It’s Morphin Time!
This Netflix reunion/revival of the 1990s early Power Rangers show is both brilliant and terrible in equal measures. The show has the look and feel of the original show whilst having a few sparks of modern production values. This is exactly what the show needed to be, especially when compared to the failed attempt at a modern superhero take on the Power Rangers franchise from a few years ago.
Rita Repulsa is back in a robot form. Looking exactly as she did back when the show started…but with a robot face mask. This may tie into something the show has done over the years so I won’t judge it too harshly but they could have gone for a cooler robot skeleton face or something a bit less cheap looking.
I do sometimes feel that this show could have bridged the gap between old school and modern a tad more to make something that was both true to the original and modernised. It’s in the same realm as Masters of the Universe Revelation and Cobra Kai as an old kids favourite which is clearly made more for the fans who grew up with it rather than being a new version for a younger generation.
Only Billy and Zack are back from the original line up with a few other returning Rangers from other eras. It’s a shame more didn’t return, and the timing is sad that Jason David Frank had just passed away when this was getting its early hype. They don’t reference his passing at all, but do pay more tribute to Trinny, who sacrifices herself to save Billy in the opening scene. Of course the original actress who played Trinny passed away many years ago. The story does introduce the character’s daughter who eventually becomes a Ranger to continue her mother’s legacy.
The story does explain why the full original line up don’t appear and it’s fun that Rita turns the non returning cast into mini action figure sized figurines. The Rangers get to take on the putties and other returning villains in a fun if not overly long adventure. It blasts by with lots of action and character moments.
The film is perfect for fans of the original show who will feel nostalgia for the original show, but probably won’t appeal to anyone else. But that’s fine as it’s not for them.
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