Watch Kids' Reviews of
TRANSFORMERS ONE

Transformers One is a must watch film with a compelling story, beautiful animation and a great overall theme.

The film is about the untold origin of Optimus Prime and Megatron. We now know that the now sworn enemies were once like brothers and their differences would create strife in their relationship. This change will forever impact Cybertron.

Going into this film I was excited but had low expectations because of the complex history of Transformers media. Transformers films in the past have often deviated from the original story that I love, however this film is unlike all the others, rooted in the origins of the Cybertron universe. I left the theater speechless at how excellent the film was. It has numerous perfectly executed moments with well paced moments. The movie introduces the lore of Transformers to new audiences rather quickly while keeping it simple, which helps someone understand everything if they are new to Transformers, while keeping long-time fans like myself happy.

The animation style is just breathtaking, I thought it would take me a while to get used to the new style but I was blown away at how colorful a planet made of metal looks. Of all the standout elements, the best part of this film is the third act, because the whole film builds up to it effortlessly, and by the time the second act ended and the third act started to kick in I was glued to my seat with my eyes locked on to the screen, excited at every moment. It had me smiling the whole way through. The hardest part for me were the voice overs, which might be a concern for long-time fans who are used to Peter Collin voicing Optimus Prime. It was a challenge for me to get to hear Chris Hemsworth's performance as Optimus Prime. While he doesn't sound like the voice we are used to, his interpretation adds a unique flare to the younger version of the character. For those of us who are concerned about the voice of Megatron by Brian Tyree Henry, there is nothing to be worried about - he kills it! I was blown away by how well he adds a new tone of voice to the character while keeping it classic. All in all, it's phenomenal casting and an amazing performance by Henry, especially in the third act. These are a few minor concerns I had. The writers, directors, and animation team knew what was best for the Transformers franchise because this film is possibly the best film of the summer, if not the best animation film of the year. It keeps what we love about Transformers while adding new elements to be excited about.

The theme in Transformers One is about how we change as individuals whether it is through ourselves or the situations we are put in. This is demonstrated by Megatron and Optimus Prime and is portrayed so well because we all know Megatron and Optimus Prime become enemies, which makes it even more engaging to find out how that happened for the very first time. The theme is touching, emotional, and impactful. You might walk out of the film feeling a little bit different after watching it.

I give Transformers One 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. This film releases in theaters September 20, 2024

By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Gear up and roll out! I love Transformers One. It is fun, laugh-out-loud funny, has some heartfelt moments, and the chemistry between the transformers is outstanding. The film definitely kept me entertained from beginning to end. There is lots of action, incredible animation and the battle scenes are so cool.

Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, who are sworn enemies, but once were friends, bonded like brothers and changed the fate of Cybertron forever. The film is definitely inspiring. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next.

Transformers One is incredibly well animated. I love how it makes the Transformers feel very human-like. The expressions on their faces are realistic and you can feel the emotions through the big screen. It made me feel like each one has a mind and heart of its own. The soundtrack, in some of scenes, brings out the right atmosphere and emotion. I love the songs during the battle scenes, especially when B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key) is taking down the bad guys. This animated version features great voice actors. All of them are great, but Keegan-Michael Key steals the show! His comedy is fantastic. He kept me laughing throughout the entire movie. I also liked learning how Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) once were friends and what happened to make them enemies. They are so good on screen together.

This film's message is about believing in yourself and doing what is right. It is very family friendly and, for fans of Transformers, this is a must watch, but even newcomers can enjoy it.

I give Transformers One 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Transformers One in theaters on September 20, 2024.

By Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I love the new animated film Transformers One! It captures the excitement and action of the Transformers movies in a new light. The film allows both long-time fans and newcomers to experience its expressive animation and engaging storyline.

The plot travels back in time to the origin story of Cybertron and the beginning of the Autobots and Decepticons. Four miner bots stumble upon the greatest secret of their time. Optimus Prime and Megatron--who are current rivals--are best friends until power puts their friendship to the test. The war that becomes all or nothing is on the horizon.

The main characters are Orion Pax/Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth), Megatron/D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry), Elita (Scarlett Johansson), Bumblebee/ B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key), and Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm). These actors exquisitely bring life to their characters through their voices. The beloved characters are brought into a new perspective that expresses their backstory. Before Optimus Prime and Megatron become enemies, they were best friends that worked together all the time. This part of the story is explained throughout the film and it's very intriguing. Transformers One heled me understand the origin of the Transformers. Before, I wasn't as interested in the franchise because I was confused about their mission and purpose. However, this film changes the game for me. The pacing is excellent; it's neither too fast nor too slow. The film kick starts with the lives of the miners, which is contrary to the heroic figures we've seen them as. Optimus Prime is hiding in a trashcan - can you believe it? Right off the bat, I became invested in the plot line because it shows the heroes from another point of view. Two generations can experience the joy of this fandom in different ways. In addition, the animation is breathtaking. It's realistic yet creative, bringing the out-of-this-world imagination to life in a way that wasn't possible before. The attention to detail in the animation allows the bots to show lifelike emotions. For instance, Elita's feelings of anger and awe are very recognizable. This helps connect the audience to the plot. My favorite part is when Alpha Trion shows the group what happened during the Cybertronian War. In this scene, there's a huge plot twist that affects the whole storyline.

The film's message is to be loyal to your friends and always do what is right. Optimus Prime consistently chooses the path that will benefit his friends. Leadership is another central theme. If you're given the opportunity to lead, how would you approach it? In reality, I'm not going to be a leader of Cybertron, but I am the leader of my own life. The Transformers need to learn to choose the right direction, which is an important lesson throughout the film.

I give Transformers One 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. Transformers One releases in theaters on September 20, 2024.

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

see youth comments

TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.