Power Rangers Review: A Character-Driven Morphin' Good Time

Introduction

The call for "It's Morphin' Time!" echoes from the 90s, a nostalgic shout-out to the beloved Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. That original series, a clever blend of Japanese action footage and American teen drama, captured a generation. Now, Power Rangers (2017) arrives, aiming to re-energize that saga for a new era. The premise remains familiar: five ordinary teenagers – Jason, Zack, Billy, Trini, and Kimberly – stumble upon ancient power coins, leading them to an underground lair where a floating head named Zordon reveals their destiny. They are the Power Rangers, tasked with stopping the malevolent Rita Repulsa from obliterating Earth. The stage is set for a modern take on a classic, but does it deliver?

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

What truly anchors this reboot is its unexpected strength in character. The young cast, including Dacre Montgomery, RJ Cyler, Ludi Lin, Naomi Scott, and Becky G, are genuinely good, a pleasant surprise that forms the backbone of the entire narrative. Without their compelling performances, the film would undoubtedly falter. The standout among them is RJ Cyler as Billy, who transforms a character often overlooked in the original series into a clear favorite here.

Crucially, Power Rangers takes a significant gamble: it’s a character story first and foremost. The majority of the film focuses on these teenagers discovering their inner strength and forming bonds, rather than immediately donning their iconic suits. This approach pays off, keeping audiences invested in their journey even before the big action sequences of the final act. When the morphing finally happens, and the Zords roar into battle, it’s a spectacle. The film offers a "really neat" and "cool take" on the Zords, culminating in a massive throwdown against Goldar. However, Goldar himself remains a "big blob of gold," lacking any real character, and one particular moment in the climax veers into "corny as hell" territory, with some special effects occasionally missing the mark.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

The film smartly casts familiar faces in key roles. Bryan Cranston as Zordon is a "great pick," his voice and presence perfectly suited for the disembodied mentor. Similarly, Bill Hader injects much-needed wit and personality into Alpha 5, transforming the often-cheesy robot into a "pretty cool Droid."

However, Elizabeth Banks's portrayal of Rita Repulsa presents a tonal challenge. Initially, her take on the villain leans into a "horror movie angle," which is genuinely effective and unsettling. Yet, as the film progresses, her performance shifts, becoming "kind of cheesy." This creates a jarring contrast with the earnestness of the young cast, making her stand out "like a sore thumb." It feels as though Banks might have approached the role with the mindset that the source material was inherently cheesy, allowing her to lean into that, while everyone else was striving for a more grounded, impactful performance. This leads to some questionable "dumb calls" from Rita that strain credulity. Despite these missteps, the film sprinkles in clever nods to the broader Power Rangers lore, delighting long-time fans with subtle references from various sagas.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

Dean Israelite's direction navigates a tricky balance. The decision to prioritize character development over immediate action was a bold one, and it largely succeeds, proving that a Power Rangers story can resonate without constant explosions. The film manages to weave in a few "mature jokes" that land well, adding a layer of unexpected humor. While the overall tone is generally serious, the film never forgets its roots, delivering a genuinely "good time." The primary tonal inconsistency stems from Rita's characterization, which occasionally pulls the audience out of the otherwise engaging narrative.

The Final Verdict

Power Rangers is a surprising and enjoyable ride. It takes a beloved, often campy, franchise and imbues it with genuine heart and character depth, a gamble that largely pays off. While not without its flaws – particularly a somewhat uneven villain performance and a few CGI hiccups – the film’s commitment to its young heroes and their journey makes it a worthwhile watch. For fans of the original and newcomers alike, this reboot offers a fresh, engaging perspective on what it means to be a Power Ranger.