Go Go watch the new Power Rangers movie

The much-awaited reboot of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (MMPR) series is finally here! Regardless of whether you are new to the franchise or not, these five reasons are why Power Rangers lives up to its reputation.

We know the OG rangers were all goody-two-shoes, because back then heroes had to be perfect role models. They were studious, athletic, and they cared for the environment and community – including the annoying Bulk and Skull.

But the new team of rangers are plain rebels; a bunch of misfits who lack friends and are forced to detention every Saturday. At the same time, they are redefining what makes up a superhero – It isn’t about popularity, wealth or how smoothly their lives are going.

The new rangers face common issues, from bullies to getting in trouble with authorities for pulling stupid stunts – just like us during our teen years. That #sorelatable-ness is what makes this movie so compelling.

It’s not easy to develop one protagonist and antagonist, let alone five teenagers and an evil green sorceress.

The production team did a fantastic job in bringing these new rangers to life with their own personalities distinct from the original rangers, while still keeping a little bit of their best traits.

For example, Kimberly (the pink ranger) was the perpetually friendly and nice girl in the original series. The rebooted Kimberly (Naomi Scott) isn’t quite like, though she still has spectacular balance and grace while fighting just, like her original gymnast counterpart.

Who knew Power Rangers could be this dark? In the TV series, the theme of death, be it a monster or a ranger, is seldom explored much. But the writers of this reboot did not shy away from that…Rita even mentioned in the trailer that she was pretty experienced in ranger killing!

Furthermore, the rangers are teens after all and no strangers to more *cough* adult jokes *cough*!

But seriously, Rita is no longer an old lady with massive headaches, lounging in the comfort of her moon lair while her underlings do all her dirty work.

This new Rita has zero qualms about causing destruction wherever she goes!

Power Rangers might be a re-imagined world of the franchise but there are so many Easter eggs scattered throughout the movie that all Power Rangers fanatics will appreciate.

I am not going to spoil or reveal what they are… Except just this one: Look out for the original Kimberly Hart and Tommy Oliver (the Green/White Ranger), Amy Jo Johnson and Jason David Frank, who make cameo appearances.

Yes, like many fans, the designs of the zords made me shake my head and go “Ai-yi-yi-yi-yi”. But the effects used during the final battle between the zords and Goldar aren’t cheap looking at all!

One of my biggest concerns was whether the zords would end up dino-transformers looking with obviously fake movements. Thankfully, they are pretty legit.

Plus, Rita’s minions – also known as putty patrollers – are no longer silly looking clay creatures. Rather, they are some tough looking rock soldiers, who can do some real damage now!

Besides the lacklustre zords, Power Rangers definitely delivered a good balance of character development and butt-kicking action, and it sure will strike up some nostalgia that will leave all fans of the original series feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside.

Get ready because it’s morphin time as Power Rangers (PG) opens in cinemas Mar 23.