REVIEW: TRANSFORMERS ONE

3.5/5

Avengers Reassemble 

104 Mins. Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne & Jon Hamm. Director: Josh Cooley. In: Theatres.

Robots in animated disguise. Ever since the Bayhem of the 'Transformers' trilogy switched out Shia LaBeouf for Mark Wahlberg, the core of the fan favourite franchise has been searching for change. And nothing has generated quite as much buzz as the 'Bumblebee' spin-off...yet! Last year, 'Rise Of The Beasts' switched lanes and even crossed over with another Hasbro favourite, as their new entertainment I.D. featuring Peppa Pig and the Monopoly Man looks to give Mattel a run for its 'Barbie' blockbuster money. 'My Little Pony', 'G.I: Joe', 'Dungeons and Dragons.' They're all getting ready to be played with in your sandbox. Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and Disney with a Plus, beware. But first, it's time for the animated 'Transformers One', taking it back to the rock 'em, sock 'em 'bots being the central characters. Much like the original 80s animation, or the Netflix 'War For Cybertron Trilogy'. Intellectual Property, roll out!

This rogue one directed by 'Toy Story 4's' Josh Cooley really plays with the Autobot and Decepticon action figures. A real marvel that sees an avenging reunion between Thor and the Black Widow. A Hollywood who's who of a voice cast features Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm, all appearing to have a Swayze (the time of their lives) with something their kids will surely love. With the Prime likes of Peter Cullen, mind you, even the biggest names in the biz have the boldest baritones to fill out in the sound studio. The only cult character voice more iconic is the late, great James Earl Jones (rest peacefully) as Lord Vader. Yet, bumping metal fists like a 'Predator' Schwarzenegger and Weathers (R.I.P.) handclap of a shake, Hemsworth and Henry give us an origin story of Professor X and Magneto proportions. Even if we can't get over the humanoid faces. You've seen more character in 'I, Robot'.

Cybertron, witness the origin. For the first animated film in the Transformers line since 1986. When this almost 40-year-old man child was a year old. Scarlett sticks it to the boys with her pink bot, and speaking of old friends, did you hear what Keegan-Michael Key recently said about his former sketch comedy partner Jordan Peele? It's still all good, but apparently they don't talk much these days. What with Jordan's ruling of the horror genre and Keegan being keyed into more "dramatic roles". Obviously 'The LEGO Movie' and 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' doesn't mean this (or them), but the 'Fargo', 'Wonka' and 'Dolemite Is My Name' actor has certainly made a Hollywood name for himself, too. Let's just bring back 'Keanu', or the cute Cooley characters from his last story of toys. Add legends like Laurence Fishburne in this matrix of leadership and the mad man of Jon Hamm, truly last naming it up, and you have a great roll call. But the most pleasant surprise might be hearing the robotic voice of the ever versatile Steve Buscemi. I don't even have a pun for that, it's just great to hear from him.

Fond, fan serving and funny (especially when they run...and we aren't just talking about the pod racing rivalling scene), this franchise just keeps on trucking (there it is). Showing that some of your favourite comic-book and childhood action figure franchises are best remade in animated form. Just like Japanese anime is doing with the likes of 'Pacific Rim' and the 'Terminator' for 'The Black' and 'Zero' on Netflix respectively. Clearly taking cues from the likes of Seth Rogen's graffiti scrawling and scripted 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem', which owes a tag to the best Spider-Man Marvel has ever made. The one that went 'Into The Spider-Verse'. Sorry Tobey, Andrew and Tom. But you had your moment. What are we talking about? We still won't spoil! Mega and in optimal condition, busting blocks, these 'Transformers' show they can flip the script and change-up once again to suit the modern mainstream movie crowd they please. The 'Age Of Extinction' is a long way away with this animated prequel. From here, the fight will be theirs. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts', 'Transformers: War For Cybertron Trilogy', 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem'.