DVD Review: "VeggieTales: Moe and the Big Exit"

Rated: Not Rated (US) / G (Canada)
Starring: Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki
Released: March 3, 2007 (DVD)

Synopsis: In this Western-style follow-up to The Ballad of Little Joe, Moe (Larry the Cucumber) is saved from death as a baby and raised in the home of the Mayor, while his people are enslaved.  After Moe grows up, he is called on by God to lead his people out of their bondage...but, the Mayor isn't budging.  Will Moe succeed in saving them, or are they doomed to being enslaved forever?
Based on the Biblical book of Exodus.

The Good: Well, the animation is great; the characters and locations are very detailed.  There were also a few cute moments; I thought Zippy the buffalo was adorable.  However...

The Bad: There wasn't much else to like about it.  For one, it went on way too long; most VeggieTales videos are about half an hour, but, this one was over forty-five minutes, and felt like it was two hours.  The narration was also annoying, especially when the narrators felt the need to repeat what they'd just spent the past few minutes singing.  No Silly Song was present, which was just unthinkable.  Also, though the episodes in this series usually make the Bible stories more kid-friendly, this particular one implies the death of children, which could freak some little ones out, and very well might have earned a "PG" from the MPAA, which isn't typical for Veggie videos.  For some reason, the producers don't want the viewers to hear God talk directly, which takes away from what should be a poignant moment.  Even the subtitles were rife with errors and lagged a time or two.  This definitely isn't what we've come to expect from Big Idea.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Kissing. 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: A bit of name-calling. 4/5
• Violence: Some slapstick; the implied deaths of babies. 3/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: The implied deaths of the babies; the villain is a bit intense at times; the various plagues. 2/5
• Other: The entire film takes too much liberty with the Bible story, more so than usual for this series. 4/5

Conclusion: For about two decades, VeggieTales has been the most recognizable name in Christian kiddie entertainment.  People everywhere, even outside of the faith community, know about Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato.  The various videos and DVDs have sold in the millions, and animation studio Big Idea has continued to crank them out.  Though most of the episodes are rather fun and exciting, this one was not.  It's not the worst one I've ever seen--I don't think The Wonderful World of Auto-Tainment! will ever lose that title--but it definitely wasn't up to the usual standard.  Unless you're a die-hard VeggieTales fan, I would suggest purchasing another episode or another Christian DVD entirely.

Score: 1.5/5

TV DVD Review: "Power Rangers Megaforce, No. 2: The Mysterious Robo Knight"

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence
Starring: Andrew M. Gray, Ciara Hanna, John Mark Loudermilk, Christina Masterson, and Azim Rizk
Released: March 2013 (original TV premieres) / January 14, 2014 (DVD)

Synopsis: The Rangers are in for their toughest battles yet as the insectoid aliens continue in their attempts to destroy the Earth! Between a rockin', guitar playing monster, mutants made from polluted sludge, and a queen bee bent on enslaving all the males, it'll take everything the Rangers have got to save our planet from utter destruction! With newer weapons and a surprising new ally, they are determined to save the world at all costs...but, will even all that be enough?
As seen on Nickelodeon.

The Good: This is mostly more of the same as in the first volume, which isn't a bad thing.  The new enemies are a bit more of a challenge, which means that the Rangers have to use critical thinking skills instead of mere weaponry and brute strength.  One of the female Rangers even sings a beautiful song at one point, which is different for this series, but still better than hearing "Go, Go, Power Rangers" for the thousandth time.  All of the episodes are rather thrilling; even though we know from the outset who will win, it's fun to see just how they'll do it.

The Bad: I already talked about my issues with the intense violence and the DVD releases, so, I won't talk about that again.  What I will say is that some bits are annoying, particularly when a character says something, the screen fades--presumably for a commercial break--and then you hear the same thing said again.  It probably wasn't repetitive during the original TV broadcasts, but, they could have done some editing on the DVD version to make those bits less grating.  Also, some errors in the closed captioning will likely bother deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Flirting. 4/5
• Nudity: Girl in short shorts; a guy's midriff is briefly seen. 4/5
• Language: Slight name-calling, which isn't surprising; two misuses of God's name, which is. 3/5
• Violence: The action is very intense in these four episodes; the Rangers and various bad guys hit, kick, throw, shoot, blast, etc., each other quite relentlessly.  No blood or gore is seen, but buildings are blown up, and explosions are rather common. 2/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Along with the violence, some of the villains are rather frightening, and come off like terrorists as times, especially when they blow up buildings. 1/5
• Other: One villain uses spit as a weapon, which is a bit disgusting. 4/5

Conclusion: This second outing ramps up the intensity a bit, which makes it even more fun.  If you're not a fan of the Rangers, nothing in this or the previous volume will change your mind, but, for fans like me, this is a blast!

Score: 4.5/5

TV DVD Review: "Hannah Montana": Season One

Rated: TV-G (US) / G (Canada)
Starring: Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Jason Earles, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Mitchel Musso
Released: March 24, 2006 - March 30, 2007 (Disney Channel premieres) / November 18, 2008 (DVD)

Synopsis: By day, Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus, The Last Song) is just a regular teenager...but, by night, she is Hannah Montana, pop singer extraordinaire! The only ones who know her secret are her best friend Lilly (Emily Osment, Dadnapped), her older brother Jackson (Jason Earles, Kickin' It), and her dad, former superstar Robby Ray (country superstar Billy Ray Cyrus).  Leading a double life leads to one misadventure after another...but Miley can't reveal her big secret to the world! In this first season, watch as she deals with a rabid fan who has no idea that Miley and Hannah are one and the same, meets Dolly Parton, and "adopts" a little sister of her own!
As seen on the Disney Channel.

The Good: As I've said before, no one makes a sitcom like the Disney Channel.  Some of these episodes were so zany, they literally had me laughing out loud in the middle of Subway.  The usual squeaky-clean content was great, and the pop performances from Miley were awesome.  Robby Ray was always ready to dispatch some fatherly advice, and many of the episodes feature someone learning a lesson.  All in all, amazing stuff.

The Bad: Nothing about the show itself; however, I do wish they'd followed up this release with the other seasons.  Also, it is kind of depressing to think about what Ms. Cyrus ended up becoming after this show ended, with this first season being great fun.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Kissing and flirting. 4/5
• Nudity: Slight cleavage and short skirts. 4/5
• Language: Some name-calling. 4/5
• Violence: Purely slapstick, though a bit much of it. 3/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: None I can think of. 5/5
• Other: Some gross-out humor. 4/5

Conclusion: What fun this first season was! If you're a Disney Channel fan and have largely avoided this series--like I have until recently--you have got to check it out! Regardless of Miley Cyrus' later works, these four DVDs are fun, fun, and more fun!

Score: 5/5

TV DVD Review: "Power Rangers Megaforce, No. 1: Ultimate Team Power"

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence
Starring: Andrew M. Gray, Ciara Hanna, John Mark Loudermilk, Christina Masterson, and Azim Rizk
Released: February 2013 (original TV premieres) / September 3, 2013 (DVD)

Synopsis: Our planet was a peaceful place...until evil insectoid aliens started to invade! Five teenagers--Gia, Troy, Noah, Emma, and Jake--are recruited by Gosei to save Earth from utter destruction; together, they are the Power Rangers! With the help of futuristic weapons and their own martial arts skills, they are determined to keep the peace...but, with giant bugs bent on their demise, even the Rangers' combined powers may not be enough to save the world.
As seen on Nickelodeon.

The Good: I've been watching quite a bit of Saban's superhero franchise lately, and this is by far the newest incarnation I've watched even somewhat dutifully.  I found the four episodes on this disc to be riveting, white-knuckle thrill rides.  Even though we all know who will win, it's still a crazy ride.  The Rangers also use critical thinking skills to defeat enemies, and some other positive elements are present; one about believing in yourself really spoke to me.  As for the special effects, they're the best I've seen in any incarnation of the series, especially when compared to the original Mighty Morphin era.  Some throwback elements to the original series are also fun.

The Bad: I only have two complaints, but one of them is a big one.  First off, the fight sequences are rather intense for a kids' show.  Violence has always been a concern with this series, but, it's easily the most brutal in any version of it I've seen.  Also--and of less importance--I don't know why Lionsgate chose to release the season in four-episode discs; that makes it harder to find in its entirety.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Flirting. 4/5
• Nudity: Slight cleavage; girl in short shorts. 4/5
• Language: Slight name-calling. 4/5
• Violence: The action is very intense in these four episodes; the Rangers and various bad guys hit, kick, shoot, blast, etc., each other rather relentlessly.  No blood or gore is seen, but innocent people become involved, and some of the villains blow up buildings. 2/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Along with the violence, some of the villains are scary-looking, and come off like terrorists as times. 1/5
• Other: One villain uses sneezing as a weapon, which is a bit disgusting. 4/5

Conclusion: As a twenty-seven-year-old kid at heart, I enjoyed these four episodes...but, I'm not sure I'd show them to young children.  Sure, for me, it was a bit of escapist fun, but discerning parents may think otherwise.  If your kid is a Power Rangers fan, you might want to screen these episodes before letting him or her watch them.  For older fans like me, though, this is a treat!

Score: 4.5/5

TV DVD Review: "Avatar: The Last Airbender: Book One: Water"

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence (US) / PG (Canada)
Starring: Zach Tyler, Mae Whitman, and Jack De Sena
Released: February 21 - December 2, 2005 (original Nickelodeon premieres) / September 19, 2006 (DVD)

Synopsis: A hundred years ago, the Fire Nation started a war that engulfed the entire world.  Katara and Sokka, a brother and sister who live in the Southern Water Kingdom, find Aang, whom they discover is the Avatar, the only one who can master the four elements--water, fire, earth, and air--and save the planet, in an iceberg; the only problem is that he is still a boy, and has much to learn.  With their help, though, Aang travels the world and learns of the destiny he must fulfill.  Will he be able to stop the Fire Nation?
As seen on Nickelodeon.  Features the voice work of Mae Whitman (State of Grace, The DUFF).

The Good: What's not to like about this first season? Amazing animation, a great story arc, a knock-your-socks-off ending, plenty of action and drama, a little romance, and an all-around good time.  If you haven't watched this, you're missing out, but, prepare to be gripped by it!

The Bad: The only complaints I have are actually with the DVD itself, not with the show.  Having the episodes listed individually under "Scene Selection" was a bit confusing, while the previews being on every disc except for the "bonus" one were annoying.  That's small potatoes compared to how great the series itself is, though.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Kissing and flirting; nothing more. 4/5
• Nudity: Shirtless guys; a guy in a loincloth; a girl in an off-the-shoulder dress. 4/5
• Language: Name-calling is as bad as it gets. 4/5
• Violence: Action sequences abound in this first season; though none of it is bloody or gory, some of it is rather intense.  Aang, Katara, and the various bad guys blast, burn, toss, etc., each other countless times.  A boat is blown up in order to kill someone.  (Spoiler: He escapes.) The two-part finale has some epic warfare. 2/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Along with the violence, some scenes can be a bit scary; I thought a character in the finale was especially hideous.  There is also some emotional intensity, especially in the last episode. 2/5
• Other: A small amount of bathroom humor; usage of magic-type powers throughout. 3/5

Conclusion: People have been telling me about this series for quite a while, but, it wasn't until recently that I decided to give it a shot...and they were right; this show is fabulous! Like I said above: If you haven't seen this...what are you waiting for? Go buy the first season on DVD or iTunes...now!

Score: 5/5

Movie Review: "Gimme Shelter"

Rated: PG-13 for mature thematic material involving mistreatment, some drug content, violence, and language, all concerning teens
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Rosario Dawson, Brendan Fraser, and James Earl Jones
Released: January 24, 2014

Synopsis: In an attempt to escape her abusive mother (Rosario Dawson), Apple Bailey (Vanessa Hudgens, High School Musical) flees from her home to find her biological father (Brendan Fraser, George of the Jungle) whom she has never met before.  She soon finds out she is pregnant, and her father's wife wants her to abort the baby...but Apple doesn't want to do that.  Homeless, and with nowhere to go, Apple finds a friend in a hospital chaplain (screen legend James Earl Jones).  With his help, she discovers the true meaning of family.
Based on a true story.

The Good: First off, the performances in this film are amazing.  Vanessa Hudgens does a wonderful job in a role that's much different than Gabriella, her best-known role, and Brendan Fraser also deserves major kudos.  This movie may be based on a true story, but the story arc is so compelling, it feels like a thrilling novel.  The theme of overcoming adversity is great, and the fact that the film is pro-life and portrays the Christian faith in a positive light is awesome.

The Bad: Despite the fact that this movie features a Disney Channel star, it's not for kids.  Between the profanity, the themes of teenage pregnancy and illegitimate children, the sexual remarks, and the rather intense violence, this one is rated "PG-13" for a reason.  Also, the soundtrack featured some annoying music.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: The whole movie revolves around unwed pregnancies.  A guy tries to hit on a teenage girl, but she fends him off.  A girl is referred to by her mother as a "slut" and a "whore". 2/5
• Nudity: Some cleavage, and a guy is seen shirtless. 4/5
• Language: The b-word is used twice; the h-word, a-word, and d-word are used once each.  God's name is misused once or twice, and the milder term "crap" is used once.  Some name-calling is also present. 3/5
• Violence: Some fights here and there, including one where a woman attacks a pregnant teenager with a razor with bloody results.  A car accident leads to someone entering the hospital. 3/5
• Drugs: Beer is consumed, characters smoke, and drug abuse is referenced. 3/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Along with the violence, Apple's mother is rather scary; she is intentionally hideous, with garishly yellow teeth and a horrible demeanor.  There is also plenty of emotional intensity. 2/5

Conclusion: In the style of Touched By an Angel, though without the otherworldly beings, Gimme Shelter is a morality play that doesn't shy away from showing the hard edge of reality.  For some discerning viewers, this may be too much, but I enjoyed this one quite a bit.  If you're tired of saccharine sweet Christian films, this one is definitely worth a try.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "The Last Chance Detectives, No. 1: Mystery Lights of Navajo Mesa"

Rated: Not Rated
Starring: Ryan Calhoun, Crystle Lightning, Davin Carey, and David Netter
Released: 1994

Synopsis: Mike, Winnie, Ben, and Spence are the Last Chance Detectives, four kids who are willing to solve any mystery in their small town.  When a local museum is being robbed of priceless Native American artifacts, the authorities are stumped...but, then, comic book nerd Ben claims to see aliens, despite no one else in the town believing his story.  This case could be a tough one; are the Last Chance Detectives up to the job?
From Focus on the Family Films.  Features an appearance by Sherry Hursey (Home Improvement).  Written by the Thoene family, writers of the various Zion series.

The Good: At it's core, this movie is a kid-friendly mystery, much like an old episode of Scooby-Doo.  Despite its age, kids who like watching Disney Channel and Nickelodeon will probably enjoy this film.  The production values are on par with many Hollywood productions, and a moral lesson plays a big part in the story.

The Bad: As good as this is, some problems do exist.  Some needless product placement--both Marvel Comics and Apple get promoted--was annoying.  Also, for many viewers, this may be only worth a rental.  Once you solve the mystery, why even bother watching it again?

Content Concerns:

• Sex: None. 5/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: Slight name-calling. 4/5
• Violence: Mild action violence; nothing serious.  The opening shows a plane being shot down, presumably killing the pilot inside. 4/5
• Drugs: A man appears to be smoking. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Some emotional intensity, and a mildly scary scene here and there. 4/5
• Other: Unnecessary product placement. 4/5

Conclusion: This first movie in the Last Chance Detectives telefilm series is definitely a product of its time; even the closing logo looks like something from a '90's CD-ROM game.  Over two decades later, this film is a bit of escapist fun, but, not something to be watched again and again.  If you're a kid at heart like I am, you'll probably enjoy watching it once...but only once.

Score: 3.5/5

TV DVD Review: "Full House": Season One

Rated: TV-G
Starring: Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, John Stamos, Candace Cameron, Jodie Sweetin, and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
Released: 1987 - 1988 (original TV premieres) / 2007 (DVD)

Synopsis: Recent widower Danny Tanner (Bob Saget, America's Funniest Home Videos) has three daughters to take care of--D.J. (Candace Cameron, The View), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin), and infant Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen in their star-making role)--all by himself.  To lighten the load, he enlists his brother-in-law, aspiring musician Jesse (John Stamos), as well as his best friend, comedian Joey (Dave Coulier), to help...but, they're just as unprepared as he is to look after three little girls! Whether they're dealing with a Thanksgiving feast gone wrong, an eleven-year-old debt, or D.J.'s desire to skip school in order to get a celebrity's autograph, hilarity and familial love are sure to ensue!
Features guest appearances by Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains), Chelsea Noble (Left Behind), legendary comedienne Phyllis Diller, and pop singer Stacey Q.

The Good: Full House is not only one of the most beloved sitcoms of its time, but among the most beloved of all-time, especially by millenials...and for good reason.  Cute, funny, and largely clean, I found this to be one of the most enjoyable non-Disney-Channel, non-superhero shows I've watched in a while.  While other 90's standards spend too much time wallowing in inappropriateness--Home Improvement, for example--this one often made me smile and laugh along with the characters.  It also places a big importance on family; as someone who came from a non-standard household--a mother plus an older sister who acted as a mother, and no father to speak of--I understand that families don't have to be nuclear to be loving, which is something this first season shows very well.

The Bad: Though largely innocent, some discerning viewers may take issue with the language--about one profanity or so per episode--and the allusions to sex.  Granted, they're all "PG" level, but people who fondly remember this show for its allegedly "squeaky clean" content may be surprised.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Kissing; flirting; "PG" level allusions to illicit relationships. One episode features some suggestive dance moves. 3/5
• Nudity: Women are sometimes seen in immodest outfits ranging from short shorts to midriff-baring tops.  A woman is seen in the shower, but the curtain obscures everything but her face and shoulders.  A guy wears an outfit that shows a bit of his chest. 3/5
• Language: Profanity--mostly h-words, d-words, and misuses of God's name--is present in pretty much every episode, though only in small doses. 3/5
• Violence: Nothing more than comedic pratfalls. 4/5
• Drugs: Adults drink alcohol. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Given the themes, there is some emotional intensity. 4/5

Conclusion: Among people of my generation--and maybe others as well--90's nostalgia is very big right now.  Of course, people often look back fondly at the time in which they grew up, but I think most Americans would give anything to go back to our nation as it was pre-9/11.  Whatever the reason, DVDs and iTunes episode sets of shows such as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Kenan & Kel, or Early Edition sell like hotcakes.  I'll admit to a bit of nostalgia for that time, but, I was never a tremendous fan of this show back then; then again, it started right around the time I was born, so, I was really too young to watch it at the time.  Thanks to the miracle of DVD, I've now watched the first season...and really enjoyed it! Despite its flaws, it was rather enjoyable and fun.  If you haven't seen this show, you should give it a try.

Score: 4/5

Movie Review: "Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United"

Rated: PG for sci-fi action violence and brief mild language
Starring: Adrian Pasdar, Fred Tatasciore, and Dee Bradley Baker
Released: 2013 (DVD)

Synopsis: Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, is all about intelligence and technology; The Hulk is purely brute strength.  Despite their differences, they must come together to save the world once again, this time from Zzzax, an alien speck that feeds on energy, and wants to drain our planet of electricity entirely! Alone, they don't stand a chance...but, can they put aside their differences to save the Earth? Even if they can get along, their combined powers still may not be enough to defeat Zzzax.  Will they succeed?

The Good: This may be the first time I've seen comic book superheroes in fully computer-animated form, but this film's graphics are outstanding! The Hulk and Iron Man are both very detailed, and the lighting and shading effects are superb.  All of the action sequences are well-done, and the voice cast does a great job.  Zzzax is a very despicable villain, while the two heroes are rather admirable, which is how I like my stories of good vs. evil.  Nothing to complain about, except...

The Bad: This movie should not have been rated "PG".  As much as I love superhero stories, the violence is quite frenetic and rarely lets up; as soon as the opening credits finish, you're thrown into the first of many fights.  True, there are some breaks here and there, but they're rather brief.  The villains are also a bit scary, which is something I'm surprised the MPAA didn't worry about; Zzzax in his full form is rather hideous, as are some other creatures that Iron Man and Hulk fight.  For older fans, that isn't a big deal; still, parents may be duped into buying or renting this for their young children if they don't know that it abuses its "PG" rating.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: None. 5/5
• Nudity: The Hulk is shirtless throughout the entire film. 4/5
• Language: The MPAA warned about "brief mild language," but, I didn't notice any profanity, even with the closed captions turned on.  However, name-calling is present. 4/5
• Violence: Right from the get-go, it becomes obvious that this movie contains plenty of intense violence.  The two heroes, the villains, and other characters are thrown, hit, kicked, slammed, blasted, etc., countless times, all in a mere seventy-one minutes.  The end credits also contain comic-book-style background images of violence. 1/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Along with the frenetic violence, most of the bad guys are rather hideous. 1/5
• Other: Evolution is briefly mentioned. 4/5

Conclusion: Back in the 1990s, kids everywhere were fascinated by the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, five teenagers who used their special powers to fight evil and save the world.  Despite its insane popularity, some discerning parents were rather wary of the franchise, mostly because of the Rangers' reliance on violence to defeat the bad guys.  That wasn't enough to ruin it, though; even twenty years later, a version of the Power Rangers is still on television...but, some parent advocacy groups still have a problem with that and other entertainment entities that market violence to children.  Well, if you think Saban's multi-million dollar franchise is intense, you haven't seen anything until you've seen this.  Older fans such as myself will love this film, but it may be too much for many children; proceed with caution.  If you do decide to watch this, make sure you stay tuned for a bonus scene after the credits.

Score: 4/5

TV DVD Review: "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers": Season Two, Volume Two

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence
Starring: Jason David Frank, Amy Jo Johnston, Johnny Yong Bosch, Steven Cardenas, Karan Ashley, and David Yost
Released: 1994 - 1995 (original TV premieres) / 2013 (DVD and iTunes)

Synopsis: The Power Rangers are in for their fiercest battles yet in this last part of the show's second season! Just after Aisha, Rocky, and Adam get sworn in as new Rangers, Lord Zedd starts to employ all kinds of dastardly tricks, from evil clones of the Rangers themselves to trapping the Rangers everywhere from the past to an old storybook! Worse yet, Rita has returned, and when she and Zedd marry, it may be too much for the world to handle! Will the Rangers succeed in thwarting their plans?

The Good: As a kid at heart, I find this series has an endearing quality; sure, you know the Rangers will always win, but it's still fun to see the good guys triumph over evil.  With series like these, the multiple-episode story arcs are usually the best ones, and that is definitely true here.  The Rangers themselves are likable folks, and the villains are hilariously despicable.  Not that much to complain about, except...

The Bad: First off, the episodes are rather short; about twenty minutes each, including the opening titles and closing credits.  When you realize how much recycled footage is used, that means each episode has only fifteen minutes or so of original content.  The closed captioning is rather off; many times, what it says and what the characters are actually saying are quite different.  That's a problem with many shows from the early days of "CC" mode, but would it have killed Shout! Factory to have it redone for the benefit of deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers? Some of the plots, especially towards the end, are a bit too similar; did they have to use time travel as a plot device twice within a few episodes? Also, parents may be concerned with the violence; it can be a bit heavy at times.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Kissing and flirting; nothing serious. 4/5
• Nudity: Girls in bare-midriff outfits; shirtless guys are seen occasionally. 4/5
• Language: Mostly name-calling, though there is at least one misuse of God's name. 4/5
• Violence: As mentioned above, the violence is heavy at times; the Rangers, their Zords, and their various enemies punch, kick, shoot, hit, etc., each other countless times.  The Putties are seen literally falling apart after being defeated.  Comedic violence is also present.  None of it is bloody or gory, though. 2/5
• Drugs: Fantasy remedies are used. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: As usual, some of the monsters can be a bit scary, and the Rangers find themselves in various dire predicaments, though they always make it out okay. 2/5
• Other: A bit of magic is used. 4/5

Conclusion: Say what you want, but I've enjoyed watching the first two seasons of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in its entirety; in fact, I hope to watch the third season soon, and then continue with the Zeo incarnation.  These episodes might be a bit much for the youngest viewers, but, for those who grew up with this show like I did, this is a treat.

Score: 4/5