Synopsis:
Saban’s Power Rangers follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that the world is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.
-Written by Lionsgate
Film Review:
During the Cenozoic Era, about 65 million years ago, Zordon ( Bryan Cranston) also known as the Red Ranger, was leading his team- the Power Rangers to fight against Rita Ripulsa ( Elisabeth Banks). Rita was a former Power Ranger and friend to Zordon, but Rita wanted more power and eventually lost her way, therefore betraying the Power Rangers. She attacked them in hopes of acquiring the crystal that will make her the strongest. However, Zordon fought back and was able to hide all of the five Power Ranger stones underneath the ground and soon to find the next rightful holders and the next Power Rangers to defend the Earth from Rita.
Meanwhile in Angel Grove town, at present, a guy named Jason Scott (Dacre Montgomery aka Red Ranger)- trying to be rebellious by bringing a cow inside the shool’s gym for fun. Although he and his friends managed to get the cow inside the locker rooms, the cops came too soon, and Jason got into an unexpected car chasing incident. The next minute he was tumbling down inside his vehicle when he hit another car. There goes detention for him every Saturday with other misunderstood kids in school.
Jason seems like a good kid, a favourite quarterback and quite popular in town. It wasn’t hard for him to make friends and he did become friends with Billy (RJ Cyler aka Blue Ranger), and that was the beginning of how the next generation of Power Rangers was formed. Through Billy, who is the smartest of the group- he discovers the stones by exploding dynamite through the gold mine where his father used to work. All of the five of them were on site by fate, and each of them got chosen by their stones and its powers to be the Power Rangers.
As a fan of Power Rangers during their most popular times on TV, it’s amazing to get the chance to experience it again, this time on a widescreen film. With boosted visuals and imagery, it’s a very enjoyable movie. Also with the whole concept of Power Rangers still intact, which is mainly about friendship and working as a team to fight evil. The film showed that its core remains preserved with few healthy changes. Like how the new Power Rangers are a diverse group of misunderstood teenagers with different struggles in life. It brings about culture awareness and relates more to the present time when everyone is given the opportunity to be part of something good. A new look for the Power Rangers that is very appealing to all audiences. As well as how the film incorporated current issues that are real struggles for teenagers to go through- identity crisis, sexual orientation, cyber bullying and single parent families.
The film is engaging enough put aside high expectations as a viewer. It has elements that make a movie substantial and very relatable for all ages, especially the younger generation. A balanced light drama and comedy with action scenes that will bring memories back to the fans of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series.
NZ Release Date: March 23, 2017