It’s easy being cynical about movie franchises. Each
instalment is set up to grab more box office dollars and offer a plethora of
spin-off merchandising. The ‘X-Men’, ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘James Bond’ series
are some who have successfully extended their popularity beyond cinema
screens. Created as a TV and merchandising franchise and in 1993, the
‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ arrived to capture children’s hearts and
parent’s wallets. After two films in the late ‘90’s squeezed more filthy
lucre, a new one comes to re-energise the series and producers’ bank balance.
A group of alien warriors, the Power Rangers, must protect a
magical crystal in order to maintain peace on earth. After a fierce
battle, they entrust the crystal to five human newcomers. Among are Jason
(Dacre Montgomery), Kimberley (Naomi Scott) and Billy (RJ Cyler).
Together they must face against the evil alien warrior Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth
Banks). Learning skills in order to defeat her, the Power Rangers suit up
in a fight for earth’s survival no matter the cost.
‘Power Rangers’ is enjoyable nonsense in spite of
itself. One could easily pick apart the silly plot, dodgy acting and
wonky direction. That would be a disservice as the film exists purely to
entertain and keep an ongoing franchise alive. It does this with ease as
the Ranger’s origin story is handled well by director Dean Israelite. He
ensures the screenplay has a light but semi-serious tone. This enables
genuine investment in the character’s backstory which gives them depth by highlighting
the theme of the importance of teamwork.
The performances are satisfactory without being
embarrassing. Some are better than others although Banks clearly relishes
the chance to play such a wicked role. She knows there is no way she
could play a person like Rita Repulsa in an under-stated fashion so goes for it
full throttle. The CGI is surprisingly excellent and the action is fine
too. The obvious product placement is occasionally jarring with Krispy
Kreme apparently a key stake-holder in getting this made.
Not as appalling as feared ‘Power Rangers’ does an adequate
job in re-building an ageing series. It leaves room for sequels which, if
done in the solid fashion here, should soften even the most hardened cynics of
movie money makers.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie
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