Five years after Bumblebee rolled out into theaters in 2018 and rebooted the live-action universe based on the best-selling Hasbro multimedia franchise, the sequel is finally hitting theaters.

Ahead of its release on June 9, a handful of viewers got a chance to publish their initial thoughts about Transformers: Rise of the Beasts online.

While they're not quite the in-depth movie reviews just yet, the initial reactions to the latest Transformers film are an encouraging sign.

Critics, in particular, commend the new Beast Wars-inspired entry in the series, applauding the introduction of the Maximals and Terrorcons as well as its unique throwback style.

Here's a round of what the critics are saying about Transformers: Rise of the Beasts:

#Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts delivers one of the better and more coherent installments in the franchise. They clearly understood what worked so well with 2018’s Bumblebee as ROTB has heart and the human characters are more likable. Mirage will walk away as the fan favorite. pic.twitter.com/8gZEA7dMDW

— Block A 🟣🟢 (@VillainousComix) May 25, 2023

Totally dug #Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts. It’s got some issues in the middle but it starts strong, has fantastic 90s hip hop, makes great use of the humans & the 3rd act is a blast. Plus I damn near jumped out of my seat at the end. Right up there with the 1st Bay & Bumblebee. pic.twitter.com/Hf1yPqGXWE

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) May 25, 2023

#Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts is really fun. It’s actually quite funny and the action is strong. I did find my eyes glazing over when they’d talk about this movie’s special object (this series sure loves those) but way better than Bay’s movies if not quite Bumblebee level.

— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) May 25, 2023

I don’t think I can give it a number but I liked it. Could’ve cut some stuff in the first 20 mins cause it takes a bit to get going but when it does it’s really fun.

— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) May 25, 2023

#Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts was a blast! The Beast Wars crew finally shows up in what's arguably the BEST Transformers movie in the run. There's a lot of heart, humor, and Brooklyn pride in here; and it all makes for throwback popcorn fun. #TilAllAreOne #BrooklynBaby pic.twitter.com/GPnjs5KSOr

— Mike Reyes (@MrControversy83) May 25, 2023

Happy to say #Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts is one of the best installments in the franchise. It’s a lot of fun, CGI looks great, and it has well staged action that’s easy to follow. The screening I saw actually had people clapping in the theater and the kids laughed a lot. pic.twitter.com/pbOWRhO49D

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) May 25, 2023

#Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts is a lot of fun! Anthony Ramos carries the movie and Pete Davidson steals every scene as Mirage. The ending blew my mind and the music in the film is 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IMZxN8J2RP

— Joseph Deckelmeier (@joedeckelmeier) May 25, 2023

#Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts makes good use of the animated movie's storyline and integrates the Maximals and Terrorcons to good effect. Stakes are high and Scourge is a terrifying and powerful villain. Action-packed with a lot of heart (albeit with some cheese on top). pic.twitter.com/SsMNnq6ZqH

— Mark Pacis (insert fake checkmark here) (@PacManNR7) May 25, 2023

The new #Transformers movie is pretty solid! LOVE the Brooklyn setting - Maximals & Scourge add a new spin & the action pops, especially the NY scenes. Mirage steals the show, but the true star is the absolute best soundtrack full of early ‘90s hip-hop hits. This ‘90s kid had fun pic.twitter.com/YV3IfFewlU

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 25, 2023

#Transformers Rise of the Beast is a blast! Director Steven Caple Jr brought his style with 90s hip hop and heart while also pouring his love for the Transformers and Beast Wars. The biggest inspiration is the 80s animated movie. Mirage will be the new favorite Autobot. pic.twitter.com/LxZbnaIiul

— John Nguyen (@JohnSpartan300) May 25, 2023

#Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts took everything that worked from ‘Bumblebee’ and amplified it! Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback delivered great performances, and Pete Davidson’s Mirage stole every scene he had. As a fan of the cartoon and franchise, I really enjoyed this film! pic.twitter.com/OdziQziKA9

— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) May 25, 2023

Set in 1994, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a new chapter in the multi-billion-dollar franchise. Notably, Optimus Primal (Ron Perlman) and the Maximals are introduced as allies to Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) and the rest of the Autobots. Of course, when there are the good guys, there'll be the bad guys. This time around, Peter Dinklage will lead the Terrorcons as the Scourge.

As already mentioned, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts draws inspiration from the '90s Beast Wars toyline, which sees the robot characters transform from/to prehistoric beasts instead of automobiles and/or aircraft.

Paramount Pictures is promoting the $200 million-dollar film, directed by Steven Caple Jr., as a standalone installment, so you don't need to have watched the previous Transformers film nor be a fan of the Beast Wars storyline to understand what's going on.

With its ensemble cast filled with returning voices, familiar faces, and new actors, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts should provide an immersive cinematic experience to moviegoers on June 9.

Until then, fans can look forward to seeing the review embargo for the film to lift ahead of the movie's release.