“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” directed by Steven Calle Jr. (“Creed II,” “The Land”), follows the Autobots attempting to leave Earth to return to their home. Meanwhile, a fight between two other alien robot clans, Maximals and Unicron, threatens the human world.

Action remains the main staple of “Transformers” in this soft reboot of the beloved robotic alien cars. As expected by the franchise, the fight choreography and explosions feel adrenaline-pumping. However, action-based thrills make for just about the only fun element of the movie. The cast gives great performances, but the writing reeks of flat, cheesy humor. The CGI for the Autobots looks remarkable, but the environments feel plastic and fake. The film’s final set piece — a mountainous, volcanic basin — looks clearly CGI and pulls audiences out of the story. Luckily, the clashing of cars and fiery explosions that spot the battlefield make the effects a bit more bearable.

The story of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” feels unimaginative and bland. The writing comes off clichéd, with the movie leaning on tropes such as the standard “fish out of water” story in which the protagonists must adapt to the rules of Autobots. The writers did not give audiences anything substantial to latch onto emotionally, except for its exploration of one character’s heartwarming relationship with his little brother. Still, lackluster character designs will bore audiences in between action sequences. Ultimately, the weak story makes “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” feel more like an action choreography showcase chained together by brief explanations as to why each fight occurs. 

Audiences should not be surprised by the clichéd stakes of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” — total world destruction. The overdone trope diminishes the stakes, especially because the film offers no emotional payoff. The world ending just doesn’t feel as intense after heroes “save the world” in just about every action flick. 

All in all, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” marks a very bland return for the Autobots. Well-crafted action sequences fail to save a weak story, squashing momentum for the future of the franchise. While not terrible, the film provides no more than simple entertainment.

2 ½ Autobots out of 5