Transformers: Rise of the Beasts 2023 – The Ultimate Battle to Save the Franchise

Synopsis: Optimus Prime and the Autobots take on their biggest challenge yet! When a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, they must team up with a powerful faction known as the Maximals. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Noah (Anthony Ramos) and Elena (Dominique Fishback) will do whatever it takes to help the Transformers as they engage in the ultimate battle to save Earth.

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS will arrive on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook^TM, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray^TM, and DVD on October 10th.

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language.

The Usual Tropes and Tiresome Twists

“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” arrived in theatres June 2023, and it’s clear that the franchise is struggling to evolve beyond its typical trappings. The storyline revolves around a planet-eating menace chasing a stone with the power to manipulate space and time, threatening Earth. The ancient animal Transformers, known as the Maximals, emerge to protect this crucial artefact from the evil clutches of the Autobots aligned with the planet-eater. The well-trodden path of ‘good vs. evil’ is firmly in place.

The film, directed by Steven Caple Jr. (known for “Creed II”), assembles a promising ensemble cast, including Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, who have delivered impressive performances in the past. However, their characters, Noah and Elena, fall flat, failing to infuse life into the film.

Lackluster CGI and a Stale Formula

“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” disappoints with subpar CGI and unimpressive special effects. The action sequences, visually underwhelming, still adhere to the franchise’s tired and overused formula. The CGI falls short of expectations, failing to breathe life into the film. We’ve seen Autobots battling their adversaries repeatedly, and not even the lackluster CGI can distract from the staleness of the narrative.

Humans as Heroes: A Recurring Misstep

A recurring issue with the Transformers movies is the overemphasis on human characters being the saviours of the day. The plot involving Ramos and Fishback, intertwined with their struggles and dialogue, feels clunky and out of place. It’s high time the franchise recognised that the true stars are the Transformers themselves, both Autobots and Maximals.

This latest addition to the Transformers series fails to break free from its formulaic narrative and clichéd dialogue. The film struggles to offer a fresh perspective or engaging storytelling. While there are moments of breath-taking action, they are far and few between.

Action Reloaded’s Verdict: Fails to Transform the Franchise

“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” is a missed opportunity to revitalise a franchise that desperately needs a creative injection. It sticks to its dated formula, leaving audiences longing for innovation and fresh storytelling. The movie is an underwhelming entry in the Transformers series. For die-hard fans, it may provide some nostalgic action sequences, but for the casual moviegoer, it’s a spectacle that falls short of expectations.

★★☆☆☆ Action Reloaded

Check out The Transformers Saga: An Epic Journey Through Cybertron and Earth or other movie reviews