Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (dir. Steven Caple Jr.) is an anticipated addition to the Transformers franchise that serves as both a prequel to the 2007 Transformers (dir. Michael Bay) and to the 2018 smash hit Bumblebee (dir. Travis Knight). It largely focuses on the Autobots, once again led by Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen), as they attempt to save Earth once again from the Decepticons with the help of some new technorganic beings and human friends including military veteran electronics expert Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos) and artifact researcher Elena Wallace (Dominique Fishback).
Without giving away too much, from the previous films we know that the Autobots are trapped on Earth trying to save their home, but we also know that the Universe is a vast place full of endless possibilities, which leads us to an essential question that this film answers. What other beings are out there, or rather, right here? That leads us to the introduction of some technorganic Transformers known as Maximals lead by Optimus Primal (Ron Perlman), who join the Autobots in defending Earth, and give viewers a glimpse at a different faction of this Universe within the framework of the Transformers franchise.
Jammed packed with thrilling action sequences, heroic feats, and a familiar world tinged with the nostalgia of our childhoods, Rise of the Beasts is a treat to see in theaters. The animation throughout the movie is amazing and extremely well done, given the complexity of each of the mechanical characters. Everything down to the gears and feathers feels real, fully immersing the audience into this hyperrealist version of earth. For this reason, this movie works well for fans of franchises such as Fast and the Furious or Mad Max, who sometimes just want to see some action.
As always, the relationships between the characters and the acting are a delight throughout the film. Most notable is the relationship between Noah Diaz and his younger brother Kris Diaz (Dean Scott Vazquez), who suffers from sickle cell disease, and the playful Autobot Mirage (Pete Davidson) along with the interactions between Optimus Prime and the leader of the Maximals Optimus Primal. From these characters, Caple manages to create realistic bonds fueled through humor and empathy.
But in terms of the cohesiveness of the plot with the rest of the franchise, I feel that the plot of the movie only creates more plot holes. The structure of the movie is also a little overplayed. While there were a few attempts at being unpredictable (especially at the end of the film), the budding romance between the main human characters felt forced and the decisions made by many in the film may lead viewers to feel frustrated with its convoluted logic.
Besides, with the inclusion of an entire new realm of characters that seemingly disappear in the later movies, it leaves one to wonder why they were included in the first place, or if they will reappear again. However, it’s easy to understand why these characters are included for the sake of at least trying to answer some questions as to why the Autobots are still on Earth after all this time. The biggest shame is that some of the other characters felt wasted at times because of their lack of depth and notable character development. While the main stars Optimus Prime, human Noah Diaz, Mirage, and Optimus Primal get plenty of screen time and development, there should be more diversity amongst the personalities of the other supporting Autobots and Maximals other than witty comebacks.
However, even with its flaws, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a great experience to watch with friends and just have a great time as you sit and let the action happen. The ending of the movie was truly a shocker and left me incredibly hopeful to the future of the franchise and the levels of creativity audiences will see later. (But most importantly make sure you stay for the after credits scene).
3/5 STARS
This was a great review! Nice to see Film Club’s still got it, I had a great time reviewing and attending back when I was at UW.