Is Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Scary for Kids? A Parent Review
If you’re thinking of taking your kids to see Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and searching for a spoiler-free parent review, I’ve got you. And details to help you decide if Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is scary for kids you might want to bring.
Full disclosure, my son and I are pretty big Transformers fans. We’ve both watched all of the movies multiple times. We haven’t watched any of the animated television series, but the original Transformers movie was one of my favorites for a long time, and I still love to throw it on for a good time. The rest of the family doesn’t enjoy them as much as my son and I, but we all agree that the Bumblebee movie is fantastic. In fact, it has one of the highest ratings in our Movie Tracker. But for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, I decided to go see it with my 10–year-old son. I had pretty low expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. My son absolutely loved it. So much so he bumped Sonic 2 out of his favorite movie sport for this. You read that right. His new FAVORITE movie.
What parents need to know about The New Transformers Movie
Parents need to know that Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is the seventh movie in the Transformers franchise, and the second prequel movie (after Bumblebee) set in 1994. It’s the first Transformers movie to feature Maximals, which are animal-looking autobot-like transformers as well as Unicron– A new villain, which was a welcomed departure from the familiar Decepticons and Megatron bad guys we’re used to. But man is he bad. This guy is out for total destruction and wants to devour our entire planet. It’s a race against time as our heroes fight to save humanity from this menacing threat. Can they succeed and prevent the planet’s demise? That’s what you’ll have to find out in this action-packed adventure.
Like the other Transformers films, the movie contains action and violence including fantasy-like fights between the giant robots, explosions, stabbings, close calls, high speed chases, peril and death. There is also some language including swear words such as “sh*t” “a$$” as well as a couple of sexual innuendos such as “you’ve been inside me” when Mirage talks about Noah (Anthony Ramos) riding in him while Mirage was in Porsche form. And “don’t ask what part of my body that came from,” which is another Transformer joke. Aside from the action-packed storyline, there are also some touching aspects of the movie including a relationship between two brothers, a new friendship between two young heroes, and Optimus Prime learning to work alongside humans for the first time.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Parent Review
Ok, so did we really need another Transformers movie? Absolutely not. But do we appreciate it? Definitely. I’ll admit that my opinion and enthusiasm of this film is in part due to the fact that I have a 10-year-old son who was absolutely thrilled the entire movie. I think in part due to the fact that this movie isn’t extremely complicated. There’s fighting, some literal jokes that didn’t go over his head. Plus there’s giant robot animals an a strong bag guy. But most importantly no cliffhanger! (There is a mid-credit scene but not an end credit scene so stick around a little bit).
So I’m trying to put that bias aside so I can rate this purely for my enjoyment, which honestly, was still quite a lot. It hit the necessary checkboxes of making me laugh and cry in order to get a solid rating from me. Then add in the diverse cast, an impressive soundtrack and I call this a winner in my book. Now will Ty’s sisters or dad enjoy the movie as much as we did? Maybe not. But if you have a Transformers fan in your house, I’d say this is one to watch. Not quite as good story-wise as Bumblebee, but there was still a lot to love. Particularly the relationship between the two brothers, one who feels responsible for taking care of his younger brother who has sickle cell anemia.
What I Loved
I appreciated the departure from the earlier Transformer movies that featured so many unnecessary shots of half-dressed women. This film had a notable shift away from that. I loved the 90s setting, the Afro-Latino family, and getting to see Optimus Prime in his prime. Ok, so maybe he wasn’t that much younger, but he definitely had some maturing and character growth to do and you get to see some of that here. Optimus seems to be more (for lack of a better word) human. The giant hero is more fragile, imperfect and relatable. Elena was another favorite character of mine. I enjoyed the fact that she wasn’t extremely enthusiastic about saving the world like it’s this easy thing that might just kill you. She seemed real. And I felt that.
Is Transformers: Rise of the Beasts scary for kids?
Compared to other Transformers movies, this one may not necessarily be more violent, but there are a few parts that did seem to be extra intense, and intentionally scary. There was one part where I jumped so high in my seat. So if you have sensitive ones maybe consider a drive-in theater where you can turn down the volume, or try watching it on a smaller screen when it’s streaming. There is definitely a lot going on in the story. Imagine this epic movie with big explosions, intense one-on-one fights, and massive battles that put both people and property at risk. Then, you’ve got these incredible, intelligent robotic aliens who engaged in fights to the death. The body count is pretty high though most are the villains they’re up against. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts at times can be pretty intense. It’s rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language.
If you have any other questions about if Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is scary for kids and you want me to detail out some more just drop a comment or shoot me a DM, I’m happy to help.
But enough of what I thought, here’s what my 10-year-old son has to say about Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
What my kid thought of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
What did you think of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts?‘
Ty: I thought it was. My new favorite movie! It was like a Transformers movie and there was lots of fighting and there were animal Transformers and I like how they worked together to defeat the very bad guy.
Would you recommend it to your friends?
Ty: I would recommend it to my friends who are fans of Bumblebee and the other Transformers movies.
Who was your favorite character?
Ty: Bumblebee, Optimus Prime and Mirage.
Who would you recommend this movie to?
Ty: You [my mom] I don’t think Jayda would like it. I don’t think my dad would like it, he doesn’t like fighting and cool movies.
Mom: He likes Creed…
Ty: Well that’s boxing!
Do you think it’s for older kids?
Ty: I think it’s more for older kids that are like 9.
Did you think Transformers Rise of the Beasts is scary for Kids?
Ty: Not scary but sad.
Would you want to watch it again?
Ty: Yes, I would watch it again!
What lesson did you learn? Or what message was the movie trying to get across?
Ty: Be grateful for your family and be happy that there’s no end of the world. If there’s a bully and you try to be nice to them and then maybe they will too. And working together is good.
How would you rank it compared to other movies we’ve seen recently?
Ty: Oh, it’s my favorite so more than anything.
Without Spoiling, What was your favorite part?
Ty: The final battle. I also liked when Optimus Prime was like “He was mine.”
What was the funniest part to you?
Ty: I liked how Mirage was able to make lots of him and trick people in the car chase.
How many stars would you give it?
Ty: Out of 1 to 5 a 5.
Is it worth going to the movies to see?
Ty: Yea. More than once probably.
Media Literacy Questions about Transformers: Rise of the BeastS
And I decided to add something new to my reviews, especially when a movie is already out, so if you’re seeing this later you can use these as a kickoff conversation point to talk to your kids about Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. This is in case you want to go a little deeper than “what did you think?” Here are some suggestions you can use as discussion questions.
- Discuss the role of teamwork and friendship between the human characters and the Transformers. How does their collaboration affect the outcome of the story?
- The movie introduces new Transformers characters. How do these new additions contribute to the overall narrative and the dynamic between the different factions of Transformers?
- In the movie, some characters do things to help others, even if it’s hard for them. This is part of what makes them heroic. Can you think of times when people you know did something like that? How did it change things?
- The Transformers movies are known for their action-packed sequences. Discuss the pacing of the movie and how it builds tension and excitement. Did you feel engaged throughout? Did any parts seem extra intense or slow to you?
- Movies often have soundtracks and musical scores that can make watching the movie more exciting. How does the music in the movie contribute to the mood and atmosphere of different scenes?
- The movie talks about being a good friend, staying loyal, and standing up for what’s right. Do you know why these things are important? Can you think of times when these things mattered in real life?
Movie Merch
Still haven’t seen it yet, or going to see it again and want to dress for the occasion? Here is some Transformers: Rise of the Beasts movie merch we love I rounded up in my LTK affiliate shop!
‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ is now Playing in Theaters
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts roared into theaters June 9th, 2023. If you had a chance to watch it already, let us know what you thought!
If you’re still thinking about it, here’s the trailer.
Wondering how our review of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts might compare to yours? Check out some of our other movie reviews.
- ‘SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE’ REVIEW
- ‘THE FLASH’ REVEIW
- LIVE ACTION ‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’ REVIEW
- ‘GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3’ REVIEW
- ‘SHAZAM 2’ REVIEW
- ‘CREED III’ REVIEW
- ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ REVIEW
- ‘STRANGE WORLD’ REVIEW
- ‘THOR LOVE AND THUNDER’ REVIEW
- ‘JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION’ REVIEW
- ‘DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS’ REVIEW
- ‘SONIC 2’ MOVIE REVIEW
If you like watching movies together as a family you’ll love our Family Movie Night Journal! Created by me and my oldest daughter Jayda. It’s bringing a family tradition of movie watching and rating to families around the world.
