PowerRangers

We still have a couple of weeks before Lionsgate’s big screen re-envisioning of ‘Power Rangers’ which promises to bring a more grounded, modern feel to the hyper-kinetic, technicolor frenzy from the early 90s.  Fans have been looking forward to this movie with a mixture of excitement and caution… I mean when you strip away the hyper-kinetics and the technicolor… what’s left?

It had to be a challenge for director Dean Israelite to strike the right balance between nostalgia and modern sensibilities.  Unfortunately, we have to wait until March 23 to judge for ourselves whether or not he succeeded, but in the meantime, here is a clip from the movie which may give an idea of what to expect.

The clip obviously comes from early in the movie, so it doesn’t spoil very much as the five teens– Jason (Dacre Montgomery), Kimberly (Naomi Scott), Trini (Becky G.), Billy (R.J. Cyler) and Zack (Ludi Lin)– have not yet gained their super powers.  But, as you can see, that’s about to change!

Check it out below:

Yep, that’s our first look at Alpha-5.  There has been some concern over the gang’s trusty robot sidekick’s appearance in the film, particularly the way he looks more alien and organic than he did on the original TV show.  But after having seen the designs of the Rangers’ power suits, the new Zords and Megazord, which also have a much more organic feel, it can at least be said that Alpha fits the overall design aesthetic of the film.

So what do you think after having seen the pre-Rangers and Alpha in action?  Is it faithful enough to the original show?  Too faithful?

Saban’s Power Rangers follows five ordinary teens who must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove — and the world — is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it’s too late, band together as the Power Rangers.

Directed by Dean Israelite, ‘Saban’s Power Rangers’ stars Ludi Lin, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Dacre Montgomery, Elizabeth Banks, Bill Hader, and Bryan Cranston and hits theaters on March 24, 2017.