‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ gives fresh take on franchise
The seventh and latest film, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" is a prequel to the original 2007 Transformers movie, as well as a sequel to "Bumblebee" (2018).
The plot is quite predictable, essentially centering on the Transwarp Key—which can open portals between different times and universes—and a villain from the past. The Transformers cast is strong, with popular characters such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Arcee, and Wheeljack. We are introduced to Stratosphere, the first aerial Autobot in these movies, as well as the addition of a fantastic, spirited rookie named Mirage.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Once again, Peter Cullen's portrayal of Optimus Prime steals the show as he shapes up to be a leader. His shortcomings and regrets molds him into a hero. Overall, this movie takes the audience on a thrilling ride to witness several transformative journeys of both Autobots and Decepticons.
Many people grew up watching Beastwars, so it will be a wonderful trip down memory lane to watch the Maximals on the big screen, especially Primal and Airrazor. The villains Scourge and his Terrorcons from the previous movie are also developed as interesting foes.
Michael Bay's Transformer movies are notorious for their horrifying CGIs but the filming and editing on this movie were done with an extraordinary degree of proficiency and precision. Fight choreographies are exciting to watch, never skimping on the thunderous ferocity or lethality.
However, the robots seem unexpressive, much like the Disney live-action characters. The lack of spark is unsettling and depressing, especially when the duration is long. While fellow Maximals Cheetor and Rhinox have relatively little screen time, Optimus Primal and Airazor remain in the limelight. It was very disappointing to see Rhinox have no dialogues at all.
Both the main characters, Noah and Elena, possess unjaded intelligence and youthful energy, which make them endearing, unlike other human characters in past Transformers movies. Anthony Ramos relentlessly boasts his acting prowess throughout the movie. Elena is alluded to having a more pivotal role in this movie than she actually does. I wish she was equipped with the knowledge of where the Transwarp Key could be found instead of relying on the Transformers.
Ron Perlman's gravelly voice was perfect for his role as the lowland gorilla bot Optimus Primal. Michelle Yeoh's vocal range does justice to the majestic and wise peregrine falcon bot, Airazor. Pete Davidson's character Mirage is a comic relief but the jokes and references are mostly juvenile. The way the rest of the cast personified their robot characters made a predictable movie a fun watch.
The playlist matches the 90s era the film is set in, with Golden Age hip-hop classics.
Sadly, the setting is not designed in accordance to the time period in which the movie is set. The costumes, production and location does not exactly transport the audience to the 90s.
The climactic battle resembled the one in "Avengers: Endgame," however, it lacked substance. It was partly satisfying but had more scope such as a Primal vs Scourge fight.
Regardless, a world where Transformers and humans co-exist has never been more compelling. There are scenes which imbue the film with tenderness and heart, while others which are dizzying and immersive. "Rise of the Beasts" can revive the Transformers movie series and herald more mature plots which broaden the fine line between humans and Transformers.
Comments