'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' review: A delightful addition to the franchise

New characters, new trials and new allies culminate into one hell of a cinematic fest

transformers rise of the beasts

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a delightful treat for hard core fans and can be a rather entertaining watch for people out of touch with the Transformers lore.

The seventh addition to the live action Transformers universe is an engaging show full of flying robot parts, fire and a little trip around the world. Directed by Steven Caple Jr, the movie embraces the Bumblebee route while retaining the better features of the movies before it.

The Autobots, led by the well-loved and respected Optimus Prime, embark on yet another adventure; this time it is something that concerns both worlds. And after spending 'seven long years' on planet earth the leader, led by both love and guilt, jumps head first into a battle that has been waging for decades; this time intending to finish it. An ex-military electronics expert and a museum intern end up joining the crew as well in a race against time and imminent destruction.

Set in the year 1994, the movie tries its best to pay its respects to the era. In the cinematic universe timeline it fits right in as a sequel to Travis Knight's critically acclaimed Bumblebee. With a soundtrack studded with the likes of Nas, Notorious B.I.G. and The Wu-Tang Clan to name a few, the movie goes all out to deliver an incredible music experience.

New characters, new trials and new allies—all culminate into one hell of a cinematic fest. Including the sparkly, shiny and fun-loving Mirage voiced by the American comedian Pete Davidson.

Peter Cullen, the remarkably recognisable and loved voiced actor of the original 1980s legendary Optimus Prime, too, returns as part of the cast filled with brilliant actors like Michelle Yeoh and Ron Perlman.

The two main human characters, Elena played by Dominique Fishback and Tony Diaz played by Antony Ramos, were both well-written and more fully developed than most in the franchise. Though it did appear like their only purpose throughout the entire film was to run and keep running. By emphasising on the bond between the human and Autobots and with a touch of sentimental outbreaks, this new instalment adds warmth and a couple of tear-jerking episodes to the overall experience. It is pleasurable to see how the movie caters to the longtime fans' needs as well as movie watchers going in with limited ideas about the franchise.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a great comeback from the few rather disappointing movies before it. Though avid Beast Wars fans might say otherwise. The Maximals, especially Cheetor and Rhinox, even after being shown as being key players get very little lines.

Apart from the impressive CGI and the well-executed plot, the movie does lag a little in the second act. But the climax makes up for it in a way. The ending scene with the heroes slowly transitioning back to normal life leaves ample room for more questions and sparks potential for the next two movies that are supposed to follow up the trilogy.

Film: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Director: Steven Caple Jr

Cast: Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Peter Cullen, Michelle Yeoh, Pete Davidson

Rating: 3.5/5

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