Power Rangers

It's hard to believe that the Power Rangers franchise could be rejuvenated, yet 2017's film attempts to do just that. Unfortunately, its ambition is muddled by inconsistent pacing and a predictable plot.

Teenagers Become Heroes

The movie follows five teenagers from Angel Grove—Jason, Kimberly, Billy, Zack, and Trini—who discover they have been chosen to become the Power Rangers. When their town is threatened by an alien villain named Rita Repulsa, the group must learn to work together, overcoming their personal challenges to save the world. The film tries to blend high school drama with superhero antics, but it often feels like two separate movies clashing against each other, which diminishes the urgency and engagement in the story.

Mixed Performances Across the Board

The cast, led by Dacre Montgomery as Jason and Naomi Scott as Kimberly, delivers performances that are solid enough to carry the material. RJ Cyler shines as the tech-savvy Billy, bringing a fresh energy to the group. However, the supporting characters, particularly Ludi Lin's Zack and Becky G's Trini, feel somewhat underdeveloped and lack the screen time to flesh out their backstories. Elizabeth Banks chews the scenery as Rita Repulsa, but her cartoonish villainy contrasts oddly with the film's attempts at seriousness.

Visuals That Miss the Mark

Dean Israelite's direction leans heavily on CGI, leading to some impressive visuals when it comes to the action sequences and Zords. However, the film suffers from pacing issues, with certain scenes dragging on longer than they should. The cinematography aims for a gritty look, but it often misses the vibrant energy that is a hallmark of the franchise. The sound design is also a mixed bag; while the nostalgic score brings back memories, the audio can feel overwhelming during key action moments.

Nostalgia Meets Frustration

Watching Power Rangers evokes a sense of nostalgia, yet it also brings moments of frustration as the film struggles to balance youthful drama with superhero action. At times, the character development feels forced, resulting in a disconnect from the emotional stakes. The film drags in the middle, with a few action sequences that don't quite land, leading to periods of boredom. There are moments that could have sparked excitement, but they often fizzle out before reaching a satisfying crescendo.