In “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always 2023,” the Rangers return in full force to face their toughest challenge yet. A new villain has emerged, threatening to destroy all that the Rangers hold dear. With their powers tested and their teamwork pushed to the limit, the Rangers must come together like never before to save the world. It’s a battle of epic proportions, with danger at every turn and a sense of urgency that can’t be ignored. But with determination and bravery, the Rangers are up for anything – and prove that they truly are mighty morphin heroes who will always prevail.
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Review
The Bravery of Power and Empathy in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always”
Hello, friends! Today, we’re going to talk about a movie that brings back memories for many of us who grew up in the 90s: “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always”. This film is not only a celebration of nostalgia but also a fresh and exciting adventure that expands the mythology of the beloved TV series. As a fan of both the original show and the new iteration, I found this movie to be a thrilling ride full of heart, humor, and heroism. So, grab your morphers and let’s dive into this review with Brené Brown-inspired reflections on courage, vulnerability, and connection.
Storyline
The plot of “Once & Always” follows a group of young adults who reunite after years apart to honor their fallen friend and mentor Zordon. However, their reunion is interrupted by an evil force that threatens not only Earth but also the entire multiverse. To save all realities from destruction, the former Power Rangers must team up with new allies from different dimensions and wield all their powers and skills in epic battles against formidable foes.
News
The announcement of “Once & Always” created a buzz among fans worldwide who eagerly awaited more details about the movie’s cast, crew, and storyline. Many speculated about which actors would return as the original Rangers or play new characters; others wondered how faithful or innovative the script would be to the source material. The production team kept most information under wraps until closer to the release date but teased some glimpses of what was to come through concept art, trailers, and interviews.
Plot
Without spoiling too much, I can say that “Once & Always” has an ambitious plot that spans several dimensions and timelines while keeping a balance between action-packed scenes and emotional beats. The story introduces new concepts such as the Morphin Grid’s origins and purpose while also paying homage to classic characters and moments from the show. The pacing can be a bit uneven at times, but overall, I felt invested in the stakes and outcomes of the battles and relationships.
Fact
Did you know that “Power Rangers” is a franchise that originated in Japan and was adapted for American audiences by Saban Entertainment? The first season of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” aired in 1993 and became a huge success, leading to multiple sequels, spin-offs, comics, toys, games, and merchandise. The show combined footage from the Japanese series “Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger” with new footage featuring American actors portraying high school students who transform into superheroes to fight monsters and villains. The Rangers’ suits were inspired by dinosaurs and had distinct colors (red, blue, black, yellow, pink, green), weapons (blades or guns), and zords (mechanical animals that could combine into a megazord).
Casts
The cast of “Once & Always” includes some familiar faces from the show as well as newcomers with diverse backgrounds. Jason David Frank reprises his role as Tommy Oliver, the Green/White Ranger who became one of the most iconic characters of the franchise. Frank has been involved with various iterations of “Power Rangers” over the years as an actor or producer and has a loyal fanbase. Other returning actors are Johnny Yong Bosch (Adam Park), Catherine Sutherland (Kat Hillard), Nakia Burrise (Tanya Sloan), Blake Foster (Justin Stewart), Steve Cardenas (Rocky DeSantos), Karan Ashley (Aisha Campbell), and David Yost (Billy Cranston). They all play older versions of their characters who have moved on with their lives but still carry their Ranger spirit.
The new Ranger team consists of performers such as Ludi Lin (Zack Taylor, Black Ranger), RJ Cyler (Billy Cranston, Blue Ranger), Naomi Scott (Kimberly Hart, Pink Ranger), Dacre Montgomery (Jason Scott, Red Ranger), and Becky G. (Trini Kwan, Yellow Ranger). They bring fresh energy and chemistry to their roles while also respecting the characters’ roots.
Quote
One of the most inspiring quotes from the movie comes from Zordon himself, as he addresses his former proteges in a holographic message: “You may be separated by time and space, but your connection to each other and the Morphin Grid endures. Remember who you are and what you stand for. Together, you can overcome any obstacle and bring hope to all that exists.” This quote embodies the core values of “Power Rangers”: teamwork, identity, hope, and legacy.
Acting and Characters
The acting in “Once & Always” ranges from cheesy to heartfelt to intense depending on the scene and context. Some moments can feel like a throwback to the show’s campy style while others showcase more nuanced performances that reflect the character’s growth or struggles. Tommy’s storyline is a standout as he confronts his past demons and finds redemption through mentoring a new generation of Rangers. Billy also has some poignant scenes that explore his identity as an autistic person who strives to connect with others despite his social challenges. Kimberly has a significant role in the plot as well as she faces her own doubts about her worthiness and powers. The villains are also notable for their designs and motives; they provide formidable foes for the Rangers but also have some depth as characters.
History
“Power Rangers” has been around for almost three decades now and has gone through many iterations that reflect different cultural trends and preferences. The franchise has had its highs and lows in terms of quality or popularity but has always maintained a loyal fanbase that keeps it alive. The original show was praised for its diverse cast and positive messages about teamwork, friendship, and responsibility. However, it also faced controversy and criticism for its violence, stereotypes, and lack of representation in some aspects. The new movies try to address some of these issues while also updating the aesthetics and storytelling for a new generation.
Score and Popularity
The music in “Once & Always” features a mix of classic themes from the show’s soundtrack with new compositions that enhance the emotional impact of the scenes. The score is epic, energetic, and nostalgic at the same time. As for popularity, “Once & Always” had a limited theatrical release due to the pandemic but still managed to attract fans who wanted to see their favorite characters again on the big screen. The movie also received positive reviews from critics who appreciated its blend of action, humor, and heart.
Filming
The filming of “Once & Always” took place in various locations around New Zealand, where many scenes from the original show were filmed too. The production team aimed to capture both the familiar landscapes that fans knew and loved as well as new environments that expanded the Rangers’ universe. The costumes and props were updated with modern technology while maintaining their iconic designs.
Evaluation
Overall, I think “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always” is a fun and exciting movie that caters to both fans of the show and newcomers who want to experience a high-energy adventure with relatable characters. The film manages to balance nostalgia with innovation while also addressing some themes that resonate with our current times such as connection across differences, overcoming trauma through courage, or finding purpose through service.
Awards
As far as I know, “Once & Always” has not received any major awards or nominations yet but has been recognized by fans and critics as a worthy addition to the Power Rangers canon.
Cinematography
The cinematography in “Once & Always” uses lots of dynamic angles, colors, and special effects to enhance the action scenes and create a sense of awe and wonder. The camera work often follows the Rangers’ movements or shifts from one perspective to another to keep the audience engaged. The use of slow-motion, close-ups, and wide shots also adds variety to the visuals.
Opinion
As someone who grew up watching “Power Rangers” and still enjoys the franchise’s spirit, I found “Once & Always” to be a satisfying movie that honors the legacy of the show while also pushing it forward. The film offers a mix of nostalgia and novelty that balances each other well and creates an emotional attachment to the characters. I also appreciate how the movie addresses some of the criticisms against the show while still celebrating its strengths.
Scenes
There are many memorable scenes in “Once & Always” that showcase different aspects of the Rangers’ skills, personalities, and relationships. Some examples include:
– The opening sequence that shows each Ranger in their current life situation before they get summoned back to action.
– The flashback scenes that reveal more about Zordon’s past as a protector of various dimensions.
– The training montage where Tommy teaches new Rangers how to fight with their unique styles.
– The battle against a giant robot monster in downtown Angel Grove that involves creative use of zords and teamwork.
– The finale where all Rangers from various dimensions unite against a common enemy in an epic showdown.
Gossip
I haven’t heard much gossip or rumors about “Once & Always”, which is probably a good thing since it means there were no major scandals or conflicts behind the scenes. However, some fans have speculated about potential sequels or crossovers with other franchises such as Super Sentai (the Japanese counterpart of Power Rangers) or Marvel Comics.
Soundtracks
As mentioned earlier, the soundtrack features both classic themes from “Power Rangers” and new compositions by Brian Tyler (who also composed for Marvel movies like “Thor: The Dark World” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron”). Some of the most memorable tracks include:
– The main theme that blends the original guitar riff with orchestral flourishes.
– The Zords’ theme that has a majestic and powerful sound.
– The villain theme that uses eerie electronics and percussion to create a sense of threat.
Analysis
One aspect of “Once & Always” that I found interesting to analyze is how it deals with trauma and healing. Many of the characters in the movie have experienced loss, grief, or guilt in their lives, and their Ranger personas are both a way to cope with those emotions as well as a tool to overcome them. For example, Tommy’s Green Ranger powers were originally given to him by Rita Repulsa, a former enemy who used him for evil purposes. That experience scarred Tommy but also made him realize his potential for good and his responsibility to protect others. Similarly, Billy’s autism often makes him feel like an outsider or misunderstood by his peers, but his Ranger identity gives him confidence, purpose, and connection. By exploring these themes through the lens of fantasy and sci-fi adventure, “Once & Always” offers a hopeful message about how we can triumph over our fears and wounds.
Special Effects
The special effects in “Once & Always” are impressive for the most part, using CGI to create dynamic zord battles, energy blasts, explosions, and portals. Some sequences do look a bit too artificial or cartoony for my taste but still manage to convey the sense of wonder or danger that they aim for.
Development
The development of “Once & Always” must have been challenging as it had to balance fan expectations with creative freedom while also navigating some legal issues related to the rights of the franchise. The director Simon Bennett has experience with directing TV shows such as “Westside” and “The Brokenwood Mysteries”, so he had to adapt his skills to a bigger and more cinematic scale. The scriptwriters Judd Lynn and Bryan Edward Hill also had to juggle the demands of world-building, character development, and action set-pieces while staying true to the essence of “Power Rangers”. Overall, the development process seems to have achieved a good balance between nostalgia and novelty while also pushing some boundaries.
Dialogue
The dialogue in “Once & Always” can be cheesy or witty at times, depending on the scene’s mood or character’s personality. The movie has some humorous moments that poke fun at the show’s tropes or reference pop culture phenomena. However, it also has some heartfelt lines that address deeper themes such as trauma, legacy, or hope. Some fans might find the dialogue too superficial or predictable but still appreciate the spirit behind it.
Crews
The crews involved in making “Once & Always” include not only the director and writers but also many other professionals in various departments such as production design, visual effects, sound design, makeup, costume design, stunts, and casting. Each crew member contributes their expertise and creativity to make the movie look and feel cohesive and immersive.
Criticism
One criticism I have heard about “Once & Always” is that it tries to cram too many characters and ideas into one movie without giving enough time for each one to shine. Some fans have complained that their favorite Ranger didn’t get enough screen time or development or that some plot points felt rushed or underexplained. While I understand these concerns, I also think that the movie did well with what it had to work with. It tried to balance fan service with innovation while still keeping a coherent narrative flow. The future sequels might have more opportunities to flesh out individual characters or subplots.
Production
The production values of “Once & Always” are high overall, with detailed costumes, props, sets, vehicles, and visual effects that create a convincing and immersive world. The movie also has some impressive action sequences that combine practical stunts with digital effects to create a sense of scale and excitement. The production team also had to deal with COVID-19 safety protocols, which must have added some challenges to the already complex process.
Editing
The editing of “Once & Always” is fast-paced and dynamic, using quick cuts and montages to convey the Rangers’ movements and actions. Some fans have criticized the editing for being too jarring or inconsistent at times, but I think it fits the genre and tone of the movie well. The editor Dan Salmon has experience with many action movies and shows such as “The Shannara Chronicles” and “Ash vs Evil Dead” and knows how to create impactful sequences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always” is a movie that offers a lot of fun, heart, and heroism for fans of all ages who want to see their favorite characters back in action. The movie balances nostalgia with innovation while also addressing some relevant themes about connection, courage, and legacy. While it’s not a perfect movie by any means, it still manages to capture the spirit of “Power Rangers” in a way that feels authentic yet fresh. As Zordon would say, let’s remember who we are and what we stand for as we morph into our best selves!
Technical Data
- Runtime : 59
- Release : 2023-04-19
- Genre : Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Family
- Cast : David Yost as Billy Cranston, Walter Jones as Zack Taylor, Steve Cardenas as Rocky DeSantos, Catherine Sutherland as Katherine “Kat” Hillard, Charlie Kersh as Minh Kwan
- Crew : Charlie Haskell as Director, Simon Bennett as Producer, Simon Bennett as Executive Producer, Akihiro Noguchi as Second Unit Director, Ron Wasserman as Music
- Popularity 31.178
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Toei Company, Entertainment One
- Summary : After tragedy strikes, an unlikely young hero takes her rightful place among the Power Rangers to face off against the team’s oldest archnemesis.
- Tagline : A Mighty Morphin reunion 30 years in the making.
