Salutations fellow movie goers from across the globe. Today’s Flashback Review is the first Power Rangers film known as, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.”
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie was released in 1995. (same year Braveheart came out) It received polarized reviews from critics. Despite divisive reactions, the film managed to make enough money at the box office. Another film titled, “Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie” failed to make revenue at the box office putting Power Rangers related films in hiatus. Until a 2017 reboot happened, but it backfired.
Talking about the history of Power Rangers is a long story. If I were you, go watch Linkara’s (a YouTube critic) history surrounding the ongoing series. That’ll help you understand, because Linkara is a huge Power Rangers fan. Hasbro bought the Power Rangers rights for approximately half a billion dollars from longtime producer, Haim Saban. I wanted to review this movie, because Hasbro might possibly reboot the 2017 Power Rangers film into a completely different entry.
Today’s review contains potential SPOILERS. If you have not seen this movie, read at your own risk. Does Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie still holds up? Let’s find out shall we?
Mighty & Weak Aspects
Mighty: Jason David Frank, Johnny Yong Bosch, David Yost, Steve Cardenas, Amy Jo Johnson & Karen Ashely reprise their roles as The Rangers from the show and they all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Paul Schrier & Jason Narvy reprise their roles as the lovable bumbling duo Bulk & Skull. They both did a good job for their respective performances providing comic relief.
Tommy is my favorite ranger beside TJ, (second half of Power Rangers: Turbo) Andros (Power Rangers in Space) & Leo. (Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy)
Rita, Lord Zedd & Goldar also make their return.
Cinematography felt stable with no malfunction.
The Rangers’ suits retain the original costume designs from the show.
Zordon’s floating head is given a major upgrade. His lips are in sync whenever he speaks on camera.
A mid-credits scene is optional to view.
Weak: Ivan Ooze is somewhat stupid that he never sends his crow minions back to fight The Rangers or make a dozen more henchmen. He just zaps em’ away.
The Humor felt hokey. I didn’t laugh at every single joke.
The Fight Scenes are butchered by cartoon sound effects, outdated Computer Animation and lame puns.
Bulk & Skull didn’t appear much. I wanna see more of them. Their antics never get old.
The Military never showed up to assist The Rangers.
The Rangers say incredibly lame puns in battle. EGADS! This is before Mr. Freeze’s stupid puns from “Batman & Robin!”
I have no idea where that pig like creature (affiliated with Rita) came from. I don’t remember him in the original show.
A Plot Hole involving why Alpha never contacted The Alien Rangers from the original show. Why didn’t they show up to stop Ivan from turning the citizens of Angel Grove as his slaves? I’ll have to Double Down this flaw for Zordon & Alpha being lazy morons!
When they equip their suits, The Rangers constantly move. What are they Canadians from “South Park?” As in Terrence & Phillip moving their heads around while they talk? What’s next? Fart on command?
Adam at first, feels disappointed that his spirit animal is a frog. Dulcea makes him feel better that a frog can kiss. I find the power of kissing is stupid. Why didn’t she say some frogs can be poisonous to foes? That would’ve been ok for me.
I swear to god I’m totally not making this up. The location where the Monolith stores power resembles “morning wood.” Is this supposed to be a franchise for kids or for men to boost their stamina?!
Ivan makes a loogie. He literally spits out ooze to create crow like minions. Here’s my problem. Why do they resemble birds, but not the other ooze like henchmen from before?
Where the heck is Finster? You know the only nice guy from Rita’s team who’s capable of creating a monster to combat The Rangers?
Cartoon Sound Effects are used when The Rangers fight Ivan’s minions.
Ivan promotes his brainwashing ooze on a commercial. It’s a rip-off of Jack Nicholson’s Joker promoting “Brand X” on a commercial to make his victims laugh to death. Warner Bros. & DC Comics, get yourself a lawyer.
Special Effects like a Green Screen and a C.G.I. Megazord have not aged pretty well. They are cheap lookin’ resembling something off of the original PlayStation & Nintendo 64 graphics. The Glob Monster (from JumpStart 1st Grade) was more realistic than the cheesy Computer Animation. Good Gravy! Every zord’s fake like Kylie Jenner’s lips!
The Climatic Battle with The Megazord & Ivan taking control of his giant robot failed to keep me invested due to a lack of legit effects.
Ivan’s defeat was anti-climatic. He dies from the Megazord kicking him in the groin and then sending him towards a comet.
Zordon is brought back to life by The Rangers. Why didn’t they save him before they fought Ivan? Talk about lazy writing.
The Final Verdict: F, FOR FAKER!
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie is one of the worst superhero films to ever exist on the planet. It lacked innovation, dramatic stakes, a dignified narrative among many other things listed. If you grew up watching this movie as a kid, you’re gonna be appalled. I’d say skip this movie and watch something highly acclaimed like anything from the Marvel Cinematic Universe minus “Thor” & “Thor: The Dark World.”
I’m putting my expectations extremely low towards Hasbro’s attempt to reboot the franchise.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 