A strong Versus matchup is in store for y'all today. Two animated films about robots released within a week of each other. We've got "Transformers One" from director Josh Cooley against "The Wild Robot" from DreamWorks Animation. Both films will be judged in the usual categories: visual presentation, audio quality, and narrative content.
Round 1) Presentation
Going into this match-up, I was originally thinking without seeing a frame of either film that "The Wild Robot" would have the upper hand all the way. It's an original IP with a neat idea, centering on a robot (Lupita Nyong'o) befriending a baby gosling who she decides to raise with the help of a fox (Pedro Pascal). Then again, when I heard about "Transformers One" initially, I was unaware that it would be fully computer animated. In hindsight, that already is a welcome change of pace.
"The Wild Robot" delivers on its visual presentation. It utilizes its majestic outdoor scenery to its advantage. Many stellar shots can be found showing off the scale and scope of the forest and some striking sunsets. The animals are easy to identify with visually. You can follow the visual storytelling no problem. "The Wild Robot" has the home field advantage on its side. And yet surprisingly enough, "Transformers One" is no slouch in the park on its presentation.
If anything, after having seen only one live-action "Transformers" film, I can already tell that "Transformers One" is a vast improvement over its predecessors in every way. You can tell where the eyes and mouths on the titular robots are instantly. The action that unfolds on screen is far more comprehensible than it was in the past. No live-action humans to get in the way either.
The "Transformers" franchise was designed with animation in mind, and Hollywood has finally realized this and given hardcore fans of the IP what they want. So no matter how you dice it, both films succeed with their respective art direction. It's a tight call, but the nod still goes to "The Wild Robot" because of its representation of outdoor nature and the dangers within it.
Round 1 Winner) The Wild Robot
Round 2) Audio
On the sound front, it's a tough call. Of the two films, "Transformers One" is obviously going to be more of a showcase for pure auditory overload. It's well known how anytime you see a "Transformers" movie, you're going to feel like you're at a rock concert or a NASCAR race. It's going to get loud. But in the case of "Transformers One", the immersion isn't as overbearing as its predecessors.
In fact, it actually does take a breath once in awhile usually for some comedic banter between the robots. Needless to say, this is the type of banter you usually get out of superhero flicks. But this installment has a stellar voice cast behind it. Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johannson, Keegan-Michael Kay, Jon Hamm, Steve Buscemi and Laurence Fishburne are all in here. Moviegoers going into "Transformers One" for sound immersion will get their money's worth for sure.
"The Wild Robot" is sufficient with its audio output as far as sound effects and voice work are concerned. This film also has a sharp voice over cast as well. Joining Nyong'o and Pascal in the cast, we've got Bill Nighy, Catherine O'Hara, Mark Hamill and Ving Rhames. There was a montage with a pop song that jarred with the tone of the rest of the auditory experience it provided. Both films are apt at providing what they need to, but the edge for this category has to belong to "Transformers One" because it provides the full package.
Round 2 Winner) Transformers One
Round 3) Content
The good news with today's contenders is that both films are worthy of seeing, especially in theaters. "The Wild Robot" is a solid offering from DreamWorks, even if it barely falls short of maintaining greatness. There are times the central narrative is held back by stale plot tropes. Specifically, the outsider not fitting in and being shunned and/or ridiculed by the community. I feel that we could've done without this plot template within this narrative.
The primary plot involving the titular robot trying to raise the gosling and learning about the forest environment is more than enough. When it's focused on that part of the plot, "The Wild Robot" is at its best. I admired how the first 10-15 minutes was basically in pantomime with the forest creatures making their normal noises. Had the rest of the film been like this instead of having the animals speaking English, I would've gotten into it even more. As it is, the film is sufficient at exploring its protagonist's struggle with obeying protocol and raising the child.
I don't know what's more surprising. The fact that "The Wild Robot" was only good, or that "Transformers One" was much better than it had any right to be. For anyone who hasn't seen or has limited exposure to the "Transformers" film franchise, this is the most welcoming entry to newcomers. At its core, this is an origin story depicting how Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) went from allies to foes.
An otherwise average story concept, with our leads on a quest to discover their ancestors, is levitated by an execution that injects more meat in all the right places. This film does the "surprise villain" better than most animated films nowadays, because it never comes out of nowhere. There is a subtle buildup showing that their lifestyle is not as mandatory as it might seem. There is a hidden history that needs to be unearthed. The film gives you the drama you'd want from such an origin story.
That is why I'm shocked to admit that I personally enjoyed the narrative to "Transformers One" a bit more. It successfully shows the rising anger and hate that Megatron builds over his existential crisis. But there's enough lighthearted humor from the likes of Bumblebee (Keegan-Michael Kay) to keep the experience from being too heavy for kids. "The Wild Robot" is a solid original creation, but "Transformers One" is the big discovery here.
Round 3 Winner) Transformers One
Yes, "Transformers One" eventually does get hectic with its action later on. It's much more comprehensible than its predecessors ever were though. Families should be satisfied with each film if they decide to check them both out. But if the decision is to choose which one of the two to see, I'm more surprised than anyone else in admitting that my vote goes to "Transformers One". While "The Wild Robot" has its own original elements to it, "Transformers One" felt like a fresher experience all around for me.
Final Verdict) Transformers One: 8/10
The Wild Robot: 7.5/10
WINNER) TRANSFORMERS ONE
Well done, Optimus Prime. It turns out there is more than meets the eye.
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