Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: During the ’90s, a new faction of Transformers – the Maximals – join the Autobots as allies in the battle for Earth.

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Introduction

Ever since the trailer for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts dropped, I was excited to see it on the big screen. Specially since I grew up watching the animated cartoon series Transformers: Beast Wars, I even had action figures of those before. Now, I’m not very familiar with the lore of Transformers universe, if they really did have a crossover (Autobots and Maximals), but I love the way they blended both worlds together seamlessly, and the story fits to what we know so far. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. (Creed II)

Characters

Casting director did a hell of a job in picking Anthony Ramos as the main human protagonist. He is well loved by fans of Hamilton (Broadway), also appearing in other movies that was well received. Having said that, his personality on-screen was great, he is very lovable and charming. His character development was great as well.

Voice casting-wise, they were able to get 3 renowned names to voice their characters, and all of them had distinct voices that when you hear it, you’d go “isn’t that…” I know because that’s how I was. And they did their characters justice.

• Michelle Yeoh as Airazor
• Ron Perlman as Optimus Primal
• Peter Dinklage as Scourge

Story and timeline

At first, I was honestly confused as to how they’ll fit this into what they’ve already released so far, without disregarding one film from the whole franchise. But throughout the course of the movie, they dropped timeline Easter eggs through their dialogues. There was one scene where Bumblebee was defending the humans during an argument and Optimus Prime goes on to say that “I know there was one human that was good to you” (that human being Hailee Steinfeld in Bumblebee 2017).

Optimus Prime also indicated that they were stuck on Earth for 7 years, so this might indicate that they haven’t met Sam Witwicky yet, though I’m not sure if the Bayverse are following the newer timeline. But from what I can tell, this is their attempt on a franchise reboot, I’m guessing starting off of Transformers ONE, then Bumblebee (2017).

Effects and Design

As usual, Transformers franchise always goes full on with their CGIs and it was awesome and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts didn’t hold back. Though there was one thing that bugged me in terms of the design. Airazor, the Peregrine Falcon Maximal, had a fluffy feathery design, which wouldn’t make sense with Airazor being a robot and all. I hope they just stuck with the toy designs which had a more smooth, metallic look.

What I loved

It was nice to hear Transformers: Rise of the Beasts referencing to Bumblebee 2017, it gives me hope that this could be the spark that Transformers needed to further their franchise.

I’ve watched Beast Wars when I was a kid and loved them, more than the G1. When Optimus Primal shouted MAXIMIZE! My inner child adrenaline kicked in and I was at the edge of my seat. It was a little unfortunate though that we didn’t get to see in detail how they transformed.

I’m hopeful for the next installment, after seeing the end credit scene where Diaz was handed a calling card of G.I. Joe. Referencing to the comic crossover between Transformers and G.I.Joe.

What I didn’t like

What’s with that Iron Man-ish armor of Diaz towards the end. The only thing they left off was the mask and they’ve got Iron Man on their hands. I mean I get the story, reason and logic behind it, but it was such an obvious copy cat. It was disappointing.

Conclusion

After the Bayverse (the first 3 which I loved), fast forward to Transformers One, Bumblebee 2017, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. These are what I think are the best Transformers films, and am hoping they’d continue with their current formula or even become better in the future. Terrific voice actors, amazing CGI, and pure family fun, action packed, robot movie.