Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

 

Transformers (2007) marked the beginning of what seemed to be a promising movie franchise.  Sadly, the following films with one, maybe 2 exceptions, quickly began to lose their luster, culminating in the eye-rolling, craptastic low Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) marking what should have been the final nail in the proverbial coffin. A year later hope and interest was rekindled when Bumblebee went back to basics and re-energized the franchise. Never being one to shy away from a sequel, this year Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is now in theaters just in time for summer movie goers.  

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is both a sequel to the aforementioned Bumblebee and prequel to the original Transformers.  This time around it’s 1994, joining the Autobots in a globe-trotting battle are Maximals and Terrocons in an effort to secure the Transwarp Key hidden here on Earth.

What takes place is a 2 hour 7-minute, heavy effects laden, character driven joy ride.  

Once again there’s a nice balance between the human characters in Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos) and Elena Wallace (Dominique Fishback) and the Transformer characters.  Both sets of characters are nicely fleshed out with clear motivations, and a story that makes sense. Though I do admit that Elena's character got shortchanged and it would've been nice to go deeper on her. A popping soundtrack that had my feet tapping and brought a huge grin to my face add s to the mix. I’m talking serious nostalgia y’all. Solid humor that will make you laugh-out-loud.  And action.  Lots and lots of well-done action sequences that pair nicely with the exposition.

Rise of the Beasts has a lot of heart and emotion.  I really felt for the characters (both good and bad), unexpectedly got choked up a couple of times and was thoroughly invested in the story. All courtesy of a great cast. The CGI work is on point.  As is the strong direction and great cinematography. 

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts pacing gets a bit wonky in places and there are definitely some lulls. There’s quite a lot in this film that feels straight up lifted from other movies, including Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen that dampens the originality and feels lazy. Not the first film to do this, nor will it be the last.  Still disappointing though.  

By the times the credits rolled, and yes there’s a credit scene that happens fairly quickly so don’t bolt for the exit too fast, I was happy for heading to the theater to see Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.  It was fun, entertaining, and worth the trip to be out amongst the public.  While I admit I like Bumblebee a smidgen more, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts ranks up there as one of the better Transformer films overall.  So, Autobots, roll out and catch it on the big screen.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts gets a 7.5 from me.

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