Transformers One is the ultimate half term family movie – here’s why

Whether you’re an expert of the Transformers universe or a total novice who can’t tell your Primes from your bots, Transformers One is arriving in cinemas on October 11 – right in time for half term.

Yes, it may feel like the kids only just went back to school but it’s once again time to fill the calendar with activities that’ll keep not only the little ones entertained, but the whole gang engaged -that includes mums, dads and grandparents, too.

Transformers One is the ultimate film for fanatics and casual fans of the universe alike that brings us the layered origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron – now enemies, but once the best of friends.

But worry not if you aren’t clued up on the lore – this expertly created CG animation is packed with edge-of-your-seat action and a laugh-out-loud script that’ll have you slapping your knee throughout or warmed by its spirit, powered by an ensemble voice cast of A-list superstars including Chris Hemsworth, Jon Hamm and Scarlett Johansson.

Whether it’s rainy-day pursuits you’re after or simply a moment to sit back and relax while someone else (or, something else, rather) takes the reins on amusing the kids for a couple of hours, the cinema provides the perfect mix of entertainment, relaxation, and family time.

Watching the latest releases on the big screen provides a sense of adventure and escapism, where everyone can immerse themselves in a different world, while still spending quality time together.

And nothing beats relaxing in some plush cinema seats with a giant box of popcorn for an action-packed, family-friendly flick that’ll have kids young and old drawn into every nail-biting moment.

Here’s why Transformers One is the perfect film to entertain the whole family this half-term…

It’s the ultimate origin story for Transformers fans

For the uninitiated, the fully CG-animated Transformers movie delves into the origins of the iconic characters Optimus Prime and Megatron, who you may know now as sworn enemies and leaders of the Autobots and Decepticons, respectively.

Here, we go back to the beginning, when they were actually the best of friends.

Follow the evolution of their relationship; a friendship that went on to change the fate of Cybertron, the home planet of the Transformers, forever.

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The rivalry between the two characters may be the stuff of legend now, but rewind to the beginning and we find dreamer Orion-Pax and his rule-following best friend D-16 (that’s Optimus Prime and Megatron…), joined by Elita-1 and Bumblebee, as they come together on a quest that will define the future of their civilisation forever.

Sounds serious, but this movie has something for everyone, with plenty of gripping action bolstered by CG animation not even our wildest imagination could replicate, laugh-out-loud comedy and heartwarming moments that’ll move you.

It boasts some serious star power

The film is led by superstars Chris Hemsworth and Bryan Tyree Henry, who play our protagonists, Orion-Pax and D-16, respectively. They’re joined by Scarlett Johansson as the plucky Elita-1, and Keegan-Michael Key as the entertaining, resilient and lovable Bumblebee (or, ‘Badassatron’).

The ensemble cast doesn’t stop there, with talent including Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm lending their recognisable voices to Starscream, Alpha Trion and Sentinel Prime.

Still, it’s not just the all-star cast that gives this film its might, but a team of powerhouse producers, including Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Michael Bay, and executive producer Steven Spielberg, while the film was directed by award-winning Josh Cooley.

You don’t need to be a Transformers mega-fan to enjoy it

Don’t fear, you don’t need to have prior knowledge of the franchise to follow every pivotal moment, with the origin story an accessible take for both newcomers and long-time fans alike.

As a self-contained story focused on the early relationship between these well-known characters, Transformers One makes a great entry point for anyone new to the wider universe.

It’ll hook a whole new legion of fans!

The action is out of this world

From phenomenal animation that shows you a version of Cybertron yet to be seen on the big screen, to incredible sequences that’ll have you on the edge of your seat until the very end, this is a must-see for lovers of action.

You may have seen a Transformers film before, but this is a truly fresh take on the franchise the whole family will love.

And if the early reviews are anything to go on, the film is a hit! Family-focused website Kidzcoolit labelled Transformers On ‘an instant classic’, giving it 5 stars and saying it’s ‘the perfect family entertainment for the big screen’.

Echoing similar sentiments, Film News gave it 4 stars and mused the film ‘successfully captures the essence of what a Transformers film should be—fun, action-packed, and full of heart’, while Comicbook added it is ‘one of the best Transformers movies to date, injecting new life into the franchise in an unexpected way’.

In cinemas October 11. Book tickets now at transformersmovie.co.uk