Autobots, roll out! Transformers: Rise of the Beasts marks the 7th installment in the franchise since its first film premiered in 2007. Now, the Steven Caple Jr. helmed film not only welcomes the Autobots back onto the big screen but is also a sequel to the 2018 Bumblebee (directed by Travis Knight).
In this film, we’re introduced to the Maximals, who are the descendants of Autobots. The trailer shows Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Airazor, and Rhinox teaming up with the Autobots to fight against Unicron – the ultimate baddie who consumes planets. Other Autobots featured in the film are Arcee, Mirage, Wheeljack, and Stratosphere. The movie also sees the debut of Terrorcons like Scourge, Battletrap, and Nightbird.
The official synopsis for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is:
Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformers – the Maximals – to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth.
Taking place in 1994, Autobots and Maximals have sought refuge on Earth, unable to return to their home planets. Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos) accidentally crosses paths with Mirage while looking for a new job to help out his family. After helping Noah evade the police, Mirage convinces him to join the Autobots on their quest to find the Transwrap Key – something that can help the Autobots return to Cybertron. Elena (Dominique Fishback) discovers the Key at her work and accidentally triggers it, alerting both Autobots and Terrorcon to its location
How Does The Film Work As A Whole?
As with all Transformers movies, the epic action sequences and battles are a feast for the eyes. Every time an Autobot transforms, it made me feel like a child again, happily gazing at the screen and taking in the action. Explosive action scenes aside, the movie used much of its runtime for expositions and telling the stories of Noah and Elena, making the audience really feel that 2 hours and 16 minutes runtime.
It’s understandable that humans are needed in a Transformers movie to help propel the story forward and to have something that emotionally tethers the Autobot to Earth. However, it feels like neither party’s storyline was fully fleshed out. Even with great performances by Ramos and Fishback, it was hard to feel connected to the human characters.
However, the bond formed between Noah and Mirage is quite touching and gives a nod to the relationship Charlie had with Bumblebee.
Mostly, the film was best when it was focused on the battles between Autobots/Maximals and Terrorcons.
Check out Wendy’s full (spoiler-free) review here:
