While the summer blockbuster was clearly aimed at kids and the people who were kids when the original “Transformers” ‘toon aired in the ’80s, this new one is decidedly just for the junior set. From the cheesy version of their classic theme song to the goofy, sometimes groan-inducingly bad jokes (including one involving the so-not-funny phrase “my bad”), this series—which kicks off with the seventy-minute long movie “Transformers Animated: Transform And Roll Out”—just isn’t serious enough for adults. Or even older teens.
Who’s that?: David Kaye, who played Megatron on “Transformers: Cybertron,” “Transformers: Galaxy Force” and in the 2004 “Transformers” video game, ironically does the voice of Optimus Prime; Corey Burton, who was the voice of Brainiac on “Justice League,” does Megatron, as well as Ratchet and Shockwave; Lance Henriksen from “Aliens” is the voice of Lockdown; “Weird Al” Yankovic is the voice of Wreck-Gar; Phil LaMarr from “MADtv” is the voice of Jazz; Tara Strong from “Ben 10” and “The Powerpuff Girls” is the voice of Sari; while Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants is the voice of Starscream.
Buzzed about: With the writer’s strike putting the live action “Transformers” sequel on hold, this is the best way for young fans of hot robot-on-robot action to get their fix.
The “ooh” factor: Some of the characters—most notably Bumblebee and Prowl—have an edgier feel to them that recalls cool-looking cartoons like “Ben 10” and “The Batman.”
The “eh” factor: David Kaye’s voice doesn’t give Optimus Prime the commanding presence that he had in the live action movie and the original ’toon when he was voiced by Peter Cullen.
The verdict: While we’d love it if we were 10, it just doesn’t work now that we’re…uh…let’s just say older.
”Transformers Animated: Transform And Roll Out” premieres Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 8 p.m./7c on Cartoon Network.
”Transformers Animated” premieres Saturday, Jan. 5 at 10:30 a.m./9:30c on Cartoon Network.
