Welcome to Movie Mondays, a weekly blog series that takes you on a cinematic odyssey through the world of film! Each week, we’ll dive into a list of my 100 least favorite movies, exploring what makes them fall short and discussing the lessons we can learn from their missteps. Remember that these low-ranking films are only that way based on my personal opinion. Something I hate may be something you love and no offense is intended. Wherever these movies fall for you, I invite you to grab some popcorn and join in on the debate over these films’ merits!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie

1995

Directed by Bryan Spicer

Today, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to 1995, when the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers leaped from the small screen to the big screen in their first feature film. As a kid growing up in the ’90s, I was a regular viewer of the TV series as I would get ready for school in the mornings, but even my nostalgia-tinted glasses couldn’t save this movie from being a complete disaster.

The plot revolves around Ivan Ooze, a morphological being who ruled Earth 6,000 years ago before being trapped underground by Zordon and his warriors. Naturally, he’s accidentally released and seeks revenge on Zordon and the Power Rangers. The Rangers, stripped of their powers, must journey to the planet Phaedos to gain the Great Power and save the day.

While the cast features the same actors from the TV series, including Jason David Frank as Tommy and Amy Jo Johnson as Kimberly, their performances are as wooden as the dialogue they’re given. Even the addition of Paul Freeman as Ivan Ooze can’t save this train wreck. The script is nothing more than a series of poorly written action scenes strung together with cringe-worthy one-liners.

Behind the scenes, the film was directed by Bryan Spicer and written by Arne Olsen, who seemed to think that simply throwing more money at the special effects would make up for the lack of a coherent story. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. The CGI and practical effects are laughable by today’s standards and were barely passable in 1995.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But it’s a kids’ movie! It’s not supposed to be high art!” And you’re right. As a kid, it was fun seeing these television heroes on the big screen, fighting giant monsters and piloting their Zords. But that doesn’t excuse the poor quality of the film. Kids deserve better than this.

In the end, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie is a nostalgic mess that fails to capture the charm of the TV series. It’s a prime example of a cash grab that prioritizes spectacle over substance. But hey, at least we got a killer soundtrack featuring the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Devo, right?

I give this movie a generous 2 out of 5 stars, and that’s only because of my fond memories of the franchise. But what do you think? Did you love this movie as a kid? Or do you agree that it’s a disappointment? Let me know in the comments below!