Transformers: Rise of the Beasts ★★½
FANTASY (2023)
Directed by: Steven Caple J.
InterpretationsCast: Anthony Ramos, Dominic Fishback

The ancient maxims, a cross between robots and jungle animals, symbolize the power of nature against the destructive forces of technology.

Another sequel to the commercially successful franchise should bring it back, at least to some degree, to its more romantic roots. We are in Brooklyn in the 1990s, where a young Noah Diaz is looking for more or less legal ways to financially support his family. Eventually, Mirage, an energetic Autobot, will appear on his way, who will introduce him to Optimus Prime and the rest of the robots that live in camouflage on Earth. At the same time, Elena, a 25-year-old researcher, inadvertently detonates an alien device that “invites” an army of vicious mechanical beasts to the planet, determined to destroy it.

True, the scenarios of all “Transformers” are not much different from each other – they are clearly rudimentary – but the main thing here is the atmosphere and inventiveness of the action. With the often obnoxious Michael Bay, this time limited to the role of producer, Steven Capel J.’s new adventure (Credo 2) takes its time to introduce us to new characters from both the human and humanoid worlds.

Because here, in addition to Optimus and the rest of the Autobots featured in vintage versions of the 90s, we also have the ancient Maximals, a cross between robots and jungle animals, determined to protect the universe from their eternal enemy. Their presence can also symbolize the power of nature against the destructive forces of technology. All of this, however, creates a welcome mythological aura that envelops the main course, which is, of course, pure action. The impressions are mixed there: one really good fight choreography, framed by suitable R’n’B music, side by side with others that are obviously weaker, relying too much on special effects and making it all more like a video game.

Finally, the participation of many stars of the small and big screen (Pete Davidson, Michelle Yeoh, Cristo Fernandez, Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage) who voice giant robots is noteworthy.