If you're a 90s kid who grew up with the classic Power Rangers series, you might be excited to see the Rangers return in a reboot. But Power Rangers (2017) isn't just a nostalgic remake; it's a bold reinterpretation that brings these characters into a more realistic world, filled with teenage issues we can relate to.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins in Angel Grove, an ordinary town hiding many secrets. Five very different teenagers—Jason (Dacre Montgomery), an athlete with father issues; Kimberly (Naomi Scott), a cheerleader trying to forget her past; Zack (Ludi Lin), a lone wolf with a sick mother; Trini (Becky G), a bisexual introvert; and Billy (RJ Cyler), an autistic nerd—accidentally discover ancient power coins underground, linking them to the spaceship of Zordon (Bryan Cranston), a former Red Ranger, and Alpha 5, a robot assistant. They must learn to work together to stop Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks), an alien sorceress who wants to steal Earth's nuclear energy.
Acting and Characters
The film's strongest point is the perfect casting. Dacre Montgomery as Jason shows a vulnerable leader under pressure, while RJ Cyler brings natural humor and warmth to Billy. Naomi Scott and Becky G give the female characters more depth than in the old series, and Ludi Lin captures Zack's coolness and tenderness. But the standout is Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa, who is delightfully crazy and scary. The entire cast gives lively performances.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Dean Israelite, who directed Project Almanac, uses his found-footage experience effectively in Power Rangers. The visuals are stunning, especially the spaceship scenes and the morphing sequence. Brian Tyler's score is energetic and fits the film's mood. However, the action scenes aren't as impressive, and the Zords' CGI, while smooth, lacks weight.
Editorial Analysis
What makes Power Rangers (2017) different from other superhero films is its focus on the characters' human growth before becoming heroes. The film spends considerable time on each Ranger's backstory and issues, which may feel slow for those expecting non-stop action. But for those who enjoy deep emotional and relational development, this film has great charm. Additionally, revealing Trini as bisexual is a significant step for this genre in embracing diversity, even if subtly done.
Verdict
Power Rangers (2017) is a reboot bold enough to shift from a kids' series to a teen drama with intense emotional depth. It's perfect for those who prefer character growth over action. If you keep an open mind and don't cling too tightly to the original, you'll enjoy it.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Deep and interesting character development
- +All actors fit their roles well
- +Beautiful visuals and music
- +Boldly addresses social issues like sexual diversity
👎 Cons
- −Action scenes and Zords CGI are not fully polished
- −First half pacing is quite slow
- −Rita Repulsa's role feels a bit over-the-top
Top Cast
FAQ
It's fun in a way that focuses on teenage drama rather than action. Unlike the old series that emphasized fight scenes and giant robots, this film centers on character issues and relationships.
Yes, after the credits there's a teaser of a new enemy that might appear in a sequel.
No, it's a complete reboot. Suitable for both newcomers and old fans.
Yes, but updated to be more modern. It still looks cool with unique poses.
