Film Review: TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS (2023): This 1990’s Set Science Fiction Extravaganza is a Well-Paced Rush of Action

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Review

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) Film Review, a movie directed by Steven Caple Jr., written by Joby Harold, Darnell Metayer and Josh Peters and starring Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Colman Domingo, Peter Cullen, Ron Perlman, Luna Lauren Velez, Dean Scott Vazquez, Tobe Nwigwe, Sarah Stiles, Michelle Yeoh, Pete Davidson, Peter Dinklage, Leni Parker, Frank Marrs, Aidan Devine, Mike Chute, Tyler Hall and Sean Tucker.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a slick, well-produced action prequel which is expertly directed by Steven Caple Jr. It’s a fusion of a few types of movies and is ultimately as successful as it is thanks to the likable Anthony Ramos who suits up to help the Transformers fight some “Terrorcons.” These new villains are some of the most ferocious to be seen in the Transformers franchise. The fact that the movie’s climax can still have audiences on the edge of their seats even though they know this is a prequel and that everything should turn out OK is a testament to the actual quality of the film. Sure, there are flaws. These movies always feel long and some characters are underdeveloped but on the whole, this movie is a good segue into the summer movie season.

If you want to see the imagination the writers put into this picture, examine its “Beast Wars” roots and the inclusion of a gorilla character called Optimus Primal (voice of Ron Perlman). Even Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh lends her voice talents to the picture as Airazor. But, the movie’s unique style is also found in the New York setting of the picture. Set in 1994, we get introduced to Noah Diaz (Ramos) who is a struggling everyday guy in Brooklyn with a younger brother, Kris (Dean Scott Vazquez) who has health problems. Noah’s family thus has expensive medical expenses and a job interview for Noah that would help him pay those bills proves to be unsuccessful. This leads Noah to get involved with a car theft. He ends up trying to get a Porsche that is actually a “transformer,” Mirage (the very funny voice of Pete Davidson), and the action of the movie soon kicks into gear big time. “Autobots unite” is the message that is spread to the transformers as the film gets under way.

Also starring in the movie is the always intriguing Dominique Fishback who plays Elena Wallace, the heroic character who works at a museum for a woman named Jillian (the wonderful Sarah Stiles of Broadway’s Tootsie). When Elena comes across a very unusual discovery, the plot gets more complex in nature.

Colman Domingo serves as the voice of Unicron and it’s an inspired casting choice to be sure. His voice talents fit the sinister role perfectly. Let’s not forget the terrific Peter Dinklage who is the vocal talent for the menacing Scourge, another key character in the picture.

Ramos is the heart of the movie, for sure. It’s hard not to sympathize with Noah as he tries to fight for survival and keep his family afloat. He can save the world even though he was rejected for an ordinary job. He’s a man of integrity and when he finally dons a protective suit to help the Transformers, it leads to some scenes that are bound to keep audiences cheering. Fishback keeps herself working to her terrific abilities as well with her work in the movie.

What would a film like this be without Optimus Prime (voice of Peter Cullen), himself, who teams up with Noah to save humanity as we know it? Cullen’s distinct performance is in line with his other fine turns as the character while the effects involving the “Terrorcons” are definitely deserving of consideration for the Visual Effects Oscar next year.

It’s hard not to admire the thought that went into this science fiction extravaganza. It was obviously a project designated to make fans of the Hasbro toys very happy. This picture throws in everything but the kitchen sink and is all the more successful for doing so. By the time Bumblebee comes after some baddies with a vengeance set to LL Cool J’s song, “Mama Said Knock You Out,” you’ll be won over by the tremendous energy on display on screen throughout this picture.

Also, a perfect soundtrack choice is that of the Notorious B.I.G. who is on the soundtrack at the end credits plus the decision to end the movie with a potential merger between this franchise and another high-profile Paramount series that could certainly use a reboot itself.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts avoids some of the mistakes that other Transformers sequels made which led them to doing poorly with critics. By integrating so much talent into the story line, the movie stands out from others in the series considerably. Gone are the time-filling mundane elements which made some of the other pictures feel overstuffed. There’s considerable substance in the plot here. That makes the stakes higher and the action more intense for audiences to watch.

While you don’t have to be a fan of the old toys or cartoons to enjoy the new movie, it would certainly help one appreciate the effort which was put into the movie. Ramos and Fishback have qualities that make them seem ordinary which makes their heroic successes in the movie feel all the more entertaining to watch. I especially loved when Fishback’s character ended up on none other than “60 Minutes,” the television news show. Ramos gives a shout out to “Brooklyn” once or twice in the movie. It would also be nice to shout out Steven Caple Jr. who has crafted a winning action film worthy of some box-office dollars.

Rating: 7.5/10

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