The solidly satisfying "Transformers One," the first entirely CGI-generated animated "Transformers" film, is an entirely different matter. It is an origin story, set not on Earth but the Transformers' original machine planet, Cybertron, and explains how Optimus Prime and Megatron became arch enemies.
Directed by Livermore-raised Josh Cooley, an Oscar-winner for "Toy Story 4," "Transformers One" is for the inner child, and unapologetically so. And for the adults in the room, you can read it as a pro-union tale as worker bots unite.
The story centers around the friendship of two underground miners, Orion Pax and D-16. They curry favor with Sentinel Prime but get demoted to the garbage heap. Soon they realize they are being used to further the aims of the upper classes.
Even if you don't care two cans of WD-40 about the origin story, there's a "Star Wars"-ian innocence about the movie. Its themes of friendship and underdog heroism, along with a visually impressive design and clean storytelling form a truly appealing film.
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