Ever since their debut stateside, Power Rangers has been one of the most uniquely beloved brands around. The television show featured an interesting combination of styles, mixing Japanese monster films with an American sensibility. Playing up the camp factor to a high degree, the show gained traction with younger audiences, even leading to an entertaining 1993 film.
After twenty-plus years of not being on the big screen, the Power Rangers are back with their latest big-screen adaptation. The film follows a group of rag-tag high school teens who after the discovery of unique tokens are chosen to become the next Power Rangers. Thrusted into this dire role, they must work together to save the day.
Many diehard fans have been dreading this film’s release, with its more contemporary style and bad trailers leading many to write the film off. It’s certainly not perfect, but Power Rangers is a worthwhile superhero film that builds its base around surprisingly strong characters.
Making this adaptation different than the others is the characters. Scribe John Gatins creates a film that is part The Breakfast Club and part Chronicle, but that combination proves to work in its own way. Much of the film’s screen time is spent with its characters, creating a team of characters for the audience to actually care about on screen. I also appreciate how Gatins makes these characters realistically-flawed, with many looking to redeem themselves after falling on their face.
Helping the film’s case is its cast. Dare Montgomery has the look of a young Zac Efron, and is able to deliver a similar level of charm and confidence on screen as the team’s leader. RJ Cyler continues to be a scene-stealer in every film he’s in, offering a warm and comedic performance as the Blue Ranger. The other Rangers Naomi Scott, Ludi Lin, and Becky G are all also good, delivering equally effective performances. The presence of veteran actors like Bryan Cranston and Bill Hader is also a great addition.
Power Rangers contemporary edge surprisingly works for the most part. Gatins’ script tackles the typical issues of the Rangers brand such as selflessness and courage, but also deals with redemption and acceptance of differences in others. Thankfully none of these themes come off as heavy-handed or preachy. The film is also surprisingly funny, its infectious cast delivering some solid laughs.
On the other hand, the film is at war with itself when it comes to tone. While the film is mostly serious, it tries to embrace its campy roots with its action finale, which ended up feeling forced. The inclusion of the Rangers theme and other trademark style qualities end up clashing badly with this new direction. The same can be said about Elizabeth Banks’ performance as Rita, which while entertaining to watch, feels like its from a completely different film.
Stylistically, the film certainly has a lot in common with the modern blockbuster. Director Dean Israelite should be commended for the film’s characters, but drops the ball in making this film feel uniquely its own. This is especially the case with its big action moments, which fall surprisingly flat despite the scale of them. Also, the fact that Kanye West’s Power plays in this movie is pretty woeful.
Power Rangers may upset old-school fans, but the earnest charm of its new cast of characters helps make this a solid debut. I am excited to see what direction this franchise goes in going forward.