Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
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In 1994, an electronics expert and an artifact researcher must team up with the Autobots and Maximals to protect a powerful key from a looming cosmic threat.
The story
Set in 1994, the film follows ex-military electronics expert Noah Diaz and artifact researcher Elena Wallace as they help the Autobots and the Maximals protect an artifact known as the Transwarp Key from the villainous Terrorcons. After Elena accidentally breaks open an ancient statue, the key releases an energy pulse detected by the Autobots. This alerts the Terrorcons, who seek the key to allow their master, the planet-eating Unicron, to consume worlds. Noah and Elena must navigate a dangerous alliance with the Autobots and the newly emerged Maximals to secure the key and prevent a catastrophic invasion of Earth.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The planet-eating Transformer, Unicron, attacks the homeworld of the Maximals, forcing the leader Apelinq to sacrifice himself so others can escape. The new leader, Optimus Primal, flees to Earth with the Transwarp Key. In 1994 Brooklyn, Noah Diaz attempts to steal a car, which turns out to be the Autobot Mirage. Simultaneously, Elena Wallace discovers the key inside a statue. The key's activation alerts Optimus Prime, who summons the Autobots. The Terrorcons, led by Scourge, attack the museum to seize the key. During the fight, Scourge steals the key, but the Maximals arrive to intervene. The team travels to Peru to find the second half of the key. In the ensuing conflict, Scourge corrupts the Maximal Airazor. Ultimately, Scourge reassembles the key and opens a portal for Unicron. Noah and Elena work with the Autobots and Maximals to stop him. Mirage transforms into an exo-suit for Noah, and Bumblebee is reactivated to help turn the tide. Optimus Prime destroys the key and collapses the portal, leaving Unicron stranded. In the aftermath, the Autobots declare Earth their new home, and Noah is recruited by G.I. Joe.
- First release year
- 2023
- Runtime (minutes)
- 127
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Steven Caple Jr.
- Writers
- Joby Harold · screenplay; Erich Hoeber · screenplay; Jon Hoeber · screenplay; Darnell Metayer · screenplay; Josh Peters · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Anthony Ramos · Noah Diaz; Dominique Fishback · Elena Wallace; Peter Cullen · Optimus Prime; Ron Perlman · Optimus Primal; Peter Dinklage · Scourge; Michelle Yeoh · Airazor; Pete Davidson · Mirage; Liza Koshy · Arcee
- Genres
- science fiction; action
- Themes
- sacrifice; protection of Earth
- Tone and mood
- action-packed; high-stakes
- Premise and plot tags
- multiverse; crossover; sci-fi
- Source material / true-story basis
- Hasbro's Transformers franchise
- Franchise connections
- Transformers
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, with many comparing it unfavorably to the preceding Bumblebee film. It was considered a box-office disappointment despite its high production budget.
- Reported review scores
- PostTrak · score: 83% · scale: percentage
- Awards and nominations
- Best Summer 2023 Blockbuster Trailer · Golden Trailer Awards · 2023 · nomination; Outstanding Visual Effects – Feature Film · Hollywood Professional Association Awards · 2023 · nomination; Best Original Score — Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film · Hollywood Music in Media Awards · 14th · nomination; Best Science Fiction Film · Saturn Awards · 2023 · nomination
- Production trivia
- The film's tone and action were influenced by Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).; The trailer garnered 238 million views on YouTube in its first 24 hours, more than any previous trailer in Paramount's history.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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