THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 6, 1995 TAG: 9507060550
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Movie review
SOURCE: By MAL VINCENT, MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
PARENTS OF THE world had best flip up the white flag, shell out the extra cash for popcorn and surrender. It had to happen sooner or later and, after all, it is later than it might have been. ``Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie'' is in theaters.
There are those in the movie industry who think this ``Power'' movie is a year behind in getting to the screen. The delightfully cheesy TV version is now in its second season on the so-called Fox Children's Network.
Given the Rangers' huge popularity, a review almost seems superfluous, but nonetheless there is likely to surface the usual debate about violence. Yes, the film does suggest that kicking the yell out of opponents is the best way to solve problems. And yes, this violence is pictured as bloodless and painless.
It's a tiresome debate. If parents' main child-rearing worry is a ``Power Rangers'' movie, then they are blessed indeed. After all, a still-young generation survived the violence of the Teen-age Mutant Ninja Turtles (which was a good deal more violent and a good deal more mean-spirited).
The surprising thing about this new movie is its look - including fine special effects, including new uniforms, an amazing set for the Command Center and huge Hornitors and Scorpitrons who hover over the city of Angel Grove in a manner that would be the envy of Godzilla.
The Power Rangers themselves are the same as on TV - woefully lacking actors assigned to say things like ``Way to go!,'' ``These guys are tough!'' or ``Hey, look at this place.''
Ethnically balanced to a PC formula, the corps of six includes Karan Ashley as Aisha (Yellow), Johnny Yong Bosch as Adam (black), Steve Cardenas as Rocky (red), Jason David Frank as Tommy (white), Amy Jo Johnson as Kimberly (pink) and David Yost as Billy (blue).
Angel Grove, the hometown originally suggested as an everyday neighborhood, has now, become the metropolis of Sydney, Australia, with looming skyscraper facades. Zordon, the leader who bears a noticeable resemblance to the inept Oz wizard, is running out of power. This prompts the rangers to dash off to another planet and learn the ancient art of Ninjetti, the perfect union of mind, body, and spirit.
Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa, the Rangers' primary enemies in the TV show, are upstaged by a flamboyant new villain named Ivan Ooze, who has hibernated in an egg for 6,000 years. Unearthed by a construction crew, the purple one asks, ``Do you know what it's like to be in a rotten egg for 6,000 years? I've had a charley horse since the Renaissance.''The part is played with obvious glee by Paul Freeman, once a villain in ``Raiders of the Lost Ark.''
For daddies who trek along, there is an unexpected bonus - a bikini-clad miss from outer space. She's Gabrielle Fitzpatrick in the role of Dulcea, a Ranger-helper whom Ivan Ooze calls a ``she devil.''
``Mighty Morpin Power Rangers: The Movie'' is a great deal more expensive-looking then you'd expect. Even more surprising is its occasionally mischievous bent. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
MIRAMAX
Paul Freeman is Ivan Ooze in ``Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The
Movie.''
Photo
MIRAMAX
Steve Cardenas, Jason David Frank, Amy Jo Johnson and David Yost
star in ``Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.''
Graphic
MOVIE REVIEW
``Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie''
Cast: Karan Ashley, Johnny Yong Bosch, Steve Cardenas, Jason
David Frank, Amy Jo Johnson, David Yost, Paul Freeman, Jason Narvy
Director: Bryan Spicer
MPAA rating: PG (cartoonish violence)
Mal's rating: Two stars
Locations: Chesapeake Square, Greenbrier in Chesapeake; Circle
4, Main Gate in Norfolk; Columbus, Lynnhaven 8, Surf-N-Sand in
Virginia Beach
by CNB