“Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts” (**1/2 out of four) was a sturdier entry in this blockbuster series about an ex-military electronics expert (Anthony Ramos) who becomes involved with the Maximals who are a new faction of the Transformers as they join the Autobots as they all rally in a battle to save all of mankind but battle large-scale battle and destruction to proclaim victory. Seventh in the “Transformers” series is allegedly a prequel to the original; a definite improvement over previous “Transformers” entries as this at least does something different and injects more characterization and plot elements involving Ramos’ character but still manages to go on too long and get too (no pun intended) mechanical after a while which wears down on the fun. Kudos, though, to injecting great ’90’s hip-hop songs (with particular nods to The Wu Tang Clan) on its soundtrack to keep things lively.