bclayton1

IMDb member since November 2001
    Lifetime Total
    10+
    IMDb Member
    22 years

Reviews

Power Rangers Wild Force
(2002)

Good start of new PR show
As being a Power Rangers fan, I watched the two-parter on Fox. As understanding the importance of Saban switching to a PR show to keep it fresh and exciting every year, I was pleased at this beginning for a new show.

An orphan named Cole (newcomer Richardo Medina Jr.) is chosen by his tribe to go and venture out into the undiscovered world, as he is the "Chosen One." Upon arriving in an unchartered land, which looks like the New York or California shoreline, he goes in search of the two people in a mysterious black and white photograph. Saving a lovable golden retriever from being destroyed, Cole has a nasty encounter with the two animal control officers, which turn out to be two villains, Jindrax and Toxina.

After a restless night, Cole is abducted by four young adults--Taylor, Matt, Alyssa, and Danny (Alyson Kiderman, Philip Jeanmarie, Jessica Rey and Jack Guzman)--and taken to a mysterious floating island. There, he meets a beautiful woman, Princess Shayla (Ann Marie Crouch), who turns out to be the mentor of the four people he was abducted by, who are the Wild Force Rangers. He learns that he is had been chosen to be the Red Lion Wild Force Ranger, leader of the Wild Force team.

I will step in to avoid any spoilers of the episodes, but as it goes, it seems to be a nicely constructed beginning to yet another Power Ranger saga. Keep your eyes on this one, as this seems to be a promising PR show. But you like the old episodes (Morphin, Zeo, Turbo, Space, Galaxy, Lightspeed and Time Force), ABC Family will start airing repeats this March.

But for all Power Rangers fans, this recent incarnation is worth a peek.

Power Rangers Turbo
(1997)

*** out of 4 stars
Shockingly underrated followup to "Power Rangers Zeo" and "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." The Turbo Rangers must stop Divatox (Carol Hoyt / Hilary Shepard Turner) and her goonies from taking over the world. The show is filled with exuberant rock tunes, a tightly-written script that does get quite silly at times, and acting that make this more than the atypical Ranger show. The second half of "Turbo" truly kicks off into high gear, introducing the core cast of "Power Rangers in Space", and the finale is truly a good one. (Hint: You'll have to see "Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie" to see how the Turbo Rangers got their powers and so forth.)

Followed by "Power Rangers In Space", "Power Rangers Lost Galaxy," "Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue," "Power Rangers Time Force," "Power Rangers Wild Force" and "Power Rangers Ninja Storm."

Power Rangers Zeo
(1996)

*** out of 4 stars
Reasonably good (if somewhat overrated) followup to the three seasons of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." Tight pacing, a well-written storyline, and decent acting all help move the story along; but the show is marred by extreme silliness at times and extreme seriousness. Despite all that, "Zeo" is quite entertaining if you don't expect much from it.

Followed by: "Power Rangers Turbo," "Power Rangers in Space," "Power Rangers Lost Galaxy," "Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue," "Power Rangers Time Force," "Power Rangers Wild Force," and "Power Rangers Ninja Storm."

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
(1993)

** 1/2 out of 4 stars
The popular Fox Kids show that introduces those five teens in colored spandex fighting evil space aliens starts with a rocky start and progressively worse episodes. When `Green With Evil' finally comes on, things begin to vastly improve, but it's not until the third season comes along that the show actually becomes a more mature and enjoyable show, helped by natural performances by Amy Jo Johnson, Catherine Sutherland, David Yost, and Johnny Yong Bosch. A tightly-written script that provides hearty laughs as well as a good storyline doesn‘t hurt either.

But, this is nearly upended when the Rangers are turned to kids (again) and the Alien Rangers come and help them. This flaw is almost excused with a stunning finale that leads to the beginning of `Power Rangers Zeo.'

Followed by sister shows `Power Rangers Zeo,' `Power Rangers Turbo,' `Power Rangers in Space,' `Power Rangers Lost Galaxy,' `Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue,' `Power Rangers Time Force,' `Power Rangers Wild Force,' and `Power Rangers Ninja Storm.'

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(2002)

***1/2 out of **** stars
Smash hit sequel to 2001's "Fellowship of the Ring," but is notably more fast-paced and more exciting. Director Peter Jackson restores the wonder and grandeur of Middle-earth, all while staying faithful to the book's narrative (although there is more humor and adds a interesting Eowyn/Aragorn/Arwen love triangle).

Newcomers Brad Dourif (best known for his voice work as Chucky in the "Child Play" movies) and Miranda Otto are surprisingly effective in their key roles as Grima Wormtongue and Eowyn, daughter of Theoden the king, although they play second fiddle to Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, and the rest of the stellar cast. Andy Serkis imbues computer-generated Gollum with wit and energy.

The movie does have its flaws. Most of the time is spent on where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli go, while not spending ample time on Frodo and Sam's and Merry and Pippin's journey. Also, like "Fellowship", the movie just... ends. Flaws aside, this a magnificently produced and made film that should not be missed.

PG-13; Violence, gore, battle sequences, and scary images.

Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue - Titanium Ranger: Curse of the Cobra
(2000)

Great direct-to-video PR movie (***1/2 out of **** stars)
This film is basically a episode-complied direct-to-video "movie" released following the success of it's latest show that spawned it, "Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue."

Taking off from about mid-season of the series, it follows a shy, unsure young man Ryan Mitchell (Rhett Fisher) who decides to come back to Mariner Bay to bid good-bye to his father and sister, who work on Operation Lightspeed, because he wants out of being mislead during his childhood into being evil and to steal a experimental morpher and work for Diabolico as the Titanium Ranger.

Having been led into the right direction, Ryan returns the morpher to his father. But his father gives him a special present before Ryan leaves, saying never to open it until he realizes his true purpose. Ryan takes the present and goes on his way.

But all is not well back at Mariner Bay. Diabolico strikes at the Lightspeed Rangers by releasing three new, practically unbeatable, monsters. When a monster-related incident hits home for Ryan, he finds out his true purpose and finds out that his father's present was the morpher that he had stolen-the Titanium Morpher.

Ryan comes back and helps defeat the monsters as the new Titanium Ranger, but Diabolico decides to leave a coming-back present, a cursed cobra tattoo. Every time Ryan morphs into the Titanium Ranger, the cobra tattoo slithers up his back and then finally destroys him; which leaves Ryan out of the team until they can safely break the curse.

Having this being a Power Rangers episode, it is rather campy fare. But since the show's reincarnations have gradually matured, only the campy stuff is the villains, the plotline and the Sentai-based fights.

Rhett Fisher stands out prominently in this direct-to-video movie, executing each line with depth and true feeling, while the supporting cast is somewhat bland and ho-hum. Not exactly Oscar-caliber fare, but if you're a Power Ranger fan looking for light, airy entertainment, this may be the one for you.

Power Rangers Wild Force
(2002)

Good start of new PR show
As being a Power Rangers fan, I watched the two-parter on Fox. As understanding the importance of Saban switching to a PR show to keep it fresh and exciting every year, I was pleased at this beginning for a new show.

An orphan named Cole (newcomer Richardo Medina Jr.) is chosen by his tribe to go and venture out into the undiscovered world, as he is the "Chosen One." Upon arriving in an unchartered land, which looks like the New York or California shoreline, he goes in search of the two people in a mysterious black and white photograph. Saving a lovable golden retriever from being destroyed, Cole has a nasty encounter with the two animal control officers, which turn out to be two villains, Jindrax and Toxina.

After a restless night, Cole is abducted by four young adults--Taylor, Matt, Alyssa, and Danny (Alyson Kiderman, Philip Jeanmarie, Jessica Rey and Jack Guzman)--and taken to a mysterious floating island. There, he meets a beautiful woman, Princess Shayla (Ann Marie Crouch), who turns out to be the mentor of the four people he was abducted by, who are the Wild Force Rangers. He learns that he is had been chosen to be the Red Lion Wild Force Ranger, leader of the Wild Force team.

I will step in to avoid any spoilers of the episodes, but as it goes, it seems to be a nicely constructed beginning to yet another Power Ranger saga. Keep your eyes on this one, as this seems to be a promising PR show. But you like the old episodes (Morphin, Zeo, Turbo, Space, Galaxy, Lightspeed and Time Force), ABC Family will start airing repeats this March.

But for all Power Rangers fans, this recent incarnation is worth a peek.

101 Rent Boys
(2000)

Good film
Despite the title, this is not a rehash of HBO's "Real Sex" series, as the title may suggest. Instead, we get a poignant, exceptional documentary about life on the streets and how male prostitutes are certainly real people. Truly unflattering, touching, and very graphic.

Be cautioned, this has nudity, strong sexuality and language, which explains it "R" or "No rating." If this alone steers you away, for fear of this, be my guest. If you like exceptional documentaries like this, be my guest.

Rating: ***1/2.

Footloose
(1984)

Good movie with upbeat soundtrack
"Footloose" is the movie that jettisoned Kevin Bacon into stardom by his boyish charisma and the upbeat dance moves.

PLOT: However, this is not a hackeyed musical that doesn't give the starring roles a chance to dance and/or burst into song. It's a mainly serious drama about a Chicago teen (Kevin Bacon) who moves into a town where dancing/rock music is banned, thanks to a pastor (John Lithgow, of "Third Rock From the Sun" fame). Infuriated, he decides to rebel and make dancing and rock music legal, when he is helped by new friend (Christopher Penn) and the pastor's rebellious daughter (Lori Singer).

REVIEW: "Footloose" is a minor, simple story that, without the dancing and musical interludes, would probably be an unsavory and stuffy drama. But, the charming performances by Bacon and Singer (note that "Sex and the City" goddess Sarah Jessica Parker in a minor role as Singer's helpful friend) and the upbeat rock and dance sequences make it a light and entertaining drama/musical. It's also helped by a nice ending that the pastor finally understands why his daughter is so rebellious and decides to make things right.

REASONS FOR PG RATING: Four-letter words. Graituitous male shower scene with plenty of nudity. Some violence, only mild and non-gory.

RATING: **1/2 out of **** stars.

Power Rangers in Space
(1998)

Better than other three
As of now, I consider "Power Rangers in Space" one of the best Power ranger shows ever watched. It begins by starting what "Chase Into Space: Parts I and II" from "Power Rangers Turbo" left off.

The former Turbo Rangers (Carlos, T.J., Ashley, and Cassie) are traveling through space to rescue Zordon from the clutches of the evil Dark Specter. They are drawn into a unknown ship, on which they journey onto. There, they meet an unknown Ranger, who is Andros, who comes from the human colony KO-35. When attacked by Astronema, a newly appointed villainess to conquer the Earth, he gives in and gives the former Rangers new, more powerful, Ranger Powers to become the Astro Rangers, where a lot of unexpected twists and turns happens.

This installment of the incarnated "Power Rangers" is indefinitely better than the other three. It cuts down on the sloppy comic relief and focuses more on the plots. The plots are semi-original, to say the least, with putting an unexpected (be forewarned, SOME spoilers are revealed) subplot involving Andros and Astronema are related as siblings and by better, more gripping acting by the new Rangers and the villains themselves (Patricia Ja Lee and Tracy Lynn Cruz are somewhat standouts, if you watch the episode-compiled movie on VHS).

What also makes this so watchable was the cliff-hanger ending which somewhat wraps things up, into a happy ending. But that false sense of security is ripped away when Scorpius and Trakeena come onto the scene on "Power Rangers Lost Galaxy"... But that's another story. Otherwise, it's a satisfying and well-written installment to the ongoing Power Rangers legacy.

Rating: *** out of **** stars

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