'Transformers One': 5 reasons to catch it in theaters

How does a legendary rivalry begin?

This is the question “Transformers One” will answer as it shows the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron, who went from being as close as brothers to becoming sworn enemies.

The movie is a treat for both old and new Transformers fans alike, and here’s why:

A whole new world

As the first fully CG-animated Transformers film, it immerses viewers in Cybertron, the homeworld of the Transformers — a bustling society complete with stunning scenery such as Iacon City and the captivating landscape of the planet’s surface.

Despite the film being set in an alien world, worldbuilding takes the spotlight as different aspects of Transformers culture, such as labor, sports, and social hierarchy, mirror human culture, making it relatable to the audience.

The computer-generated imagery used in the film also gave way to intense fight scenes with ingenious transformation sequences, which brings back the nostalgic experience of playing with action figures as kids.

Meet Transformer icons like never before!

The movie tells the story of best friends Orion Pax and D-16, both of whom are miners who cannot transform into vehicles unlike their upper-class counterparts.

The circumstances faced by the protagonists gave them different personalities, perceptions, and goals while promising that they got each other’s backs. All this allows audiences to connect with the pair instantly, and become invested in their journey.

Orion and D-16 are also joined by the jovial and chatty B-127 and no-nonsense Elita-1, who keeps the gang in line throughout the movie. Both Elita and B-127 serve as foils to one another, keeping the cast interesting.

Familiar faces, new voices

The quartet of Orion Pax, D-16, B-127, and Elita-1 were brought to life by an equally colorful voice cast.

Chris Hemsworth voices Orion Pax, who eventually becomes the Autobot leader, Optimus Prime. His own take with the voice matches the deep yet inspiring approach of past versions of Optimus, but adds his own nuances that make him sound young and playful.

On the other hand, Brian Tyree Henry’s take on D-16 portrays a caring friend turned tragic villain as he turns into Decepticon tyrant Megatron. His performance hits the spot in both scenes where he cares about his friend Orion and when his rage manifests, making his turn from hero to villain the most natural change in the film.

Keegan-Michael Key provides the most humor in the movie through his character as B-127, who eventually becomes Bumblebee, notably different from the live-action movie counterpart of the character, who is mute.

Scarlett Johansson lends her voice to Elita-1, whose performance solidifies the no-nonsense nature of the character, which blends well with her co-stars who usually joke in their dialogues.

Hilarious, but knows when to get serious

The movie excelled at making the audience laugh through jokes, comedic timing, and slapstick humor.

It didn’t just entertain the audience, it also showed how young the characters are in the story by showing their unserious side.

However, the film is not only for laughs, as it offers emotional moments between its protagonists and breathtaking moments in its climax as Orion Pax rises to become Optimus Prime while D-16 turns into Megatron.

^{Photo: Paramount Pictures International}

Change is a choice

The most important message imparted by "Transformers One" is that we may not choose the circumstances we face, but we can choose how they can be changed.

Orion Pax and D-16 may have gotten the same ability to transform through the story, but their decisions on how they used it differ from one another.

This serves as a reminder as well that we are more than our abilities, and how other people perceive us, as our morality and choices ultimately decide how we can transform the world around us.

Witness how two brothers by bond became heated rivals in "Transformers One," premiering in Philippine theaters on September 18, 2024. —JCB, GMA Integrated News