Michael Bay and the Transformers franchise have successfully navigated the very fine line between being a fan favorite and a flop over the better part of the past two decades. Now, with the arrival of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, critics haven't agreed whether the latest iteration is a step forward for the series or a forgettable outing.
The multi-billion dollar franchise is in dire need of a reinvention. Bumblebee, which premiered in 2018, promised to breathe fresh life into the series. But, one film isn't enough to launch a new series of installments.
For some, Rise of the Beasts is a welcome departure from the chaotic cacophony of Michael Bay's films. Steven Caple Jr., the latest director to sign on to do a Transformers film, is getting praised for his careful balance between bombastic action and heartwarming narrative. MovieWeb's Julian Roman applauds the film's ability to "cherry-pick" the best elements of the franchise's convoluted lore, reconfiguring them with better-defined characters, ultimately continuing the improved narrative footing established by its predecessor.
Variety's Owen Gleiberman applauds the film's human storyline, saying that the script has "sustained bursts of dialogue", which helped the robots feel "more real".
On the other hand, Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter is a fan of the spectacle as well. He describes the on-screen action as akin to children playing with their Hasbro action figures.
Finally, Uproxx's Mike Ryan and ComicBook.com's Liam Crowley agree that Caple Jr. did an excellent job making audiences feel for the characters.
Here's a round-up of the reviews of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts:
- IGN - 7/10
- Slashfilm - 5/10
- Screen Rant - 2.5/5
- The Time - 1/5
- Associated Press - 1/4
- Guardian - 1/5
Despite the polarizing reviews of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, the overall consensus is one of cautious optimism. The film has introduced the Maximals, a faction of Transformers who transform into animals, the Predacons, and the Terrorcons, adding a new layer to the war between the Autobots and Decepticons. And, while the mecha-mayhem takes center stage, the human elements of the story have been lauded for grounding the narrative.
Critics are particularly enamored by the casting of Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, whose performance was the heart and soul of the movie, providing an emotional core amidst the robotic chaos.
Still, the film's current rating on Rotten Tomatoes stands at a modest 55%, placing it alongside its predecessors in the realm of mediocre critical acclaim.
Yet, there's renewed hope based on the film's solid CGI fights, strong performances, and a sense of nostalgia permeating its narrative, which franchise fans may deem as an enjoyable popcorn flick.
While Rise of the Beasts might not usher in a new era of Transformers supremacy among critics and audiences, it remains an entertaining spectacle that should pull in the numbers. If nothing else, it's a step in the right direction, with a promise of more intrigue and adventure to come.
