Saban's Power Rangers

Inspired by the 1990s Fox Kids series that was adapted by Haim Saban from the popular Japanese TV series Super Sentai, this slick but silly film revolves around superheroes in color-coded costumes, telling an origin story that begins with a prehistoric flashback revealing that the first Power Rangers were humanoid-looking extraterrestrials led by Zordon (voiced by Bryan Cranston) who arrived on Earth millions of years ago to battle power-hungry alien invader Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks). When a meteor strike annihilates most of the newcomers (along with the dinosaurs), Zordon's consciousness is loaded into their spacecraft's computer system by his loyal android, Alpha 5 (Bill Hader). More than 60 million years later, in rural Angel Grove, nerdy Billy (RJ Cyler) discovers a mysterious energy source in an underground cave and is joined by four other angst-ridden high school delinquents: disgraced quarterback Jason (Dacre Montgomery), loner Zack (Ludi Lin), ostracized cheerleader/gymnast Kimberly (Naomi Scott), and sullen Trini (Becky G). The teens unearth mysteriously glowing medallions that enhance their speed, strength, and agility. It's all great fun until they discover their real purpose when they find Zordon's buried spaceship and android Alpha 5, who observes “Different colors! Different kids! Different-colored kids!” Meanwhile, Rita Repulsa returns, determined to steal the Zeo Crystal, which is buried under a Krispy Kreme store. The kids train—somewhat tediously—to morph into a cohesive team in order to thwart Rita's global ambitions. Chaotically directed by Dean Israelite, this is an optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Dean Israelite and writer John Gatins, deleted/alternate/extended scenes (34 min.), and outtakes (4 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the “making-of” documentary “The Power of the Present” (150 min.), and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an underwhelming big screen origin story for the popular franchise.] (S. Granger)