Different Generations of ‘Power Rangers’ Fans Will Be To Enjoy This
Crazy to think the original ‘Power Rangers‘ series in Japan named ‘Super Sentai‘ premiered in 1975. It’s even crazier to think that fans in 2017 still hold onto this franchise dearly. When the series finally got to America in the early 90’s, it took the country over by storm. In the era when Saturday Morning Cartoons were dying; ‘Power Rangers‘ took from those and brought it to “real life”.
Now with a new film, another generation can fall in love.
With some minor flaws, 2017’s ‘Power Rangers‘ ends up being an insanely entertaining film. Not only from an action standpoint or for all the “fan service” but because it’s just a well-made project. Director Dean Israelite easily overcame the challenge of adapting the niche 90’s TV show for a contemporary audience.
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The cast is what makes this film so special. If it wasn’t for the believable dynamic between the five teens, ‘Power Rangers‘ wouldn’t have worked as well. How well these young actors work together to form this complete unit is impressive and feels beyond their years. Props to the writing and director because the characters, in particular Billy and Jason, feel like fully-developed people. Not only is it easy to understand each person and what they bring to the table but it’s also easy to care about them as well. And to think that all this amazing character development started with a simple slap from Jason.
That’s what this film does well. It takes small little moments and puts major focus on it. The first act and some of the second is spend building towards a real bond between these character and prepping for to become the Rangers. Even the typical training montage works well and really allowed for some progress. It’s impressive that this origin film didn’t get too lost in universe building and actually developed the heroes and villains.
The only sad part is when the film starts getting bigger and brasher, it starts to lose that heart and soul built up from the first hour. Especially in that third act fight scene; that’s when 2017’s ‘Power Rangers‘ slips heavily into that 90’s ‘Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers‘ feel. Not that it’s bad to pay homage and have a little fun but it didn’t match what the film had perfectly established beforehand. Looking at it from a different angle, I don’t know how you’d go about tackling the infamous boss battles from the show. If the Rangers fought Goldar in a smaller form before he became a giant, like the structure of an episode, that could have allowed me to get more invested.
Final Thoughts:
‘Power Rangers‘ is a fun cinematic experience for fans and newcomers. Instead of getting lost in adapting source material like so many other franchises do, the filmmakers and cast did everything in their power to push past the handicaps given. Like a typical episode of the far more kid-friendly TV counterpart, that’s the lesson to learn from the film. You can overcome anything when you work together.
This is a film anyone can love. Take into consideration where this franchise came from and enjoy how far its come. Be happy that a “popcorn flick” can actually have a solid story and three-dimensional character.
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.
Genre: Action
Country: USA
Directed By: Dean Israelite
Starring: Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin, Bill Hader, Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks
