Author: oddmoonmediareviews

ODD MOON MEDIA REVIEWS

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BDC
October 2020

Categories
DVD DVD/Blu-Ray Extra Movies & Television (Videos) Sports (TV & Videos) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

NWA U.S. CHAMPION “THE TOTAL PACKAGE” LEX LUGER VS. RICKY “THE DRAGON” STEAMBOAT (NWA Great American Bash – Glory Days: Aired Live 7-23-1989)

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 10:26 Min.

This NWA U.S. Championship bout was contested at The Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, MD.  It was a semi-main event for The Great American Bash: Glory Days card held on July 23, 1989. 

Having recently turned heel, U.S. Champion “The Total Package” Lex Luger arrogantly insists upon the no-disqualification stipulation be waived or he will refuse to wrestle.  Eager for personal vengeance after his beatdown by Luger the month before, Steamboat supposedly has no choice but to acquiesce to Luger’s demands.  Hence, the bout subsequently takes place under pro wrestling’s standard title defense rules. 

At ringside are commentators Jim Ross and Bob Caudle.  The bout occurs inside a double-ring due to the War Games bout (Road Warriors/Midnight Express/Steve “Dr. Death” Williams vs. The Freebirds/Samoans) on the same card.

Notes: Steamboat’s then-wife, Bonnie, and their young son make a customary cameo appearance during Steamboat’s extended ring introduction.  Reminiscent of his 1986 WWF encounters with Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Steamboat brings a presumably sedated Komodo dragon with him to ringside.

REVIEW:

While “The Total Package” falls short of the same match chemistry that “Ravishing” Rick Rude had with Ricky Steamboat, the end result is still solid.  Both the spry Steamboat and Luger (despite his somewhat limited move set) ensure that fans are entertained by a well-choreographed brawl.  Though heavily alluded to beforehand, the match’s inevitably cheap finish isn’t as bad as it may sound. 

If anything, Steamboat’s rarely seen sadistic streak makes Luger evidently his most ‘hated’ adversary since his epic 1987 WWF Intercontinental Title feud with “Macho Man” Randy Savage.  Given its less-than-decisive ending, this slightly-above-average showdown isn’t necessarily must-see viewing.   Catching a glimpse of the short-lived Steamboat vs. Luger feud, however, still makes for some fun nostalgia.     

Note: Prior to the NWA’s next Pay-Per-View, the inaugural Halloween Havoc ’89, Steamboat quietly quit the NWA.  Hence, his title feud with Luger was abruptly dropped, with Brian Pillman soon inserted as Steamboat’s replacement.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6½ Stars

Categories
Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

NIGHTWING, VOLUME 5: TIME OF THE TITANS (DC Comics)

Written by Tom Taylor.

Art by Travis Moore; Bruno Redondo; Vasco Georgiev; Adriano Lucas; & Wes Abbott.

Collection Cover Art by Bruno Redondo & Adriano Lucas.

SUMMARY:

Released in 2024 by DC Comics, this 176-page hardcover compiles 2023’s Nightwing # 101-105. Fallout from the recent Dark Crisis continues, as Dick Grayson intends to build a new Titans Tower in Blüdhaven. The team’s previous Tower in New York City lies in ruins after Deathstroke’s deadly attack. The Titans are soon startled by the discovery of a mystery corpse left deep within the wreckage.  

Continuing the storyline from Issue # 98, Dick Grayson and his perennial fellow Titans (Starfire, Beast Boy, Donna Troy, Cyborg, Raven, & Wally West’s Flash) are also protecting a nine-year-old orphan, Olivia Raymond.  Recently, unexpected magical intervention (and help from Dick’s puppy, Bite-wing) allowed Olivia to humiliate Neron’s demonic minions.  As it’s revealed, Neron seeks to collect Olivia’s innocent soul to complete a contract made with her late father: Blockbuster. 

With the shape-shifting Grinning Man now deployed, at least one homicide soon sets up the Titans taking on Dick’s own treacherous impersonator.  Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl joins Starfire & Donna Troy in defending Olivia on Themyscira.  Raven leads the other Titans on a raid into Neron’s underworld tower in Hell. 

Discovering the startling identity of Olivia’s mother, Nightwing must improvise a legal loophole to hopefully thwart Neron’s efforts to steal Olivia away.  Worse yet, Neron’s demons are simultaneously attacking Themyscira to abduct the child. Neron soon baits Nightwing with an offer of Superman-like powers in exchange for Olivia’s soul.  Dick explores his temporary powers knowing that Neron still awaits him and won’t be taking a simple ‘no’ as a reply. 

With Olivia’s fate evidently settled (at least, for now), Dick & Barbara soon find themselves assisting Aliki of the mercenary Double Dare rescue her abducted twin sister.  Per a Blüdhaven pharmaceutical CEO’s ruthless shakedown of a vulnerable nation, Dick confronts an old nemesis from his childhood.  More so, he must rely on an undercover Barbara to hold off a horde of corporate goons to rescue Aliki’s sister, Margot.  

Note: This title is available in both hardcover and trade paperback formats.  Presumably, DC Comics will release a digital edition at some later date.

REVIEW:

For afficionados of the classic Teen Titans/Titans line-up, Time of The Titans will take them for an entertaining ride.  Make no mistake: Tom Taylor’s two storylines in Volume 5 are really far more average than must-have.  Still, in the absence of genuine suspense, his playful storytelling and the art team’s high-caliber visuals mesh exceptionally well together.

More so, Dick Grayson’s chemistry with Barbara Gordon’s Batgirl; his Titans teammates; and Superman, unsurprisingly, delivers on all thrusters.  The presence of Olivia Raymond and Bite-wing adds a further element of innocent fun making Time of The Titans a welcome pivot from Batman’s gritty Gotham City epics.

Accordingly, Nightwing, Volume 5: Time of The Titans concocts a recommended library find –  if not, a long-term bookshelf option.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Bruno Redondo’s full-page cover precedes each story – though Issue # 105 (this book’s cover image) is co-produced with Adriano Lucas.   Also, a full-page variant cover gallery consists of these seventeen full-page entries:  

  • Issue # 101 (Titans): artists Travis Moore & Tamra Bonvillain;
  • Issue # 101 (Nightwing): artist Jamal Campbell;
  • Issue # 101 (Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, & Bite-wing’s Nightcycle repairs): artist Vasco Georgiev;
  • Issue # 102 (Titans at the malt shop): artists Moore & Bonvillain;
  • Issue # 102 (Nightwing): artist Campbell;
  • Issue # 102 (Nightwing): artist Georgiev;
  • Issue # 103 (Titans’ seated portrait): artists Moore & Bonvillain;
  • Issue # 103 (Nightwing): artist Campbell;
  • Issue # 103 (Nightwing’s friends & enemies): artist Georgiev;
  • Issue # 103 (Nightwing & Superman): artists Nicola Scott & Annette Kwok;
  • Issue # 104 (Titans & Bite-wing’s reflection): artists: Amancav Nahuflpan & Adriano Lucas;
  • Issue # 104 (Titans Together): artist Campbell;
  • Issue # 104 (Nightwing & a silhouetted Batgirl): artist: Georgiev;
  • Issue # 105 (Nightwing’s side profile): artist Dan Mora;
  • Issue # 105 (explosive high-rise rescue): artist Campbell;
  • Issue # 105 (Nightwing unmasked): artist Georgiev; and
  • Issue # 105 (DC Pride – Nightwing & Red Robin’s workout): artist Yoshi Yoshitani.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8 Stars

Categories
DVD DVD/Blu-Ray Extra Movies & Television (Videos) Sports (TV & Videos) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

WCW U.S. CHAMPION “RAVISHING RICK RUDE VS. RICKY “THE DRAGON” STEAMBOAT {Non-Title Iron Man Challenge} (WCW Beach Blast ’92: Aired Live 6-20-1992)

SUMMARY:           APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 30:00 Min.

On June 20, 1992, this non-title ‘Iron Man Challenge’ occurred at the Mobile Civil Center in Mobile, Alabama for WCW’s Beach Blast ’92. 

On one side is WCW U.S. Champion “Ravishing” Rick Rude, with his usual ‘Dangerous Alliance’ cronies (i.e. Madusa and manager Paul E. Dangerously – aka Paul Heyman) ‘barred’ this time from ringside.  Opposing him is former NWA World Champion Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.  The bout’s stipulation specifies that the wrestler accumulating the most falls within thirty minutes becomes the winner.   

Prior to the bout, co-hosts Tony Schiavone and Eric Bischoff offer brief remarks.  Seen at ringside are the commentators: Jesse “The Body” Ventura and Jim Ross.        

Note: Steamboat’s then-wife, Bonnie, and their young son makes a customary cameo appearance coming down to ringside during his ring introduction.

REVIEW:

Supposedly injuring a caught off-guard Rude’s ribs, Steamboat dominates the first several minutes.  Yet, an aggressive Rude still racks up multiple falls to gain a numbers advantage over “The Dragon.” 

For some viewers, this gritty bout could be construed as dull or merely slow-paced, but what matters most is probably its last ten minutes. Demonstrating several flashes of their impressive in-ring chemistry, Steamboat and Rude save their best trading blows for the end.  Hence, the suspense factor kicks in, as Steamboat is forced to race the clock and still remain conscious against Rude’s hard-nosed onslaught.

Including Ross and Ventura’s spot-on commentary, this non-bloody ‘Iron Man’ face-off concocts a welcome deep dive into WWE’s video archives.  If anything, even with ex-WCW Champions Ric Flair and Lex Luger by then working for the rival WWF, it makes for great nostalgia.  Specifically, this ‘Iron Man Challenge’ is proof enough that World Championship Wrestling (two years before Hulk Hogan’s vaunted arrival) still had several wrestling legends, who could deliver the necessary in-ring substance.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7½ Stars

Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) STAR TREK-Related

EPILOGUE/END CREDITS (by James Horner & Leonard Nimoy – from 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 8:47 Min.

From the closing moments and end credits of 1982’ Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan movie soundtrack, composer James Horner performs the tune with an unidentified orchestra.  Before shifting into the closing credits, as heard in the film, star Leonard Nimoy provides the Original Series opening “Space … The Final Frontier” voiceover that his co-star, William Shatner, had previously delivered.  

REVIEW:

Long overshadowed by John Williams’ iconic Star Wars scores, James Horner’s own work from The Wrath of Khan is undeniably stellar. 

Instead of mimicking Williams’ epic style, Horner opts for a more nautical though modern sound (i.e. occasional synthesizers) that echoes the Original Series’ theme at the right moments.  More so, the low-key vibe Horner imbues this track makes wonderful use of poignant tinges to make the film’s storyline seem even more timeless.  It’s a welcome deviation from composer Jerry Goldsmith’s excessively grandiose take on 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture. 

Still, what makes this original track frankly perfect is Leonard Nimoy’s brief presence.  With his familiar voice slightly filtered to sound raspier, Nimoy’s contribution conveys a ghostly effect – appropriately, given the film’s somber yet still optimistic ending.  More so, the teamwork between Horner and Nimoy ensures that “Epilogue/End Credits” saves the best for the last on arguably the franchise’s greatest soundtrack.  Highly recommended!    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        10 Stars

Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

BEVERLY HILLS COP II (by Various Artists: 1987 film soundtrack)

SUMMARY:              RUNNING TIME: 45:14 Min.

MCA Records released the movie soundtrack for 1987’s Beverly Hills Cop II.  Notably, none of composer Harold Faltermeyer’s instrumental tracks are included – unlike the original film’s soundtrack.  This 1987 album subsequently peaked at # 8 on U.S. Billboard charts.  Bob Seger’s popular lead-off tune, “Shakedown,” would later earn nominations in 1988 for ‘Best Original Song’ at both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. 

The eleven-track album consists of the following:

  1. Shakedown (by Bob Seger)                              (4:01)
  2. Be There (by The Pointer Sisters)                   (4:17)
  3. In Deep (by Charlie Sexton)                            (3:34)
  4. Hold On (by Corey Hart)                                (3:46)
  5. I Want Your Sex (by George Michael)             (4:47)
  6. Better Way (by James Ingram)                        (4:10)
  7. Love/Hate (by Pebbles)                                  (4:02)
  8. Cross My Broken Heart (by The Jets)              (4:12)
  9. 36 Lovers (by Ready For The World)            (4:19)
  10. I Can’t Stand It (by Sue Ann Carwell)           (4:04)
  11. All Revved Up  (by Jermaine Jackson)          (4:02)

The album is currently available in vinyl, CD, and digital formats.      

REVIEW:

Thirty-seven years later, Bob Seger’s “Shakedown” is still a dynamite tune to add to any rock or movie hits playlist.  Still, one can obtain the track off a Seger’s greatest hits project, as opposed to locating it on this album misfire.  Aside from solid entries from Seger, The Pointer Sisters, and James Ingram, this album would frankly pass as a bland mid-80’s R&B compilation.

When compared to the original Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, there’s nothing remarkable about this sequel effort.  Instead, it’s a precursor to a ‘90s film soundtrack trend utilizing forgettable rock/pop tunes (not actually used for the advertised movie) as glorified padding.  Hence, the sales gimmick became the dubious ‘inspired by’ portion of soundtracks.  The same applies to Beverly Hills Cop II where musical substance is hardly its top objective.    

The total exclusion of Harold Faltermeyer’s score isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker.  Still, given the album’s actual content, the producers’ intent was solely on potential radio play.  Case in point: though apt for its scene at the Playboy Mansion estate, George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex” serves up bottom-of-the-barrel pop trash.  Dragging down the rest of the album, Michael’s cringe-worthy track makes Beverly Hill Cop II’s playlist kid-unfriendly for no good reason. 

The album’s most practical option for finding a physical copy is either at a garage sale or a discount retailer.  Otherwise, hearing this soundtrack once digitally may prove more than sufficient. 

Note: Pursuant to his song’s own radio popularity, George Michael (who also wrote “I Want Your Sex”) scored an award much deserved: a 1987 Razzie for ‘Worst Song.’  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     5 Stars

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Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

DRAGNET ’88 (by The Art of Noise – inspired by 1987’s Dragnet movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 2:59 Min.

From the 1987 Dragnet film soundtrack, British synthesizer-pop group (The) Art of Noise supplies this homage title tune. 

Film dialogue clips from co-stars Dan Aykroyd, Tom Hanks, Dabney Coleman, and narrator Bill Wittman are included (and often repeated) to give the song a remix-style take on composer Ira Newborn’s instrumental opening credits track. The tune appears (in a different form) on the soundtrack as “Dragnet (Danger Ahead/Dragnet March).”  

One might consider “Dragnet ‘88” a companion piece for another of the soundtrack’s inclusions, “City of Crime,” performed by Aykroyd and Hanks.   

REVIEW:

For non-fans, this upbeat, synthesizer-heavy track will probably get old fast.  Still, fans of Dan Aykroyd & Tom Hanks’ Dragnet film will likely find this playful Art of Noise tune a welcome treat.  “Dragnet ’88,” suffice to say, makes for a fun throwaway on a road trip or movie hits playlist.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             7 Stars

Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

BAD BOY (by Miami Sound Machine – from 1985’s Primitive Love)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 3:53 Min.

Off Miami Sound Machine’s 1985 studio album, Primitive Love, “Bad Boy” is its fourth track.  The tune’s subsequent Cats-inspired music video received regular airplay on MTV and VH1.     

REVIEW:

Between Gloria Estefan’s endearing vocals and a delightful dance-pop melody, “Bad Boy” remains an endearing tune nearly forty years later.  Though this upbeat tune is overshadowed by other tunes in Estefan’s considerable repertoire, it merits a chance for re-discovery. 

The playful charm of “Bad Boy” supplies a welcome addition to any home or road trip playlist.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7 Stars

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Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

MANHUNT (by Karen Kamon – from 1983’s Flashdance soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                       RUNNING TIME: 2:36 Min.

From 1983’s Flashdance movie soundtrack, Karen Kamon performs its fourth tune: “Manhunt.”  Going a full year after the album’s initial release, “Manhunt” also subsequently became the soundtrack’s fourth released single.  As of this writing, the Flashdance soundtrack (currently available in vinyl, CD, and digital formats) is the only source to find “Manhunt.”     

REVIEW:

Superficially, this Early 80’s dance-pop tune isn’t all that remarkable.  Given the same soundtrack’s multiple award-winning/nominated pop hits (i.e. Irene Cara’s “Flashdance … What A Feeling!,” and Michael Sembello’s “Maniac”), it isn’t surprising that Karen Kamon’s sexually assertive tune has been overshadowed for more than forty years.  Still, when given a chance, this track’s catchy melody and Kamon’s appealing vocals make “Manhunt” a better song than one might assume. 

Hence, the sultry charm of “Manhunt” merits consideration for any retro-dance, movie hits, or road trip playlist.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

Categories
Digital Movies & TV Movies & Television (Videos) Online Videos TV Episodes & Movies TV Series TV Series (Specific Episodes)

WELCOME BACK, KOTTER: BRIDE AND GLOOM (Season 4: Episode 14)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 26:00 Min.

This fourth-and-final season episode of Welcome Back, Kotter first aired on January 13, 1979, on ABC-TV.  It also served as John Travolta’s second-to-last appearance as ‘Vinnie Barbarino.’  Due to an ongoing creative/contract dispute, star Gabe Kaplan neither appears, nor is his character’s non-presence acknowledged in this storyline.  Norman Abbott directed this episode off Earl Barret & George Bloom’s script.

Juan Epstein (Hegyes) prods his best friend, Vinnie Barbarino (Travolta), into marrying his Guatemalan cousin, Angelina (Levario) into a quickie marriage/divorce to ensure her American citizenship. Television-saturated and constantly demanding, Angelina doesn’t speak English, which necessitates Epstein’s services as Vinnie’s translator.  Despite Vinnie’s desire to hush the matter, word quickly circulates to ‘The Sweathogs’ (Hilton-Jacobs, Palillo, & Shortridge); his academic counselors (Strassman & White); and the entire high school student body.

Vinnie’s trepidations over marrying Angelina worsen once she makes specific (and likely expensive) demands for the wedding.  ‘The Sweathogs’ further egg the situation on during a best-forgotten bachelor’s party the night before.  Vinnie & Angelina’s marriage ceremony takes an unexpected swerve once her passion for singer Freddy Fender comes into play.   

                                          Cast:

Gabriel “Gabe Kotter: Gabriel “Gabe” Kaplan (credits only)

Julie Kotter: Marcia Strassman

Vinnie Barbarino: John Travolta (as special guest star)

Michael Woodman: John Sylvester White

Freddie “Boom-Boom” Washington: Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs

Arnold Horshack: Ron Palillo

Beau DeLabarre: Stephen Shortridge

Angelina: Rachel Levario

Sally: Linda McCullough

Priest: Uncredited

Marimba Player: Uncredited.

REVIEW:

Aside from ‘The Sweathogs’ not even remotely resembling teenagers, the absence of series star Gabe Kaplan is just as glaring.  Still, had Kaplan appeared and pitched a few wisecracks, even his trademark quips wouldn’t have salvaged this dreck. 

Despite game efforts from Robert Hegyes, John Travolta, and guest star Rachel Levario, there’s just one single LOL gag before the last commercial break.  Otherwise, considering its eye-rolling premise, all viewers get is a dubious Latina immigrant stereotype and cliché-fest. 

Let’s just say that “Bride and Gloom” is best left in the Late 1970’s TV rerun dustbin.         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       3 Stars

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Categories
CD's Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

THE QUIET RESISTANCE (by Nemesea)

SUMMARY:                     RUNNING TIME: 56:00 Min.

Released in 2011 by Napalm Records Handels GMBH, The Quiet Resistance is the Dutch goth metal/rock band Nemesea’s third studio album. 

Including its spooky title prologue and a bonus track, Nemesea’s album sports fourteen tracks.  The Quiet Resistance consists of:  

  1. The Quiet Resistance (guest vocals: Gerben Verhaar)  (0:52)
  2. Caught in The Middle     (4:49)
  3. Afterlife            (3:12)
  4. Whenever         (3:31)
  5. If You Could  (guest piano: Joost van den Brock)  (3:54)
  6. High Enough  (guest vocals: Charlotte Wessels)  (4:13)
  7. Say  (4:04)
  8. It’s Over  (guest vocals: Marcus Klavan & guest turntables: Matt Litwin)  (3:59)
  9. I Live  (guest piano: Joost van den Brock)  (4:31)
  10. Stay With Me   (3:48)
  11. Rush   (5:27)
  12. Release Me   (3:40)
  13. 2012  (5:58)
  14. Allein  (guest vocals: Heli Reissenweber)  (3:58).

REVIEW:

It’s a compliment describing Nemesea as a Western European answer to Evanescence, as far as their very similar goth takes on energizing symphonic metal/rock.  2011’s The Quiet Resistance supplies ample evidence, as lead singer Manda Ophuis matches Evanescence’s Amy Lee one haunting vocal after another.  If compared, the substance of Ophuis and Lee’s vocals frankly sound almost identical. 

Case in point: Tracks # 8 (“High Enough”) and especially # 3 (“Afterlife”) sound as if they came directly off Evanescence’s 2003 album, Fallen.  Still, Ophuis and her bandmates surpass any stigma as Evanescence copycats with consistently high-caliber performances and sufficient originality throughout this album.  These tracks topping out at a nearly an hour’s running time, impressively, don’t wear out their welcome. 

The Quiet Resistance, accordingly, merits a chance for re-discovery as a classy entry in the symphonic metal/rock genre.

PACKAGING:

The CD is well-secured in its casing, as its advertising appears accurate. The individual track running times aren’t disclosed.  The slickly produced insert includes each track’s lyrics – with the exception of the title prologue.  Atmospheric band photos, credits, and thank-you’s are also provided. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          8 Stars