“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” roars onto the screen, delivering the classic spectacle of colossal space robots clashing while engaging the audience on a deeper level than its franchise predecessors. Under the direction of Steven Caple Jr. (“Creed II”), this latest installment, based on the beloved Hasbro toys, exhibits a remarkable improvement in storytelling and visual coherence, distinguishing it from the earlier Michael Bay blockbusters.
Taking place shortly after the events of “Bumblebee,” in a gritty 1994 New York City, the film introduces us to Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos), a former military electronics expert, struggling to provide for his family, including his younger brother Kris (Dean Scott Vazquez) who battles a chronic illness. Meanwhile, Elena (Dominique Fishback) strives to prove herself as an adept artifacts expert at a museum on Ellis Island. Both characters, young people of color, face challenges and marginalization, offering a refreshing perspective on the Transformers universe.
The narrative revolves around the pursuit of an ancient and powerful artifact sought by Autobots, Maximals from the “Transformers: Beast Wars” TV series, and various intergalactic villains serving the planet-eating Unicron (voiced by Colman Domingo). This quest intertwines the human characters, allowing Ramos and Fishback to create likable and relatable personas, adding depth to the movie.
“Rise of the Beasts” strikes a balance between the grandiose robotic battles and genuine human drama, a rare feat for the franchise. The screenplay, penned by five writers, grants room for character development and social commentary, which breathes life into the story.
The voice cast includes outstanding performances, with Peter Dinklage standing out as the menacing Scourge, alongside Michelle Yeoh as the majestic Maximal falcon Airazor and Ron Perlman as the roaring gorilla Optimus Primal. Pete Davidson, as the wisecracking Mirage, brings his signature irreverent and playful charisma to the role, delivering one of his best portrayals to date.
Despite the film’s overall improvements, it adheres to the trademark Transformers formula with a climactic battle sequence featuring loud, metallic clashes that lack the same impact as the film’s earlier, smaller-scale special effects. Moreover, the lack of real stakes due to the established future of the characters slightly undermines the intensity of the confrontation.
In conclusion, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” breathes new life into the franchise by combining thrilling robotic action with engaging human storytelling. It outshines many of its predecessors and maintains the nostalgic charm that fans will cherish, making it a worthwhile addition to the ever-expanding cinematic universe. So, buckle up and get ready for an action-packed ride.