★★

The new Transformers film lacks nuance. It is a blockbuster where attention to detail goes to die. Such is neither surprising from a film produced by Michael Bay, nor an entirely damning indictment in addressing its ability to entertain. As a sequel to 2019’s winning Bumblebee, Rise of the Beasts continues the series’ marked improvement on Bay’s unfettered years at the helm, albeit offers, by equal measure, something of a regression. Travis Knight’s return to stop motion animation is Laika’s gain and Bayhem’s loss. As each of Laika’s features enjoy a decade long gestation period, any imminent return for Knight seems unlikely. A pity. The launch of a Hasbro Cinematic Universe amid the settling dust in Rise of the Beasts is far from promising.