Back when Transformers had a singular continuity, (known as G1), it easy to keep track of what went on. But as it gained in popularity, Hasbro crafted a series bible that future iterations of the franchise had to recognize, despite regular reboots. And all of that is forgotten in Transformers One.
What it doesn’t acknowledge concern how Cybertronians came to exist and why they were used as mostly slave labour by the Quintessons. This alien force conquered this planet and created/mutated the native species to what they are now. And as for how this latest entry to the cinematic universe can transition to The Great War between the Autobots and Decepticons, I’m already scratching my head.
This origin story delves into an era that’s been fully explored in the Prime universe (Amazon Link), featured in IDW’s comic books and detailed in full in Alex Irvine’s novel, Transformers: Exodus. I even reviewed the first two books of the trilogy since I loved it that much. But when considering none of that material matters, I’m rather disappointed the film can’t even acknowledge even an ounce of that past.
Instead, the best moment is seeing the Vehicons rule an untamed land that includes bio-type mechanoids. Everything else is unimportant, like seeing how Bumblebee gets named and that he’s always been there. As for the technology in how to transform, it’s attributed to some lost science Alpha Trion summons up and doesn’t even name. Aside from being like some wise old master and using an age-old Ninjago trope of “accessing your full potential,” I rolled my eyes.
Transformers One Debut Trailer
According to the series bible, the ability to become a vehicle was invented by the Autobots and only those who receive the cogs can do so. They never shared it with the enemy. Also, Orion Pax’s (Chris Hemsworth) relationship with D-17 (Brian Tyree Henry) before becoming Megatron predates both finding jobs as the librarian and gladiator that we know from previous material. The threat lies in how the Quintessons treat these robots.
The lack of grit defines part of why Transformers One won’t work. These are bright-eyed and bushy tailed characters getting powered up like a sentai cartoon to explain their transition to become the heroes they have to grow into later. D-17 doesn’t even have the fire that would subsequently suit him as a foe that Frank Welker made famous. Throughout much of the film, it’s safe to say their dispute won’t manifest until is dark. They will first have to deal with their oppressors. At least that part is done right. While the non fan won’t know who they are, those swirling tentacles are easy to identify!
This animated movie feels more like a sentai for kids adventure than something dramatic. Had it followed the origins dating back to the Primes (and the Thirteen) in an epic reimagining of the betrayal of Christ from the Bible and why that number matters, I’d be waiting in line right now!
And as a long time fan, I’d rather see Nicole Dubuc get promoted since she knows the lore very well. Akiva Goldsman‘s vision isn’t as solid and that’s because of the body of works that defined his early career. Nobody cared for Batman Forever and Batman & Robin; in terms of this franchise, The Last Knight got nominated for a Razzie. Although he’s better at producing for television, just why he has his legs rest on both sides of the entertainment industry needs to be questioned.
When he’s added relative newcomers, Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, to fashion these prequels to the live-action films, only the hardcore fan will groan. The Ant-man sequel wasn’t all that spectacular. As long as they don’t screw up the reveal of the Quintessons, I’ll wait to see rather than lament at what’s been revealed in the Transformers One trailer so far.
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