pinoyartist99's Reviews

Zaido: The Space Sheriff (2007– )

13 June 2010

Okay, the last time they "adapted" Shaider was Saban and turned him into a VR Trooper. Several years later, we have this show. Not sure how describe it, it tried to be a tokusatsu, but crashed and burned. It's a bad habit with Filipino SciFi Fantasy, I don't if it's a bad habit or something, but remembering back in the 80s-90s there were definitely some cool stuff done, but now, it feels like every SciFi Fantasy has to be some Soap Opera. Not a good combination; its either or. It's okay if there's some drama, which actually helps the push the story forward; but don't make it 80-85% drama. When it comes to this genre, there has to be balance between categories this is where Zaido fails miserably. You're constantly waiting for the action to begin, but it ends up being more Soap Opera than SciFi Fantasy; and when action does occur, its few and far between. Heck, even Saban had somewhat of an honor code when it came to adaptations of the tokusatsu.

Anyway, the intro was funny, whether by accident or on purpose, I'll never know, but I liked it cause it felt funny especially when it came to the theme itself. As for characters, I'm probably one of the small percentage who likes Ulla the Chicken. I don't know, but I felt Jeb of VR Troopers and the Hillhurst Monsters from Beetleborgs, for some reason; though people tell me that he is the equivalent of Masked Rider's Ferbus.

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Deadliest Warrior (2009– )

If I hear another "Pirate Vs. Ninja" quipI'm gonna hurt someone.

9 April 2009

When I first saw the preview to this show a while back, I thought to myself, "I blame the whole PIRATE VS NINJA Internet Meme" for creating this bizarre show.

So, I watched the pilot, which was "Apache vs. Gladiator" and overall, I am biting my cheek right now because I recall watching something similar to this on Discovery Channel a few years back called "Animal Face Off" where "battle data" is taken from the contenders and put in a computer simulation. I actually, have an episode of that show titled "Hippo vs. Bull Shark" and the result of that fight still annoys me, but still I can't stop laughing about it. Another show, that similar that show is currently airing is "Jurassic Fight Club."

Anyway, "Deadliest Warrior" has a similar to motif to "Animal Face Off" and "Jurassic Fight Club", but instead of wild animals or dinosaurs, this show uses types of warriors.

I'm not sure if I should classify this as something in the realm of shows like "Human Weapon", "Fight Quest", "Weapon Masters", "Deadliest Art", "XMA: Extreme Martial Arts" or "Fight Science."

Overall, this show is pretty decent for all the corniness the show offers. It will irritate you, but at the same time make you laugh; thus pulling you as the viewer to watch the show for what its worth despite knowing how stupid it will eventually become as time goes on. But you just can't help yourself.

Man, I can just see something like "Deadliest Monster Face Off" in the future and it will feature stuff like "Mummy vs. Zombie vs. Werewolf vs. Vampire" or something bizarre like that.

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Lost Tapes (2008– )

"Blair Witch with Cryptids" or "Poor Man's Cloverfield"

14 January 2009

After all the paranormal reality shows/docudramas comes this bizarre show from Animal Planet. Despite being a mockumentary show, it is "supposedly" based off of real events. These "Lost Tapes" capture the final events of the victim and their encounter with a supposed cryptid (aka Nessie, Big Foot, Chupacabra, etc.); like we haven't seen this before. The show tries to pull ploys from Blair Witch and Cloverfield, where the victim or victims are just pretty much running with a hand held camera; running from something that's behind them. And in Blair Witch/Cloverfield fashion, the creature is barely seen; either seeing a silhouette or a body part, but not the entire creature. Since this is Animal Planet were talking about, the show mainly just deals with cryptozoological creatures rather than full paranormal phenomenons such as ghosts and UFOs. No aliens or spirits on this show. While this show is humorous in many ways (as an equivalent of a SciFi Original Movie); the show does ponder the question...

WHEN THE HECK WILL WE FINALLY CAPTURES/VIDEO TAPES THESE CREATURES IN REAL LIFE? I mean, it took a while to film a giant squid in a nature habitat. Unlike with extraterrestials or the after life, at least the public has some idea that these cryptids have the "potential" to exist on Earth. Will we ever know, who knows. Overall, the series is a decent watch if you're bored; however, paranormal magazine shows like Sightings or documentaries like Monster Quest are more decent things to watch, if you're into that sort of stuff. Then again, there's always going to the library and reading about it too.

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Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight (2008–2009)

"Dragon Knight" is and isn't "Ryuki"...so we'll call it "AmeRyuki" in the meantime...also...WILL EVERYONE PLEASE CUT IT OUT WITH THE "IT'S ALL POWER RANGERS&

16 December 2008

Warning: Spoilers

To prepare for the preview...I watched the following things:

"A Friend in Need" (Masked Rider/Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Team Up), "Escape from Edenoi" (Masked Rider Pilot), The Guvyer Movies (The Guyver/Mutronics & Guver II: Dark Hero), and the original adaptation, Kamen Rider Ryuki:

So...in a nutshell...

Kamen Rider Dragon Knight is NOT Kamen Rider Ryuki. Also, it is NOT Power Rangers. Finally, it's definitely NOT...I REPEAT NOT...Saban's Masked Rider; what it is overall, is something the Wang Brothers thought out meticulously and methodically the past few years. To describe Dragon Knight that it feels like Ryuki...sounds like Ryuki...looks like Ryuki...but its NOT Ryuki. In fact, it felt a touch of Mighty Morphin, VR Troopers, Beetleborgs...and even...*cringe*...Masked Rider. It was like Wang brothers were paying homage/poking fun at its predecessors, mainly through the characters and short scenes in the show. Furthermore, if you've seen the live-action Guyver movies (clunky as they are) some of those elements are also seen in Dragon Knight.

Keep in mind folks, "Dragon Knight" was originally intended to be a Disney show. Don't remember?

Fall 2003: "Power Rangers Reloaded and Future Dragon Rider"

Thank goodness that deal with Toei fell though. However, as for Power Ranger Reloaded, it became Power Ranger Dino Thunder and Jason David Frank came back as Tommy. However, it was that story alone that lead to the events of today...the most "COMMON" jokes, rants, fanfic ideas...etc etc etc that came from the PR/Toku/Anime Fandoms were the following things:

* Shotaro Ishinomori being acknowledge for his work...happened...IN THE OPENING CREDITS TOO...that's rare these days.

* 4Kids getting "Ryuki"...happened...THANKS A LOT FOR WHINING ABOUT FOLKS!!! (Karma, folks...karma...)

* Steve Wang taking the helm of the series...happened...and he took his brother along for the "ride" (no pun intended) as well.

* An instrumental version or English dub of "Alive A Life" (Ryuki's opening)...err...didn't happen...*cries*...instead we got a rock mix which is as repetitive as the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers theme, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Overall, the preview was above average and a start of things to come. Now now now...before anyone goes...Kamen Rider this...Masked Rider that...considering Kamen Rider Decade is the next series in Japan; Steve made it pretty clear that there will not be any Kamen Rider anything until overseeing the success/failure of Dragon Knight. Then again...we have fanfic ideas for Kamen Rider Hibiki being "LOST"-esque (...um...NO).

How should I end it this review...

*puts on trench coat and room blackens and points to all the readers and speaks in a Shiro Kanzaki voice*

"ONLY YOU CAN DETERMINE THE OUTCOME!!!"

*turns around and tosses an Advent Card over shoulder*

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Air Master (2003–2004)

9/10

Some may not realize that the series is both a homage and parody of the Martial Arts/Fighting Genre...

20 April 2007

Warning: Spoilers

Martial Arts/Fighting Genre is a cross between both the Fantasy and Sporting Genre in anime. Included in this genre are shows like Grappler Baki, Fist of the North Star, Tenjho Tenge, Real Bout High School, Ranma 1/2, Dragonball and a host of others. Air Master seems to parody these different anime but they do in an artistic way that Air Master can be a stand alone series in its own right. In addition, doesn't need to be go overboard with the violence, fan service, and comedy. In many cases, the series thinks outside of the box and tries to be over-the-top in its own unique way.

Anyway, Air Master is a rather interesting series, but it takes a while for one to get used to; usually some don't even bother after 3 episodes, but it's extremely good if given the chance.

The series is about ex-gymnast turned street fighter, Maki Aikawa, but rival fighters refer her as "Air Master" because of her control fighting in the air. In the Fukimichi Tournament, anything goes. It doesn't matter what fighting style, height, age, or gender. The city is a battleground for all who enter the Fukimich Tournament. In this tournament, Maki loses herself in never ending bliss, taking on all challengers; from luchadores, pro wrestlers, gang members, cosplayers, otaku, costumed superheroes, military, dancers, ninjas, and other assortment of bizarre fighters which eventually leads her to the Fukimichi's No. 1 warrior, The Eternal.

While the tournament is one the main things going on in the series, there exist several sub-plots that involve several rival suitors, which consist of rival fighters and one of her classmates; which overwhelms her in comedic fashion unsure how to respond to it. Other sub-plots include Maki being dragged into weird situations that usually results in a big brawl in the end. Probably one of the more interesting points in the subplots is Maki's past which appear randomly throughout the series, presented as flash backs and dreams; they're significant because it leads to an understanding of Maki's personality because in reality she usually keeps things to herself.

While Maki herself is a colorful character, there are others in the series that some feel are more lively (and stranger) than her. There's the grotesquely busty, Mina; the shrimpy little, Renge, Michiru and Yu (both being the most sane and voice of reason within the group). Then, there is Maki's estranged father, Shiro, and her younger half-sister, Miori, who looks up to Maki.

Then, there are rival fighters such as loud and obnoxious Kaori Sakiyama, Lucha Master and his young sister, Kai. The gang leader, Kinjirou and his tall bodyguard, Nagato; and the creepy, but strong, Sakamoto, who is obsessed with Maki.

Overall, a wonderful, yet bizarre series. Last check, the manga ended in 2006, which makes one wonder if another series is just around the corner because it felt like the series could've gone further, yet it didn't, and left several things up in the air.

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Masked Rider (1995–1996)

Ishinomori's Masterpiece...ruined...Masked Rider is Japanese...not an Alien...no pun intended...*points at 4Kids for their crimes*

11 March 2006

I've seen both seasons of Saban's Masked Rider. It was like watching an action packed version of "Full House." Anyway, the cut editing was so bad that could could see that Masked Rider was really Japanese...no pun intended. A couple of years later I would be introduced to Kamen Rider, even reading some of Ishinomori's manga works, specifically, the Kamen Rider Spirits manga.

All I have to say is that compared to this series, it was a full 180. Aside from the team up with the Power Rangers, there was nothing redeeming about the show. All the characters were annoying, the villains were stupid, the cut editing was so bad that you can actually see the face Dex's Japanese counterpart, Kotaro Minami, not to mention they were using other Kamen Rider variations, Kamen Rider ZO and Kamen Rider J; and the atmosphere itself is like a TGIF sitcom (Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step, etc). It's with this that I show a lot of animosity towards Saban. I would understand him adapting Super Sentai for Power Rangers because Sentai is usually comedy with a touch of melodrama. But for Kamen Rider, the tone of the story is dark...like in a Batman/Spiderman sort of way, pretty much turning a dark drama into slapstick comedy. If the crew from MST3K watched an episode of this, they would have a field day. It's stuff like this that tarnishes the reputation of tokusatsu; which isn't actually all Power Rangers, that's just one aspect of it. For you Tokusatsu Adapt/American Toku Fans, you're better off watching "Mystic Knights of Tir Ra Nog", "Los Luchadores," "Van-Pires", "Big Wolf on Campus", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-The Next Mutation", "Superhuman Samurai Syber Squad," "VR Troopers," or "Beetleborgs" because this show is right down there with "Tatooed Teenage Alien Fighter from Beverly Hills." This atrocity rivals the crimes 4Kids committed towards Ultraman Tiga.

If Disney finds it in their hearts to actually consider their interpretation of Kamen Rider (especially with the new generation riders), they should actually study in great detail of what Kamen Rider is all about instead of just editing Japanese footage onto American TV without any knowledge of its source. Maybe then, there will finally be a live action show that can rival Power Rangers since Beetleborgs, if not more.

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Kamen Rider Hibiki (2005–2006)

One of the most oddball motifs in the franchise...oh yeah...I prefer musical notes!!!

1 January 2006

If Kamen Rider Ryuki is the "black sheep" of the franchise, I can honestly say that Kamen Rider Hibiki is the "screwball" of all riders (not including Saban's "hackjob" of Black RX). Pretty much the story is about a group of "Oni" (although they have Rider in its title) hunt monsters throughout Japan called Makamou which consist of a male and female duo and their parent, which is a usually a giant monster, most of the time anyway. Story is a bit simplistic, not to mention flat. However, the character interaction is pretty good, balancing the humor and seriousness in some of them. However, because of the pattern the past few Rider series motif (such as Faiz using Greek Letters and Blade using Card Suits, the next expected thing would be musical notes). The instrument motif came as a big surprise. More so is that when you see the monsters being vanquished by musical instruments, you kind of feel sorry for them. I mean Death by Musical Instrument is a bit wrong.

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V.R. Troopers (1994–1996)

I hand it to Saban...he tried...

6 April 2004

VR Troopers was okay...suprisingly, it's counterpart is actually 3 unrelated Metal Hero Shows. Not to mention, they were all 80s shows. So trying to tie in together 3 unrelated shows that were all out-dated 80s footages was some effot there. However, if Saban was trying to pull something like this. I'd prefer he adapt something like Blue SWAT or the Rescue Mission Series, like Winspector or Solbrain. On second thought...nevermind...one, look how Beetleborgs turned out and it's too little too late for using early 90s Japanese footage for this Millenium. That and Saban is no longer in the toku-adapt business any more, that's Disney's department now.

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Rebirth of Mothra III (1998)

Not bad...not bad at all...

2 June 2003

I been a daikaiju fan all my life. So, it was interesting for me the Heisei Mothra trilogy. I think when Godzilla was retired in 95, Mothra took over as main monster. I have to admit the Heisei trilogy delievers, especially Mothra 3, which finally aired in the US, courtesy of SciFi Channel. In my opinion, Ghidorah didn't look so bad...a$$. You had this feel Ghidorah was a true Asian Dragon in this movie, he was my favorite overall...and Mothra wasn't bad herself. Makes me wonder if other Toho monsters will be given a shot at the own movie...*Rodan! Rodan! Rodan!*

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Tremors (2003)

The Dynamic Twosome...Burt and El Blanco???

29 March 2003

I watched the movies, the first one was good, but the others were "so-so." This takes place after the movies, I can assume. Anyway, Burt returns, but more friendier, but still as psychotic as ever. His companion, besides the town of Perfection, is the Great White Worm himself, "El Blanco" from the third movie. Besides giant worms, Burt must fend off hordes of other megamonsters who threaten his beloved town. This is a fun show to watch and hope for the best on the SciFi Channel.

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Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger (2003–2004)

Just too funny...a pretty good series...so far...a preview of the next Power Ranger series.

21 March 2003

This is just a taste of things to come for next years Power Ranger series. The story revolves around Ryouga/Abared, a very optimistic and slap happy character. Sanjo/Abablue, a somewhat arrogant chiropracter. Ranru/Abayellow, a mechanic whose obssessed with cars. And finally, Asuka, a warrior from Dino Earth, an alternate dimension of Earth. Together, they are the Abarangers whose mission is to fight off the Evorians, invaders from Dino Earth. They team is assisted by the Blast Dragons, evolved bio-mechanical Dinosaurs. Each of them teamed with a specific Blast Dragons.

Tyranno is the Red Blast Dragon. He's serious about everything and is very short tempered. A contrast to the Ryouga's slap happy attitude.

Cera is the Blue Blast Dragon. He's a bit immature and an ease dropper.

Ptera is the Yellow Blast Dragon. She's is very kind and sweet dino.

Brachio is the Black Blast Dragon. He's a wise dino, but is somewhat of a pacifist and doesn't want to fight.

The rangers are also assisted by Ryuunosuke, an old man, Emiko, a ditzy "geek" girl, and Mai, Ryouga's niece.

There is a lot of dramatic and comedic elements in the series. Some drama includes Ryouga being Mai's sole gaurdian after her parents die. Unfortunately, Ryouga is somewhat irresponsible and is clueless about being a father figure. Some comedic elements include Ryouga and Tyranno arguing, one incident was when Tyranno got mad at Ryouga, bit his head, thrashed him around like a rag doll, and threw him half way across the city.

I am hoping by the time Doug Sloan is done with Power Rangers Ninja Storm and moves on to this series that he adopts some of these story ideas and doesn't screw it up in the process.

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Attack of the 50 Foot Monster Mania (1999 TV Movie)

Attack of the 50 Foot excellence...

26 February 2003

This documentary aired when Roger Corman hosted his `Phantom Eye' shorts in 1999 during Halloween. Out of nowhere this documentary came up and it kicked butt. All my B-Movie favorites were there from King Kong, Rhedosaurs, the Black Scorpion, the Tarantula, Gwangi, the Ymir, the 5 Armed Octopus in `IT came from Beneath the Sea,' and my most admired monster, the King of the Monsters himself.GODZILLA!!!! This show documented the works of stop motion specialists Ray Harryhausen and Willis O' Brien to suitmation expert Eiji Tsuburya, who not only did Godzilla, but the giant spandex hero, Ultraman. They also gave a good lesson on the history of `Monster on the Loose' movies from the 50s and its affect on today's standards. This is definitely something I want to keep on video. Unfortunately, you can only see it on AMC from time to time. However, the next time it shows on AMC, record it, you won't be disappointed.

Overall Grade: A+

PS: I only wish AMC would turn this into a series.

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Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger (2002–2003)

"Ninpuu...Jinrai...Tenkuu...Shinobi Change!"

13 February 2003

Just recently, this series ended and now will be translated to Power Rangers Ninja Storm in the US. I'm crossing my fingers that Doug Sloan and Disney doesn't mess up a perfectly good series, considering these days Power Rangers are following the Sentai storyline format.

In this series, you have two factions, the Hurricangers and the Goraijers. They begin as two rival ninja groups but eventually join forces. They're eventually joined by a sixth member, the Shurikenjer (Green Samurai in Ninja Storm), who doesn't have a true identity the entire series. He is mostly disguised as women, old people, businessmen, etc. etc. etc. Furthermore, the guy speaks decent English, quoting when he transforms: `I am Ninja of Ninja!' Not to mention, the Shurikenger, while in his Fire Mode transformation, uses a baseball bat and nails his enemies with a barrage of baseball, how funny is that! Although, he doesn't reveal his face, he does have a name, but I won't say who he is. I think Shurikenger is also a vallant warrior, including near the end of the series. For those who watched Hurricanger, should know what happened to him. For those, who didn't watch it.oh well.

As for villains, although Tao Zanto was the main bad guys, the other villains stood out. Furabiijou, Windenu (nicknamed Wendy by her allies), and Sandaru; Furabiijou was too sweet to be a villain. Windenu was a calm and smart. She also had a sisterly relationship with Furabiijou. Sandaru, aka the Shark Ninja, was the cruelest and most treacherous of the Hurricanger villains, it came to the point where he killed his own allies.

Out of the cast, I really liked Nanami/Hurricane Blue (played by Nao Nagasawa) just because.^_^ However, I also like Oboro Hinata, the daughter of the hamster.er..I mean sensei and inventor of the Ninja weapons. The actress, Seiko Takada, brought some comedy. She really brought out Oboro's smart@$$ attitude, which usually annoys the heroes, but makes the show funny.

Overall, it's a pretty good series. Now, it's just up to those behind Power Ranger to meet the expectations of its Japanese Counterpart.

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Arena (2002–2005)

Too bad Trek Boy and Fatman had to go..."Don't Shoot the Messenger!!!"

23 November 2002

G4 Media TV had something going for them. Arena was an awesome TV show, they didn't play for prizes, two teams go it for bragging rights of who are the best gamers and who are the chumps who can't back up their mouth. Hosting the show was Wil Wheaton of Star Trek: Next Generation and Travis "The Fatman" Oates, who had a following of fans called "The Fat Side." Oates and Wheaton were the perfect team as they brought humor to the action pack rounds. Too bad G4 appreciate them for all of their work.

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Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger vs. Super Sentai (2001 Video)

The ultimate Sentai Melee...Saban eat your heart out!

23 November 2002

Saban has nothing on this movie. Although the US Version titled: "Forever Red" (a 30 minute episode from Power Rangers: Wild Force) was good using Red Rangers from the last 10 years, it is no match for Japanese Sentai (Task Force). When a monster is too powerful, what do you do?! You get Sentai from previous years to join forces and help you kick that monster @$$. Celebrating 25 years of Sentai, Toei come up with the ultimate crossover. 25 Ranger teams in one movie. The only thing I can say is that "You don't see that everyday." From JAKQ to Zyurangers to Dairangers to Kakurangers to Ohrangers to Carrangers to Megarangers to Gingaman to Go Go V to Timerangers to Gaoranger and more, they are all here!

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Power Rangers Time Force (2001)

Power Rangers with a little touch of Matrix & Time Machine...

17 February 2001

Criminals from the year 3000 has come to take over 2001. Four Officers from the Time Force Police has tracked down the Time Criminals to stop them in their tracks. But, first need to recruit a new red ranger. Wes, the individual they recruit looks much like their friend, Alex, the leader of the team in the future. With the help of Wes, the Time Force Ranger will now have to fight Ransik and his gang of futuristic criminals. Many of the fights in the show parallaxes with the movie, The Matrix (you know that slow motion camera turning thingy where they dodge bullets and all that junk, which is kind of creepy). Power Rangers Time Force is based on the Japanese Sentai (Task Force) Series, "Merai Sentai Timerangers," which ended its season run late last year. In Japan, they already have a new Ranger-like show called 100 Beast Gaoranger (don't know the Japanese title, which I will guess that Saban has plans on redoing in 2002).

*Take note after the corniness of the first four seasons of the Power Ranger series, Saban has finally decided to base some (but not much) of the American Power Ranger plotline on its Japanese Sentai counterparts (in which, Japan shows somewhat more corniness in their Sentai series more than their American counterparts).

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