Pretty much anyone who ever grew up in the 90s is likely to have at least some vague recollection of Power Rangers. Well brace yourselves, because in the latest bit of news that seemingly proves that movie studios are trying to cash in on our collective childhoods, Lionsgate and Saban announced today they will be rebooting a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie for a theatrical release.
As much as this news gives me mixed feelings, I actually find Lionsgate and Saban decision to make this film understandable. While the show isn’t as popular as it was back in 1993, it has nevertheless managed to stay on the air for over two decades despite an ownership change, several network shifts, almost two dozen title changes and even more cast replacements over the years (not to mention many of the shows original fans are now in their 30s). The show is currently airing it’s latest season Power Rangers Super Megaforce on Nickelodeon.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers / 20th Century Fox
Admittedly, Power Rangers remains a guilty pleasure for me to this day, so I’m not necessarily against this bit of news. However, if Lionsgate and Saban actually manage to get this Power Rangers movie made, I urge them to do so carefully. Pretty much the worst thing they could do is try to make the film more “gritty” than it’s kid friendly counterpart just for the sake of doing so. Part of the show’s appeal back in 1993 (and today for that matter) is it’s unapologetic campiness, so making it gritty kind of misses the point of why people like to watch it in the first place. Admittedly though, there is such a thing as too campy, which of course has already been proven by more than one season of Power Rangers.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time a Power Rangers movie has gotten the silver screen treatment. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie was released back in 1995 to mixed reception, due partially to the film having nothing to do with the show canon-wise. Two years later, they released Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie but the reception for it has been largely negative mostly due to the film being an irredeemable piece of junk.
Do you think a Power Rangers movie is a good idea? Should it be faithful to the original show or it receive a more gritty treatment? Give us your thoughts in the comment section below.
Source: Slashfilm
