"Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" - A Rusty Summer Blockbuster in Need of a Tune-Up

Prepare to roll out once again as the seventh installment in the toy-turned-movie franchise, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," makes its grand entrance onto the big screen.

This time, the movie takes a nostalgic leap into the past, hoping to evoke fond memories of the '90s while delivering the usual dose of mindless robot mayhem. Unfortunately, it seems that even the Autobots themselves could use a script tune-up, leaving us with a summer blockbuster that falls short of its potential and doesn't quite hit all the right gears.

One of the main twists in "Rise of the Beasts" is the introduction of animal-shaped Transformers called Maximals. Set in 1994, the filmmakers make an effort to capture the essence of the era through a carefully curated musical soundtrack and a fleeting reference to the O.J. Simpson trial. However, unless you have a keen eye for '90s trivia, you might find it difficult to truly immerse yourself in the time period.

The plot, if you can call it that, revolves around the Autobots, led by the iconic Optimus Prime (once again voiced by the legendary Peter Cullen), teaming up with the Maximals to combat the nefarious Terrorcons and a world-devouring threat named Unicron. For those familiar with Marvel lore, Unicron comes across as a knock-off version of Galactus, giving us a poor-bot's cosmic showdown. It's up to Optimus, joined by a duo of capable but underutilized human characters played by Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, to find a key that can save the Autobots' home from falling into the wrong hands and unleashing chaos upon the galaxy.

Aside from the star-studded voice cast that includes Michelle Yeoh, Pete Davidson, Peter Dinklage, and Ron Perlman, the heart of the movie lies in the grand spectacle of the robot battles. The visual effects team has outdone themselves once again, showcasing their technical virtuosity with impressive scale and scope. The battles are a visual feast, albeit a chaotic one, leaving you in awe of the sheer magnitude of the metallic clashes.

Unfortunately, the movie tends to drag in between these epic confrontations, particularly when the focus shifts to the human characters. Even with the talent of Ramos and Fishback, their roles feel thankless and fail to fully engage the audience. "Rise of the Beasts" falls into the trap of many summer sequels by leaving breadcrumbs for future installments, which can dampen enthusiasm for a film that already feels like a cookie-cutter product churned out on an assembly line.

Admittedly, "Transformers" has always served as a platform to showcase the groundbreaking visual effects of the 21st century, tracing its origins back to the beloved Hasbro toys and animated TV show from the '80s. Judged through that lens, "Rise of the Beasts" still falls short of the disarming wit that elevated its predecessor, "Bumblebee." Even the attempt to infuse humor through Pete Davidson's character, Mirage, falls flat, failing to deliver the expected laughs.

With Michael Bay stepping aside as director after helming the first five movies, Steven Caple Jr. takes the wheel for this latest installment. However, there doesn't appear to be a discernible change in tone or style. Perhaps the film's saving grace is the six-year hiatus since the previous installment, "The Last Knight," which could create some pent-up demand among the die-hard fans eager for more Autobot action.

Yet, beyond the loyal Transformers enthusiasts, everything in "Rise of the Beasts" seems a bit worn-out, pardon the pun, as if it has lost its Prime condition. As the movie gears up for its premiere on June 9 in US theaters, it's rated PG-13, so expect some electrifying action suitable for the older kids and the kid in all of us.