Power Rangers Review
Let me set the record straight before I get into this. I was a fan of Power Rangers since the beginning. I faithfully watched every season, every episode for years until life started getting in the way. I only finally stopped when I felt it was getting too campy for its own good, which was Mega Force technically, but I stuck around so I would watch the Mega War episode. Anyway, when I heard there was going to be a Power Rangers movie that “retold” the story of the original five I was very skeptical. We’ve all seen the remakes that Hollywood has made, and you’re very right to be afraid of some of the adaptations. That being said….
You shouldn’t be afraid of Power Rangers, because it’s pretty darn good.
Now to be fair, it’s not epic, nor will it be a film for those who have very specific things they want to see in the film. But for those who have appreciate what Power Rangers truly is, and are open to seeing a “modern interpretation” this film will surprise you with how good it is.
I’ll go light on the spoilers, because I feel you’ll understand it better when you see it. But essentially, the story is a lot like the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, about 5 “teenagers with attitude” who must save the world from an evil known as Rita Repulsa. But immediately, the film goes even deeper into the lore by showing Zordon and Rita’s “final battle” against one another that set all the events of the film in motion. Plus, there’s a fun twist in that scene that people will enjoy if they remember the original series.
Fast forward to the present, and we find Jason, Billy, Kimberly, Zack, and Trini. All five are misfits and screw-ups who really don’t have a place in the world. This is another big change from the original series. The characters aren’t 1-for-1 representations of the original Rangers, and that actually works in their favor, because it gives them the chance to be something else. Jason is a football star who made a big mistake and is now in big trouble all over the city. Kimberly hurt her friend, and is haunted by what she did. Billy is autistic, and his interactions with the others isn’t “normal” by any means. Zack is a thrill-seeker who is always looking for the next big rush. Trini meanwhile is just someone who likes to be alone. Yet, one night they are all together and find the Power Coins, and soon find Zordon and Alpha, and the journey begins.
One thing I truly loved about this movie was that unlike the show, the Rangers had to earn the right to be called that. They had to train to become fighters, it wasn’t inherent to their Ranger powers. They also had to bond to access the Morphing Grid to gain their armors. While it’s a small detail, it really works here. It would’ve been so easy to give them Morphers and have them shout, “It’s Morphin Time!” and they’re Rangers. But this way, we get to see them struggle as they try and become something bigger than what they are, as well as fail and fall apart when things don’t go their way. It’s through this process that we get some of the most personal moments from the cast. Plus, when you do seem them morph for the first time, you know it’s earned, and it makes it all the cooler.
Another nice divergence from the source material is how Rita Repulsa is played. Portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, Rita is much more a hands-on villain. She doesn’t just send monsters to do her bidding, she’s willing to do it herself. This almost never happened in the show, and it was great to see her be a lot more menacing, and a true threat to the team.
The action in the film is good, and there are some great action scenes that really show the Power Rangers style. From the individual Zords going at it, to the Megazord vs. Goldar fight, there’s a lot to love. If there is a sequel, I do hope we get to see more.
Before I get to the negatives, I do have to note the numerous references to the original show here. From, “It’s Morphin Time”, to the Zeo Crystal, to Rita saying “Make my monster grow!”, the green Power Coin, two very epic cameos, and of course, the best one…the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers theme that does play in the movie in a key scene, it’s clear that the team wanted to honor both the show and the fans that watched it with these inclusions.
There are a few things that I feel held the movie back from being magnificent. First off, there were a few plot holes that were brought up, but never explained. By no means where they “plot breakers”, but they were odd that we never got an answer to them. Also, some of the “added” things to the mythology may rub fans the wrong way. Such as how the Rangers now have special abilities like super strength and agility without being in armor.
The actors do great with their roles, but there is some overacting at times. Again, it’s not terrible, but it is noticeable, and there are some very odd and crude jokes that I don’t feel should’ve been in there. The biggest one though for me is that while the Ranger outfits benefitted from the movie budget, I can’t say the same for the Megazord, or even the individual zords. At no point in the film are they named aside from Zords, and one of them looks literally nothing the original zord. Which of course brings me to the Megazord, which doesn’t even come close to resembling something made from 5 prehistoric animals. There’s nothing wrong with being updated for the modern times per se, but there is such thing as pushing it.
Finally, the movie is not afraid to call itself, and other films, out on the campiness that they have at times. I for one enjoyed it, but some others may not.
In the end though, Power Rangers is a worthy adaptation of the original series, and if this is allowed to continue with another film, I will be there opening weekend to enjoy it. So whether you are a lifelong fan, or a new person to the franchise, I would suggest go seeing it. May the Power live on forever.