“Baywatch” was an American TV series about lifeguards in Los Angeles County, California. The show was actually cancelled after its first season on NBC, but it was ‘rescued’ and went on to become one of the most watched television shows in the world during its run from 1989 to 1999. So, what does this big-screen, big-budget reboot of the series have in store for you (other than a cameo appearance from The Hoff)?

For those who remember the TV show, you’ll find yourself drawn to the idea of this movie for all of those inexplicable reasons you watched the show (*cough* – slow motion beach running – *cough*). For everyone else, knowledge of the intricate and complex plot of the TV show is not needed for you to enjoy this film. The ‘in-jokes’ may be lost on you, but you’ll be dragged into this film by the very fit and toned looking lifeguards (noting your civic duty to understand the dangers of the ocean by watching intently) played by the likes of Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, all having a blast; a hard to believe and slightly overly-complicated crime to investigate; and some pretty darn cool explosions.

This is a fun movie-going experience, and is not meant to be any more than that. It does definitely benefit from being watched on the big screen… and I think a Film Group audience will also be a bonus. So make sure you’re part of that audience and head to this (on-screen) beach to escape Canberra’s cold weather.

This movie is a fun escape. That should be reason enough to see it, but just in case you aren’t convinced by my first six words I will attempt to persuade you with phrases like ‘super powers’, ‘colour-coded skin-tight power suits’, and ‘cool helmets with opaque visors’.

Power Rangers is the second film in tonight’s double feature of big-screen ‘90s TV series reboots, and the studio has clearly put quite a bit of effort into making a new origin film that won’t require you to be a devout Power Rangers fan to enjoy the story.

The backstory goes something like this: there is a trans-dimensional energy field called The Morphing Grid which is channelled through The Zeo Crystal. Intergalactic baddie Rita Repulsa (Banks) attempts to steal the crystal, creating a scary creature to help her. But Zordon (Cranston), a warrior, leads a group called the Power Rangers to stop it. They win, destroying the creature and sending Rita away though a black hole. But when five teenage student outcasts accidentally undo the good work of the Power Rangers many years later, they must then band together to restore balance to the force… oops, wrong movie. I mean, they must then become Power Rangers themselves, master their new skills and work as a team to defeat Rita and save the world.

Really, the plot doesn’t matter all that much with this film. It’s got some great visual effects, a diverse cast, and of course, superheroes. Don’t miss this fun night of good versus evil.