Power Rangers

A Super Sentai revival for the american public.

If anything, it is a well written character-drama, where those in charge of the script actually did their homework. So, in lieu of what it is delivering, it is okay that the actual "Power Rangers" come so late in the movie! At its core, it is more about a group of people, of friendship and of betterment.. not so much an cheese-action film.

Expectedly, it clashed with people's expectations, and it failed to respark the masses due to its tone, approach and lack of mass appeal. Instead, it seems it was made for those seeking a well developed set of diverse people in a specific superheroe setting, smartly focusing on performances and chimestry as to try and anchor the planned sequels. And when the campy sections finally arrive, there's a strange feeling of disconnect with the vehicle used for the message and what you came to watch.

If seen by the eyes of the average consumer and what to give them, it was a "disaster". A movie that was the product of the era it came out in. Evident in the overall designs, colors and more. But it is quite competent in most areas.. it just doesn't mesh well, which is one of the hardest parts of movie-making that involves hundreds of people working under one creative direction.

"Better With Bob?" made a very interesting video (YT) that helps this perspective .. if you feel like trying to take something away from it.

Acting is a little overdone, but then again so was the original. As a person who grew up with the show when it first aired, this rendition is meant to be another genesis story. Provide a little more background and bring it up to today's technological specs.

While I think it tried too hard and perhaps did try to take itself a bit too seriously, if you come in with an open mind about it, you'll be somewhat surprised and may find that you enjoy it. I found that the camera angles and cinematography was okay, but it had moments where it felt very cheesy.

If they could have picked up a really good director for action / sci-first (eg Whedon), we could have had a really excellent and fun movie. Alas, it falls slightly short of good. If you're looking for a bit of a campy movie with some good cheese factor, check it out. Otherwise, perhaps pass this one up.

Everyone that is writing a negative review of this film is saying that it didn't live up to expectations, ruined their nostalgia, was boring, was stupid, etc. So let's address some of that.

Didn't live up to expectations: If you're going into this movie expecting something amazing and ground-breaking, you're going to have a bad time. If you're expecting something more like Transformers, you'll have fun.

Ruined nostalgia: Nostalgia is a self-ruiner. Nothing ever lives up to what you remember when you were a wide-eyed child filled with wonder. Let's face it. Power Rangers was a really dumb kid's show even back then. We all just think it was baller, because we were kids when it was airing.

Boring: Some say it was boring, and I'll admit it was slow to start. It took a while to get it's stride, but if you can stick it out, it's a pretty fun movie.

Stupid: This movie has all the teenage high schooler tropes. I mean, you would almost think it were a modern day John Hughes film in the first half hour or so, because god is it tropey. That's okay though. I feel like the production team did this on purpose. This film doesn't take itself that seriously, really.

My take on it is that it was fun. There were parts where I cringed. There were parts where I wanted to just shut it off. I'm glad I stuck it out, because it's not a terrible film as long as you're not expecting something on the level of Hitchcock. If you are expecting that...why?

Remember, think for yourself when it comes to film. Don't take reviews too seriously, because not everyone has the same tastes.

Fun teen action movie that will bring you back to your childhood.

Two hours long and it takes them 90 minutes to finally don the costumes. That's the essence of "Power Rangers", a movie that offers plenty of buildup with a clumsy payoff. A lot of money and time went into the mo-cap, but there's something to be said about the fluidity of spandex fight scenes. And strangely enough, I think I liked it better while it was a generic superhero origin story, "Breakfast Club" archetypes and all. Even still, these are decent actors and they breathe life into a pretty weak script.

It's funny, I was never a Power Rangers fan growing up (though I certainly put in the effort) but I didn't end up liking this movie because of the writing; too much effort turning this into a serious teen drama and not focusing on the goofy appeal of the show. It was silly then and it should be now.

5/10