Transformers : rise of the beasts

The Transformers franchise began as a toy line produced by Hasbro and Takara Tomy in the 1980s. It has since spread to a variety of media, including animated TV series, films, comic books and video games. It revolves around the conflict between two factions of transforming robots - the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons - who can change shape to become vehicles, weapons or humanoid robots. The franchise features a wide range of iconic characters such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream and many others. Each character has his or her own unique personality and ability to transform. Transformers has been adapted into several animated TV series, starting with The Transformers in the 1980s and continuing with numerous sequels and spin-offs. The franchise gained in popularity thanks to the live-action films directed by Michael Bay, starting with Transformers in 2007.

 The Transformers universe often features the ongoing struggle between Autobots and Decepticons for control of their home planet, Cybertron. The conflict often extends to Earth, where the Transformers take on various disguises, usually in the form of vehicles or machines. The Transformers franchise is known for its wide range of derivative products, including action figures, collectibles, clothing and much more. It has attracted a large number of dedicated fans, and its popularity continues to grow over the years thanks to new iterations and expansions.

After five films directed by Michael Bay (Transformers (2007), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014), Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)), this new film in the Transformers cinematic saga is a prequel to these films and a direct sequel to Bumblebee (2018), one of the best films in this essential cinematic saga. This film returns to the very essence of the Transformers universe, with spectacular battle scenes, impressive special effects and a screenplay calibrated to hold the audience's full attention and deliver a family film that will appeal to children and adults alike, especially if they watched the animated series as children and played the many video games featuring its giant robots. 

While Bumblebee was set in 1987 near San Francisco, this film takes place in 1994 in New York and Peru, and incorporates new characters such as the Maximals (Oprimus Primal, Airazor, Rhinox, Cheetor) and many new years, the Terrorcons (Scourge, Battletrap, Nightbird: and Transit). This time, the Autobots will have to join forces with the Maximals and two Earthlings to take on the planet-eating Unicron (who will remind some of Galactus in the Marvel comics universe) and his army. Screenwriters Darnell Metayer and Josh Peters have perfectly assimilated the important themes of the Transformers universe to deliver an effective film, but without any major surprises. It's interesting to note that, after Michael Bay's five films, blockbusters with spectacular special effects that sometimes lacked humanity, the new direction taken since Bumblebee focuses more on psychology and the human aspect than on one-upmanship with special effects and famous stars. The cast also includes young actors Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback in the two lead roles, both of whom find their first roles in a blockbuster.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts once again illustrates one of the main themes of this cinematic saga: the struggle between good and evil.  The central conflict of the Transformers franchise revolves around the battle between the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons. This theme explores the struggle between good and evil, with the Autobots fighting to protect humanity and preserve peace. The concept of loyalty and betrayal is also omnipresent in the Transformers saga. Characters are faced with dilemmas where they must choose between their allegiance to their faction and their personal convictions. This theme explores the complexities of trust, friendship and the consequences of betrayal. The film confronts the main characters with difficult choices, and again tackles the idea of personal identity, adaptability and the choices individuals make in embracing or hiding their true selves. The film also continues to explore the relationship between sentient machines and humanity. It raises questions about the potential benefits and risks of advanced technology, the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the role of technology in shaping society.

The Transformers saga has always featured characters who have fallen from grace or made mistakes and are seeking redemption. It examines the possibility of personal development, forgiveness and the capacity for change, focusing on the themes of redemption and second chances. The film also takes up these themes in the face of the tragic history of the Maximals, and the choices Optimus Prime will have to make in relation to the interdimensional key at the very center of this epic film. Finally, this film once again illustrates the concepts of sacrifice and heroism. Characters in this cinematic saga often make selfless choices, risking their lives for the greater good. This theme explores the nature of heroism, the willingness to make personal sacrifices and the impact this has on the characters and the world they live in.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is definitely worth seeing on the big screen. We'd also advise you to stay until the middle of the end credits to enjoy an interesting scene that seems to herald a forthcoming installment following the animated Transformers One film, scheduled for release in the U.S. on September 23, 2024.

Transformers: rise of the beasts
Directed by Steven Caple Jr. 
Written by Darnell Metayer, Josh Peters
Based on Beast Wars: Transformers by Larry DiTillio, Bob Forward
Produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto & Don Murphy, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, Duncan Henderson
Executive producers: Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Brian Oliver, Bradley J. Fischer, Valerii An
With Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Lauren Velez
Cinematography: Lula Carvalho               
Production companies: Skydance Media, New Republic Pictures, Hasbro Films, Entertainment One, Di Bonaventura Pictures, Bay Films
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date: June 9, 2023 (U.S.), June 7, 2023 (France)
Running time: 128 minutes

Seen June 06, 2023 at Le Grand Rex (Paris)

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