that a lot of the comedy comes from Keegan-Michael Key's Bumblebee. But in fact, I would say that the whole cast was able to deliver a lot of laughs. And for me, Orion Pax made me laugh more than any other character in the film. This isn't him pulling out a joke book and saying funny one-liners, it's based on how he acts and reacts to certain characters and events in the film. Which makes his character arc so satisfying. Like, remember this in Transformers Prime? Never seen Optimus laugh, cry, or lose his cool. He was different before he was made a Prime. Allow me. Yes, he was very different. And I'm so happy that we finally get to see that. I liked Orion Pax in the G1 episode War Dawn, but I always wanted to see more of it. Plus, the bots are allowed to have fun. This is before the Great War. You know, before all the killing, chaos, and destruction. And with a lot of the Transformers not being able to transform due to being placed as minors in the cast system, it then makes it somewhat sad to see the Transformers trying to make the most out of their lives. But yeah, I wouldn't exactly call the humour kid-friendly, because a lot of times these jokes are either very mature, or a wink to the hardcore fans. One joke made us fans gasp, because we just couldn't believe that they made that dick. The voice acting in this movie is stellar. I was so surprised with Chris Hemsworth's performance, and respecting him for not trying to impersonate Peter Cullen, but rather take what Peter Cullen has said about voicing Prime, and doing something completely unique. And throughout the course of the film, you'll see his voice evolve. Yeah, and when I was first asked to do it, that was my reaction. I was, you know, just get Peter Cullen to do it, you know? And, but yeah, to come in and sort of mimic Peter Cullen, I was like, no, no, no, I don't want to do that. That's... I wouldn't dare. Scarlett Johansson is all but perfect as a little one. And when it comes to Byron to be Henry as Megatron, well, he outdid himself. He delivered a splendid performance. The only thing I was disappointed with is that Megatron never called Starscream a diesel. What's that now? I mean, some people are Edwards, wise, kind. Some of Henry's hardworking, strong. Some people are diesels. If you haven't already, please watch Bullet Train. You can thank me later. As for Keegan-Michael Key, despite the dude being 53 years old, he does a very good job of emulating the voice of a 20-year-old. But I can't help but feel like Bumblebee should have been toned down just a little bit when it came to the more serious moments. He's funny and a joy to watch and never really becomes annoying, but he does repeat a few jokes where you kind of wish that sound wave had stronger mouth tape. Why is he gagged? He wouldn't stop talking. Even when he was unconscious? Especially when he was unconscious! I told you it wasn't high enough! The rest of the cast did a phenomenal job. I really liked Jon Hamm's Sentinel Prime, and it was a treat to have Laurence Fishburne voice Alpha Trion. But the one that stole the show for me, personally, was Steve Buscemi as Starscream, who I think has brought a whole new game to the character. You can tell it's Steve, of course, but this is his redemption arc for his wasted potential as being casted as that ugly junk bot in The Last Knight. Enough! Without going into spoilers, Steve gives a fantastic performance when Starscream meets D-16. Soundwave is once again voiced by epic trailer movie guy, John Bailey, which was a delight. I am surprised they didn't make him voice Shockwave again, as he sounds very much like Corey Burton. But the new voice actor, Jason Alvarez, does a good job on combining the Transformers Prime Shockwave and the original, whether that was intended or not. I did enjoy the rest of the cast with minor roles, but I do feel like some of these minor bots could have had more distinct voices, similar to their previous counterparts, as most of them felt generic sounding. But there's plenty of time to evolve that in the sequels. As long as they keep Evan Michael Lee as Jazz, I'll be happy. Now let's talk about the animation. It is so hard not to take your eyes off Cybertron. ILM did a fantastic job on bringing the streets of Iacon to life. There is just so much to take in, where you just know you're going to spot brand new things every time you re-watch this film. ILM have always done a fantastic job when it comes to the live-action movies, and I really think they've outdone themselves with this animated movie. Like, they were able to make Cybertron look so beautiful, sad, scary, and also chaotic. And what helps elevate the animation, is the beautiful score composed by Brian Tyler, which got many Transformers fans excited due to his previous work on the animated series, Transformers Prime. And if you love that music, you're going to be blown away with what he does in Transformers 1. Yes, I cried, because the music was both nostalgic and beautiful. So, Transformers 1, was it any good? Yes, it was. It was very good. It easily competes as my favourite film of the year, and it's definitely one for the Transformers fans. But if you're not a Transformers fan, I think you're going to become one after this. Now, I still think you should watch the Michael Bay live-action movies, because they are Hollywood blockbusters at their finest, the first three are anyway, but I think you'll get a different outlook if you watch this movie first. Or you may come out of it differently by saying, huh, it took them that long to make Transformers 1? But the live-action films are evolving, with the Bourneby movie setting the standard for what future Transformers films could be, with Transformers Rise of the Beast almost getting there, it just needs to step out of its shadow for Michael Bay, and become something new entirely, and reach its full potential. And I hope that Transformers 1 convinces the live-action movies to set a new standard. I can easily see the sequel being about the war, and Fallout Cybertron, and the third one being them leaving the planet, and exploring space itself. I mean, I have no doubt for this movie, they have looked at those War for Cybertron and Fallout Cybertron games, and explored what makes them so beloved by fans. So I feel like they can only expend on this further when it comes to the sequels. And I really want sequels to this, because I love these brand new versions of these characters. So yeah, if you're a Transformers fan, and you want your friends to get into Transformers, or your family members, take them to go see this movie, because I really think they're going to have a blast with it. And for those who are critical and sceptical about this, give it a chance, go in with no expectations, and you won't be disappointed. Because I know what some of you might be feeling like, oh I want a movie just like the War for Cybertron, and Fallout Cybertron trailers. Trust me, that would be epic, but this is going for something entirely new, and that's a good thing. That's something we should embrace, because hopefully this will convince Paramount to make more movies set on Cybertron. Which is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating things about the Transformers lore, is their home planet. I don't want all Transformers movies to be set on Earth, because I live on Earth, and I want to get off this planet, and explore new worlds. Now this film isn't devoid of criticism, there's a lot of things I could possibly complain about, or be critical of, but nothing shoots into my mind straight away, like I left the cinemas pretty satisfied. I just got buzzed to talk about Transformers films again, about a franchise that I love, and want to thrive so very much. And to say that the franchise is 40 years old now, this film couldn't come at a better time. So there you have it guys, that's my review of Transformers 1. Of course, when you see the film, let me know what you think in the comment section below. Expect my full spoiler review on the date that the film is released in America. The review embargo has gone up, that is why my review is up now. But when it comes to my spoiler review, where I explain the ending, etc, those videos will drop when the film comes out September 20th. So until then, I've been Commoning Cam. Transform, and roll out. What? Louder. Transform and roll out!