Amid cries of ruined childhoods and Hollywood cash grabs, Saban’s Power Rangers proved that it was just in fact a movie and not the end of the world for viewers.
In fact, the best way to summarize Power Rangers would be that it is neither great or horrible, but it simply is just a movie. The kind that you watch in theaters and leave saying “that was alright” and forget about until inevitably winds up on FX or HBO a year or so later when nothing else is on.
If you even vaguely remember the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers show (or maybe you’re a fan who still follows them today since the series evolves on a consistent basis in a range of medias) then you already vaguely know the plot of the movie. Five teenagers with attitude discover an alien power that allows them to transform in to superheroes and fight evil in the form of Rita Repulsa (played this time by Elizabeth Banks), occasionally in robot dinosaurs called Zords.
Billy, the Blue Ranger played by RJ Cyler, is on the autism spectrum (though it is never stated what type he has, just that he is on “the spectrum”) and is the most entertaining of the rangers due to his commitment to the team as a family. Trini, the Yellow Ranger played by Becky G, is identified as a lesbian. She is experiencing relationship troubles and is also concerned with the real life issue of how parents might react. Both of these decisions are excellent not because of their inclusion, but due to the fact that they are not the central focus of the characters, just a layer to them like real people.
Banks also does an excellent job at chewing scenery, living up to the full campiness of the series. When she’s not toying with the Rangers, she is instead terrorizing the public with a grin and a well practiced evil laugh. Hopefully she can return if they move forward with a sequel.
Yet she seems to be the only one who embraces the cheesy factor that comes with the title. Yes, the actors all make quips and jokes, and openly acknowledge how insane this all sounds, but instead of lighthearted fun, they spend a lot of time being angst ridden teens. Yes I understand high school sucks, but the better parts of the film are when they’re all laughing and having fun together, not wallowing in the shadows.
Visually the movie is rather dull, despite the multi-colored theme. The Rangers costumes have rather muted tones, and their Zords match. Much of the film takes place in the training facility, an endless stream of gray endless hallways and, or rocky terrain that serves as a gold mine. The town is vibrant and looks interesting, but is rarely seen until it being torn apart in the finale.
Yet there is a single moment however where it goes full ham, but those afraid of spoilers beware. A single exceptionally great moment where, against a backdrop of all five Zords running side by side, for a brief second the theme song is played. It may not be worth the price of admission, but you’ll feel like a kid again and that has worth.
Power Rangers is 3 out of 5 stars.
