Saban reboots the franchise and is to make a series of the Power Rangers based on the American version released in 1993. This movie was met with high anticipation and expectation. As a fan of the first three series, it is remembered going on home after school to watch MMPR and then The Simpsons while trying to finish homework so when it was heard of the reboot, anticipation began to build. Was the reboot worth the peoples time? Lets find out!
Synopsis
Five ordinary teens must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove – and the world – is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.
Best Things
What were some of the best things of the movie? There were some great things and adaptations done with Power Rangers. There is an interesting twist referring Zeo Crystals and how they tie into the life of a planet. The back story given to Zordon and Rita gave some weight to the fight. Also, in the show, why was Zordon in that tube? In the movie, he is AI or a mapping of the flesh and blood Zordon which is what is appearing on the wall. There was a new twist added to the morphin grid which was interesting.
Elizabeth Banks as Rita I loved. In the beginning, she was very creepy looking but once she was a full strength, she brought a certain type of mysterious, sexiness, and aggressively evilness to the part. It was believable she was on a quest for power and she wanted to kill the rangers. Although it was a good thing but there were cameos of the original rangers that maybe a bit of foreshadowing for the future. *Spoiler* Jason David Frank (the original Tommy Oliver -Green and White Rangers) and Amy Jo Johnson (the original Pink Ranger) shows up as Angel Grovians. If the story is know from the show, then it is common knowledge that Tommy and Kimberly are an item. To morph, you have to be ok with themselves and accepting of their own flaws and work together. The character of Billy was enjoyable and probably the best character in the movie. He had an understanding of himself that the others seemed to lack which was refreshing…and he is on the spectrum. Trini being a lesbian isn’t awful. She is figuring things out about herself and hasn’t accepted herself for who she is and that is a bonding moment when she is accepted by herself and others. Maybe being accepted by others will help her to accept herself.
Awful Things
Although the movie seems enjoyable, it is not without its issues. The sub plots do not seem to add up, well some of them. There is a moment in the detention when Kimberly cuts her hair after falling out with some friends. It is really unknown what is really going on. It is believed that this is a teaser but once you find out that this is a hang up of hers, it doesn’t make much sense her reaction and motivation for doing so. It is a guilty pleasure of a joke when the product placement keeps hitting you over the head. Kimberly’s hang up is misleading because is she angry at herself, the situation, or her friends. Trini is a lesbian while Zach is just really annoying and his hang up is understandable. That doesn’t make it bad, but he is just annoying. Granted Trini being a lesbian isn’t a bad thing nor awful, these hang ups were tropes that have been seen countless times over and over and over. Maybe using the tropes make the characters more likable…I don’t know, but it is mentioned in one of the things that I liked about the movie. Another thing, is that they don’t really become a team until the 3rd act. We don’t see the zords or the suits fully until then and that is the worst. It felt that the whole playing out if they are worthy was drummed up too long. Maybe it should have been, quickly introduce them, devise is they are worthy or not, early run in with Rita, and then morph…but that may have been how the move went. Just reorganize the length of the issues because learning to trust each other could have come earlier in the movie. Not in the first 30 minutes but the move is 2 hours and 4 minutes long. The powers happen in the last 30 mins. It could have been longer.
Recommendations
This movie comes highly recommended purely do to nostalgic reasons. I have enjoyed the range of Byran Cranston since his spotty appearances on the original American run back in 1993. Elizabeth Banks has made me laugh and felt her performances since her small bit as the freaky book store clerk in 40 year old Virgin. If you have seen it, the movie is hilarious. Although the Power Rangers’ story isn’t that good if one were to think too much about certain reasons for the actions and the actions in general, it is still a fun family movie with enough nostalgic scenes that make the parents of the new generation get all excited.
This movie is not highly recommended, but a good turn off your brain and enjoy the ride kind of movie. The simple good versus evil and morals taught will be easily understood by children while the parents will get some of the more adult jokes in the movie. Go! GO! Watch Power Rangers, but only if you have children with you or you are seeking a journey of Nostalgia. Otherwise, leave this to movie alone until one is seeking something to do on a rainy afternoon.
Action :
(3 / 5)
Story :
(2 / 5)
Overall: 
(2.5 / 5)
