Over the last few years nostalgia has become one of the bigger weapons in Hollywood. Major studios try to reach our inner child, revitalizing those films or series with which we grew up. This is the case of 'Power Rangers', the reboot of the 90s series, 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers', and it's released next April
In the last few months, there has been a continuous drip of small dose of information about the film, and it is the expectation of this review that the series that was born from the Japanese 'Super Sentai Series' has monopolized the desire of many fans to see their childhood show rebooted.
But fans are divided on two fronts: those who defend the update and critics who say it's lost it's heart.
The cast includes Dacre Montgomery (Jason), Naomi Scott (Kimberly), Ludi Lin (Zack), RJ Cyler (Bryan) and Becky Gomez (Trini) joining Elizabeth Banks (Rita Repulsa), Bryan Cranston (Zordon) and Bill Hader (voice of Alpha 5). Also, reports indicate that this new film will have a much darker, less comedic perspective than the series.
Are you ready to morph?
Here is everything you need to know about the new 'Power Rangers'.
A very long-lived saga
The 'Power Rangers' saga began back in 1993 with 'Mighty Morphin', a 'Super Sentai' adaptation and recycled many of their scenes. Its creators never imagined the success that the series would generate, including two movies during the 90s, 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie' and 'Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie', and tons of merchandising. In addition, that first generation of the heroes of Angel Grove gave witness to new additions and evolutions of the Power Rangers.
1 'Mighty Morphin' Reboot'
Since the decision to adapt the successful series 'Super Sentai', there have been many successions of the famous TV show. However, the most well known is the original, 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers', where we know for the first time who the Rangers, Zordon and Alpha 5 were and discovered the lives of these teenagers who wanted to stop Rita Repulsa. This has been the generation chosen by Lionsgate to bring 'Power Rangers' to the big screen. However, the reboot will stop be a touch darker and more mature than the series, as we have seen in the trailers and explained its director at the last Comic-Con in New York.
2 The New Generation of Power Rangers
The fact that the new film is a reboot means that the original protagonists will return. The Power Rangers will be those five teenagers of Angel Grove chosen by Zordon to save the world after the resurgence of Rita Repulsa. Dacre Montgomery will be Jason, the Red Ranger; Naomi Scott will play Kimberly, the Pink Ranger; Becky Gomez will give life to Trini, the Yellow Ranger; Ludi Lin will play Zack, the Black Ranger and RJ Cyler will become Bryan, the Blue Ranger.
However, the new Rangers will be different from previous versions of themselves, different from their predecessors. The first trailer gives us the first look at their different personalities, especially the rebellion facet. Also Kimberly, Jason and Trini are all good friends.
3 New Costumes
The fans of the saga have found a question more important than anything else, the new designs of the costumes! When they released the first images of Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa, there were many whom didn't like the new costume. But this was only a warning of what would be coming, as the Rangers have abandoned their lycra suit for a prodigious armor. The Zords and even Alpha 5 are other elements of the film that have been influenced by this alien aesthetic that Dean Israelite has decided to give the film. It doesn't fit everyone's taste, but, you have to admit, they do look pretty cool!
4 No, they aren't the same actors as the original
The first actors to give life to the Power Rangers remain an attraction almost a quarter of a century later. Conventions with fans are their work today. But will they return to the big screen in the form of cameos?
Unfortunately, all signs point to no. Amy J Johnson (Kimberly) and Austin St John (Jason) whom both participated in 'Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie' when they had already left the franchise, but as Walter Jones, the original Black Ranger, said: "It's not likely. Unfortunately, we have not been invited to join, it's somewhat confusing to me, however I am excited about the film."
5 Weapons and Power Coins
The source of power for the Power Rangers are their coins, which allow them to morph. However, since they have a new design, as in the other elements of the film, the coins have changed so they reflect the colour of the Ranger, not which Dinozord they have. In addition, the coins also give the teenagers special abilities even without the need to morph. The fact that five young people reach them and they weren't delivered by Zordon is also new.
With regard to weapons, there is no record of whether the Rangers will have them as well as their peers in the series. Until now we only knows of the existence of the sword of the Red Ranger, which was presented last October. It would be strange that only Jason had a weapon, therefore it is expected that all of them return to the reboot.
6 Zordon and Alpha 5
The Power Rangers are back, but they aren't alone. Zordon and Alpha 5 also return in the film, two unforgettable characters from the first series. They will be responsible for teaching the rebellious teenagers what it is to be a hero, a task that not will be simple, because they must learn fast before the imminent threat of Rita. Alpha 5, who will be voiced by Bill Hader, has left behind the endearing robotic appearance for a more alien like one.
7Zords to the rescue!
If there was something you couldn't miss about the movie, it would be the Dinozords. The huge assault vehicle which the Power Rangers used the moment things went ugly. Jason will have his T-Rex, Kimberly the Pterodactyl, Zack will have the Mastodon, Billie gets the Triceratops and Trini has her Sabre-toothed Tiger. Together they join up and form the mighty Megazord, which, as shown in the second trailer, will be the main strategy which try to defeat Goldar.
8 New, more durable, Putty Patrollers
One of the last novelties to reach the Power Rangers is that the goons would return to the film, but instead of clay men, this time they will be made out of rock. Also, according to have could see in the trailer, the evil Rita will be capable of create them through the asphalt, by what goes to have the possibility of make is with an immense army without helps of Finster, who doesn't seem to be present in this edition.
9 Goldar
All who have seen 'Mighty Morphin' remember Goldar, one henchman of Rita, a mix of Ape and a winged lion. The villain returns to the film and will do so, in addition to an excessive gold plated, with more importance than it had in the series. Goldar is the main rival to be beaten by the Rangers. The Rangers won't find it easy to defeat him, since his huge size will it be complicated to the very same Zords. The only solution? The Megazord.
10 Rita Repulsa becomes more frightening
Rita Repulsa, the antagonist of the Power Rangers, executes her plans to destroy the planet Earth. With a very different design from initial character played by Machiko Soga, Elizabeth Banks has been chosen to frighten Angel Grove, a suitable choice according to Dean Israelite. "She (Rita) still has the evil and humor that made it work so well in the series, but there is something more. Elizabeth Banks is perfect for the role, because she is capable of balancing the humor and drama that the character needs in a way that almost nobody else can," says the director. Banks is, along with Bryan Cranston, one of the bigger names of the film.
[This paragraph contains possible SPOILERS for 'Power Rangers']
It's an unconfirmed theory but, as reported The Wrap and we'd pick up a few weeks ago, Rita Repulsa could be the Green Ranger. Let us remember that in television fiction a sixth member (Tommy) which, initially, was evil joined at the end of the chapters. According to a hypothesis that has been circulating several months, Rita would have formed part of the first team of Power Rangers of the history, which was led by Zordon. However, something changed in it, making her evil. This episode, which would have taken place 65 million years ago, would be reinforced by a quote from the first trailer, where she states, in a confrontation with Trini, that it is not the first time that she has killed a Ranger.