Sunday, March 26, 2017

Power Rangers: The Classic Franchise Gets A Reboot



Last evening I took in a showing of the new Power Rangers movie with my girlfriend and two of our friends. While I grew up in the 90's, sadly I did not get into the craze like everyone else did, though I have remained a fan over the years, and so going into this movie, could appreciate and like it for what it was.

Simply put, this movie is an origin story, reintroducing the original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers into the 21st century, with the core characters of the original team (Jason, Kimberly, Billy, Trini and Zack), all being given depth in terms of their character backgrounds and personalities, the things that make them stand out as individuals, and that draws them together to find the Morphing Coins and become the Power Rangers. Zordon and Rita (played by Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks) are also given more depth for audiences and Power Rangers fans, broadening the scope of who they are beyond mentor and primary villainess. Even Alpha 5 fills a larger role, helping to take these five teens with attitude and train them to become the saviors of Earth.

The special effects for the movie were quite literally out of this world!! Whether its the armor the Rangers wear (looking more like actual armor befitting warriors going into battle), or Rita's large monster she uses to try and destroy Earth, Zordon's face booming out instructions and mentor-style speech, or...the Zords!!! Because lets face it, this wouldn't be a Power Rangers movie without our heroes not only suiting up, but getting in the cockpits of their large and prehistoric modeled fighting machines!!! And the special effects on the Zords and the MegaZord do not disappoint!!

Power Rangers contains lots of elements that are part homage to the original series, and also takes cues from the modern age, especially in terms of characterization and story structure. Overall, if you are someone who has grown up loving the franchise and the Power Rangers, then this movie will not disappoint you. If you're like me and you know Power Rangers and appreciate it, then this movie will also not disappoint you either. And if you are someone who never gave a darn about Power Rangers before or are just now getting into it, then as an introduction to the world of the Rangers that will entice you to go back and watch the original series's, then this is definitely the movie for you!!! I am giving this movie a high rating and excellent marks for taking a beloved 90's franchise, and bringing it forward into the 21st century!! Go go go see Power Rangers as soon as you can!!!

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