Power Rangers (2017) Film Review
This past weekend I had the opportunity to see the reboot film of the 90s hit TV show, Power Rangers. As a 90s child this film was on my to do list because as many of us well know, the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers film is certainly a product of its time. Hollywood has made it a trend in recent years to bring back old beloved shows and movies and reboot them for the next generation. Power Rangers is no different but has the potential to become bigger and better than before with this film.
The film tells the backstory of the original power rangers, how Zordon and Rita come to be and how the new generation of power rangers emerge from the fictional town of Angel Grove, CA. The original characters from the show star in this film with Dacre Montgomery as Jason Scott/Red Ranger, Naomi Scott as Kimberly Hart/Pink Ranger, RJ Cyler as Billy Cranston/Blue Ranger, Becky G as Trini Kwan/Yellow Ranger and Ludi Lin as Zack Taylor/Black Ranger. Zordon is voiced by Bryan Cranston, Alpha 5 by Bill Hader and Rita Repulsa by Elizabeth Banks.
Without giving away information already shared, this film focuses on themes of adolescence, togetherness, acceptance morality and diversity. Although i applaud the film for casting a diverse main cast through race and sexuality, they kind of dropped the ball on it. It was announced that Trini would be a big LGBT character in the film but there is only one mention of her sexuality, never even confirmed outright and never mentioned again. Billy’s character is “on the spectrum” in the film and it plays a big part in his character development and in the plot.
we are introduced to the characters as regular high school kids from different backgrounds and dealing with their own major problems in their lives. Ranging from Billy’s Autism to Cyberbulling, which is a great way for teenagers seeing the film to be able to gain some sort of emotional connection to the characters. Some actions were a bit cliche but made their point i suppose. Three of the characters make their connection in detention while the other two just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Together, they are bonded when they find the stones that deem them all worthy of becoming power rangers.
Throughout the film, our young heroes slowly bond but are unable to achieve their ultimate goal of fighting off the newly resurrected Rita Repulsa by morphing into their suits. I will save the details as they are possible spoilers. Through their bonding moments, training and overcoming obstacles together do they become one team.
The area in which the film takes place in certainly gives the feel that Angel Grove is a small town where everyone knows everyone and that they are in the middle of nowhere. This really helps with any potential plot holes the film could have possibly have had. No Bulk or Skulk as the film is attempting to take on a more serious tone, but there are bullies in the film.
The film overall takes on a contemporary style of the Power Rangers most of us love and know well. It’s playful but takes on serious moral tones that everyone can relate to. The soundtrack of the film helped push the emotional aspect of the film buying combining strong scores, present day music and a bit of nostalgia. And i can confirm for my fellow 90s babies, the things that you hope would happen in the film, do indeed happen and do not disappoint. Be sure to stay for the ending scene and keep an eye out for specific Angel Grove citizens too! This is an acceptable film for families but it’s mainly suited for teenagers to adults with 90s nostalgia in their hearts. Nonetheless the Power Rangers are back and it’s Morphin Time!