Transmorphers: Mech Beasts

Transmorphers is a science fiction film that was released direct-to-DVD on 26 June 2007. Directed and written by Leigh Scott, the movie was produced by David Michael Latt's studio, The Asylum. Known for creating low-budget films that often mimic popular blockbusters, The Asylum aimed to take advantage of the success of Transformers (2007) and Terminator 3 (2003) with this project.

The film is set in a dystopian future where aliens controlling giant robots have taken over Earth. As a result, humanity has been forced to live underground due to the harsh environmental changes brought about by the invasion. After more than 300 years, a group of human rebels decides to fight back against their mechanical oppressors, only to discover that the aliens are not separate beings but are, in fact, the robots themselves.

In the story, a patrol led by Lt. Blackthorn tries to capture one of the enemy robots known as a Z-bot. During this mission, they encounter an ambush from various robots that can disguise themselves and alter their weaponry. These robots, termed transmorphers, can even read human minds to anticipate their strategies.

One of the main human characters, General Van Ryberg, portrayed by Eliza Swenson, debates with military leaders on the best approach to combat the alien threat. Despite initial opposition, she decides to bring back Warren Mitchell, played by Matthew Wolf, a soldier who had been court-martialed and frozen for insubordination after killing his officer five years prior. Upon rejoining, Mitchell learns that his former love, Karina Nadir, is now married to General Van Ryberg, complicating their dynamics.

Mitchell forms a small military team with Itchy, his loyal companion, and Flight Commander Xandria Lux as they set out to capture a Z-bot. Their plan involves sabotaging the robots by contaminating the Z-bot's fuel cell and using it against the enemy. During a tense battle, they manage to capture a Z-bot but find themselves facing escalating dangers as the robots pursue them.

After returning to their underground base, it becomes clear that the Z-bot's fuel cell has a tracking device, leading the enemy straight to their hideout. As tensions rise, General Van Ryberg takes command of the human forces in a crucial attempt to defeat the robots and rescue her wife, Karina.

In a shocking twist, Mitchell discovers he is actually an android created by a scientist in their group. With this newfound information, he realizes the importance of the Z-bot's fuel cell and its potential to shut down the enemy robots. The team launches an aerial strike to reach the radio tower, where they face off against the powerful tower that transforms into a massive robot.

As the battle rages on, General Van Ryberg and her forces struggle against a large army of robots attacking their city. Just when it seems like hope is lost, Lux arrives with reinforcements to turn the tide of the battle.

In a heroic finale, Mitchell sacrifices himself to destroy the tower, allowing his team to escape in time. With the tower's destruction, all the robots worldwide shut down, leading to a moment of triumph for humanity as they witness sunlight for the first time in centuries.

Despite its low budget, reviews for Transmorphers have been mixed. Some critics have found it challenging to watch, while others noted that it offers entertaining moments. The movie has even led to sequels, including Transmorphers: Fall of Man in 2009 and Transmorphers: Mech Beasts in 2023.