Transformers One Fans Should Watch This Award-Winning Fan Film

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  • Cybertron Falls Is a Darker Look at the Transformers Franchise
  • This Transformers Fan Film Is Filled With Surprises

As a long-time fan of the Transformers franchise, I must say that these fan films, specifically “Cybertron Falls: The War Within,” have truly exceeded my expectations. Having grown up with the original series, I can appreciate the attention to detail and the deepening of the relationship between Optimus and Megatron that’s hinted at in this series.

The recently unveiled Transformers movie, released by Paramount Pictures in September, showcased vibrant, speedy animation by ILM and boasted an impressive ensemble cast featuring Chris Hemsworth, Keegan-Michael Key, Brian Tyree Henry, and Scarlett Johansson. This latest installment of the Transformers series garnered acclaim from critics almost immediately. What sets this film apart is its primary setting on Cybertron, which is remarkable compared to all live-action movies in the franchise. Moreover, unlike previous depictions, this CGI-animated movie delved into the early and less-explored relationship between Optimus Prime (originally Orion Pax) and Megatron (previously D-16).

Despite garnering much acclaim, such as being labeled “fresh” by Rotten Tomatoes and achieving a verified popcorn score, Josh Cooley’s latest film underperformed financially in US markets, failing to cover its budget. This may jeopardize any plans for the trilogy that producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura had discussed.

For fans of the robot-to-car franchise who may not find anything else about this prequel timeline on the big screen, the fan film genre offers an appealing alternative that will undoubtedly please even the most ardent Transformers enthusiasts. The three-part (with a fourth in progress) production titled “Cybertron Falls,” directed and animated by Christian Rausch, debuted on June 1, 2020. This cinematic epic is created using open-source graphics software called Blender and does an exceptional job of depicting the final tense hours of the Cybertronian civil war while also focusing on lesser-known characters rather than just heavyweights like Optimus and Megatron (although they are also prominently featured). There are even some similarities between this film and “Transformers One”!

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Cybertron Falls Is a Darker Look at the Transformers Franchise

In this 18-minute short film, you’re thrust into a world ravaged by war – our home planet. This is where Bumblebee and other Autobots find themselves right in the thick of battle. The turmoil and loss of life, with more Autobot casualties than Decepticons, is palpable. The intensity mirrors that of the rebels in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, yet the classic Decepticons are as brutal as ever.

Starscream, Shockwave, and Skywarp are ruthless, and the narrative of this initial story is unsparing – their conversations further emphasize their warlike mindsets. Although exterior objects are sparsely depicted, the robot animations are remarkably fluid and meticulous in every detail. The final action scene suggests a more intricate bond between Optimus and Megatron, a connection that will be delved into further in the subsequent installment.

In the initial segment of “Cybertron Falls: The War Within,” which spanned 34 minutes and was released two years afterward, it’s evident that Rausch and the team took viewer suggestions to heart. This captivating narrative revolves around the two leaders, initially reluctant to cooperate, joining forces in search of a powerful artifact. Voice actor David Poddany stepped in for Nick Marsh as Optimus, contributing significantly to the story’s quality. As seen in “Transformers One,” the complex friendship between the main robots is once again highlighted, and this relationship seamlessly transforms into tension as they are compelled to work together, adding a layer of complexity to their journey.

In addition to this, followers of the series will be thrilled as the Lord of Chaos, Unicron, graces the screen, while various members of the Prime dynasty spring to life in their role of Matrix guardians. Given that there is a sequel titled The War Within, it’s safe to assume that the alliance between Optimus and Megatron starts to crumble — not surprisingly, Starscream is up to no good, aiming for leadership again. Is this not the norm?

This Transformers Fan Film Is Filled With Surprises

In a span of just three months, the second part of “The War Within” resumes from Bumblebee’s perspective. Contrary to what younger viewers might expect based on his 2018 portrayal – which was light-hearted and often comical – this installment is quite different. Much like in the 2020 prequel, the somber atmosphere of war prevails. Anxiety fills the air as Bumblebee and his companions journey with Ultra Magnus, navigating through an eerily empty street.

In their daring attempt to seize Energon from the Decepticons, this makeshift group finds themselves in a tight spot, leading them to take drastic actions to protect their comrades. Regrettably, not all members escape unscathed, and by the end of these harrowing events, there are some unexpected casualties. The Name Brand Company pushes boundaries with these three short films, making Transformers enthusiasts, both new and old, eager to watch them – they’re truly unique.

Not only does the storyline, character portrayals, and ominous undertones make “Cybertron Falls” captivating, but it also bagged the titles for Best CGI and Best Transformers Fan Film at the 2022 Fan Film Director’s Choice Awards. Though the fourth installment, “Till All Are One,” is yet to be completed (it’ll run for 90 minutes!), you can catch up on the first three segments of this grand series on The Name Brand Company’s official YouTube channel.

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2024-11-03 00:02