Transformers: Rise of the Beasts The seventh installment in the Transformers franchise, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” takes audiences on a nostalgic journey while introducing animal-shaped Transformers called Maximals. Set in 1994, the movie attempts to capture the essence of the time through its well-chosen musical soundtrack and subtle references to the O.J. Simpson trial. However, despite its promising premise, the film falls short due to its lackluster script and an overemphasis on mindless robot battles. Let’s dive deeper into the movie’s plot, characters, and overall execution to understand why “Rise of the Beasts” fails to live up to its potential.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Autobots, Maximals, and a World-Devouring Threat
In “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” the Autobots, led by the iconic Optimus Prime, join forces with the Maximals to combat the evil Terrorcons and a formidable adversary known as Unicron. Unicron, for those familiar with Marvel lore, resembles a poor-bot’s version of Galactus, the devourer of worlds. The narrative revolves around the quest to find a key that could either save the Autobots or unleash Unicron upon the galaxy. Although the plot sets the stage for an epic battle between good and evil, it fails to engage viewers beyond the allure of celebrity voices and massive robot showdowns.
The Unfortunate Human Element
The movie introduces human characters played by talented actors Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback. Unfortunately, their roles feel thankless as they spend most of their screen time in awe of the towering robots. Ramos, known for his performances in “In the Heights” and “Hamilton,” and Fishback, recently seen in the Amazon series “Swarm,” deserve better material to showcase their talents. Despite their efforts, the movie’s focus on the human characters falls flat, leaving viewers yearning for more substantial storytelling.
Celebrity Voices and Robot Battles In New Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
One of the movie’s selling points is its star-studded voice cast, including Michelle Yeoh, Pete Davidson, Peter Dinklage, and Ron Perlman. While their presence adds a layer of excitement, it’s the scope and scale of the robot battles that steal the show. The technical virtuosity and chaotic nature of these battles impress, highlighting the visual effects prowess of the 21st century. However, these action sequences become repetitive and fail to compensate for the lackluster storytelling in between.
A Lack of Wit and Plucky Comic Relief
Compared to its predecessor, “Bumblebee,” which introduced a refreshing sense of wit, “Rise of the Beasts” falls short in the humor department. The attempt to turn Pete Davidson’s character, Mirage, into plucky comic relief misses the mark and fails to elicit the desired laughs. The film’s lack of disarming wit robs it of the charm that could have elevated the overall viewing experience.
A Familiar Directorial Approach
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” marks a transition in directorial responsibility from Michael Bay to Steven Caple Jr. While Caple Jr. helms the film without any discernible change in tone or style, the franchise’s advantage lies in the six-year hiatus since the release of “The Last Knight.” This gap may generate pent-up demand among loyal fans eager to revisit the beloved property. However, for those seeking fresh and innovative storytelling, “Rise of the Beasts” may disappoint.
Beyond the Prime Loyalists
As a franchise born from Hasbro toys and the animated TV show of the 1980s, the “Transformers” series has primarily served as a visual effects.
