Transformers: Rise of the Beasts – A Promising Direction for the Franchise

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Transformers Rise of the Beasts marks the seventh installment in the Transformers franchise and takes a step in a new direction. While initially skeptical, the positive reactions from early viewers piqued my interest. The movie lives up to the expectation of delivering a Transformers film that could rival the 2007 original and Bumblebee. Although not surpassing Bumblebee, it successfully incorporates all the different groups of Transformers into the storyline.

The film’s direction aligns with my predictions, focusing on lovable human characters and grounded action, a lesson learned from Bumblebee. This approach keeps the audience engaged without losing sight of the core characters. The movie serves as a prequel to Transformers 2007 and Bumblebee, fitting seamlessly into the existing timeline.

Visually, the film impresses with its well-executed visual effects. While not surpassing the awe-inspiring quality of the first Transformers film, it maintains a high standard in comparison to other blockbusters. The production design and location scouting, including filming in places like Machu Picchu, add an interesting and fresh dimension to the battles.

The story follows a familiar formula, with the search for an artifact driving the plot. It’s not groundbreaking but serves its purpose in building the stakes and keeping the narrative engaging. The character development of Optimus Prime stands out, offering a fresh perspective on his mindset towards humans. We witness his growth and the journey that shapes him into the Optimus Prime we know.

The cast delivers solid performances, with Anthony Ramos and Dominic Fishback shining in their roles. Ramos brings a similar energy to Shia LaBeouf’s character, with added vulnerability, while Fishback excels as an archaeological and historically inclined character. Their interactions with the Autobots and Maximals strike a good balance.

However, there are flaws in the film. Close-up shots of certain Transformers, like Optimus Prime and the gorilla, reveal weaker CGI and distract from the overall visual experience. The soundtrack, while featuring a great selection of ’90s music, at times feels overcrowded and disrupts the flow of the film.

What stands out is the film’s runtime, just under two hours, which is a breath of fresh air compared to previous entries in the franchise. The pacing is excellent, ensuring that not a single moment feels wasted. This creates a fun and enjoyable cinema experience, reminding us that Transformers should be good popcorn fun rather than aiming for complex storytelling.

“Transformers Rise of the Beasts” sets a promising direction for the franchise. While not without its flaws, it successfully captures the essence of what makes a Transformers film entertaining. It strikes a balance between the familiar and the new, leaving room for further exploration in future installments. If Transformers can continue to deliver films like this, it will keep audiences engaged and satisfied.

Review by: James & Nayan

Disclaimer: This film review has been summarized with the assistance of an AI language model. Podcast version attached below.

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