Power Rangers (2017)

In the 1990s, there was a popular show called 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers', that was loosely based on a larger Japanese TV superhero genre that was going on at the time. However, in America, the show that we got was basically Japanese footage of powerful ninjas in colorful costumes fighting guys in rubber suits, and it ended with a giant robot killing a menacing monster. All of this was spliced together with an American teen high school comedy. Needless to say, the show became a huge hit, and a franchise was born that has lasted to this day.

Now, while the show has seen many interpretations over the years, everyone knows what a Power Ranger is: A group of costumed teenagers fighting against the powers of evil. So much so, that Hollywood has tried making big screen adaptations, twice, with very mixed results from the critics and cult following from the fans. And now, Hollywood is trying to do the same thing again; this time having its own movie called “Power Rangers”. And, yeah, it sucks, not just from a cinematic point of view, but from a fan who grew up with the show as a kid. From the obvious writing and characters, to the overuse of CGI, this movie cannot become its own separate entity from the 'Power Rangers' TV show that made so enjoyable to watch. While its definitely not the worst, “Power Rangers” just tries its hardest to become something so serious that is based off of something so silly. It's morphin' time, I guess.

The story has five teenagers: Jason (Dacre Montgomery), Kimberly (Naomi Scott), Billy (RJ Cyler), Zack (Ludi Lin), and Trini (Becky G.). They stumble upon a rock quarry, and find some multicolored stones that gives them extraordinary strength and abilities. They eventually find an abandoned spaceship led by the mystical Zordon (Brian Cranston) and comedic sidekick Alpha 5 (voiced by Bill Hader), who informs them that they are the Power Rangers: a group of heroes that stop bad guys. Now, these five teenagers must work together in order to stop the evil Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks) from destroying their town of Angel Grove.

Everybody got that?

Oh, boy... “Power Rangers”. What is wrong here? Well, let's dive in, and I'll tell you.

First off, the movie sure takes its time setting up the plot, that most of the action doesn't fully happen until the last third of the film. Sure, this could be argued in order bring forth more character development, but the characters are generic tropes that we know. Jason is the leader; Billy is the geek; Kimberly is the cheerleader; you get the idea.

Another issue with the film is the constant usage of CGI. Now on the plus side, the CGI does look intriguing, as well as a nice departure from the show, as it was corny seeing guys in rubber suits fighting each other. But here's the problem: its not that interesting to look at. Visually, it does not feel the same as the TV show, and has the big budget experience that every major Hollywood production has now become. Plus, the costumes themselves on the Rangers, as well as Rita, look extremely silly.

But there are two big glaring issues that cannot be overlooked. First is the camera: it constantly moves everywhere during certain moments, and it feels like one is getting a headache. Especially in the opening where everything is spinning around.

Finally, and this is the biggest issue here, the tone of the movie is constantly and drastically shifting. One minute it takes itself seriously, and then the next it's supposed to be funny. This does not know where the film is taking its the audience with it's action, making the tone the biggest downfall of the entire production.

Is there anything good to say about the film?

Well, the acting's good; each actor and actress do deliver a good performance. The five main leads to have some chemistry and decent backstories. Some of them do tend to be over the top, like Banks, but everything else is okay. Some of the redesigns from the TV show are nice to look at, most notably Zordon and Alpha 5. Plus, the setting of high school might be relatable to some viewers, and that can be a big turn on for excitement.

And, that's pretty much it.

In conclusion, “Power Rangers” does not hold a candle to the campy TV show that made it famous, and is a big mess. Just stick to the original show, and you might get a laugh at how it portrayed superheroes. The show might have aged from the 90s, but this does not age with time.