The Autobots and Maximals must take the help of humans to challenge the onslaught of Scourge and his Terrorcons as they follow the bidding of Unicron, who is set on consuming planets across the universe. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts hasmany tropes, which are expected from an apocalyptic tale, including a massive world-devouring, seemingly invincible god-like villain who wants to annihilate the universe. This plot’s McGuffin is a transwarp key that everyone’s trying to get their hands on, and the third act falls into a chaotic CGI-fest where it’s often a slog to follow the mechanised mayhem. Even then, the generic plot is less cringe-worthy than previous flicks in the franchise. Similar to Bumblebee (2018), the human element is relatable and, thankfully, not absurd. Sure, Elena Wallace plays a typical nerdy archaeological researcher in Dominique Fishback, but the adorable bond between Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos) and his younger brother Kris Diaz (Dean Scott Vasquez) makes you care for these people. Anthony Ramos delivers a balanced performance as an older sibling with ample motive to do the right thing. However, the great chemistry shared with his character Noah and Pete Davidson’s Mirage are undoubtedly the film's best parts. It infuses just enough humour and heart to justify the human element in this intergalactic war. Pete Davidson is quickly endearing as the new character Mirage, with dialogue and comedic timing that fits the playful Autobot. Bumblebee continues to prove why he’s a crowd favourite, and Peter Cullen’s booming voicework as Optimus Prime remains iconic. Peter Dinklage is effective as Scourge, although he’s merely a minion in the larger scheme. The beast-like Maximals look great but are largely forgettable. Michelle Yeoh’s casting as Airazor is a slight dud; despite being featured prominently, there’s no reason anyone else couldn’t have voiced the role. The essence of the ‘90s is captured during stylistic needle-drop moments, one of which is goose-bump inducing, but it’s quickly followed by musical choices that dilute that impact. However, the visual effects, although overwhelming in the climactic battle, still manage a ‘wow’ factor with seamless transformations that look impressive. Far from perfect, Rise of the Beasts sticks to the basics of action blockbusters and focuses on getting them right, making it an enjoyable entry that pushes the Transformer franchise in the right direction.Read more

Optimus Prime and Bumblebee have now joined the Maximals to take down Unicron! Yes, the Transformers franchise is back, which marks Hasbro and Paramount's new attempt to appeal to the collective psyche of all Millennials. And let us tell you, it does not disappoint. Titled Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, the film releases in India on June 9. The Steven Caple-directorial will practically make us 90s kids jump in joy with its charm and humour. By now, seven films into this science-fiction action franchise, you'll know exactly what you're getting into. However, even though the storyline has nothing new to offer, the fight scenes and the stunning visuals are off the charts! It is actually quite entertaining. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is based on Hasbro's Transformers toy line, primarily influenced by the Beast Wars storyline. The film is the seventh installment in the Transformers live-action film series. The new franchise stars Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, as well as the voice talents of Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Liza Koshy, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Pete Davidson, Colman Domingo, Cristo Fernández, Tongayi Chirisa, and returning franchise regulars Peter Cullen, John DiMaggio, and David Sobolov. While Michael Bay’s Transformers was one of the first blockbusters based on a toy, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is no less. It starts off on an alien planet with the Maximals ruling it. They are alien robots. Unicron is a world-eating entity who wants to end their world and the earth too. The main drive of the film is a device called the Trans Warp Key which is protected by robot animal transformers called Maximals. The villain, Unicron and his minions, are also after the key so that the Terricon transformer, Scourge, can have it. What ensues later is an epic battle. But unfortunately, things aren't always easy. Interestingly, we are introduced to Noah Diaz here (played by Anthony Ramos), a military veteran struggling to earn money for his mom and sick younger brother. He is drowning in hospital bills so he decides to steal a very slick-looking Porsche one day, which just so happens to be a Transformer. Meanwhile, in another sequence, a museum researcher named Elena Wallace (played by Dominique Fishback) finds half of the Trans Wrap Key and accidently activates it. Noah and Elena team up with the Autobots to prevent Unicron from destroying the planet. Thus begins the race to find the other part of the key and classy action scenes. Tranformers: Rise of the Beasts have integrated the humans well in the story in the fight with machines. We get to spend time with them and understand their psyche that develops well. Even the autobots have been represented well with their hopes and dreams fairly shown. As all of them go on a grand adventure, you'll feel this is nothing new. The Transformers franchise have had similar storyline over the years, but what stands out is the visual appeal and the comedy. We also loved Noah's relationship with his younger brother. Some of his interactions with Mirage, Elena, and even Optimus Prime is filled with comic timings that makes it for an entertaining watch. The USP of the film is Prime, as usual. He is still the leader we know him as and love him for. Since he was forced out of his planet, this Prime is brutal. He doesn't care about the humans or the planet Earth. All he keeps saying throughout is 'my people, my planet.' In fact, all the transformers, including Bumblebee, have evolved. We also loved Mirage (Pete Davidson), who is funny and extremely over-the-top. He is rebellious and dynamic and we meet him when Noah carjacks him. At one point, he even tells Noah, "Dude, you've been inside me," which will make you laugh. Mirage is the most lovable Autobot! The action scenes are super fun! All the Autobots pack a punch with their impressive moves. It is visually very inspiring. Three cheers to cinematographer Enrique Chediak and background score by Jongnic Bontemps that looks very energetic combined. Steven Caple is a filmmaker who clearly understands machines better than human beings. The clicks and whirs of metallic pieces is undeniably sensual. However, where his film falters is the second half where the setting is Peru. We see Noah and Elena playing a sort of treasure hunt to track down the key. At a point, it gets pointless and repetitive. The baddies of the film, the Deceptions, also somewhat look restrained. Their grand evil plan doesn't make sense and it seems like the writers are purposely holding them back. In a Transformers movie, the villains should get equal importance. Also, what's up with Optimus Prime repeatedly saying “protect the key,” “get the key,” “we need the key!” At the start of the movie, a lot of time is dedicated to flesh out the humane side of Noah who is worried for his sick brother, he is mounted in debt and keeps giving failed interviews. However, the same can't be said for Elena. We know nothing of her! With a screenplay by five individuals - Joby Harold, Darnell Metayer, Josh Peters, Erich Hoeber and Jon Hoeber - and a story by Harold - the film could have done a bit better. However, the plot gets saved with an interesting climax. There is also a big surprise in the end that will garner cheers from the audience. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts gives a cool, retro-vibe that will be nostalgic to every 90s kid. You can watch it with your children and create sweet memories together. The ending is very, very exciting that will instantly elevate your mood.Read more