Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is the next instalment in the long-running franchise known for its epic battles between colossal robots and the humans caught in between. The film, directed by Steven Caple Jr., features a cast including Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Peter Cullen and Ron Perlman. The story revolves around a team of Autobots and Maximals joining forces with a human artifact hunter and a researcher to thwart the plans of both Predacons and Decepticons, who seek to unleash a malevolence of annihilation.

The visual effects are impressive, especially the Beast Wars characters who transform into animals. Fans will find joy discovering nods and hidden references to the animated series and comics. Jongnic Bontemps’s score perfectly captures the grandeur.

However, similar to instalments in this franchise’s history, some recurring issues persist with Rise of the Beasts. The human characters lack depth and fail to establish connections or exhibit distinctive personalities. Dialogue occasionally leans towards being trite with exposition, while jokes often miss their mark or become contrived clichés.

The direction feels chaotic and confusing, with camera work and rapid editing that make it difficult to follow the action or become invested in the stakes. The film’s runtime of over two hours feels excessively long and repetitive.

The tone is inconsistent and uneven, shifting from serious to silly to dark without coherence or logic. The movie lacks depth, leaving us disconnected from the characters’ experiences. It is a mindless popcorn flick that offers entertainment value but fails to leave an impact.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts may resonate with franchise fans but is unlikely to appeal to a wider audience. It is a formulaic addition to a series that has overstayed its welcome. While not necessarily the worst Transformers movie, it certainly isn’t one of the best.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)