Since its debut in 2007, Transformers has achieved significant success, becoming one of the most recognizable franchises in cinematic history, with a total global revenue of $4.8 billion. However, fans had to wait five long years to reunite with the transforming robot squad in the seventh installment titled Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Upon its release, the film quickly topped box office charts in several countries, including Vietnam.
A New Beginning for the Franchise
According to Paramount, Rise of the Beasts marks the first part of a new trilogy, bringing a fresh direction to the Transformers brand. The storyline is entirely independent of previous installments, making it highly appealing to new audiences, particularly those who may not have experienced the franchise before.
With a straightforward plot, the film follows a familiar motif where humans are drawn into a battle between colossal robots. The storyline is inspired by the beloved 1990s animated series Beast Wars, set against the backdrop of 1994. This installment serves as a prequel to the previous six films in the franchise. Here, the heroic Autobots must find a way to fend off Unicron, a planet-devouring entity threatening Earth.
Both factions compete for the Transwarp Key, a device capable of opening portals across time and space. Amidst the chaos, the main character Noah Diaz (played by Anthony Ramos) inadvertently encounters the Autobots, leading him to become involved in a battle for survival.
Director Steven Caple Jr. takes the helm, stepping into the shoes of former director Michael Bay, known for his explosive style that characterized the previous five films. Caple, born in 1988, brings a fresh perspective, having previously directed Creed II (2018).
Transformers 7 also marks the first installment without any notable stars. Lead actor Anthony Ramos is relatively lesser-known compared to previous stars like Shia LaBeouf and Mark Wahlberg. Additionally, the supporting cast does not feature any major names, which could affect audience interest.
The choice of cast indicates a significant shift in the franchise’s approach. Historically, the Transformers films have been considered “golden geese” for Hollywood.
However, the changes in Rise of the Beasts aim to revive and modernize the series, especially after a five-year hiatus amidst a wave of engaging action films.
Action Sequences Shine Bright
With a production budget of $200 million, Transformers 7 may not be the highest investment for the franchise. Still, it creates a lasting impression through its impressive visual effects.
Compared to previous installments, this film introduces a diverse range of characters. It features many new characters that engage the audience effectively. Notably, the Maximals emerge as new allies to the Autobots, showcasing robots that can transform into beasts instead of vehicles.
Key characters include Optimus Primal, Airazor, Cheetor, and Rhinox. Each character is introduced with a striking visual design, drawing attention right from their first appearances.
The intricate animation of the characters is essential in creating believable robots. Each character appears lifelike, thanks to the impressive transformation sequences.
Director Steven Caple Jr. also excels in choreographing the action scenes, delivering a thrilling experience. As the film progresses, the battles become grander and more intense.
Alongside the visuals, the sound design is cleverly integrated, ensuring audiences are not just spectators but fully immersed in the cinematic experience. The film also highlights 1990s pop culture elements, featuring hip-hop music and references to classic films like Dead Poets Society and the Indiana Jones series.
The action scenes are a notable departure from previous films. The human characters appear more realistic and relatable, providing distinct personalities that contribute to the overall narrative.
Despite these improvements, the film’s plot remains predictable and lacks depth. Audiences may find the journey somewhat lacking, particularly regarding character development and resolution. Even with the introduction of the Maximals, they play a minor role and do not significantly impact the main storyline.
Moreover, performances from actors like Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, and Luna Lauren Velez seem limited, not fully resonating with viewers.
Similar to previous installments, Transformers 7 has not received favorable responses from critics. It only scored 42/100 on Metacritic and 55% on Rotten Tomatoes from professional reviewers. Many critiques suggest the film prioritizes action over plot, resulting in several underdeveloped details. The performances also lack emotional depth.
Nevertheless, the film continues to attract audiences, especially fans of the transforming robot franchise. Many viewers rate it higher than the previous two installments, Age of Extinction (2014) and The Last Knight (2017).
