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THE ROAD WARRIORS (HAWK & ANIMAL), WITH PAUL ELLERING VS. THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (“PLAYBOY” DENNIS CONDREY & “BEAUTIFUL BOBBY EATON), WITH JIM CORNETTE & BIG BUBBA ROGERS {Scaffold Match} (NWA World Championship Wrestling: Aired 2-7-1987)

SUMMARY:             APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 9:00 Min.

Taped in either January or early February 1987, this scaffold rematch from Starrcade ’86 (with all the same players) occurs at the Los Angeles Forum.  The bout subsequently aired on February 7, 1987, for WTBS’ World Championship Wrestling TV series.  Per the match’s stipulations, both tag team partners must fall from the scaffold devised above the ring for the other team to prevail. 

From Jim Cornette’s purported description of the Starrcade ’86 bout, the NWA’s scaffold set-up was an estimated twenty-five feet off the arena floor, as compared to about twenty feet above the ring’s mat.  Provided a six-foot wrestler is precariously hanging beneath the scaffold at his full outstretched height, one is still looking, at best, at a fourteen-foot drop.  

REVIEW:

As Cornette had gruesomely blown out his knee in a botched scaffold stunt a few months earlier at Starrcade ’86, it’s no surprise that his contributions are restricted to taunting.  Later rebranded as the WWF’s Big Boss Man, Big Bubba’s menacing presence amounts to nothing this time.  The same applies to Hawk & Animal’s manager, Paul Ellering. 

If anything, Condrey and Eaton’s initially on-screen leeriness is justifiable – as if anybody really wants to plunge the equivalent off the roof of a house, with little to no padding waiting below.  Given such enormous risk, stunt work in scaffold matches conveys 250+-pound guys straddling a tightrope, and this ultra-predictable bout is no exception. 

The good news is that the losers had prior experience taking such perilous falls and managed to evade injury – lucky them.  Conversely, despite its star power, this “Night of the Skywalkers” rematch struggles to be watchable. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       4 Stars

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Blu-Ray DC-Related Movies & Television (Videos)

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. THE FATAL FIVE

SUMMARY:                 RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 17 Min.

In 2019, DC released this original animated film reuniting the three primary voice cast members from 2001-2006’s Justice League/Justice League Unlimited TV series.  Notably, virtually the same animation style is utilized, as are the related programs’ various musical scores. 

In the 30th Century, the Legion of Super-Heroes fails to stop three members of the Fatal Five from stealing a time bubble meant to take them back to the early 21st Century.  Star Boy (suffering from his century’s equivalent of paranoid schizophrenia), at the last second, pursues them and temporarily contains the villains within the bubble.  Over the next ten months, without his medication, an amnesiac Star Boy is confined to Arkham Asylum. 

In Portland, Oregon, Jessica Cruz (as Earth’s latest Green Lantern) copes with PTSD from her terrifying origin months before. She further resists Wonder Woman’s efforts to recruit her into the Justice League.  Within the League, Batman reluctantly serves as teen Miss Martian’s probationary mentor.  At the League’s HQ, Mr. Terrific inadvertently releases the three 30th Century fugitives, who then critically injure Superman.

Along with Star Boy, the League (Batman, Wonder Woman, Mr. Terrific, Miss Martian, and Superman) converges on Portland to save Jessica Cruz from an abduction attempt.  Jessica is subsequently forced to free the Five’s two remaining  from incarceration on planet Oa.  To thwart the quartet’s catastrophic endgame, the League risks ultimate sacrifice to save the galaxy. 

Principal Voice Cast:

Batman: Kevin Conroy (in his final project)

Wonder Woman: Susan Eisenberg

Superman: George Newbern

Jessica Cruz / Green Lantern: Diane Guerrero

Thomas Kallor / Star Boy: Elyes Gabel

Mr. Terrific & Kilowog: Kevin Michael Richardson

Miss Martian: Daniella Bobadilla

Saturn Girl / Harley Quinn / Poison Ivy: Tara Strong

Two-Face: Bruce Timm

Brainiac Five: Noel Fisher

Emerald Empress: Sumalee Montano

Mano: Philip Anthony Rodriguez

Bloodsport / Salaak: Tom Kenny

Persuader: Matthew Yang King

Notes: Continuity-wise, this PG-13 animated film is deemed a sequel to the Justice League/Justice League Unlimited TV series. Still, only Green Lantern John Stewart and Hawkgirl’s separate absences are explained – it is not referenced why the League is otherwise short-handed.  Though the entire set of bonus features may not be included, this title is also available digitally and on DVD.

REVIEW:

Reuniting Susan Eisenberg, George Newbern, and the late Kevin Conroy in a homage sequel to Justice League/Justice League Unlimited has a world of potential.  The voice cast, the faithful animation style, and familiar musical cues are worth the price of admission.  In particular, the League’s brief viewing of Legion Headquarters (i.e., Batman’s take on seeing his Hall of Fame statue) and the epilogue sequence are absolutely spot-on. 

Overall, the storyline is very good but its logic unnecessarily falters down the stretch..  For instances, plot holes are a major gaffe throughout the film’s climax. 

SPOILER ALERT: for instance, the fate of Oa’s Central Power Battery is unresolved, once all its power has been stolen.  Why would Jessica’ power ring (let alone any faraway Green Lantern’s ring) still work?  Worst of all, no matter how poignantly the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ scene is played, it makes no scientific sense whatsoever.  If anything, the screenwriters chose the wrong character. 

Their Final Night-like concept would have worked, only had Jessica Cruz repaired the sun’s fractured damage instead of someone else.  Specifically, if Oan emerald energy has shattered the sun, wouldn’t comic book logic then dictate that Jessica’s considerable willpower controlling such infinite energy be the sole means of repair?  It would also far better explain Star Boy’s admiring deference to Jessica as the mythical ‘Limelight.’  Ultimately, the film’s obvious homage to a classic Legion comic book scenario falls short, given this plot’s circumstances.

The only other detriment stems to the inclusion of the film’s PG-13 elements – i.e. Star Boy’s nudity, occasional profanities, and far more dark (real world) violence than one might expect.  Attempting to reach an older target audience, DC throws in adult-friendly material that would not have passed responsible TV censors for Justice League/Justice League Unlimited

Could have DC have gone PG and still delivered the same story – as a faithful sequel to the Justice League animated series?  Absolutely, yes.  Hence, parents of young DC fans should recognize why the film is rated as such and not presume the film is simply more of the TV series.

For Justice League fans, this showdown vs. the Fatal Five scores points in most categories.  The only rub is that Justice League vs. The Fatal Five had the potential to be even better, had it been more kid-friendly.     

BONUS FEATURES:

Language and subtitle options are in English and French.  The optional commentary track includes executive producer Bruce Timm, director Sam Liu, and two other creative team members: Eric Carrasco & Jim Krieg.

Along with an ad hyping Ultra HD, trailers are included for the live-action Aquaman and the animated Reign of the Supermen.  There are previews for two DC animated films, Justice League Dark and Justice League vs. Teen Titans.  A sneak peek at the animated Batman: Hush is also included. 

Including members of the production’s creative team and guests, such as Dr. Andrea Letamendi, one featurette examining Jessica Cruz’s Green Lantern and Star Boy is entitled “Battling the Invisible Menace.”  A second production featurette is entitled “Unity of Hero.”

Both bonus cartoons explore the Legion of Super-Heroes vs. the Fatal Five.  Legion of Super-Heroes’ first episode, “Man of Tomorrow” (6 Stars), has the 30th Century Legion desperately recruiting a rookie Superboy’s help.  The other is Justice League Unlimited’s “Far From Home” (8 Stars) in arguably Supergirl’s most pivotal animated appearance.   

PACKAGING:

Possessing a standard casing, this Blu-Ray’s contents are accurately advertised.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

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Blu-Ray DC-Related Movies Movies & Television (Videos) Sherlock Holmes-Related

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 18 Min.

This 2018 DC animated film loosely adapts 1989’s Batman: Gotham By Gaslight graphic novel – DC Comics’ first Elseworlds project.  Days before hosting the World’s Fair, a Victorian-era Gotham City is besieged after nightfall by a knife-wielding serial killer targeting the city’s perceived prostitutes.  Simultaneously, the vigilante Batman is now protecting Gotham’s most defenseless from street crime. 

Facing off against one another, the Dark Knight and the Ripper find that stage entertainer Selina Kyle has her own hellbent score to settle with the elusive killer.  Worse yet, this fearsome adversary can successfully fend them both off in 2-on-1 combat. Other wildcards in play are Police Commissioner James Gordon, Police Chief Harvey Bullock, and District Attorney Harvey Dent in their efforts to thwart the grisly murders.    

Personal tragedy strikes Gotham’s greatest philanthropist, Bruce Wayne, who finds himself framed for the Ripper’s murders, including a beloved friend.  Mere hours before the World’s Fair’s opening, Batman races the clock to reach down his foe before the Ripper strikes the one closest to Bruce Wayne’s heart.    

Note: Unlike the graphic novel, Batman’s tragic origin dating back to childhood is neither depicted nor re-imagined.  The film only briefly alludes to why Bruce Wayne began his familiar obsession declaring war on street crime.  

Principal Voice Cast:

Bruce Wayne/Batman: Bruce Greenwood

Selina Kyle: Jennifer Carpenter

Alfred Pennyworth: Anthony Head

District Attorney Harvey Dent: Yuri Lowenthal

Commissioner James Gordon: Scott Patterson

Sister Leslie Tompkins, Jason Todd, & Selina Kyle’s Singing Voice: Grey Griffin

Timmy Drake & Marlene Mahoney: Tara Strong

Dickie Grayson: Lincoln Milcher

Hugo Strange: William Salyers

Barbara Eileen-Gordon & Pamela “Poison Ivy” Isley: Kari Wuhrer

Police Chief Harvey Bullock & Big Dill Dust: John DiMaggio

Mayor Tolliver: Bob Joles

Note: Though the entire set of bonus features may not be included, this R-rated title is also available digitally and on DVD.

REVIEW:

Enhanced by impressive production values, this grisly animated adaptation surpasses its source material.  Instead of transplanting Jack the Ripper from London as a ‘sequel’ to the killer’s historical notoriety, this version devises its own shadowy ‘Ripper’ to face Gotham’s rookie Dark Knight.  Cleverly, the film adheres far closer to familiar Bat-mythology, including the presence of Selina Kyle, Poison Ivy, Hugo Strange, a trio of young Robins, and even a name drop of ‘Cyrus Gold’ (a reference to DC’s Solomon  Grundy).  Hence, this adaptation benefits from a welcome unpredictability in its plot twists.

Two caveats, however, should be considered.  One: the film’s R-rating allows the Ripper’s bloody predatorial stalking of women to be visualized in multiple brutal deaths; the same applies to brief nudity and profanities.  Two: deviating from Brian Augustyn’s graphic novel, the culprit’s identity has been changed, presumably for shock value purposes.  The gamble mostly works, but it’s justifiable that Bat-fans may be unhappy at the desecration of an iconic character.

Ultimately, Batman: Gotham By Gaslight scores on all creative counts: spot-on voice casting (especially Bruce Greenwood & Jennifer Carpenter), high-caliber animation, and a haunting musical score.  Despite a disturbing violence quotient, the animated Gotham By Gaslight fulfills its creative potential.          

BONUS FEATURES:

Language options and subtitles consist of: English, Dutch, French, Portuguese, Spanish-Castellano, and Spanish-Latino.  Optional audio commentary with executive producer Bruce Timm, screenwriter Jim Krieg, and director/producer Sam Lieu is available. 

Aside from the trailer for the animated Batman vs. Two-Face (Adam West’s final Batman project), sneak peeks are included for upcoming DC animated films: Justice League Dark, Batman: Bad Blood, and Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay.  There is also a featurette entitled “Caped Fear: The First Elseworld.” 

The two bonus cartoons are: 1. Batman – The Brave and the Bold’s “Trials of the Demon!,” which includes appearances from Sherlock Holmes & Dr. John Watson; Jay Garrick’s Flash; Scream Queen (a purplish re-working of Silver Banshee); the Scarecrow; Jason Blood/The Demon; and the Gentleman Ghost; and 2. Batman: The Animated Series’ “Showdown,” which co-stars Ra’s al Ghul in Jonah Hex’s animated debut. 

Re: “The Trials of the Demon!” (6 Stars), it is a fun supernatural caper where the Gentleman Ghost proves a most formidable Bat-foe.  Still, this episode’s most glaring weakness is Holmes’ ludicrous instant ‘deductions’ confirming Batman’s intents and origin – no matter Holmes’ legendary observational talents, he is not that good. 

As for the flashback-driven “Showdown” (8 Stars), pitting an adaptation of Jonah Hex vs. Ra’s al Ghul is an inspired Western action-adventure.  This episode’s final plot twist is exceptionally well-played.        

PACKAGING:

Possessing a standard casing, this Blu-Ray’s contents are accurately advertised.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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

UWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE SHEEPHERDERS (LUKE WILLIAMS & BUTCH MILLER), WITH JACK VICTORY VS. THE FANTASTICS (TOMMY ROGERS & BOBBY FULTON) (UWF Television: Taped 3-30-1986)

SUMMARY:                     RUNNING TIME: 15:01 Min.

Taped at a Tulsa, Oklahoma convention center, on March 30, 1986, this UWF (Universal Wrestling Federation) tag team title defense pits champions The Sheepherders (Luke Williams & Butch Miller) vs. the newly-arrived Fantastics (Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton).  Along with the Sheepherders’ New Zealand flag-waving crony, Jack Victory, at ringside, the TV taping’s commentary team consists of Jim Ross & promotion owner Bill Watts.

This match was evidently televised on April 5, 1986. 

Notes:  For their entrance music, The Fantastics then shared ZZ Top’s “Sharp-Dressed Man” with “Gorgeous” Jimmy Garvin (coincidentally, a fellow aficionado of sequined-heavy entrance attire).  A few years later, the veteran Sheepherders were rebranded by the WWF as the cartoony ‘Bushwhackers.’

REVIEW:

It’s not hard to visualize: the Sheepherders’ plodding villainy vs. Rogers & Fulton’s charismatic, fast-paced offense (after discarding their bowties & sleeveless tuxedo jackets).  A likable finish serves as the best twist, given how routine this title bout is – i.e., the subdued audience is telling. 

Seeing the underrated Fantastics in their prime, however, makes one imagine how they might have fared in Vince McMahon’s muscle-heavy WWF.  As light heavyweights, their flashy babyface style resembled Stan Lane & Steve Keirn’s Fabulous Ones of the early-to-mid 80’s, including their Chippendale physiques.  Yet, Fulton & Rogers were noticeably shorter than the Rockers and not nearly as power-packed as the British Bulldogs (who rivaled them, height-wise).  Overall, their closest WWF talent equivalent of that era would have been the Killer Bees. 

Instead of their hot 1988 NWA U.S. Tag Team Title feud against Jim Cornette’s Midnight Express, Fulton & Rogers likely would have suffered as glorified WWF jobbers.  Sharing such duties with Jim Powers & Paul Roma’s Young Stallions is a fair guess, as compared to the more teen-friendly and ultra-athletic Rockers’ success.  Come 1989-90, the Fantastics and the wily Sheepherders/Bushwhackers would have then been stuck outflanking one another as fan favorites in the WWF’s mid-card doghouse.

From a fan’s perspective, watching the Fantastics against their perpetual rivals, the Midnight Express, in any league (Mid-South/UWF, World Class, NWA, etc.) is far preferable, in terms of welcome unpredictability.  Still, catching the agile Fulton & Rogers here during their ten-month UWF stint is a nostalgic treat.  Their watchable chemistry with the future Bushwhackers makes this tag team championship bout worth a single viewing. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       5 Stars

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“ROWDY” RODDY PIPER VS. “RAVISHING” RICK RUDE, WITH BOBBY “THE BRAIN” HEENAN (WWF at Madison Square Garden: Taped 9-30-1989)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 17:29 Min.

Following SummerSlam 1989, “Ravishing” Rick Rude blames “Rowdy” Roddy Piper for his Intercontinental Title loss to The Ultimate Warrior.  Rude & Piper’s subsequent feud would commence for approximately five months, including an eventual 1989 Survivor Series showdown. 

Taped September 30, 1989, at a Madison Square Garden house show, a grim-faced Piper faces off against Rude, whose ringside manager is Bobby “The Brain” Heenan.  Also present are referee Danny Davis and ringside commentators Tony Schiavone & an unexpectedly articulate Hillbilly Jim.

REVIEW:

The pre-match shenanigans are amusing, as the ultra-arrogant Rude’s mic efforts trying to ruin Piper’s entrance are drowned out by an enthusiastic audience.  Including their makeshift strap match antics, Piper and Rude produce an entertaining brawl where both men get in several solid licks.  Despite resorting to a predictably inconclusive finish, this rugged Piper vs. Rude slugfest gives fans their money’s worth.   

Notes: Both the Roddy Piper: Born to Controversy DVD and the Legends of Wrestling: Roddy Piper and Terry Funk DVD include the definitive Piper vs. Rude steel cage match from December 28, 1989, at Madison Square Garden.  Alternatively, the Getting Rowdy: The Unreleased Matches of Roddy Piper DVD pits “The Rowdy One” vs. Rude in an October 8, 1989, clash from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

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RICKY “THE DRAGON” STEAMBOAT VS. “BEAUTIFUL” BOBBY EATON, WITH MADUSA (WCW Saturday Night: Taped/Aired 12-14-1991)

SUMMARY:               RUNNING TIME: 14:13 Min.

From Atlanta’s Center Stage facility on December 14, 1991, this bout is the main event for a WCW Saturday Night TV taping.  WCW World Tag Team Champion Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat returns to singles action against The Dangerous Alliance’s “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, whose unscrupulous ringside associate is Madusa. 

Cameo appearances include “Stunning” Steve Austin and Barry Windham.  WCW’s sole ringside commentator is Jim Ross.

REVIEW:

Despite lacking the charismatic star power of Randy Savage or Ric Flair, Bobby Eaton (best known for The Midnight Express) is a versatile and ever-nimble foe.  It isn’t a surprise that he can readily keep up with Ricky Steamboat’s high-octane athleticism. 

In a battle of wily and agile veterans, Steamboat and the underrated Eaton, suffice to say, counter one another move-for-move.  The match’s winner won’t be a surprise, but neither guy phones in his effort.  Although formulaic, this entertaining Steamboat/Eaton showdown does not disappoint viewers.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        7 Stars

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DVD Movies & Television (Videos) Sports (TV & Videos) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

THE PERFECT TEAM (“MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE & “MR. PERFECT” CURT HENNIG) VS. “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR & RAZOR RAMON (WWF 1992 Survivor Series: Aired 11-25-1992)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 16:38 Min.

This Survivor Series 1992 tag-team slugfest occurs on November 25, 1992, at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio.  Replacing the Ultimate Warrior, “Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig comes out of a 15-month forced retirement to form a makeshift ‘Perfect Team’ with ex-rival “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Opposing them are “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and his then-ally, Scott “Razor Ramon” Hall, who are incensed over Hennig’s recent ‘betrayal.’  At ringside are announcers Vince McMahon and a raging Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. 

Afterwards, Savage’s nearly year-long feud with Flair (spanning three WWF World Title changes) shifts to “The Macho Man” vs. Ramon and Flair’s short run vs. Hennig prior to his 1993 return to WCW. 

Note: Additional DVD segments include footage of Savage’s offer to Hennig to WWF’s Prime Time Wrestling and his eventual acceptance; pre-match comments by both teams; Savage & Hennig’s post-match locker room celebration; and Flair & Ramon’s post-match meltdown.

REVIEW:

Overshadowed by Bret Hart’s WWF World Title defense against Shawn Michaels that same night, this entertaining tag team brawl still delivers the necessary goods.  With Curt Hennig not yet fully recuperated, it’s up to two-time WWF World Champion Savage to take the vast majority of his team’s bumps.  Though not nearly as nimble as he previously was at 1991’s WrestleMania VII, a 40-year-old “Macho Man” reliably succeeds Hulk Hogan as the WWF’s super-hero, in terms of scoring fan support.

Between mercilessly pounding Savage and taking Hennig’s best shots, Flair & Ramon risk overplaying their villainous roles, but their effort works as is.  More so, with help from his three in-ring cohorts, Hennig’s return serves up surefire entertainment.  As clichéd as it looks, Hennig’s decision to solidify his new friendship with a battered Savage vs. abandoning him comes off remarkably well. 

The match’s only off-note is an inconclusively cheap finish.  Even so, fans at least get their money’s worth seeing a ‘Perfect Team’ no one would have expected.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               6½ Stars

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“MACHO KING” RANDY SAVAGE, WITH “SENSATIONAL” QUEEN SHERRI VS. “THE AMERICAN DREAM” DUSTY RHODES, WITH SAPPHIRE (WWF Wrestling Challenge: Taped 3-7-1990)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 11:05 Min.

To further hype their imminent WrestleMania VI mixed-gender tag match (set for April 1, 1990), the ultra-flashy “Macho King” Randy Savage would tangle with “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes at a WWF Wrestling Challenge taping.  Their future tag partners are at ringside: Savage’s nefarious manager, “Sensational” Queen Sherri and Dusty’s new valet, Sapphire. 

For historical purposes, the date and location of this TV showdown are deceptive.  Ringside commentators Vince McMahon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura misinform viewers that this Savage/Rhodes clash takes place a mere week before WrestleMania VI.  In actuality, the match was recorded during a syndicated WWF Wrestling Challenge taping on March 7, 1990, at San Francisco’s Cow Palace. 

It was then aired March 25, 1990, on WWF Prime Time Wrestling’s ‘Ultimate Challenge Special’ for The USA Network – to then justify McMahon & Ventura’s fictitious claim re: when the match took place.

REVIEW:

If not for its trashy mixed-gender theatrics, this Savage/Rhodes showdown displays potential for a relatively good TV bout.  Unsurprisingly, Savage manages to mostly hide an aging Dusty’s one-dimensional in-ring work.  Yet, the overt male chauvinism concocting the Sherri vs. Sapphire rivalry proves too much – predictably where Savage & Rhodes retaliate against each other’s female valet. 

By peddling the WWF’s cartoonish take on misogyny, this exploitative match, just like the feud itself, belongs in pro wrestling’s dustbin.

Note: Subsequently, even Miss Elizabeth’s classy star power at WrestleMania VI wouldn’t salvage the highest-profile salvo in the wretched Rhodes/Sapphire vs. Savage/Sherri angle.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    2½ Stars

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CD's DISNEY/PIXAR-Related Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

MARY POPPINS RETURNS [Movie Soundtrack]

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 18 Min.

In late 2018, Disney released the Mary Poppins Returns movie soundtrack, with a total of twenty-seven tracks.  In addition to composer-conductor Paul Gemignani’s instrumental score, nine original tunes are featured.  The album’s track listing is as follows:

  1. (Underneath the) Lovely London Sky {3:46}    

Performer: Lin-Manuel Miranda

2. Mary Poppins Returns (Overture) {2:28}           

Performer: Paul Gemignani

3. A Conversation {2:42}                                     

Performer: Ben Whishaw

4. Can You Imagine That? {4:22}                                   

Performers: Emily Blunt; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson, & Nathaniel Saleh

5. The Royal Doulton Music Hall {3:01}

Performers: Emily Blunt; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

6. Introducing Mary Poppins {0:31}                     

Performers: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Emily Blunt

7. A Cover is Not The Book {4:25}

Performers: Emily Blunt; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

8. The Place Where the Lost Things Go               

Performer: Emily Blunt

9. Turning Turtle {4:20}

Performers: Meryl Streep; Emily Blunt; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; & Nathaniel Saleh

10. Trip a Little Light Fantastic {7:02}

Performers: Emily Blunt; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

11. The Place Where the Lost Things Go – Reprise {1:30} 

Performers; Joel Dawson; Nathaniel Saleh; & Pixie Davies

12. Trip a Little Light Fantastic – Reprise {0:46}

Performers: Dick Van Dyke; Emily Blunt; Ben Whishaw; Lin-Manuel Miranda; Pixie Davies; Joel Dawson; & Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

13. Nowhere to Go But Up {5:45}

Performers: Angela Lansbury; Ben Whishaw; Colin Firth; Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson, Nathaniel Saleh, etc.

14. (Underneath the) Lovely London Sky – Reprise {1:52}     

Performer: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Tracks 15-27 Performer: Paul Gemignani

15. Mary Poppins Returns (Closing Theme) {1:38}

16. Kite Takes Off {2:40}                                        

17. Mary Poppins Arrives {1:41}                            

18. Magic Papers {1:33}                                         

19. Banks in the Bank {0:43}                                  

20. Into the Royal Doulton Bowl {1:58}                   

21. Rescuing Georgie {4:01}                                    

22. Off to Topsy’s {2:53}                                        

23. Chase Through the Bank {1:11}                       

24. Lost in a Fog {0:59}                                         

25. Goodbye, Old Friend {2:32}                              

26. Race to Big Ben {4:55}                                     

27. Mary Poppins Returns (End Suite) {5:12}          

Notes: The tracks are not in sequential order to the film.  Further, some tracks include excerpts of dialogue.

REVIEW:

In 2018, Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns faced a conundrum: either opt for an original identity – a commendable notion, or undisguised copycat-ism of the original 1964 classic – a potentially surefire win, if handled correctly.  It can be surmised that Disney tried bridging generational gaps to simultaneously entice both fans of Julie Andrews and those of the earliest Harry Potter films.  Given the film’s preoccupation with overcoming grief as one of its major themes, it’s no surprise that the soundtrack skews toward a more mature target audience.      

Given how children’s tastes are far more sophisticated now than their mid-1960’s counterparts, Disney likely deemed that replicating songs, such as “Supercalifraglisticexpialidocious,” wouldn’t hold up today.  More so, the inevitability of being accused of creative laziness, if the company had, surely was a factor, too.  Even if such conclusions make good sense on paper, the result proves mixed for mass audiences. 

Case in point: conveying an epic stage musical, Paul Gemignani’s grand instrumental score dominates much of the album.  The problem is that it won’t likely leave a lasting impression.  In the overture, for instance, Gemignani’s most whimsical (and even zaniest) moments welcome Emily Blunt’s take on ‘Mary Poppins.’  Unfortunately, listeners (especially kids) are hard-pressed to link such musical cues as being synonymous with the iconic British nanny.  One instrumental, however, is spot-on: Track 17’s “Mary Poppins Arrives,” could just as easily introduce Julie Andrews’ incarnation.

In terms of new tunes, the tracks closest to the original film’s spirit are Track 4: “Can You Imagine That?” and Track 7: “The Cover is Not the Book,” as both are welcome treats.  The same applies to the ever-reliable Angela Lansbury and Ben Whishaw leading the cast’s rendition (absent Emily Blunt) of Track 13: “Nowhere to Go But Up.” 

Best of all is Blunt’s compassionate lullaby, Track 8:“The Place Where the Lost Things Go.” Still, as an answer to Whishaw’s heartbreaking Track 3: “A Conversation,” its poignant subject matter obviously won’t leave anyone humming with delight.        

That is where the melancholic Mary Poppins Returns soundtrack regrettably falters.  Given the 1964 film’s timeless charm, one reasonably expects Blunt and the supporting ensemble (aside from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s grating fake Cockney accent) to channel a catchy batch of kid-friendly songs – in the beloved Julie Andrews tradition.  For a classy soundtrack lasting nearly eighty minutes, there isn’t nearly enough innocent fun to keep Disney’s youngest core audience enthralled.    

Despite Disney’s good intentions and such a talented cast, the soundtrack’s reliance on slickly-written, Broadway-style showtunes (i.e., Track 10: “Trip a Little Light Fantastic”) presents an inadequate substitute.  While unimpressed kids will likely move on fast, the Mary Poppins Returns album best appeals to adults appreciating its musical sophistication. 

PACKAGING:

The slipcover CD wallet is well-manufactured.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

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

WWF 20-MAN OVER-THE-TOP BATTLE ROYAL (WWF at Madison Square Garden: Taped 2-23-1992)

SUMMARY:             APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 33:19 Min.*

At Madison Square Garden, on February 23, 1992, this WWF house show included a 20-Man Over-the-Top Battle Royal main event. 

In order of appearance, the participants are: 1. The Berzerker  2.  “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith; 3. “The Model” Rick Martel; 4. Hercules; 5. and 6. The Bushwhackers’ Luke & Butch; 7. Skinner; 8. Repo Man. 9. Warlord; 10. Chris Walker; 11. The Orient Express’ Kato; 12. “Jumping” Jim Brunzell; 13. WWF Intercontinental Champion “Rowdy” Roddy Piper; 14 and 15. The Nasty Boys’ Brian Knobbs & Jerry Sags; 16. The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer); 17. Big Boss Man; 18. Sid Justice (with Harvey Whippleman); 19. WWF World Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair; and 20. Hulk Hogan.

The match’s co-commentators are: Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, and “Lord” Alfred Hayes.

Notes: The match’s running time is significantly padded by the participants’ leisurely entrances.  The wrestlers highlighted in black italics previously appeared in the 20-Man Battle Royal held at London’s Royal Albert Hall on October 3, 1991.

REVIEW:

Given the mostly ‘B’ and ‘C’-list cast, fans are treated to watchable battle royal mayhem.  Still, there are some intriguing one-on-one (and occasionally two-on-one) match-ups worth catching, even briefly: i.e., Sid vs. the newly face Undertaker; the sight of Hogan & Undertaker double-teaming Flair; the reliable Piper vs. Flair rivalry; Sid repeatedly pounding on Nasty Boy Knobbs; Boss Man holding his own vs. Undertaker & then later Sid; and inevitably Hogan vs. Sid’s skullduggery to tease WrestleMania VIII.

Hogan and Sid’s slow-pitch showdown (as dubious as that sounds) surpasses their subsequent WrestleMania VIII main event.  Without spoiling their semi-clever finish, the less-than-dominant Hogan comes away as a sympathetic underdog.  At least, it is better plotting than the disappointing WrestleMania cliché-fest he and Sid bored fans with. 

All said, the biggest names shine enough.  Supplying main eventers Sid and The Undertaker their most plausible opposition, this battle royal’s unappreciated MVP is the Boss Man.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6 Stars

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