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MORK & MINDY: THE WEDDING (Season 4: Episode 2)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25:00 Min.

First airing on ABC-TV on October 15, 1981, Bob Claver directed this pivotal episode. Overcoming her disapproving father’s skepticism, Mindy expects Mork to demand, if necessary, Orson’s consent to their impending nuptials. Defying Orson’s adamant refusal, Mork assures Mindy that all is well – that is, until he finds himself transforming into a sheepdog one hour before the wedding.

Realizing that it’s now up to her, Mindy desperately contacts Orson herself. In a battle of wills, does Mindy’s heartfelt stance triumph over Orson’s cold insistence upon Orkian law?

At the wedding, Fred & his wife, Cathy, observe a deranged (and straight-jacketed), best man Exidor stalling for time. Will the missing bride and groom (as a dog or not) show up? The episode’s final seconds sets up Episode 3, as to whether or not the newlyweds opt to spend their honeymoon in Acapulco or on planet Ork.

Mork: Robin Williams

Mindy McConnell: Pam Dawber

Fred McConnell: Conrad Janis

Cathy McConnell: Shelley Fabares

Cora Hudson: Elizabeth Kerr

Exidor: Robert Donner

Orson: Ralph James

Stephanie the Flower Girl: Stephanie Dizon

Reverend: James Staley

REVIEW:

Though the climatic wedding scene is worth the wait, other creative elements risk stirring up a ‘hot mess.’ Obviously, the impatient producers sought to kick-start the show’s dwindling popularity ASAP, but immediately following the couple’s long-awaited engagement episode with the wedding is unnecessarily rushed. Playing up their engagement period for a few episodes would have made good sense as a sub-plot to some ‘nervous fiancé’ Mork hijinks. Instead, the show implausibly jumps from Point A (proposal) to Point C (marriage) without hesitation, let alone forgetting to throws in any laughs.

Side Note: Speaking of rushing things, wouldn’t it be preferable to forget this final season then dubiously inserts Jonathan Winters as the couple’s ‘newborn man-child’ almost immediately after the honeymoon?

Second, was it really necessary to blatantly rip off Disney’s The Shaggy Dog? While Orson’s retaliation makes sense (sort of), why not concoct a more original creature as Mork’s punishment — i.e. a monkey? maybe a rabbit? Or a lovebird? Suffice to say, just watching Robin Williams’ half-hearted ‘Shaggy Dog’ impersonation is cringe-inducing.

Also, though it’s welcome to see the original cast reunited, but one wonders where is Tom Poston’s grumpy Mr. Bickley? For that matter, wouldn’t Jay Thomas & Gina Hecht’s characters from Seasons 2-3 have been invited? Hence, it’s disappointing that this pivotal episode doesn’t try a little harder to homage the show’s prior continuity.

Lastly and most significantly, the episode fails viewers re: how/why the intriguing Mindy/Orson stand-off is so conveniently resolved. Confronting Orson, credit goes to Dawber’s underrated acting for saving this sequence, given the eye-rolling circumstances where Mindy even threatens to still marry Mork … should he remain a dog. Cutting this ultimatum/resolution short insults both Mindy and Orson’s characters, as it would have instead been an ideal cliffhanger for a potential two-part episode.

Despite all these weaknesses, the final few minutes of “The Wedding” (i.e. Dawber & Williams’ poignant acting) makes it a genuine treat for Mork & Mindy fans.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

Digital Animated Shorts Digital Movies & TV LOONEY TUNES-Related Movies & Television (Videos) Online Videos

MARVIN THE MARTIAN IN THE THIRD DIMENSION

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 13:00 Min.

Directed by Douglas McCarthy, this double-length, rare 3D Looney Tunes short initially accompanied Space Jam’s 1996 theatrical release. Voice actor Joe Alaskey replaces the late Mel Blanc as both Daffy & Marvin.

Spying on Earth from his home planet, Marvin the Martian stumbles upon a supposed anti-Martian invasion concocted by Duck Dodgers. An incensed Marvin, in retaliation, sends K9 to abduct Dodgers not realizing that he was watching an unemployed actor: Daffy Duck. Daffy is busily improvising his own obnoxious space movie spectacular from an unused equipment storage shed on the Warner Bros. studio lot.

Upon K9 completing his mission, an initially-oblivious Daffy catches on that he is now facing real Martians. It’s up to the conniving, little black duck to thwart Marvin’s scheme on Mars and in a hot pursuit back to Earth.

REVIEW:

Preceding Galaxy Quest by three years, this vivid short explores the same basic premise (just imagine Daffy Duck instead of Tim Allen). Yet, there’s no mistaking that this cartoon is a homage to Marvin’s classic showdowns vs. Bugs Bunny (seen in a cameo of sorts) and Daffy Duck’s Duck Dodgers.

Despite some spot-on gags, this animated short makes the mistake of stretching its plot far too long. Also, seeing this cartoon in 2D spells out its gaudy video game-style animation; suffice to say, the computerized visuals lack the charm of the original Looney Tunes.

Had there been a faster and more frenetic pace, fans might have experienced a worthy successor to the Friz Freleng & Chuck Jones era. Still, Marvin the Martian in the Third Dimension, in terms of a laugh-o-meter (especially the last two minutes), surpasses most of the Duck Dodgers TV animated episodes that aired in 2003-2005.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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Digital Movies & TV Movies & Television (Videos) Online Videos Sports (TV & Videos) TV Series WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

“HOT STUFF” EDDIE GILBERT & MR. X (RICKY STEAMBOAT) VS. NWA WORLD CHAMPION “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR & NWA U.S. CHAMPION BARRY WINDHAM, WITH J.J. DILLON (WCW Saturday Night: Taped January 21, 1989)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 28:05 Min.

Taped January 21, 1989, in Atlanta, GA, for the WCW Saturday Night TV series, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert had promised a mystery partner in his challenge the week before to the two remaining Horsemen (Flair & Windham).

As shown in flashback footage, J.J. Dillon & his Horsemen condescendingly accept Gilbert’s terms. This flashback montage includes Gilbert’s interruption of a Horsemen/Dillion interview; the Horsemen’s previous in-ring beating of a defenseless Gilbert; and then Gilbert’s own pre-match interview.

To the Horsemen’s shock, Gilbert’s partner is Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, who has returned to pro wrestling months after his WWF departure (circa 1988’s WrestleMania IV). Against the NWA’s top two singles champions, Steamboat & Gilbert defiantly serve notice to these Horsemen that change is coming.

The co-commentators are Jim Ross & Tony Schiavone.

Notes: According to backstage reports, after spending 1988 fending off Lex Luger & Sting, Flair himself quietly recruited Steamboat to open 1989 as his new title challenger. Flair would subsequently face perennial rival Steamboat for the NWA World Championship at Chi-Town Rumble on February 20, 1989.

REVIEW:

Given the players involved, this TV main event tag bout is indeed stellar. Long predating WCW’s mid-90’s cruiserweights, a diminutive Gilbert impressively holds his own against Flair & a towering Windham, with both still in their villainous prime. Even more so, Steamboat’s reliable star power dazzles. One might describe this match’s ulterior purpose as Flair & Steamboat hosting a master class re: how to sell viewers on their imminent World Title feud.

Simply put, this high-impact grudge match is the best kind of alternative the NWA could present fans with against the rival WWF’s all-star roster.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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Digital Movies & TV Movies & Television (Videos) Online Videos Sports (TV & Videos) TV Series WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

AWA SOUTHERN CHAMPION “MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE VS. NICK BOCKWINKEL (CWA television: Taped Early 1980’s)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11:09 Min.

This CWA match evidently occurs in Nashville, TN, but its approximate date is likely sometime in the early ‘80s between Nick Bockwinkel’s runs as AWA World Champion. Playing the babyface (a rarity – per the commentary, the ex-AWA champ hadn’t been cheered in that region in five years), Bockwinkel challenges for Randy Savage’s AWA Southern Heavyweight title.

As a dangerously agile heel, the fiery Savage is backed by a white-haired manager (whoever it is – it’s evidently not his dad, Angelo Poffo) standing at ringside with a cane.

REVIEW:

This obscure mat classic further enhances the impressive list of future Wrestling Hall-of-Famers that Nick Bockwinkel faced off against during that era (Hogan, Flair, Lawler, Hennig, Backlund, etc.). Unsurprisingly, the less-than-flashy ring veteran demonstrates his own legendary technical skills tangling with the brash and much-younger Savage.

Plausibly delivering and taking punishment from each other, the long-time ex-AWA Champion and the future WWF/WCW World Champion both appear near the top of their prospective games. For fans, it’s a well-played brawl.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Movies & Television (Videos) Music Videos Online Videos Soundtracks (Digital)

ROMANCING THE STONE (by Eddy Grant: original 1984 music video)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 26, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:32 Min.

Intended for 1984’s Romancing the Stone co-starring Kathleen Turner & Michael Douglas, the title song is performed by Eddy Grant. Originally including film clips, Grant’s MTV music video was filmed in some unidentified tropical jungle. The song was subsequently demoted to a few seconds of background noise in Romancing the Stone’s theatrical release, though Grant at least received a closing credit.

Hence, it’s not coincidental that Grant’s song is also omitted from the film’s soundtrack in favor of composer Alan Silvestri’s instrumental score. The song instead would appear exclusively on Grant’s 1984 Going for Broke album.

The song has since resurfaced on Grant’s greatest-hits compilations. As for the music video, both its original incarnation and subsequent versions (disassociating itself from the film) still exist.

REVIEW:

With Grant in vintage form, the song’s upbeat reggae/funk fusion sound is undeniably catchy. Interspersed with Romancing the Stone film clips, the original music video helps distinguish the Turner/Douglas romantic adventure away from its reputation as a Raiders of the Lost Ark imitator.

Considering how hard it is to find this rollicking tune (without purchasing a complete album to obtain it), Grant’s music video is a terrific alternative. Recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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Movies & Television (Videos) Music Videos Online Videos Soundtracks (Digital)

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING (by Billy Ocean: 1985 music video)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 26, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:12 Min.

Performed concert-style by Billy Ocean, the song’s MTV music video was meant to promote its appearance in the 1985 film, Jewel of the Nile, co-starring Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, & Danny DeVito. Clad in matching white tuxedos, the three stars good-naturedly lip-synch as Ocean’s back-up singers. Briefly donning shades, DeVito even throws in a mock sax solo for good measure.

REVIEW:

Overcoming the song’s clunky title, an exuberant Billy Ocean is in vintage pop form. The presence of Turner, Douglas, & DeVito is a welcome plus. For a catchy, mid-80’s soundtrack hit, When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going’s music video is a nostalgic treat to come across. In that sense, it’s a smile waiting to happen.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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SUPERMAN V: BATTLE OF THE DEATH STAR (EXTENDED VERSION) – FAN-PRODUCED

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 7:58 Min.

Presented by A Price Production, this fan-produced video was posted on September 13, 2019. Imagine this: at the Fortress of Solitude, Christopher Reeve’s Superman poignantly views a crystallized flashback of his doomed parents sending his rocket to safety from Krypton. Upon the Kryptonian elders defying Darth Vader, the Death Star destroys the planet.

In the present-day, with his flashback interrupted, Superman ominously senses that Earth is an approaching Death Star’s next target. The legendary Man of Steel must then face the Death Star’s immense firepower and even Darth Vader in galactic combat in hopes of defending Earth.

This video splices together footage of Reeve from his four Superman films, as well as lifted footage of Marlon Brando, Susannah York, and ‘Krypton’s elders’ from the first Superman. Taken from Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope, there is footage of David Prowse & James Earl Jones as Darth Vader, plus Peter Cushing’s cameo as Governor Tarkin.

The familiar score is borrowed from original composers John Williams and (from Superman II) Ken Thorne. As necessary, project editor Aaron Price, incorporates new special effects, voice-overs, and insert shots of the Death Star’s weapons control system.

Editor / Supplemental Voice Acting: Aaron Price

Supplemental Voice Acting: Jim Bowers

3D Superman Modeling: Mike Harjan

REVIEW:

Given its limitations, this fan project is a superb homage to both the Superman and Star Wars franchises. Aaron Price’s vivid imagination and hard work is a welcome alternative to the dreck viewers were subjected to in Reeve’s last two Superman films. Definitely well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Digital Movies & TV Movies & Television (Videos) Online Videos STAR WARS-Related TV Episodes & Movies

STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL (1978)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 98:00 Min.

In its sole airing, CBS broadcast a prime-time Star Wars variety special directed by Steve Binder on November 11, 1978.

Presumably, the events occur several months after A New Hope. On planet Kashyyyk, Chewbacca’s family (his wife/mate Malla; son Lumpy; & father-in-law Itchy) anxiously await his return for their culture’s annual ‘Life Day.’ Yet, as seen from the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit, fugitives Han Solo & Chewbacca are desperately eluding an Imperial blockade that impedes their arrival. Malla’s increasingly worried calls to a dismissive Luke Skywalker and later Princess Leia alert them that perhaps they, too, should be concerned.

Meanwhile, Chewbacca’s loved ones try to keep themselves busy, which includes forms of holographic entertainment. Among them is a Nelvana-animated cartoon adventure introducing the deceptive Boba Fett that features the voices of Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, & Anthony Daniels. With local Imperials later holding Chewbacca’s family captive within their treehouse home, they stall for time. Ultimately, Chewbacca’s extended family reunites before he and his loved ones solemnly celebrate their spiritual ‘Life Day.’

Note: The only portion of this TV special officially available is Nelvana’s cartoon, which can be found on Disney +.

Musical performers include Diahann Carroll, Jefferson Starship, Bea Arthur (as the previously-unseen Mos Eisley cantina owner), and Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia. Presently, only Nelvana’s cartoon has been released by Lucasfilm in any official capacity.

Han Solo: Harrison Ford

Chewbacca: Peter Mayhew

Malla: Mickey Morton

Saun Dann: Art Carney

Princess Leia: Carrie Fisher

C3P0: Anthony Daniels

Itchy: Paul Gale

Lumpy: Patty Maloney

Luke Skywalker: Mark Hamill

Krelman, Chef Gormaanda, & Armophian Instructor: Harvey Korman

Mermeia (hologram): Diahann Carroll

Ackmena: Bea Arthur

Imperial Officers: Claude Woolman, Lev Mailer, John McLaughlin, Jack Rader, & Michael Potter

The Reeko Brothers: The Mumm Brokers

Holographic Tumblers: The Wazzan Troupe

Holographic Rock Group: Jefferson Starship

Great Zorbak (hologram): Stephanie Stromer

Darth Vader (voice): James Earl Jones

Boba Fett (voices): Gabriel Dell & Don Francks

Archival Footage includes: Alec Guinness (as Obi-Wan Kenobi), David Prowse (as Darth Vader), and miscellaneous background actors (as Imperial Stormtroopers) (and from the Mos Eisley cantina).

Additional Appearances: a radio-controlled R2D2 and Art James (as the unseen voice-over announcer).

REVIEW:

Ideally, the production team (including a mostly uninvolved George Lucas) sought a creative compromise between entertaining pre-teens and yet still appeasing adults. The campy dreck viewers are instead bombarded with doesn’t even amount to a decent Muppets movie. Inserting recycled footage and F/X from A New Hope doesn’t help matters, either.

Far too much screen time is allotted to junk filler that adds nothing to this supposed mini-sequel. Case in point: the supposed downtime justifying Itchy’s PG-rated, virtual-reality ‘grandpa porn’ sexualizing Diahann Carroll makes no sense whatsoever. The same applies to Harvey Korman’s inane comedy relief segments, let alone Bea Arthur’s tone-deaf show-stopper amongst the Mos Eisley ruffians.

Besides Carroll’s suggestive contribution, other ‘holographic’ videos (i.e. Jefferson Starship) further spell out that the producers/scriptwriters were grasping at invisible straws. Hence, as interspersed throughout the program, the Star Wars cast’s glorified cameos will alleviate inanity only so much.

Among the primary cast, only Harrison Ford, Art Carney, and, in thankless roles, Mickey Morton & Patty Maloney, contribute watchable performances … with a fair amount of dignity. By amateurish comparison, a disinterested Mark Hamill barely even musters a facial expression, and the less said of Carrie Fisher’s eye-rolling ‘Life Day’ song the better.

Ultimately, only Nelvana’s cartoon comes off as remotely inspired entertainment. The remaining ninety minutes is an audience-squirming mix of kiddie fluff, wonky disco-style vaudeville, and the Empire’s Nazi-like harassment that never gels. Even for nostalgia aficionados, cringing through the Star Wars Holiday Special once proves challenging.

In retrospect, had George Lucas & CBS had recruited Jim Henson (and/or Frank Oz), a decent script rewrite would have been feasible. Beyond that, under Henson’s command, a classy Muppets-Meets-Star Wars-style extravaganza celebrating Wookie Life Day might have succeeded for sixty minutes, but certainly not a two-hour block like CBS had allotted.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 1½ Stars

Movies & Television (Videos) Music Videos Online Videos Soundtracks (Digital)

CITY OF CRIME – DRAGNET RAP (by Dan Aykroyd & Tom Hanks: 1987 music video)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:44 Min.

Released in mid-1987, the big-screen buddy cop comedy/spoof, Dragnet, stars Dan Aykroyd (as LAPD Sgt. Joe Friday) & Tom Hanks (as LAPD Detective “Pep” Streebek). Heard over the closing credits is Aykroyd/Hanks’ rap parody duet entitled “City of Crime” that embellishes the movie’s plot. The song was included in the film’s official soundtrack.

To promote the film and soundtrack sales, Aykroyd & Hanks performed the song in a music video directed by Marty Callner — complete with Paula Abdul’s dance choreography.

REVIEW:

Being a huge fan of 1987’s Dragnet, not to mention this song, this reviewer eagerly spied City of Crime’s obligatory MTV music video online. Regrettably, there isn’t an internet return policy to try getting those precious few minutes back.

Wildly misguided, this campy eyesore gives the word ‘obligatory’ a bad name. Not only is the acting cringe-worthy, but the rudimentary dance choreography (including female back-up dancers predictably dressed as sexy squad room cops) never escapes a sense of clueless amateurism.

This assessment defines a foolish-looking Aykroyd & Hanks, as somebody conned them into simultaneously singing (most likely, lip-synching) and dancing. Instantly qualifying for their career-low lists, the actors and Paula Abdul (considering her high-profile choreography gigs of that era) should be mortified that this insipid music video actually still exists.

One might shrug off this mistake as the players merely goofing off with the wacky song. That defense, in a stretch, could even suggest “City of Crime” is a parody of mid-80’s rap videos. Even if such a claim were proven true, quality control still took the day off when this dreck was actually filmed.

Had the “City of Crime” video instead been a conventional Dragnet movie clip-fest (with Aykroyd & Hanks appearing in character for ‘live’ cameos), there shouldn’t have been a problem. Unfortunately, the misguided end result is one of the worst movie soundtrack videos ever concocted.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 1½ Stars

BATDANCE (by Prince: 1989 music video)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date March 25, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:14 Min.

In the spring/summer of relentless ‘Bat-hype,’ Prince released MTV’s Batdance music video to promote both the 1989 film, Batman, and his own accompanying soundtrack.

Playing dual roles as himself in a ‘Batcave’ and as his nefarious Joker-like counterpart, Prince exuberantly performs the upbeat pop/dance/funk fusion track. Back-up singer-dancers clad as Batman (or really more man-sized bats), the Joker, & Vicki Vale are incorporated. Also interspersed in the video are audio clips of Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, & Kim Basinger in character from Batman.

Notably, this music video has appeared as an extra on the film’s DVD and Blu-Ray releases.

REVIEW:

Though the song risks overstaying its welcome, Prince’s visual creativity conjures up one of the most original soundtrack music videos ever produced. Designed for teens and above, Prince’s video also cleverly succeeds in baiting viewers into wanting to see the film.

Still, there are two glaring parental caveats. First, on his hands and knees, Prince’s lascivious smirk up at the cameras while smugly crawling, tunnel-like, between the legs of his Vicki Vale impersonators comes off as both vulgar and just plain creepy. Then there is Prince’s unnecessary profanity just prior to the end of the song, which makes no sense. In either instance, the inevitability of young kids viewing Prince’s suggestive video makes such optics an irresponsible choice.

Assuming Prince was given full creative control, that might explain why Warner Bros., and/or DC Comics let him get away with over-sexualizing the song. Then again, selling movie tickets and Bat-merchandise probably meant the video’s corporate sponsors couldn’t have cared less.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars