“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” is a direct sequel to “Bumblebee” (2018). While Michael Bay’s five earlier films were big and complex, “Bumblebee” took a simpler, more emotional approach, and this new movie continues in that style.
The movie takes place in Brooklyn in 1994. The choice of setting works well, with a soundtrack full of hip-hop and R&B that brings back the ’90s vibe. The film does a great job showing the city’s look and feel, from graffiti to the clothes people wore back then.
The long-awaited live-action adaptation for Beast Wars fans, but…
For Japanese fans, the main highlight is seeing characters from “Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers” (which aired in 1997). Favorites like Optimus Primal (called “Convoy” in Japan), who turns into a gorilla, Cheetor the cheetah, and Air Razor the eagle, all return thanks to modern CG effects.
Fans are especially excited about the return of the original Japanese voice cast for the dubbed version. Big names from the past, like Takehito Koyasu as Primal and Wataru Takagi as Cheetor, are back. On social media, people are sharing emotional reactions such as “It was so nostalgic I cried” and “I never thought I’d hear their voices again.”
Visually stunning and masterfully directed, worthy of the Transformers legacy
Director Steven Caple Jr. (“Creed II”) shows real talent with the action scenes. The movie starts with a fight in a museum, moves to a chase in the Peruvian jungle, and ends with a huge battle. Each part is exciting, and the last 20 minutes are some of the most intense in the whole series.
The visual effects are top-notch, just as fans expect from the Transformers series. The robots look great, and their transformation scenes are smoother than ever. Watching the Maximals change from animals to robots is a dream come true for “Beast Wars” fans. When Bumblebee comes back, dropping from the sky to defeat the enemy, the audience is so excited that they clapped in the theater.
Between Human Drama and Robot Action
Noah (Anthony Ramos) is the main character, a young man trying to find a job while looking after his sick younger brother. His struggles and the tough choices he makes for his family make him one of the most relatable human characters in the series. He meets Elena (Dominique Fishback), an archaeologist at the museum, and their natural, easy relationship helps move the story along.
But there’s a problem. With only about two hours, the movie struggles to balance the human drama and the Transformers’ story. Switching back and forth between the people and the robots sometimes breaks up the action and makes the robot battles feel less powerful. Maybe a longer runtime would have helped give each part more attention.
Ambition and Anxiety for a New Universe [SPOILER WARNING]
The main threat in the story is Unicron, a giant machine that eats planets, along with his follower Scourge. Scourge is one of the strongest villains in the series and even gives Optimus Prime a hard time. Still, it’s disappointing that we don’t learn much about his background or reasons, so he ends up just being a “strong villain.”
[Contains Major Spoilers]
The biggest surprise is in the last scene, where the movie connects to another well-known franchise. Noah is invited to join a group from another Hasbro property, which is likely to draw mixed reactions. This other franchise is popular in the U.S., but not as well known in Japan, so it’s unclear if this twist really adds anything important to the Transformers story.
Summary: A transitional work blending nostalgia and novelty
‘Transformers: Beast Awakening’ tries to take the series in a new direction. For fans of Beast Wars, it’s exciting to see favorite characters return. But because these characters don’t get much screen time and the story suddenly expands the universe, some longtime Transformers fans might have mixed feelings.
Watching Primal’s heroic form on the big screen, shouting “Maximize!”, is a real treat. The movie isn’t perfect, but it’s an important step for the series as it moves forward.
Will the new crossover idea work? When will the Decepticons show up? And what will the final battle with Unicron look like? There are lots of questions, but that just makes fans more excited for the next movie.
For adults who remember the 90s and younger viewers seeing Transformers for the first time, this movie connects both groups. It plays an important part in the series. “Beasts, awaken!” With that call, the Transformers series starts a new chapter.
