Photo credit: LIONSGATE

Go Go watch the new Power Rangers movie

This re-imagined Power Rangers will have you screaming "it’s morphin time"!

Brandon Chia

Published: 21 March 2017, 12:04 PM

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.

1. Teenagers with real attitudes

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.

 

LOOK AT THEM, THEY MEAN BUSINESS! PHOTO CREDIT: LIONSGATE

 

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.

2. Morphinominal character development

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.

 

UNLIKE THE ORIGINAL TRINI, BECKY G’S IS A WILD CHILD, BUT
JUST AS RELIABLE AND LOYAL TO HER FRIENDS. PHOTO CREDIT: LIONSGATE

 

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.

3. This children's TV show morphed for older audience

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*!

 

EVEN APLHA-5 ISN’T SO HELPLESS ANYMORE, AND ZORDON IS KEEPING A LITTLE SECRET. PHOTO CREDIT: LIONSGATE

 

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!

4. Easter eggs galore

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.

AMY JO JOHNSON WAS RUMOURED TO MAKE A CAMEO IN THE FILM WHEN SHE SURPRISED THE CAST IN AN INTERVIEW.

5. Special effects are hella cool

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.

 

THEY AREN’T HALF BAD! PHOTO CREDIT: LIONSGATE

 

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.

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