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Description
I admit I was more of a casual fan of Power Rangers as a kid. I watched it, I liked it, I'd tune in on occasions, but I wasn't overly obsessed with it like I was with, say, Pokémon. If I do have some extensive knowledge of other series, it's mostly because I've seen the web series "History of Power Rangers" (I'll put a link at the end). When I saw the trailers for the new movie reboot, I was admittedly skeptical and was kind of worried it was gonna be TOO serious but I was still curious. After seeing it, I have to say.....I really liked this movie. This was a lot of fun and a total blast.

Yes the movie does have a more serious tone than other Power Rangers series but it does manage to balance out that tone with some lighthearted charm, and it did not feel jarring. The characters were also really well done. All 5 Rangers felt distinct, they were all likable and they actually felt like teenagers with attitude more than the original mighty morphin rangers. It helps that the actors playing them all do a great job. They share really good chemistry and have some cool banter with each other. My personal favorite of them was RJ Cyler as Billy. As for other characters, Bryan Cranston makes for a pretty good Zordon, Bill Hader got some laughs out of me as Alpha 5 (and is actually far less annoying than the original Alpha 5), and Elizabeth Banks was a joy to watch as Rita Repulsa. The action scenes were also fun. When things start going down and the rangers have to fight the Putties get the Zords and fight Goldar, I was really into it. The climax really plays out like a big budgeted version of the show.

However there are some issues. For one, the Krispy Kreme product placement is just ridiculous. Sometimes product placement can be done well and can be subtle. But here, a major plot point in this movie hinges on a Krispy Kreme. Plus I'm pretty sure they say the words 'Krispy Kreme' more than they say the words 'Power Rangers.' Another issue that may bother some but didn't bother me too much is that the actual 'Power Rangers' stuff with the characters morphing and fighting Putties and so forth doesn't really happen until the last 20 minutes. Up to that point, its mostly just build up and them training to become Power Rangers. I can see how that would be really disappointing to people and while part of me wished they had morphed sooner part of me was also okay with it since I was so invested in these teenagers and what they were going through that I almost didn't care.

One more disappointing thing, no Bulk and Skull. Shame...

Final thoughts, I actually thought this movie was pretty good. The characters were great, the action is cool and this does manage to balance out the darker moments with the lighter moments better than I thought it would. Also, plus 10,000 points for taking a shot at Transformers. If you're a hardcore Power Rangers fan, or even just a casual one like me, you'll definitely enjoy it. There are certainly some nods and Easter eggs that fans will certainly notice, some clear ones and some where you'd have to know more about the other Power Rangers series to catch. But even if you're not a Power Rangers fan you may still find things in this movie to latch on to. I'd even go as far as to say I enjoyed this movie more than the Beauty and the Beast remake or Kong Skull Island (I apologize for nothing). So yes, I recommend seeing it.

Oh and there is a mid credits scene, so make sure you stick around for that.

History of Power Rangers link: atopthefourthwall.com/other-vi…

Description
I admit I was more of a casual fan of Power Rangers as a kid. I watched it, I liked it, I'd tune in on occasions, but I wasn't overly obsessed with it like I was with, say, Pokémon. If I do have some extensive knowledge of other series, it's mostly because I've seen the web series "History of Power Rangers" (I'll put a link at the end). When I saw the trailers for the new movie reboot, I was admittedly skeptical and was kind of worried it was gonna be TOO serious but I was still curious. After seeing it, I have to say.....I really liked this movie. This was a lot of fun and a total blast.

Yes the movie does have a more serious tone than other Power Rangers series but it does manage to balance out that tone with some lighthearted charm, and it did not feel jarring. The characters were also really well done. All 5 Rangers felt distinct, they were all likable and they actually felt like teenagers with attitude more than the original mighty morphin rangers. It helps that the actors playing them all do a great job. They share really good chemistry and have some cool banter with each other. My personal favorite of them was RJ Cyler as Billy. As for other characters, Bryan Cranston makes for a pretty good Zordon, Bill Hader got some laughs out of me as Alpha 5 (and is actually far less annoying than the original Alpha 5), and Elizabeth Banks was a joy to watch as Rita Repulsa. The action scenes were also fun. When things start going down and the rangers have to fight the Putties get the Zords and fight Goldar, I was really into it. The climax really plays out like a big budgeted version of the show.

However there are some issues. For one, the Krispy Kreme product placement is just ridiculous. Sometimes product placement can be done well and can be subtle. But here, a major plot point in this movie hinges on a Krispy Kreme. Plus I'm pretty sure they say the words 'Krispy Kreme' more than they say the words 'Power Rangers.' Another issue that may bother some but didn't bother me too much is that the actual 'Power Rangers' stuff with the characters morphing and fighting Putties and so forth doesn't really happen until the last 20 minutes. Up to that point, its mostly just build up and them training to become Power Rangers. I can see how that would be really disappointing to people and while part of me wished they had morphed sooner part of me was also okay with it since I was so invested in these teenagers and what they were going through that I almost didn't care.

One more disappointing thing, no Bulk and Skull. Shame...

Final thoughts, I actually thought this movie was pretty good. The characters were great, the action is cool and this does manage to balance out the darker moments with the lighter moments better than I thought it would. Also, plus 10,000 points for taking a shot at Transformers. If you're a hardcore Power Rangers fan, or even just a casual one like me, you'll definitely enjoy it. There are certainly some nods and Easter eggs that fans will certainly notice, some clear ones and some where you'd have to know more about the other Power Rangers series to catch. But even if you're not a Power Rangers fan you may still find things in this movie to latch on to. I'd even go as far as to say I enjoyed this movie more than the Beauty and the Beast remake or Kong Skull Island (I apologize for nothing). So yes, I recommend seeing it.

Oh and there is a mid credits scene, so make sure you stick around for that.

History of Power Rangers link: atopthefourthwall.com/other-vi…