The 2017 theatrical release of the Power Rangers reboot continues to be a topic of discussion, with fans and critics analyzing its underperformance. Despite a reasonable budget, well-timed release, effective trailers, and a modern update, the film did not achieve the anticipated box office success, and its associated toy line also struggled.

Key Criticisms of the Reboot

Limited Ranger Screen Time

A central point of contention highlighted in recent discussions is the minimal screen time featuring the Rangers in their fully suited forms. Many believe this significantly impacted the film's appeal. The narrative spent considerable time on the characters earning their Ranger status and morphing abilities, which was well-executed but unbalanced the focus away from them operating as a team.

Action Sequences and Character Design

While the battles when the Rangers were suited up were a strength, these action sequences were often brief. They quickly transitioned to Zord sequences and the final confrontation with Goldar. Although the Zord battles, particularly involving the Putties, were enjoyable, a consensus suggests the film needed more direct Ranger combat outside of the Zords. For example, a scene where Jason fights Putties was short, leaving audiences wanting more. Goldar's design also drew criticism for being unappealing and consuming screen time that could have featured more Ranger action.

Subjective Elements and Missed Potential

Beyond these core issues, other criticisms are more subjective. The modern, alien-inspired aesthetics of the costumes and the Megazord divided opinions, with many fans preferring the original look. The Putties' design also sparked debate, with some appreciating their more menacing appearance while others favored the classic version. Despite critiques of the time spent on pre-morph character development, the exploration of the characters outside their Ranger personas was generally seen as a strength. This ultimately contributed to the disappointment that sequels with the same cast did not materialize.

Ultimately, the film is viewed not as a complete failure, but as a significant missed opportunity. It failed to fully leverage its appealing cast and updated visuals, and crucially, did not provide enough screen time for the characters in their fully powered Ranger forms.