Based on the TV show “Masked Rider” (which was based on Japan’s “Kamen Rider”), this film will take place in the same universe as my Power Rangers’ films. That fact won’t be made too obvious, but things will be hinted at (such as Dex working on a robot that looks strikingly familiar to Alpha; this linking the films in that the Edenoites are the builders of the Alpha droids). The film will start on the planet of Edenoi. This is a planet of humans that have evolved from insects, as opposed to evolving from apes. The present condition of Edenoi is very dire. After overthrowing his father (King Lexian), the twisted Count Dregon has depleted the planets resources for the past ten years. Lexian, his daughter, his son-in-law Dex, and his grandson of the same name have lived in lowly hiding for those ten years; also with them is Dex’s (II) furry accomplice, Ferbus . For those ten years, Dex (I) has been fighting his brother-in-law’s forces as the Kamen (the Edenoite word for “Ranger”; wink, wink, nudge, nudge). In a brutal battle, Dex (I) is killed by Dregon’s right-hand, Cyclopter. Too old to return to his role as the Kamen, Lexian bestows the task to Dex (II) (from now on, this Dex will be referred to as only Dex). Dregon, now having sucked Edenoi nearly dry, turns his sites to Earth, a rich planet that will provide him with all he desires. Lexian, not wanting Dregon’s evil to spread any further, sends Dex to Earth so that he may protect it from Dregon’s forces. Dex is accompanied by a small squadron of Edenoites that will aid him in his mission, as well as Ferbus. Upon entering our solar system, Dex’s ship is attacked by Dregon’s Plague Patrol, lead by the Plague Sentry. All of the Edenoites are killed, with the exception of Dex and Ferbus, and the ship crashes to Earth. Dex and Ferbus find themselves alone in the western United States desert and must make their way to civilization. Here, the story shifts to the viewpoint of the Stewart family, a multi-cultural family in the heart of Leawood. Hal and Barbara Stewart (a mixed marriage of a Caucasian man and an Asian woman) have two adopted children: Molly (also Caucasian) and Albee (African American). The four have made their family work well, but a recent move to Leawood has left the family slightly splintered. Hal and Barbara are considering adopting another child, hoping the move will help bring the family back together. It’s not long before Dex and Ferbus find themselves in Leawood. Dex is confused by the reaction his appearance is getting (he doesn’t realize how unusual the crystal in his forehead seems, or the sight of a duck/bear). Dex’s first conversation is with the owner of an arcade, who refers to himself as “Moon Dude.” Moon Dude, who is clearly a child of the eighties, points Dex and his “little Ewok friend” West in the direction of Los Angeles (Moon Dude thinks that the two wound up in the wrong town on their way to a Sci-Fi convention). On their way West (Dex taking the directions seriously), Dex is struck by a car while crossing a street. Albee witnesses the accident and, when the driver doesn’t stop to check on Dex, the boy takes him to his home down the street. Ferbus follows sheepishly, keeping to the shadows and cover. Albee is surprised to find that Dex has recovered by the time he gets him home. After this, Dex relates his story to the Stewarts and is accepted into the family. Ferbus is kept in the shed in the back yard. Dex’s first day of high school is riddled with outrage. One of the girls, Patsy Carbunkle, takes a shine to Dex (this character will be a love interest in this film and less of an annoyance like she was in the series). Patsy’s friend, Herb, is a little jealous of the new guy (Dex won Patsy’s heart at first sight, and Herb has gotten nowhere with ten years of friendship). Patsy and Herb become Dex’s closest friends at the school. After all of this, Dregon’s first move comes quickly. Dregon sends down Nefaria and Cyclopter along with a mess of Maggots and Commandoids. The two attack Leawood specifically, wanting to draw out Dex and hit him personally. Dex uses his powers for the first time and narrowly defeats Dregon’s forces. The films goes on with Dex going through high school drama as an alien and having to deal with Dregon’s forces every other minute. The climax comes with Dex in a one-on-one battle against Cyclopter (this battle being very personal, since Cyclopter killed Dex’s father). At the end of the battle, Dex holds Cyclopter’s life in his hands. Dex, being taught new morals by his adopted family, spares Cyclopter’s life and lets him go free. The film won’t end with much closure, but a sequel is expected so there won’t need to be. This, like my Power Rangers’ films, will need to be done with grace to avoid being as tacky as its inspiration.
The Cast:
Dex (II)/the Kamen (III) - Robert Patterson
Dex (I)/the Kamen (II) - Thomas Jane
Lexian/the Kamen (I) - Bill Nighy
Dex’s Mother- Carrie Genzel
Count Dregon- Nic Cage
Nefaria- Amy Lee
Cyclopter- Ben Affleck
Double Face (Voice) – Alan Rickman
Gork (Voice) – Jim Carrey
Fact (Voice) - Verne Troyer
Plague Sentry- Michael Clark Duncan
Hal Stewart- John Pinette
Barbara Stewart- Ming-Na
Molly Stewart- Miley Cyrus
Albee Stewart- Khamani Griffin
Patsy Carbunkle- Emma Watson
Herb(ie)- Kyle Gallner
“Moon Dude”- Matthew McConaughey