Why People Dislike the 2017 Power Rangers Film

The 2017 live-action film of Power Rangers has received significant criticism from its audience, especially from long-term fans of the franchise. The film's failure to capture the essence of the original series led to disappointment and frustration among many viewers. This article explores the reasons behind the dislike for the 2017 film and how it missed the mark on character development.

The Original Series vs. the Live-Action Film

The original Power Rangers seasons, from the 1990s to the mid-2000s, were renowned for their deep character development and emotional arcs. Characters like Kimberly, Trini, Billy, Zack, and Jason were fleshed out into multi-dimensional figures, each with their own unique struggles and growth.

Character Backgrounds in the Original Series

Kimberly Hart: She came from a broken home, with divorced parents and a stepparent relationship that often resulted in tormenting her. Her character arc centered around her struggle with feelings of anger and resentment, as well as her need for acceptance and a sense of belonging. Trini Kwan: Trini faced internal conflicts as a female character in a predominantly male-dominated martial arts world. She excelled in martial arts, but her true passion lay in collecting dolls and other traditionally feminine toys. This duality added layers to her character and made her relatable to a broad audience. Billy Cranston: Billy had to overcome numerous social and personal challenges to become an effective Ranger. His character arc involved conquering his phobias and finding the confidence to lead his team. Zack Taylor: Known for his brash and confident exterior, Zack's character was actively hiding feelings of insecurity. This duality made his arc unique and engaging. Jason Lee Scott: Jason felt the immense pressure to be a role model and leader even before becoming a Ranger. His character development centered around his broader responsibilities and the burden of leadership.

Character Development in the Live-Action Film

The 2017 live-action film attempted to re-create the characters and storylines, but in doing so, it significantly deviated from the original source material. The film failed to capture the depth and complexity of the characters, instead creating characters that were so far removed from the originals that they seemed only superficially similar.

The writers and producers felt the need to modernize the characters to appeal to a younger audience. However, this resulted in a loss of the original charm and believability. The film lacked the emotional connection that older fans had with the characters, making it difficult for them to empathize or feel invested in the story.

Comparison of Character Development

In the original series, the characters were developed over time, providing viewers with a clear understanding of their motivations, fears, and personal journeys. For example, Kimberly’s backstory was established through her struggles with her stepfather and feelings of exclusion, while Trini’s dual interest in martial arts and dolls reflected her complex identity.

Conversely, the 2017 film rushed to establish a darker, edgier tone, sacrificing the gradual character development that made the originals so memorable. Characters like Kimberly, Trini, and the rest were reimagined from the ground up, resulting in a disjointed and less engaging narrative.

Impact on the Franchise

Many long-time Power Rangers fans felt frustrated by the lack of continuity between the original series and the live-action film. The disconnect between the two led to a sense of resentment and disappointment, as the film failed to honor the legacy and emotional investment that the franchise had built over the years.

On the other hand, younger viewers and non-fans found little to connect with in the film’s darker tone and less relatable characters. The lack of connection between the audience and the characters made the film less appealing and less memorable.

Conclusion

The 2017 live-action film of Power Rangers suffered due to its rushed and misguided character development. By attempting to modernize the characters without truly understanding their roots, the film failed to capture the essence and heart of the original series. As a result, it alienated both old and new fans, ultimately contributing to its lukewarm reception.

While toy and merchandise sales were strong, the lack of continued enthusiasm for the franchise suggests that more thought needs to be put into character development and story continuity to maintain the franchise's legacy.