Power Rangers is a good film overall. While it helps having grown up with the original, I think it's still enjoyable for everyone else.
Characterization is probably this film's strong suit. The characters are all new, so even old fans will have to get to know them. First and foremost, they all start off as delinquents - literally outcasts from society, which is weird because they are supposed to be role models. In the original, they were great friends and model students.
What I thought at first was an odd flaw in writing proved to be a strength. All the characters start off dysfunctional, but this means they have a lot of room to grow. And we see that development slowly build, at a realistic pace, through the course of the film.
And the pace is something else I want to praise. It manages to give us little hints and glimpses of their potential, but they have to work to achieve it. Super-strength is something they get early on, yet it's not nearly enough. The film doesn't blow its load early for the sake of spectacle or fanservice. When you finally see the team assemble as the Power Rangers, it feels well-earned.
That said, it's not a perfect film. The action is good, but not great. If you have any nostalgia for the cheesy spandex fights from the original, this film is a treat. If not... well, it might seem a little lame along with some obvious wire-fu, but still fun.
There are plot holes here and there, but very little to detract from the main themes of teamwork, friendship, and trust. While no masterpiece of writing - after all, the main plot is the villain is just evil and wants to kill everything - it also doesn't clutter itself too much or shoehorn in unnecessary plotlines.
A great throwback to the old TV series while still being original
Power Rangers is a good film overall. While it helps having grown up with the original, I think it's still enjoyable for everyone else.
Characterization is probably this film's strong suit. The characters are all new, so even old fans will have to get to know them. First and foremost, they all start off as delinquents - literally outcasts from society, which is weird because they are supposed to be role models. In the original, they were great friends and model students.
What I thought at first was an odd flaw in writing proved to be a strength. All the characters start off dysfunctional, but this means they have a lot of room to grow. And we see that development slowly build, at a realistic pace, through the course of the film.
And the pace is something else I want to praise. It manages to give us little hints and glimpses of their potential, but they have to work to achieve it. Super-strength is something they get early on, yet it's not nearly enough. The film doesn't blow its load early for the sake of spectacle or fanservice. When you finally see the team assemble as the Power Rangers, it feels well-earned.
That said, it's not a perfect film. The action is good, but not great. If you have any nostalgia for the cheesy spandex fights from the original, this film is a treat. If not... well, it might seem a little lame along with some obvious wire-fu, but still fun.
There are plot holes here and there, but very little to detract from the main themes of teamwork, friendship, and trust. While no masterpiece of writing - after all, the main plot is the villain is just evil and wants to kill everything - it also doesn't clutter itself too much or shoehorn in unnecessary plotlines.
It's a simple, fun film. That's all.