Transformers Energon - The Battle for Energon
Transformers Energondebuted in America on the Cartoon Network in January 2004, succeedingTransformers Armada. The Autobots and Decepticons have forged an uneasy alliance to mine the energy-providing element Energon. But a flock of drones called Terrorcons arrive to steal the Energon so they can revive Unicron. Naturally, Optimus Prime and the other Transformers have to protect the Energon and defeat the Terrorcons--with some help from brash teenager Kicker.Energonranks among the weaker entries in theTransformerscanon. Kicker comes across as an obnoxious loudmouth, rather than a rebellious free spirit. The CG animation of the Transformers is weightless and sometimes comically inept: when the robots run, their knees don't bend. The outcome of the story is a forgone conclusion, and the many transformation and battle scenes feel suspiciously like commercials for the new line of toys. (Unrated, suitable for ages 7 and up: cartoon violence)--Charles Solomon