With a collective $5 billion gross box office, the “Transformers” films are one of the most successful franchises in the world. With the newest edition, “Transformers One,” the franchise seeks to extend its reign. 

A prequel to the Michael Bay Transformers series, “Transformers One” tells the origin story of sworn enemies Optimus Prime and Megatron. The film is the franchise’s first animated theatrical feature since “The Transformers: The Movie” in 1986. It details how the once great friends Optimus Prime and Megatron changed the Transformers’ home planet, Cybertron. 

“Transformers One” premiered in Sydney, Australia on Sept. 11, 2024. The film was also screened as a work in progress at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France earlier this year. Additionally, there are plans for a trilogy of animated films to support “Transformers One.”

The film features an ensemble cast of Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Scarlett Johansson as Elita-1, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, Steve Buscemi as Starscream and Laurence Fishburne as Alpha Trion. Stacked with incredible comedic timing, the film serves as an entertaining, family-friendly addition to a franchise known for its racy and mature scenes. 

“Transformers One” has separated itself from the depth-lacking stereotypes of the traditional animated children’s feature. Although it can be enjoyed on a surface level, viewers can also expect complex themes of betrayal and corruption through Optimus Prime, Megatron and Sentinel Prime’s relationship. 

Though the crude humor and cursing may feel unusual for a PG-rated animated film, in this case it adds to the film’s overall mature feeling, connecting it to previous films in the franchise. 

Fans of the franchise will appreciate the many Easter eggs subtly included in the film, and newcomers to the franchise will still be able to enjoy the world of Cybertron without having to possess an extensive amount of knowledge about the franchise’s preceding storylines. This film also carries cross-generational appeal. 

Overall, “Transformers One” provides a fun and family-friendly watch. From its incredible comedic timing and voice acting from talented actors, to the subtly-placed Easter eggs catering to “Transformers” superfans, the newest addition to this family of films will be an unforgettable experience. 

5 Energon out of 5