Source: Animation Magazine |
After seeing 2 intense sensory experiences back-to-back this past weekend with THE SUBSTANCE and WHIPLASH, I was eager for a more laid-back picture. Classism with diecast robots, Transformers One is the broski crowd-pleaser of the year, as it entertains with flashy animation, a solid script, and a message that accurately displays what happens when two people get radicalized on different sides of the political spectrum: you either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain. While not the strongest lookwise, there’s no denying that director Josh Cooley and Paramount Animation have brought their A-game to this project, as each frame manages to capture the Transformers with the series’s signature visual flare. Never have the proportions of the titular robots looked so good in feature film, as they manage to feel lifelike and energetic on-screen. The design of Cybertron itself is metallic and colorful, adding to the film’s depiction of a robotic society. Smooth, slick, and kinetic, the fast-paced action scenes keep target audiences engaged with frenetic camerawork and quick movement. Given that the Transformers films have never had the strongest story treatments, I wasn't expecting anything structurally solid, but shockingly, this latest installment manages to balance heart, story, and thrills among young and old viewers alike. The characterization of young Orion Pax (future Optimus Prime) and D-16 (future Megatron) feels natural, as their friends-to-enemies relationship legitimately feels like two bros separating from each other due to contrasting perspectives, ideas, and thoughts. I never thought I’d utter those words when talking about a Transformers movie, but it speaks volumes as to how well they eventually contrast from each other. Given that this is a prequel, there’s also plenty of iconography from the franchise to keep fans happy, and emerging faces like B-127 (future Bumblebee) provide some of the most memorable gags mainstream film has seen all year. Overall, Transformers One manages to do the impossible by making a charming and crowd-pleasing family film that excellently manages to expand past mythos of the Transformers franchise. Needless to say, it’s clear that there is more than meets the eye to this, as it is an entertaining ride from start to finish for new and old audiences alike. My Rating: 7/10 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 Now playing in theaters! A PARAMOUNT PICTURES RELEASE |
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