(CNN) "Power Rangers" arrives with a pretty serious case of "Transformers" envy, hoping to transform another kids toy franchise of the past into a theatrical blockbuster. The overlong origin story, however, doesn't pack much power, while owing as much of a debt to "The Breakfast Club" as its action-figure selling namesake. This more grown-up, PG-13-rated edition has conspicuously dropped the "Mighty Morphin" part of its name, while adding a few high-profile supporting players, among them Bryan Cranston as the gang's disembodied guide Zordon, and Elizabeth Banks as the villainous Rita Repulsa. At first, there's some fun as they exult in their new powers, on the order of "Spider-Man," times five. Inevitably, director Dean Israelite and writer John Gatins incorporate the franchise's sillier and more nostalgic underpinnings, from snippets of the "Go go Power Rangers" theme that chased many a parent from the room to a seemingly inevitable "Transformers" joke.

Source: CNN March 23, 2017 16:07 UTC