A new generation of Power Rangers hit the big screen this weekend. But, was the pay off as big as the hype? Yes and No. I think anytime you try to reintroduce an existing character or characters there will always be some risks. Roberto Orci (producer) had to find a way to pay respect to the vastly popular Saban property that fans adored and at the same time breathe new life into it. For newcomers, it was fast paced and exciting. The story was just enough story to make you care about what was going on. For the old school diehard fans there were plenty of nods to the original series (along with cameos) to take them back to the original Japanese style monster fight scenes that were both comical and exciting. The same thing that made it worth watching week after week season after season.
The story is really about Billy Cranston (The Blue Ranger) who is now apparently a bit autistic (although he didn't say it but he did say he was on the spectrum) and a lot more nerdy these days. We, also, learn he is from a single parent home (now) after his father's passing. Billy is the catalyst for every major event in this new production. He initiates the trip to the mountain, the explosion that causes the power coins to be found and he even dies (temporarily) that rallies the team to find the strength to morph into the superheroes they were destined to be. 
The Red Ranger we find out, originally, was Zordon. In the opening scene we see Bryan Cranston as a fallen Red Ranger that is the only survivor of an apparent attack from Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks) and sacrifices himself in order to kill Rita. Fast Forward to present time and we see future Red Ranger (Dacre Montgomery) as a cow stealing car wrecking juvenile delinquent. Pink Ranger (Naomi Scott) is the stereotypical mean girl turned good as she enters detention for a later revealed "picture" incident and wows the juvenile delinquents with a bathroom haircut makeover (corny). The story begins to take shape as Rita Repulsa re-emerges and visits yellow ranger trying to convince her to join the "dark" side. Of course, the yellow ranger is a team player and informs the rangers and Zordon of her plan. At this point, the Rangers are not able to morph in to the "Power" Rangers but still possess their enhanced strength and agility. Billy solves the problem for him self and becomes the conscience of the team and is able to morph into the Blue Ranger. Not able to sustain the transformation, Billy and the team lose hope as they know a huge fight is brewing. Zordon doesn't think that these kids are worthy of the mantel Power Ranger and seeks Alpha's help in getting him out of the wall so he can once battle as the Red Ranger. While the team loses some of the confidence, Rita attacks and kills Billy. GASP!! The team rallies together back at the space ship where they find the inner strength to embrace their shared destiny. Zordon sacrifices his chance to be the Red Ranger again which allows Billy to come back to life and the Power Rangers are now able to Morph. The fight scene was brief against the "new" puddy men and they eventually get to the boss fight (Rita) as she goes to the Kripy Kreme to find another gem that will make her unstoppable. She raises and then merges with Goldar and the Rangers Zords merge to become the MegaZord and defeat Goldar and Rita. Whew!!
It's a fun movie to see but it did get a little boring in the middle. And as always the good stuff is left for the last 10 to 15 mins of the movie.
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