The reception among critics for the latest Transformers entry is a mixed bag.
As Transformers: Rise of the Beasts gears up for its theatrical release, critics have had the opportunity to check the film out prior to the general audience. Serving as the seventh installment in the action-packed series, this cinematic venture introduces fans to the Maximals faction of the Transformers. It also introduces a number of new characters including Noah Diaz portrayed by Anthony Ramos and Elena Wallace played by Dominique Fishback.
Helmed by the talented Steven Caple Jr., best known for directing Creed II, the critical consensus surrounding Rise of the Beasts is notably divided. While some voices praise its ability to deliver enthralling thrills that follow in the footsteps of the beloved Bumblebee, others believe it falls short and is a generic bore to endure.
LA Times: A “dull and disposable” flick that “needs to be put down”
Katie Walsh of the Los Angeles Times let it be known that the film lacks in making any significant connections to its audience:
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts feels like a film that is at war with itself as Caple Jr. tries to balance character work with the profoundly silly Autobot lore… Unable to rise above this internal conflict, it’s a film that’s both dull and disposable. Though it sets up the opportunity for more interconnected franchise filmmaking, this is a beast that needs to be put down.”
The Playlist: Its “noisy, nonsensical insistence” that prioritizes sensory stimulation over any other aspect of storytelling
Marshall Shaffer of The Playlist expressed the bad taste left by the previous Michael Bay iterations is felt in this latest installment:
“After a decade-and-a-half, the Transformers franchise should be able to point to improvements stronger than just not introducing women’s legs first. Rise of the Beasts proves that Bayhem is still strong within the series. Worse, the parts that linger are not the visual signature of sweaty, sun-streaked bedlam. It’s the noisy, nonsensical insistence that submission to sensory overload should outrank any other storytelling consideration.”
Deadline: A generic story with “all the plot predictability of a broken clock.”
Valerie Complex of Deadline held higher hopes for the film following 2018’s Bumblebee, however her anticipation was dampened as the film's dialogue became overly focused on exposition, ultimately slowing down the pacing and impeding its momentum.
“The plot treads a well-worn path rather than pushing the boundaries of storytelling within the franchise. Travis Knight’s Bumblebee breathed new life into the series, which gave me hope that this would go in a different direction. Rise of the Beasts walks all of that back as another generic intergalactic menace from the sky carries all the plot predictability of a broken clock. Adding to its detriment, the thrill and urgency of the first act screech to a halt, replaced with exposition-heavy scenes that disrupt the rhythm of the narrative. The action sequences in the latter stages are undoubtedly impressive, though they can’t quite shake off the nagging feeling of convenient placements and obvious outcomes."
CinemaBlend: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is "arguably" the best Transformers film
On the flip side, Mike Reyes of CinemaBlend praised Transformers: Rise of the Beasts as an exhilarating experience, considering it the best entry of the franchise:
“#Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts was a blast! The Beast Wars crew finally shows up in what's arguably the BEST Transformers movie in the run. There's a lot of heart, humor, and Brooklyn pride in here; and it all makes for throwback popcorn fun. #TilAllAreOne #BrooklynBaby”
Collider: “One of the best” Transformers entries
Steven Weintraub of Collider also positioned Transformers: Rise of the Beasts among the top entries in the franchise, praising its impressive visual effects and thrilling action sequences. He also mentions the enthusiastic response from the audience during his screening:
“Happy to say #Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts is one of the best installments in the franchise. It’s a lot of fun, CGI looks great, and it has well staged action that’s easy to follow. The screening I saw actually had people clapping in the theater and the kids laughed a lot.”
Geeks of Color: Rise of the Beasts took what worked with Bumblebee “and amplified it”
Dorian Parks of Geeks of Color, who is a fan of both "cartoon and franchise", praises the performance of leads Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback.
“#Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts took everything that worked from ‘Bumblebee’ and amplified it! Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback delivered great performances, and Pete Davidson’s Mirage stole every scene he had. As a fan of the cartoon and franchise, I really enjoyed this film!”
Screen Rant: Pete Davidson as Mirage “steals every scene”
Joseph Deckelmeier of Screen Rant praises Ramos’ performance, stating he “carries the movie” alongside scene stealer, Pete Davidson:
“#Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts is a lot of fun! Anthony Ramos carries the movie and Pete Davidson steals every scene as Mirage. The ending blew my mind and the music in the film is *fire emoji*”
He also loved the film's soundtrack, a sentiment echoed by Fandango's Erik Davis:
“The new #Transformers movie is pretty solid! LOVE the Brooklyn setting - Maximals & Scourge add a new spin & the action pops, especially the NY scenes. Mirage steals the show, but the true star is the absolute best soundtrack full of early ‘90s hip-hop hits. This ‘90s kid had fun.”
Set during the 1990s, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts follows Earth becoming the battleground for a heated conflict involving three factions of Transformers: the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, clashing against the Maximals and Terrorcons. The Predacons and Decepticons also have significant roles to play in this grand-scale battle. Amidst this ancient conflict, archaeologists Noah and Elena closely examine the unfolding events, unraveling the profound connection between the Cybertronians and Earth. To ensure their survival, they must exhibit courage and intelligence.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will be released in theaters on June 9, 2023.