Transformers: Rise of the Beasts delivers the mindless metal-twisting mayhem you expect, but it’s actually the human characters who resonate the most. Yep, the morphing alien robot franchise can thank its flesh and blood stars for saving the day. For one, Anthony Ramos is charisma personified here, committing wholly to the madness, and never letting the silliness of it all get in the way. The same can be said for Dominique Fishback, who adds some brainy charm to the proceedings. To be fair, the Transformers themselves are likable enough, with a wisecracking Pete Davidson stealing most of the thunder as Mirage. Even Michelle Yeoh as a metallic bird is interesting (well, kinda). It’s just too bad that the plot is a depthless downer and the dialogue a cringey mess. I get that there needs to big stakes and big baddies to keep our big heroes busy, but the whole “planet eater” / “special magic key” scenario is so tired and tacky at this point – not to mention instantly forgettable. At least the 90s setting is fun, adding plenty of nostalgia and a great retro hip-hop soundtrack to the mix! But, like the Transformers flicks of the past, the metal-on-metal smash fests get tiresome by the end. If only there was a way to merge this franchise with another to spice things up. Oops, I may have said too much…