Power Rangers is a modern adaptation of the beloved franchise. While it retains the whimsical and slightly corny essence of the original Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, this rendition boasts a visually stunning upgrade from the limitations of the '90s. In essence, this film caters to die-hard fans who have long envisioned a Power Rangers adaptation with a budget that matches the grandeur of its action-packed sequences.
Directed by Dean Israelite and written by John Gatins, the movie loosely adapts the pilot episode of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, "Day of the Dumpster". Featuring an ensemble cast of Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Ludi Lin, Bill Hader, Bryan Cranston, and Elizabeth Banks, the storyline revolves around a group of teenagers who stumble upon newfound abilities and must band together to safeguard Earth from an ancient menace making a comeback. Among them are high school football star Jason Scott (Dacre Montgomery), the geeky and introverted Billy Cranston (RJ Cyler), former popular girl Kimberly Hart (Naomi Scott), the impulsive and eccentric Zack Taylor (Ludi Lin), and the enigmatic new girl in town, Trini Kwan (Becky G.).
Each character grapples with a sense of isolation and misunderstanding until they are given extraordinary powers beyond their wildest imaginations. However, these gifts come with a weighty responsibility, as they realize they have been chosen as Earth’s newest guardians - the Power Rangers, a revered lineage of superhuman defenders. Fortunately, they are not alone in their mission; guided by Zordon (Bryan Cranston), a former Ranger whose essence resides in the buried spaceship beneath Angel Grove, and assisted by the quirky robot Alpha 5 (voiced by Bill Hader).
The performances in the film were a mixed bag, showcasing both strengths and areas for improvement. Cranston and Hader embodied their roles with perfection, each bringing their unique flair to the characters. Hader's charm and wit shone through in his portrayal of the supportive and easily excitable Alpha 5, while Cranston's signature grit and wisdom guided the team in their battle against the formidable Repulsa.
While the film made an effort to delve into the individual struggles and backgrounds of each Ranger, it was evident that certain characters received more focus than others. Montgomery, Cyler, and Scott were given significant depth and development, infusing their roles with likability and spirit. Cyler's charisma, in particular, stood out, making Billy's character the emotional heart of the narrative.
On the other hand, Trini and Zack appeared as somewhat disconnected members of the team, introduced later in the story and lacking in emotional depth compared to their counterparts. Whether it was a matter of performance or script, Ludi Lin and Becky G. struggled to fully integrate their characters into the ensemble, leading to a noticeable disparity within the cast dynamics.
The screenplay successfully blends humor and drama, paying homage to the original series while appealing to new audiences. It ventures into a more serious tone than the TV shows, yet preserves the essence of Power Rangers. The story, albeit laden with origin-story clichés, captures the spirit and heart of the source material, offering a charming and entertaining narrative that resonates with fans.
Consequently, Power Rangers encounters challenges in maintaining a consistent tone, particularly evident in the murky and unevenly-paced middle segment where the team undergoes their training. At times, the film successfully captures the awe and delight that viewers seek in superhero genesis narratives, yet this contrasts starkly with the slower and more leisurely-paced introduction. It is only in the climactic last half-hour or so that Power Rangers truly hits its stride, masterfully balancing whimsical amusement with poignant emotional stakes in a grand finale that dazzles with its visual splendor and choreography.
The film beautifully captures the essence of Angel Grove during the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers era, transporting audiences to a nostalgic setting filled with memorable scenes. From the captivating underwater sequence to the intricate set designs, the cinematography creates a visually stunning world that enhances the movie's overall entertainment experience. Israelite skillfully directs the high-octane action sequences as well as the everyday moments in his characters' lives, infusing each scene with a dynamic and lively energy that keeps viewers engaged throughout.
The costume design excelled with the iconic morphing suits, complemented by the characters' everyday attire that added a relatable touch to their personalities. The editing and special effects shine as the movie showcases the Power Rangers in all their glory, free from the constraints of low-budget production, delivering exhilarating action sequences and breathtaking visual spectacles. Soundtrack-wise, the iconic "Go go Power Rangers!" anthem resonates with fans, infusing the film with a nostalgic charm.
Power Rangers is a cinematic experience that resonates deeply with fans of the original series, offering a modernized take while staying true to the core essence of the beloved franchise. While not without its flaws, particularly in conveying the emotional depth at times, Power Rangers manages to deliver a nostalgic punch that may not sway those unfamiliar or uninterested in the franchise. However, for loyal fans who have either grown up with the series or discovered it through its various iterations over the years, this film serves as a heartfelt and faithful reboot. It delves further into the rich mythology of Power Rangers while embracing the campy charm that initially made it a joy to watch. So, gear up, morph into action, and join the Power Rangers on an exciting journey to save the world!
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