My expectations for Power Rangers 2011

If you're like me, then you're excited for the new Power Rangers season coming in Spring 2011. Ever since Saban bought back the franchise, everyone has been in glee. As of right now, casting is in progress and I believe they are in the final stages of casting. Don't quote me on that, though.

Anyway, as the new season dawns, the more we come to expect from the one who created awesome series like Space, Lost Galaxy, and Time Force to name a few. So, here's what I expect, or at least hope, they integrate into the show.

I hope to see some unique stories for one. I want something that makes sense and adds to the plot, even for just a little bit. If there must be filler, then I at least want to think while I'm watching that it isn't. Even just one bit of development in the show is good for me. I don't know how you feel, but that's my perspective.

I also want to see some good writing. I don't want to see things be too serious, but not too over the top either. I mean, I know Power Rangers can be cheesy, but don't add more cheese to it. Also, I don't want a clone of Shinkenger, i.e. doing the same kind of concept Sentai did. I want originality. I also want the dialogue to reflect the characters' personalities, not something random. I'm hoping that they have a good writing staff.

I want the characters to be different in their own way. Because of something like this, the actors need to be at least decent. One of the problems that I've had with past Disney seasons is the acting. It seems just boring, uninteresting, and annoying i.e. Operation Overdrive. Even I can act better. I've been in many musicals at my school and even the actors I worked with, who were also my friends, can act better. I want the actors to show as much emotion in what they do as possible.

I also want equal character development. Again, harboring back to the Disney seasons, one of the problems is unbalanced development. In Mystic Force, it seems that Nick got too much development compared to the other characters. It also seemed that Mack from Operation Overdrive may have too much development, but not on the same level as Nick. I mean, granted the Red Ranger is one of the most popular Ranger colors, but I want to see the same attention towards the others. If the Red Rangers gets a lot of development, then I at least want to see the others with a lot of development.

I also expect some awesome fight scenes. Not just with the Rangers, but in their civilian form as well. I don't want too much wire-fu, which some Disney seasons suffered from. I sure we'll get something, considering that the in order to audition for the Blue Ranger, you have to have Martial Arts skills. I hope that they others have those kind of skills, or at least interesting ways of fighting. Plus, I hope they take advantage with the location they are in. Since they are filming in New Zealand, I am hoping they show different locations to have the fight scenes. I don't want to see the same place over and over again. New Zealand looks beautiful from what I've seen, so the show needs to take advantage of that. Yes, I know it'll probably be limited due to the Sentai footage, but what I hope for is good editing. If you can somehow blend in Japan with New Zealand landscapes and not make it seem awkward, then that's good editing.

Finally, I hope for a good soundtrack. Since Ron Wasserman won't be returning for the show, I certainly hope they have someone that can provide some good tracks that fit the nature of certain scenes. I also expect some awesome fight music as well. Fight music is something that needs to get one pumped up and needs to be somewhat fast paced and have the perfect mix of instruments.

Well, that's my take on it. I'm just hoping that Saban puts much effort into this in order to make this one of the greatest PR seasons ever. Oh, and for the record, I don't hate all of the Disney seasons. I liked Ninja Storm, Dino Thunder, and RPM to name a few.

So, yeah. Here's hoping that Saban and the work crew put their hearts into this. Here's to Power Rangers 2011!!

So... what do you hope for?

Toku Music Showcase 5

Time for another edition of the Toku Music Showcase!

For this Showcase, the song is the opening of the 1978 Toku series Spider-Man. Yes, the made a Toku out of him. And yes it's subbed. Just go here to see all 41 episodes.



So, anyway, the opening to it is called "Kakero! Spider-Man" or "Run! Spider-Man". It was sung by Yuki Hide, who had sung theme songs for other Toku shows and anime, such as Ultraman Leo and the ending theme to this show. Sadly, he died in 1998. Anyway, here's the song.



The song itself kinda feels like the original theme to the original show. Plus, the lyrics sound awesome. Well, the English lyrics anyway. The opening is subbed with the show in the link. Anyway, I like it. It just sounds cool. Also, did you know that Spider-Man had a Giant Robot? And it was also produced by Toei? Well, now you know.

That does it for this Showcase.

Toku Music Showcase 4

For now on, I'm just going to do these whenever I feel like it.

Anyway, for this Toku Music Showcase, this is a song to a series that I've recently found out about and am currently watching. The series is called Madan Senki Ryukendo (Which translates out to Magic Bullet Chronicles Ryukendo). And yes, it is subbed.



I've only watched three episodes as I'm writing this but let me just say that it's pretty decent. I mean, it's not better than Kamen Rider and Sentai, but at least it's something good. Also, did you know that the series had lower ratings compared to Kamen Rider and Sentai, but survived its full run because of superior toy sales? Well, now you know. And knowing is half the battle.



Now that I got that out of the way, let's get to the song. This show had two opening themes, but I'm referring to the first, which is simply called "Madan Senki Ryukendo".



The song is performed by Hiroshi Kitadani, who is on the anison group, JAM Product, as well as performed two of the ending themes for Kamen Rider Ryuki, "Boundless Life" and "Revolution". This guy lends his vocals for a kick-ass song. I mean, I immediately fell in love with this song the first time I heard. It has an awesome tempo and lyrics, and it always feels like a rush of energy. Plus, Hiroshi is a great singer. This song is what motivated me to watch Ryukendo. That's the power of theme songs. They make you want to check out shows you never heard of. At least that applies to me lol.

So, as for the series, I guess I would suggest it. Like I said, I've only seen three episodes, so you be the judge. As for the song, just awesome.

Look forward to another Toku Music Showcase... when I feel like it.

Man Dies During Twlight

It says here that a man died while watching the recent entry into the Twilight film series, "Eclipse".

Police said they were treating the death as unexplained, but not suspicious, The New Zealand Herald reported.

The man's body was found at a theatre in the capital Wellington about 8.30pm (local time) last night at the conclusion of the vampire film, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

The man, who was described by police as a "transient" who traveled throughout the country, appeared to have attended the 6pm screening alone.

An autopsy will be carried out tomorrow to determine the cause of death.

Police said the man was found slumped forward in his chair at the conclusion of the film and that a staff member initially thought he was asleep.

A member of security checked on the man and the emergency services were called, but they were unable to revive him.

I didn't know the movie was THAT bad. You know, I really feel sorry for his family and friends. Death by Twilight: one of the cruelest ways to die. I don't know what's worse: Just seeing the movie or that it was the last movie you saw before you died. Really makes you think, doesn't it?

Trailer for Double: A to Z/Gaia Memories of Fate

We have another trailer for the upcoming Double movie... IN 3D!!



Judging by this and the other trailers we've seen, this movie sounds badass! It looks like it's going to be an awesome movie. Plus, it seems that Skull is going to be in the movie, as well as the upcoming Rider, Ozu (Which for the record, I'm calling the series OOO but the Rider himself Ozu.) I so can't wait for this!

More Kamen Rider OOO Info

We have tons of info about the show now. I didn't announce any of the info mentioned, I just found it.



STORY:

"I don't want anything, and I don't attach to much importance to anything"

Such a man obtained the Rider's power. Before long, something will change in him.

Kamen Rider OOO is the 12th Heisei Work, succeeding Kamen Rider Double. The title is arranged with "3 O's", but is read as "Ozu".

Ozu will scramble for the 3 types of Medals which allow him to transform. It is said that when the medals are found, the "Fukusuu no Ou" (The Plural King) will appear.

This time, our hero is a man who has no dreams, no work, and no family. However, he does not attach importance to such things, and so he is not really unhappy.

The enemy are 5 different animal groups, who have existed since an unknown time. Their bodies incomplete, they search for the Medals too to complete their form. These Kaijin feed off of human lust, and now, have begun physically attacking human beings as well.

A mystery man, apparently from one of the 5 groups, is the one who gives our hero his belt. Ozu himself must collect these medals to gain new powers.

More over, a mysterious corporation seems to be backing Ozu in his quest. However, their true intentions are unknown. It is in these mysterious conditions that our hero must fight.

For the first time he will "feel alive" by fighting.

STAFF:

Original Creator: Ishinomori Shotaro

Writer: Kobayashi Yasuko

Directors: Tasaki Ryuta, Shibasaki Takayuki, and others

Action Director: Miyazaki Takeshi (Japan Action Enterprise)

SFX Supervisor: Butsuda Hiroshi (Special Effects Laboratory)

Creature Design: Izubuchi Yutaka, Shinohara Tamotsu

Producers: Motoi Kengo (TV Asahi), Takebe Naomi and Kazuhiro Takahashi (Toei)


On the rumor front, the 2nd rider, named Wozu/Wars, seems to be sea themed.



We also have the cast, along with their character descriptions!





The main character, Eiji Hino, is portrayed by Shu Watanabe.

Eiji Hino/Kamen Rider Ozu:
21 years old
-played by Shu Watanbe

A young man with no devotion or desire, and very little prospects for marriage. He only eats food he needs to survive day by day, just carries change, and the clothes on his back. He isn't settled down with a particular occupation. He has no savings, and of course, no hobbies. He dimly likes to look at scenery. He is often scolded by olders for his lifestyle, but liked by others. He is able to live each and every day as one of amazement.

His dettachement and no possesions seem to suggest something bad having occurred in his past. What is concealed in Eiji's heart? What is his true face that only appears when he is fighting as Ozu?



Ankh -Tori Kanbu Kaijin- (Bird Management Mystery Man):
-played by Ryosuke Miura

Eiji's companion, and his Medal Manager. Leader of the Bird group of Greeds and Yamiis, who gives Eiji his belt and allows him to transform into Ozu. He is having Eiji collect medals for him because he cannot fight on his own. Though he is one of the Greeds, the medals have little effect in helping him, and he can only transform his right arm.

As such, he takes possesion of Izumi Keiji's body, who is in a near-death state. Unlike Eiji, his devotion is strong and is very self-motivated. He is persistent on collecting all the medals, and "checking" them in. His only wish and care is that he gains all the medals and becomes a god who can attain all desires. However, his stubborn ways may be altered by becoming partners with Eiji...



Hina Izumi:
18 years old
-played by Riho Takada

Younger sister of Izumi Keiji, whose body is currently being possesed by Anku. She meets Anku, her "missing elder brother" and ends up helping Eiji in his mission. She admires Eiji because she reminds him of Robin Hood, and her naivety is being exploited by Anku.

Though she is seemingly a "usual girl" she has a lot of hidden, and uncommon, physical strength. She has recieved a "Power System Scout" (unsure about this part).

She misses her brother, and notices something different about him (because he's Anku). Her, Anku and Eiji end up working in a multi-national restaurant, and she begins to project on Eiji...



Shintaro Goto:
22 years old
-played by Asaya Kimijima

Commander of the Motorcycle Corps. in the Kogami Foundation that helps out Ozu. A former policeman, Shintarou is an incredibly loyal subordinate to Kogami. Difficult, unfriendly, and one who is not prone to displaying his emotion.

He is ordered to assist Ozu, but views Eiji as a rival. He has many doubts about the situation after learning of Eiji and Anku's attitude, but strongly believes society can still be saved through Kogami.




Erika Satonaka:
21 years old
-played by Mayuko Arisue

Kogami's able and beautiful secretary. A mature young woman who is never bothered, with a calm disposition. Because she is always made to eat the cakes that Kogami makes, she always has dieting on her mind. She often leaves the chairman's office to assist Shintarou in information gathering.



Chiyoko Shiraishi:
30 years old
-played by Marie Kai

A kind and cheerful character, if a bit troublesome, who gives Eiji a part-time job and living space in her multi-national restaurant. In this restaurant she serves dishes from around the world, and is often seen wearing clothing from around the world as well.

It is a hobby of hers that Eiji, and the others working at his restuaurant, must Cosplay while on the job. The interior of the shop is of her own design, and represents different countries around the world.



Kosei Kogami:
43 years old
-played by Takashi Ukaji

The mysterious chairman of the Kogami foundation. His real intentions are unknown, but for some reason he has a motorcycle, and secret mechanisms to support the Kamen Rider. He had seen the revival of the Greeds a long way off, and had actually hoped for it to happen.

Details are uncertain, but it is clear he wants to collect the medals for some unknown purpose. His hobby is baking cakes, often pulling an apron right over his suit to do so. In fact, he has a very unsuitable oven kept in his office...

Plus the thing about Ozu's bike: It can turn info a Vending Machine.



Okay... weird.

Anyway, this guy has an awesome design, and he'll also get new Medals, which are the gimmick for this season, which can give him new forms. And, by the number of medals we can count with certain medals going into different slots, he can have a total of 27 forms. Damn!



Okay, this post has enough pictures, so I'll just give you the link to the rest of them, as well as any info I missed. You can find them here, here, and here.

Also, a trailer sort of thing.



So, judging by the info we have, this is sounding awesome. I'm more psyched for this then I was for Goseiger, but not as I was for Double. So, this series certainly sounds like it will have a lot of variety. I'm excited for it, either way. Are you? The Ozu is coming. Are you ready?

Oh, and the official website is open.