Sending its audiences on a ’90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts introduces a whole new faction of Transformer – the Maximals — to the battle on earth between Autobots and their enemies. Full of heart pounding action, catchy ’90s tune, and impressive special effects, the latest entry in the Transformers series is an adrenaline-soaked clash of the metal titans that injects new life into a long-running film franchise.
Kicking the summer movie season into full gear, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts delivers eye-catching robot action and a commendable voice cast behind the robots in disguise. Easily one of the more compelling instalments of the franchise, the film succeeds in injecting more personality into the clanging heavy machinery that remains the real star of the franchise. By continuing the excellent course correction set by Bumblebee, the latest Transformers film refreshes the franchise with an action-heavy, fun adventure that makes for an entertaining viewing experience.
Unfortunately, the film’s decision to spotlight its characters without giving them sufficient substance makes for an emotionally vacant Transformers entry. Unlike Bumblebee’s fantastic treatment to its lead characters (Charlie and Bumblebee), the human characters of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts often feel like an afterthought, rather than actual characters in a narrative. Although the film positions Diaz and Mirage as the new duo of the film, the Transformers are often more intriguing by themselves, which results in a film that can feel narratively imbalanced.
All in all, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts succeeds in extending its predecessor’s efforts to revitalise its titular character’s reputation on the big screen. Directed by Steven Caple Jr., the Bumblebee sequel showcases that the Transformers franchise is driving full speed in the right direction. Striking the right balance between evoking nostalgia and creating excitement, the Bumblebee sequel succeeds in forging a new path that could potentially take the franchise to new and exciting territory.
