Transformers 5: Rise of the Beasts

Transformers 5: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While this is part of the Transformers series, it could also stand on its own aside from Bumblebee's offhanded remark that the humans were his friends. Optimus himself seems colder almost, insisting that they can't rely on humans and conveniently forgetting that he himself has fought with them and protected them as friends as well. The Maximals are also a new addition to the lineup, along with a new enemy as Scourge replaces Megatron from the earlier films. As with other movies in the lineup, the CGI is well done, however, the story itself seems repetitive and the acting isn't the best. How many more "last chances" will there be for the Autobots to return home only to end up still stuck on Earth? Not to mention Optimus apparently has some pretty deep regret over leading them all to Earth now. There's a tie in to a potential GI Joe movie in the future with the card drop at the end as well. If nothing else, at least most of the characters seem to learn, and Mirage has gained a new friend that has learned how to work with a team.

Transformers 0.5: Bumblebee

Transformers 0.5: Bumblebee (2018)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


This isn't a seamless prequel add-on to the original start of this Transformers story, however it is true to character and maybe explains how Bumblebee comes to speak through his radio. Charlie is a walking contradiction, and despite ultimately trying to do the right thing, has more than a few issues of her own that need working on throughout the film. Overall, taking the movie in for it's own value, it's enjoyable. If you want a perfect fit to the established universe for this set, you might go a little crazy with some of the inconsistencies.

Transformers 4: Age of Extinction

Transformers 4: Age of Extinction (2014)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The dinobots are interesting, but kind of an afterthought at the very end of the movie. The main human counterparts have all been replaced. The only returning autobots are Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. The overall story seems to be more of a reason to blow things up than any cohesive tale. Of course Megatron would find a way to come back again... what is a hero without a villain, even if there is a hunter after Prime already on the loose. The humans trying to literally recreate the transformers but thinking that they wouldn't also be sentient just the same is laughable in it's sheer naivete. Overall not the best movie, but sadly probably better than Dark Side of the Moon.

Transformers: Beginnings

Transformers: Beginnings (2007)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This was an extra short film included in the special 2-disc release of the first Transformers live-action movie. Done in cartoon stills, this is a narrated story of the beginning of the Transformers film, including the discovery of NBE1, aka Megatron, the governments cover-up and watch for future visitors and the set of the search for the All Spark, including Bumblebee losing his voice and finding his way to Sam.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Not as good as the original film, but definitely better than the third. This time the Autobots may be gone for good just when they're needed the most. Megatron is revived, which should not have been possible, and the war is on yet again. It takes a small miracle to get the pieces added together, revive Optimus Prime, and turn him into the super-bot needed to save the world yet again.

Transformers

Transformers (2007)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


By far the best of the Transformers series, the first film introduces the conflict between the Decepticons and Autobots as they come to Earth in search of the All Spark and entangle the humans in their war. Having vague memories of watching the cartoon of this series with my brother as a child, it is interesting to see how they've adapted the series now to be a live action adventure series.

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon (2011)

My rating: 1.5 of 5 stars


This film really does not have much purpose, very much of a story line or originality from the other films. It feels more like filler and a lot of rinse and repeat scenes from the previous films. New girlfriend, no longer in school, not with Bumblebee 24/7. Otherwise, same old, same old. As far as Transformer films go, a big disappointment. I will however be looking for the new Linkin Park song. They always have good singles for these films.