In Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, the latest instalment in the long-running franchise, the battle between the Transformers and their adversaries takes an intriguing turn with the introduction of the part-animal, part-robot ‘Maximals’. While this concept promises a fresh take on the Transformers universe, the film falls short of delivering a consistently satisfying experience.
Drawing from the opinions of multiple reviewers, it becomes evident that the film carries both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, the movie attempts to break away from the bloated and bombastic style of previous Transformers films, offering a tighter pace and an increased focus on action. Fans who yearned for more intense robot battles will find some solace in this installment, as it amps up the action quotient.
However, where Transformers: Rise of the Beasts stumbles is in its execution and character development. The frequent pauses for exposition, as highlighted in one review, become tiresome and disrupt the flow of the film. These moments feel like an unnecessary spoon-feeding of information, robbing the audience of the opportunity to engage with the story organically.
What’s more, the characters and their relationships lack depth and fail to leave a lasting impression. There’s an absence of meaningful and memorable connections among the cast, leaving the audience detached and yearning for stronger emotional investment. While Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback make valiant efforts to anchor the human side of the story, the film struggles to strike a balance between its robotic spectacle and human characters.
The film’s visual effects and sound design do deserve some recognition, with stunning action sequences and an engaging soundtrack featuring punchy 90s hip-hop tunes. These elements add moments of enjoyment and energy to an otherwise lackluster experience.
Ultimately, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts presents a mixed bag of robotic scraps. It attempts to shake off the excesses of its predecessors and inject fresh elements into the franchise, but it falls short in delivering a consistently engaging and cohesive narrative. While it may satisfy fans craving explosive battles and appreciate the efforts of certain cast members, it struggles to establish a deeper connection with its audience due to its reliance on heavy exposition and underdeveloped characters.
With a few sparks of excitement and a handful of missed opportunities, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts ends up being a mediocre addition to the franchise that may please some fans but fails to leave a lasting impact.
In UK cinemas from today.
Whitlock&Pope 