Mighty Moshin' Emo Rangers Episode 1
Originally published at Xandmatt Productions. Please leave any comments there.
Mighty Moshin' Emo Rangers
Yes, another review from me! In a continuing effort to try and broaden the reviewing that I do, I've now decided to review a Power Rangers fan film called Mighty Moshin' Emo Rangers...yeah, it sounds wrong, but it's actually quite entertaining and funny in places as it pokes fun at the whole 'emo' image.
Seriously. I'm not joking.
Honest!
Written By: Chris Phillips and Nick Pitton
Directed By: Chris Phillips and Nick Pitton
Episode 1
Starring:
Ross
Luke
Stef
Vicken
John
Captain Emohead
The Evil Empress
Actor credits are unknown
In A Nutshell: Evil monster comes to destroy the world. Emo Rangers save the day. That's all really.
The Evil Empress on the moon wants to spoil Hallowe'en and sends down an evil robot and the Hoodie Patrol to go and mess things up. Captain Emohead chooses five emo teenagers to go and save the world with their Emo-Zords! Can they do it?
The answer's obviously: Of course they bloody can! It's the Power Rangers way! They save the day and everyone learns a valuable lesson! But this time it's done the emo way. Chris Phillips and Nick Pitton (if my research is correct) are actually in the business of design and production (Philips' MySpace has him explain that he did a flash video console for Lady Sovereign) and it shows straight away that there's an element that they know exactly what they're doing here. From the get go with the actual band-recording theme tune to the constant colour depth to the clear cinematography to the gobsmacking CGI zord battle - this fan film is one that's had a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears to get to the finished product. It's non-profit...and I really wouldn't like to know what the budget was.
The episode consists of main two elements: homage to The Power Rangers and also poking a tongue in the cheek of the ever growing emo-culture. Instead of having colours and dinosaurs being the main driving force between distinguishing characters; there's now actual emo-stereotypes that generate the powers and zords for each character. From anarchist Luke, poetry writing Vicken, broken hearted Stef, stoner John and the apparent leader in the introspective Ross - there's definitely five distinct characters that also allow for their powers. I.e. John can breath out smoke that knocks out bad guys and Luke gets most of the more dangerous action stuff (even though it's apparent the actor has more fighting experience).
However - the characters are set into these stereotypes and they don't have much time to grow around them. The Zordan-influenced Captain Emohead, besides from getting the best lines, allows for some brief background (ala Stef being dumped in front of the whole school) but that's it. Although you could argue that it allows for the story to keep pace as it's mainly about the homage to the action scenes.
And boy are the action scenes great. There's two major set-pieces, with the rangers fighting off the Hoodie Patrol in a park and car-park complete with choreographed martial arts moves and the battle against Colonel Crusher. The Hoodie fight is a remarkable achievement as there's actual stunts involving flips of walls and the use of stunt doubles. The way that the bad guys move are similar to the Puddys from PR and as well as the comic ways that the Rangers fight them. With a double kick to the head of one and a roof-top chase with Luke.
Then they morph...and there isn't any fighting in the suits as it's time to bring out the zords...and it's here that's the most impressive. full CGI battling that's fast paced, smooth and incredibly detailed. This could be a modern PR episode based on this fight alone. There's more mobility in it anyway. The design of the zords are so-so, but for Ross's and John's bonus points are needed as Ross's is humanoid while John's is just one big giant bong. Not to mention the Mega Emo-Zord ends up being an emo kid with a lip ring.
Whoever thought of that needs commending. Great stuff.
In fact, possibly the best moment of the episode is during the 'leaping-into-zords' moment where the rangers say a line and pose. John's last and instead he's just rolling up a spliff to smoke...all in the aid of attacking Colonel crusher. It's hilarious and shows some flair of character more than the others (although Vicken's "I don't want to fight you" comes close). There are still blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments like this however, with Ross's hair flicking and Vicken constantly putting her face in her hands in the background.
The MegaSword is a huge guitar that destroys the villain; there's the pose as the villain falls...all falling to formula. Great homages everywhere leading to Captain Emohead's "the death toll was only 10,000! Well done!"
However, with some wooden acting in places, odd dubbing at times (except for the Rita scenes) and the weak story - it does lose some points. But the fact that it's well paced, glossy and there's a lot of effort put into this does all pay off in the end. If you are a Power Rangers fan you'll love it...no matter what your opinion of emos are.
Three Reasons to watch Episode 1:
Great CGI for what it is.
Well paced. Well produced. Very glossy.
The battle scenes are amazing.
Three Reasons to miss Episode 1:
The story is weak for what it essentially is.
As well as the sound editing is, some of the dubbing is out-of-sync when it's not supposed to.
Lack of character defining moments.
Stealing the Show: John - The moments of character he has are some of the funniest; including rolling a spliff during the routine 'Rangers jump into Zords' spiel.
Choice Quotes:
Captain Emohead: “As you can see I'm a giant floating emohead! As well as a Captain...eh...”
Light humour from the Captain there.
Captain Emohead: "...and finally Vicken. CHILL THE F*CK UP! Your poetry sucks!"
Light humour from the Captain there.
The Final Word: An entertaining fifteen minutes that don't feel wasted.
Xand Rating: 8