Transformers was introduced all the way back in 1984 and since then has amassed millions of fans across the globe. From live-action films and animated series to video games and merchandise, the Hasbro franchise remains one of the best-selling creations from a toy line.
The recent Transformers adaptations had been trying to revive the bloated saga after the failure of the trilogy films. Fans would recall Shia LaBeouf’s iconic movie series with Michael Bay at the helm, and despite them being massive box-office successes, they were critically panned.
Transformers One Did What Shia LaBeouf’s Trilogy Failed To Do
Chris Hemsworth’s Transformers One is the latest installment in the long-enduring Hasbro film franchise, and it is surprisingly doing a great performance so far. In the animated science fiction action film, the actor voices Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots.
On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an impressive 86% approval rating with the critics consensus claiming it is “dramatically satisfying with a dash of good humor” which also suggests that the animated format might be the best medium for the mecha franchise.
It easily towered over Shia LaBeouf’s trilogy. The majority of the reviewers blamed the oversaturation of CGI and explosive effects trying to mask the fact that the scripts were underdeveloped and the overall story lacked human touch.
All three installments received disappointing scores from critics: 2007’s Transformers only earned a 57% rating, while 2009’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen had it worst – it only garnered a depressing 20% score. Transformers: Dark of the Moon also did not fare well after it was given a 35% approval rating.
It is evident that director Michael Bay revived Transformers and made it a massive pop culture icon. Like other projects, the movies had flaws and most of the time, they were just mindless action sequences. Fans cannot deny that the special effects were grand, but anything done in excess is never good.
This is why Josh Cooley’s Transformers One drew in fans, both old and new. The writing and humor worked hand in hand, and it easily captured the heartfelt origin story and relationship of Optimus Prime and Megatron, and how they both changed the fate of Cybertron.
Bumblebee Is Still The Best Transformers Movie
While Transformers One did a great job re-energizing the waning film saga, it still failed to beat Hailee Steinfeld’s Bumblebee. The beloved 2018 movie has a staggering 90% score, the highest among the series.
Fans unanimously agree that there is so much heart in its story, the cast members are very likable and the comedy isn’t forced. The action sequences do not need to be extravagant to be appreciated by the audience. It also made a good $467 million at the box office.
Nonetheless, Hemsworth’s Transformers One has its own charm, and it is only the second theatrical animated feature film from the franchise since 1986’s The Transformers: The Movie.
Transformers One is now showing in theaters.
