(L-R) Brian Tyree Henry (D-16), Keegan-Michael Key (B-127), Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1) and Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax) star in “Transformers: One” (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures).
(“Transformers: One” trailer courtesy of Paramount Pictures)
When an unintimidating robot names himself “Bada$$atron” in a fake menacing voicing, the children will immediately fall in love with that character.
Therefore, one might initially believe that the movie that the character is in, “Transformers: One,” will end up as just another cute little kid’s movie.
Thankfully, “Transformers: One” starts out at that way but ends up as so much more becoming a much-needed lesson thanks to the movie’s ultimate message and “fire’ climax.
When kids of all ages, even those of the young adult and middle-aged variety, think of Transformers they think of those bad a$$ robots that can transform into vehicles with weapons that can dismantle all potential adversaries.
Many probably never think of the origin story of Transformers or the possibility that all robots cannot transform into fighting machines.
However, every story has a beginning, even if the ones that are impacted the most eventually get taught a lie about their origin.
In “Transformers: One,” robots of all sorts inhabit a planet that runs on an energy source known as energon.
Thanks to the matrix of leadership, the planet once had enough natural energon to survive without fear of it running out.
Unfortunately, battles with other entities have caused the leaders of the planet to lose the matrix of leadership.
Therefore, certain robots have the unenviable job of constantly mining for more energon.
Like in any situation that requires a caste system, the robots are grouped into categories that will remind many of the days when certain people received the label of superior, while others received the moniker of inferior.
Robots with cogs are the superior ones because they can transform into other objects.
Those without cogs are the inferior ones and are subjected to a life of servitude.
The funny thing about life is that many people, or objects as is the case in “Transformers: One,” will just accept their place in life with no push back or thought as to why they find themselves in their current predicament.
Many will just go along to get along as to not upset the powers that be.
Others will accept their plight in life because that is all they know.
Therefore, they see nothing wrong with subservience and oppression.
Some will even admire those that subjugate and oppress them, trying desperately to emulate them and their way of living.
However, others will question everything.
And those are the ones that make a true difference in the world and transform discrimination into acceptance and inclusion.
When the rulers tell certain people from the lower-class of society that somethings should remain off limits to them, it piques their curiosity to learn more about the forbidden fruit.
When the rulers tell certain people from the lower-class that they are not good enough to compete with those from the ruling class because they lack the necessities that it requires, they choose to compete anyway so that they can show the world their worth.
Unfortunately, showing ones’ equality can lead to more dire circumstances when one is at the bottom of the totem pole in a caste system.
And seeking the truth can lead to even more dire circumstances for those at the bottom when they realize they never had to settle for second-class citizenship in the first place.
Unfortunately, discovering the truth about one’s kind does not always represent a positive turning point.
Learning the truth could lead to more retribution and oppression.
Learning the truth could lead to anger and violence from those who endured the oppression.
Or it could lead to denial for those who have gotten too comfortable accepting the status quo.
“Transformers: One” will remind older people of animation with a message.
Although Hollywood always made art for the youngsters, from cartoons to sitcoms, it seems the entertainment industry made more art with a message back in the day.
Sure, kids want to laugh and have fun when they watch a television show or movie like “Transformers One.”
But back in the day, children’s entertainment also transformed minds and made a difference amongst the future leaders of the world.
Thankfully, “Transformers: One” will make a deep impact on the youngsters, possibly without them even knowing it at first.
In an era in which children’s books have gotten removed from library bookshelves, this movie is the perfect remedy for those who attempt to prevent or to stifle real-life lessons from being taught in the classroom.
The movie shows what can happen if people fight the status quo.
It does so without sugarcoating the pushback that change makers will receive from those threatened by a potential loss of power.
But it teaches real-life lessons without creating too much animosity from those that they have oppressed and discriminated against.
Furthermore, “Transformers: One” shows how taking away something that a group was born with does not make them less than.
It means that the system was rigged against the have-nots so that the haves could enjoy a false sense of entitlement and superiority.
Because of that, many might consider “Transformers: One” as “woke.”
Despite the heavy life lessons, “Transformers: One” does not eliminate the fun that fans have come to expect from the franchise.
The movie contains fun in big doses.
“Transformers: One” features great dialogue, lovable but annoying characters and fake tough guys, which seems apropos in today’s political climate.
The movie will provide a great time for moviegoers of all age groups.
And for that reason, “Transformers: One” is completely bada$$.
REGAL RATINGS
FOUR CROWNS=EXCELLENT
THREE CROWNS=GOOD
TWO CROWNS=AVERAGE
ONE CROWN=POOR
