Saban's Power Rangers (Review)
/Reviewed by Justin D Williams
Minor Spoilers Ahead
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.
I have mix feelings about Power Rangers after leaving the theater. On one hand I really like it and then on the other hand I feel disappointed. The new entry of Power Rangers sets up the same premise of the first generation of Rangers that was in the 90s. Five teenagers with attitude are chosen to be defenders of Earth. In this case it's more like Angel Grove. Power Rangers succeeds in character development. Out of all the incarnations of Rangers this version is the best in the bunch. The movie does well giving time to each ranger so the audience can connect with their character arc. Jason lives wild and has trouble with the law. Zack has to deal with a sick mother. Kimberly has to deal with an action that affects her friendship. Trinity has to deal with battle of sexuality. Billy doesn't fit in and has battle a medical condition. The way each arc is presented is well done and you will get behind these characters. If there is a standout ranger it's Billy. Not only is he the comedy relief but he is the heart of the rangers and the film.
In regards to storytelling the Power Rangers succeeds. The problem with Power Rangers is the film not knowing what tone or audience it's trying to appeal too. I was really loving the mature, realistic sometimes gritty aspect of the film. The film had me invested but once the rangers got their suits the film goes oh wait we have toys to sell and product placement to do. This is where the film went from a Power Rangers to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers of the 90s and it wasn't a good thing. The cheesy final act ruins what was a very good first two acts. As cool it is to see them kick ass and fight with the zords the build up is not felt due to the chessy fun. I'm not saying the battle had to feel like serious but it would be nice to see some cohesiveness with the tone. You can't go serious for the age 13 and 18 to silly for age 4 to 10. The constant shift in tone took me out of the movie and I hope in future installments they will correct it.
Overall Power Rangers is a good film. The acting is solid and the cast have great chemistry, the fights scene while subpar does enough to entertain. The movie has the worst product placement ever! I mean this is worst than Man of Steel product placement. The product placement ends up being part of the plot which really hurts the film. Krispy Kreme you got your money worth that is for sure. The music is generic and doesn't standout. There isn't much of an original score instead we get songs like Kanye West Power which ruins the fight scene. I'm happy to say you do here very briefly the 90s Power Rangers theme which got a huge pop from the audience. If you're a fan of Power Rangers this is a good film to see. It has good character development for the first two acts. The only one underdeveloped is Rita. She is a one note and over the top and doesn't fit the tone the movie was going for in the beginning. The movie was actually better without the suits. The movie is not bad but will leave some disappointed. However either way this movie should be seen in theaters at least matinee. It's Morphin Time.
Final Grade 3 and 1/2 stars out of 5
