In 2017, the Power Rangers franchise was gaining momentum with a new movie featuring a talented cast. The reboot aimed for a more modern feel with updated costumes, impressive Zords, and a darker take on the villain, Rita Repulsa. However, despite a lot of hype, the movie didn’t do well in theaters, ending plans for future sequels. Even so, the film had some strong points, and here are 5 things it did really well.
5. A Standout Fight
A common complaint about the movie was the lack of action. Besides the final battle, there was only one traditional Power Rangers fight scene without the giant robots. While more of these fights would have been great, the one included was very well done on its own.
The battle against the new rock-based Putty monsters was incredibly exciting, thanks to their overwhelming numbers. The Rangers had a chance to show off both their traditional martial arts skills and their energy weapons. While the fight felt a bit short, everything that happened was really well done.
4. The Zords Looked Amazing
The Power Rangers didn’t just get new costumes – their Zords received a more futuristic, space-themed update too. While the original Dinozords are still classic and beloved, these redesigned Zords were a really impressive improvement.
The new Zords kept the recognizable features of the original Dinosaurs, but with a distinctly alien look that set them apart. The Triceratops, for example, gained six legs and a smoother, metallic face, though it still maintained its basic shape and horns. The Pterodactyl’s overall form remained similar, but it received a lot of extra detailing on its body and wings. The T-Rex also kept its general shape, but sported more unusual, alien-inspired designs across its body and head.
The mastodon and sabertooth tiger were the most dramatically different creatures. The mastodon had eight legs and unusual tusks, while the sabertooth tiger, though still four-legged and generally similar in shape, had a completely altered head that made it look like a different animal. Despite their differences, both creatures felt new and exciting, and were visually impressive when moving.
3. Zordon and Rita Being Original Rangers
The movie starts strong by immediately showing us the original Power Rangers’ defeat. In that battle, we see the Red Ranger, who is actually Zordon, send the Power Coins to Alpha for safekeeping, setting up a future search.
The scene opens with a spaceship speeding past and the wreckage around Zordon, immediately suggesting a huge fight has just happened. The surprise reveal that Rita Repulsa – originally the Green Ranger – is the Rangers’ enemy explains how they were defeated. Zordon cleverly defeats her, separating her from her staff. This moment not only shows us the backstories of two important Power Rangers characters but also sets up the main conflict of the movie, and it’s a truly impressive sequence.
2. A Darker Rita
At the start of the movie, Rita is the powerful Green Ranger, but she’s quickly shown as a broken and diminished version of herself. She immediately displays disturbing behavior, including killing and consuming gold. Elizabeth Banks delivers a fantastic performance as Rita, portraying her as delightfully unhinged, especially through subtle, creepy movements. Even when Rita regains her full strength, Banks maintains that same unsettling intensity.
Whether she’s dramatically entering Trini’s room or powerfully defeating and even killing Billy, the actress consistently delivers a captivating intensity. This adds a much-needed sharpness to the character that wasn’t present in the original show. The comics have also successfully portrayed this side of her, but in the reboot, the live-action performance is exceptional.
An All-Star Ranger Cast
Look, as a huge movie fan, one thing you absolutely need in a Power Rangers film is, well, the Rangers! And the 2017 reboot actually nailed the casting before those actors became household names. Seriously, the cast list – Becky G, Naomi Scott, Ludi Lin, Dacre Montgomery, and RJ Cyler – is packed with stars now, but even back then, they were perfectly suited for their roles. They really felt like Rangers.
David Yost as Billy, the Blue Ranger, was the emotional center of the movie, and Dacre Montgomery was a natural fit as the Red Ranger, Jason. Becky G really shone as Trini, the Yellow Ranger, and quickly won over fans. Naomi Scott as Kimberly (Pink Ranger) and Ludi Lin as Zack (Black Ranger) also impressed, each bringing their own distinct energy to the team. The actors worked incredibly well together, and even though the movie received mixed reviews, critics consistently praised the cast and their chemistry as a major strength.
It’s really disappointing that we won’t be seeing a continuation of the 2017 Power Rangers movie – especially after that awesome tease with Tommy Oliver becoming the Green Ranger at the end! But honestly, the movie itself was great, and I’m still really proud of everything it achieved. It definitely deserves the positive attention it gets.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- Pluribus Star Rhea Seehorn Weighs In On That First Kiss
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Kelly Osbourne Slams “Disgusting” Comments on Her Appearance
- Looks Like SEGA Is Reheating PS5, PS4 Fan Favourite Sonic Frontiers in Definitive Edition
- Arknights: Endfield – Everything You Need to Know Before You Jump In
- Hideo Kojima Says He Was Never Told About The Matrix Creators Wanting Him to Make a Game
- ‘Marty Supreme’ Ending, Explained
- ’90s Cartoon Reboot & TMNT Connection!
- Goat 2 Release Date Estimate, News & Updates
- Dune 3 Gets the Huge Update Fans Have Been Waiting For
2026-04-01 07:10