The challenge facing most fan favorite franchises nowadays is how to update for a brand new audience, while delivering a great story for die-hard fans.
Many movies have tried this formula. Some, like “Batman Begins” have worked. Others, such as “Fantastic Four” have failed miserably.
“Power Rangers,” the latest to join the ranks of old favorites into blockbusters, thankfully falls into the former category, as it updates an old story and yet appeals to any fan, die-hard or newcomer.
Jason Scott (Dacre Montgomery), Angel Grove’s star quarterback, ends up in detention for a prank gone wrong, where he meets Kimberly (Naomi Scott), a popular girl who has fallen from grace, and Billy (RJ Cyler), a nerdy kid on the Autism Spectrum.
By chance, the three discover an ancient cave, along with Zack (Ludi Lin) and Trini (Becky G), where the five find ancient coins that give them incredible powers. This is perfectly timed with the return of Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks), an evil sorceress who is after an artifact that would give her the power to destroy the world.
“Power Rangers” may look gritty and dark from the trailers, but deep down, it’s a tried and true re-launch of the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” era so many fans love. Most of the film is spent with the five teenagers as they learn to trust each other and work as a team.
Because the viewer goes along the journey with the characters, when they finally don the Ranger suits, surprisingly late in the film, it’s a payoff as opposed to a simple check mark on the list of things the movie needs.
Where the film shines is in the five new actors picked to fill the iconic roles of the Rangers. Montgomery leads the film and brings Jason a new edge not previously seen. Cyler is instantly likeable as the over-sharing Billy and is easily the heart of the film. Scott shines as an independent heroine with an edge, Becky G rounds out rebel Trini and Lin’s Zack is a deeper character than he appears.
But heroes are only as good as their villain. Banks’ portrayal of Rita, utterly transformed in a makeup and costume that makes her look nothing like the beautiful comedic actress most people know. The silly, classic Rita from the series is completely reinvented here and it pays off, giving the Rangers a true adversary.
“Power Rangers” has the huge responsibility of relighting the fire, and it does so with flying colors. For fans of the franchise, it’s a solid reset of the property and for newcomers, it’ll turn them on to an exciting new world.
Bradley Burgess can be reached at [email protected]