Transformers One is the new prequel film that chronicles a pivotal point in the history of the Transformers: the fight for their home planet Cybertron, which ultimately created two opposing factions – the Autobots and Decepticons – led by two monumental leaders,

The computer-animated "Transformers One" is out of time, a throwback to a few years ago when Hollywood mined popular IP for forgotten heroes, built overly complex worlds and then ramped up the action so that the audience just got numbed to a blur of battles.

The camera is constantly swiveling and the violence — assault-weapon lasers, booming cannons, light torture, martial arts crunching moves, beating a rival with their own amputated limb and

Transformers One has a splendid and star-studded voice cast that includes Marvel actors Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johnsson along with Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburn,

There are, happily, no human characters in this film. What a smart move this is for “Transformers One.” The terrific animation makes that possible for this reboot (and, I hope, for the sequels that soon will follow.

Transformers One reimagines the franchise with a mythological origin story, balancing nostalgia with fresh storytelling and stunning animation

You might not miss the Michael Bay movies, but Cooley’s version — be it more comfy and quieter — is too self-conscious for a franchise that essentially services a toy brand.