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Blu-Ray DVD/Blu-Ray Extra Fantasy, Horror, & Science Fiction Movies & Television (Videos)

THE TERMINATOR (1984)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 47 Min.

Released in 1984 by Orion Pictures, James Cameron directed this Hemdale/Pacific Western production off a script he had co-written with his then-wife (and the film’s producer), Gale Anne Hurd.

In Los Angeles of 2029, a nuclear holocaust decades before has devastated humanity.  Eradicating the remaining pockets of human resistance is the monstrous artificial intelligence, Skynet.  Its high-tech, robotic army of ‘Machines’ include ruthless androids packing laser blasters are designed to infiltrate and destroy humanity from within by posing as one of them.  These superhuman and virtually indestructible cyborgs are dubbed ‘Terminators,’ as their kill-only programming can neither be bargained nor reasoned with. 

To eliminate its greatest threat: the pivotal resistance leader, John Connor, Skynet’s experimental technology sends a Terminator (Schwarzenegger) back to the Los Angeles of 1984.  Its mission is to exterminate Connor’s unsuspecting, future mother: Sarah (Hamilton).  For a seemingly one-way suicide mission, Connor’s best and most trusted friend, commando Kyle Reese (Biehn), volunteers to follow and protect Sarah, as best he can. Once marooned in 1984, both the Terminator and Reese must then rely upon present-day weaponry in battling one another.  

It’s up to Reese to desperately improvise a fleeing defense in saving an incredulous Sarah from her worst possible nightmare.  Caught up in this mass-homicide showdown are civilians and Los Angeles cops, unaware that the first sign of the nuclear apocalypse has arrived in the form of the Terminator.  

                                       Primary Cast

Sarah J. Connor: Linda Hamilton

The Terminator: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Kyle Reese: Michael Biehn

Lt. Ed Traxler (LAPD): Paul Winfield

Vukovich (LAPD): Lance Henriksen

Dr. Peter Silberman: Earl Boen

Ginger: Bess Motta

Matt: Rick Rossovich

Nancy: Shawn Schepps

Gun Shop Clerk: Dick Miller

2nd Terminator (2029): Franco Columbu

Sarah Connor # 1: Marianne Muellerleile

LAPD Desk Sergeant: Bruce M. Kerner

LAPD Patrol Officer: William Wisher (who contributed dialogue and later co-scripted 1991’s T2: Judgment Day)

LAPD Cops: Ken Fritz, Tom Oberhaus, & Ed Dogans

LAPD Station Cops: Uncredited

Derelict: Stan Yale

Gas Station Attendant (Mexico): Tony Mirelez

Mexican Children: Anthony J. Trujillo & Philip Gordon

Sarah’s Mother (voice only): Uncredited

Resistance Members (2029): Uncredited

Punks: Bill Paxton, Brad Rearden, and Brian Thompson.

REVIEW:

For the Terminator’s 40th Anniversary, there probably isn’t anything new to be said applauding this game-changing 1984 film for standing the test of time – pardon the expression. 

In comparison to the franchise’s innumerable and mostly unnecessary sequels (not to mention, a sub-genre of inferior imitators), the phrase, ‘simple yet sophisticated,’ comes to mind.  Working off a modest budget (an estimated $6.4 million), virtually every vital component of The Terminator’s production ranges from above-average to superb for its era: special effects; Brad Fiedel’s pulsating, metallic-like score; acting; and, above all, the story’s cohesive structure. 

While the film’s VFX limitations are occasionally exposed (i.e. distorted close-ups depicting the Terminator’s damaged face; and the hokey puppetry passing for Stan Winston’s Terminator metallic endoskeleton), the ensemble cast’s efforts selling the plot easily makes up any difference.  Beyond the immense credit that writer/director James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger deserve, Linda Hamilton herself puts forth an MVP-caliber performance. 

Along with a game Hamilton, an underrated Michael Biehn certainly merits recognition for a job well done. Biehn effectively imbues his sole franchise appearance (aside from Reese’s discarded T2 scene) with an aura of plausible desperation the film needs and takes full advantage of.  Additional kudos go to Earl Boen’s ultra-cynical psychiatrist and, ever subtly, Paul Winfield’s low-key cop for further pushing The Terminator’s outlandish premise into believable sci-fi. 

Understandably, the film’s surplus of grisly and glamorized violence will be a turn-off to some viewers.  Yet, the messiah-inspired storyline that Cameron and his then-wife (and producer), Gale Anne Hurd, devised is still brilliantly implemented.  In his most menacing and iconic on-screen persona, Schwarzenegger (buoyed by Hamilton and Biehn’s terrific support) visualizes the Cameron/Hurd story into one of the best sci-fi/horror thrillers ever made.  It’s simple as that.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

This High-Definition Blu-Ray’s technical specifications are: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; alternatively, the options are Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 and French DTS 5.1.  Subtitles are available in English SDH, Spanish, and French.  The viewing perspective is Widescreen 1.85:1.

Among the seven deleted scenes provided, two are particularly intriguing.  One entitled “Lt. Traxler’s Arc” is a montage of quick Paul Winfield scenes excluded from the theatrical cut, including a final exchange between Sarah, Reese, and a wounded Traxler.  More so, the “Sarah Fights Back” explores material that foreshadows Sarah’s preemptive attack against Cyberdyne Systems (Skynet’s precursor) prior to 1991’s T2: Judgment Day.

There is also a vignette: Creating The Terminator, which discusses the creation of its visual effects and Brad Fiedel’s instrumental score.  Evidently produced prior to the 1991 sequel, the Terminator: A Retrospective vignette intercuts footage from the original film with clips of Cameron and Schwarzenegger casually reminiscing in a sit-down discussion and a separate Cameron interview.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  9 Stars

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Blu-Ray DVD/Blu-Ray Extra Fantasy, Horror, & Science Fiction Movies & Television (Videos)

PREY (2022)

SUMMARY:               RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 40 Min.

Released by 20th Century Studios in 2022, Dan Trachtenberg directed this Lawrence Gordon/Davis Entertainment Company production off a script by Patrick Aison.  Aison and Trachtenberg had co-written the original story devised as a prequel to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s original 1987 Predator film.

In the Great Northern Plains of 1719, a Predator (DiLiegro) is dropped off on Earth seeking local adversaries worthy of battle.  Unlike its future successors, this Predator’s technology appears somewhat less sophisticated; nonetheless, such alien weaponry still far surpasses arrows, spears, and rudimentary guns.  In addition to a metallic shield, other devices this Predator deploys include a laser targeting device and a stealth cloaking field to generate invisibility.    

Meanwhile, the Commanche Nation’s young Naru (Midthunder), a young medicine woman in her late teens or early twenties, desires to prove her equality.  Foremost, she prefers being a hunter despite the scoffing male peers of her tribe.  Helping retrieve a wounded tribal member overnight, a wounded Naru is the first to sense that something fearsome and evil is lurking out there on the Plains.  Her instincts determine it’s neither a lion nor a bear, but something infinitely more dangerous.  Yet, even Naru’s solder brother, Taabe (Beavers), dismisses such vague suspicions as likely a figment of her imagination.        

Naru seeks her culture’s ancient hunting rite reserved for males: to be both predator and prey against a formidable quarry.  Intending to protect her tribe, Naru and her faithful canine, Sarii (Coco), set out on her fateful destiny to find and destroy the monster.

On her quest, she survives a quicksand bog and later evades a mauling death from a ferocious bear.  Yet, both the bear and previously a wolf are no match for the Predator’s own intense savagery.  Located by Taabe’s search party, Naru’s extraordinary claims of what she has recently witnessed are again dismissed and/or met with wary skepticism. 

Both the Commanche search party and a nefarious French hunting expedition are subsequently decimated in battle.  Witnessing the Predator destroy wave after wave of human challengers, Naru realizes that sheer numbers and conventional weapons aren’t the answer.  It’s up to her to improvise an unexpected yet insightful means of attack.  Naru’s fate will be decided by a last desperate showdown after nightfall with her prey. 

                                     Primary Cast:

Naru: Amber Midthunder

Taabe: Dakota Beavers

Predator: Dane DiLiegro

Aruka: Michelle Thrush

Wasape: Stormee Kipp

Sarii: Coco

Waxed Moustache: Nelson Leis

Big Beard: Mike Paterson

Raphael: Bennett Taylor

Sumu: Stephany Mathias

Chief Kehetu: Julian Black Antelope

Commanche Tribal Members: Corvin Mack; Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat; Skye Pelletier; Samiyah Crowfoot; Seanna Eagletail; Tymon Carter; Ginger Cattleman; & Samuel Marty

Additional Commanche Tribal Member: Uncredited

Additional French Trappers: Uncredited.

REVIEW:

Starting with 1990’s Predator 2, the franchise’s bloodthirsty formula became increasingly unimaginative over the next three decades.  These lazy thrill rides (much like Schwarzenegger’s other iconic franchise, The Terminator) opted to peddle convoluted shoot-em-up’s where grisly, sci-fi action was evidently the sole justification.  Yet, writer-director Dan Trachtenberg would ingeniously devise an ideal follow-up to 1987’s Predator.  In this instance, his prequel re-imagines the ‘thrill of the hunt,’ as an instinctive urge to overcome one’s own worst fears surpasses macho glory.      

With actress Amber Midthunder as his reliable lead, Trachtenberg’s Prey fulfills a void few filmmakers would have imagined: a sci-fi/horror thriller set inside a historical period piece.  Perhaps it isn’t coincidental that the Canadian forest scenery and a vaguely similar instrumental score are often reminiscent of 1992’s Last of the Mohicans.  This same kind of timeless adventure vibe works for Naru’s hunt.  

Off-note is some fairly obvious CGI enhancing the scenic Canadian backdrops.  The Predator’s fight choreography also appears too predictably intricate.  Hence, Prey continue a dubious franchise tradition of demonstrating a cool multitude of ways the alien can easily eviscerate its victims.  Trachtenberg at least tactfully keeps much of this icky carnage at a distance or partially off-screen.  Lastly, Midthunder’s impressive martial arts scenes come off as implausible for a petite woman’s self-defense versus multiple attackers three centuries ago.  Given the film production’s complexities, such minimal quibbles mean Trachtenberg’s well-structured and mostly original plot succeeds, as intended.

Ultimately, Trachtenberg and a game Midthunder ensure that their Prey is mighty good for the story it tells.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

This High-Definition Blu-Ray’s technical specifications are English 7.1. DTS-HDMA, 2.0 Dolby Digital Descriptive Audio, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital.  Subtitles are available in English SDH, Spanish, French; additionally, a full-length Commanche audio track is included.  An optional audio commentary track includes director Dan Trachtenberg; actress Amber Midthunder; film editor Angel M. Catanzaro; and the film’s director of photography, Jeff Cutter.  

The bonus features consist of:

  • a “Making of Prey” vignette;
  • three deleted scenes (including an alternate opening scene), with Trachtenberg’s voiceover explanations;
  • reminiscent of Comic-Con, there is a Prey “FYC (For Your Consideration)” Panel Discussion including Trachtenberg, Midthunder, and other key production members.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8½ Stars

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Blu-Ray Digital Movies & TV DVD Movies & Television (Videos) Sherlock Holmes-Related The Ratings Game

THE RATINGS GAME: BEST & WORST OF BASIL RATHBONE’S SHERLOCK HOLMES FILMS

In tribute to Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce’s Sherlock Holmes movie legacy, Odd Moon Media Reviews offers its candid assessment of their 1939-1946 movie franchise. 

Twentieth Century Fox produced the first two films in 1939 with first-caliber budgets allowing reasonably close adherence to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s storytelling.  Curiously, the second entry (The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) shares the name of an actual Conan Doyle short story anthology; however, the movie is really a loose adaptation of William Gillette’s popular 1899 same-named stage play.    

Contractual issues with the Conan Doyle estate stalled the Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce franchise for three years until Universal Pictures revived it with cost-effective changes.  Due to streamlined budgeting (and a practical nod to war propaganda), the films’ setting was updated to the wartime 1940’s.  Further, these subsequent Rathbone/Bruce films lifted various elements from Conan Doyle’s tales rather than freely adapting a Holmes title like The Hound of The Baskervilles.  In a few instances (i.e. Sherlock Holmes in Washington), the original screenplay is even devoid of Doyle’s work.         

Released in quick succession, Universal’s twelve entries are of a generally consistent caliber.  For instance, Universal’s rotating stock ensemble where character actors inhabit different roles throughout the series (i.e. three different actors portray ‘Professor Moriarty’) might give observant viewers a sense of déjà vu.  Hence, judging these films objectively becomes somewhat harder than it sounds. 

Gauging their current watchability, the entire roster of films are ranked below in reverse order. 

ANALYSIS:

14. Sherlock Holmes in Washington (1943)   71 minutes.  Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: At England’s behest, Holmes and Watson go to Washington, D.C. to help retrieve missing microfilm that the Allies can’t dare let fall into enemy hands.  Their ruthless opposition is an international spy ring that will readily eliminate anyone getting in their way.  

Apart from Holmes & Watson’s chauffeured tour of the city’s national landmarks, the film is merely a wartime espionage caper without an actual mystery to solve.  Quoting Winston Churchill, Rathbone’ Holmes supplies one of the franchise’s many poetic tributes to England’s allies.  Though Rathbone & Bruce are easy to watch, their Washington, D.C. adventure is forgettable. 

13. Dressed To Kill (1946)   72-76 minutes.   Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: A femme fatale is at the center of a murderous counterfeiting scheme involving stolen British engraving plates. 

Franchise fatigue is personified by Rathbone’s phoned-in effort, as he subsequently quit the series.  It’s no wonder, considering this tired cliché-fest pitches multiple elements (i.e. a brunette femme fatale, an elaborate treasure hunt, etc.) weakly recycled from previous installments.  Dressed To Kill isn’t necessarily horrible viewing, but its unimaginative plotting fails to conjure up anything worthwhile or even new for fans.         

12. Pursuit To Algiers (1945)   65 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: After faking his death in an airplane crash, Holmes rejoins Watson and a prince under their protection on an overseas voyage to the nation of Algeria.  Plotting against them onboard, of course, is a murderous ring of foreign spies, who don’t want the handsome, young king-in-waiting making it back to the city of Algiers alive.

Hampered by minimal plotting, Pursuit To Algiers resorts to several musical numbers to obviously pad its running time.  Still, routine cast performances led by Rathbone and Bruce only worsen the storyline’s dull and eye-rolling predictability (i.e. a formulaic romance subplot).     

11. Sherlock Holmes and The Voice of Terror (1942)   65 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: John Rawlins). 

Premise: In wartime London, Holmes & Watson are recruited to aid British Intelligence in thwarting a Nazi cell group from decimating England one insidious terrorist attack at a time. Meanwhile, the group’s unseen leader issues ominous taunts and threats to the public via live radio. 

The movie’s purpose is again war propaganda, as the arch-villain is meant to resemble real-life British traitor/Nazi war propagandist, ‘Lord Haw-Haw.’  Packing a few intriguing surprises (including Evelyn Ankers’ great performance), The Voice of Terror is by no means unwatchable.  It’s just that this package, as a whole, is a middling endeavor, as compared to Rathbone & Bruce’s better installments. For instance, Holmes’ climatic deductions are pulled seemingly out of nowhere and depriving viewers a fair chance to guess the ringleader’s identity.

Of interest, a deliberate nod to the franchise’s new setting has Watson gently scolding Holmes into donning a contemporary fedora vs. his iconic deerstalker cap before they depart from their Baker Street lodgings.

10. Terror By Night (1946)   72 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: During an overnight train ride, a mysterious killer searches for an elusive prize hidden onboard.  All that stands in the culprit’s way is Holmes, Watson, and Dennis Hoey’s befuddled Inspector Lestrade.  

Even if this whodunnit falls far short of Murder on The Orient Express, using a train as the primary crime scene is at least a welcome change of pace for this series.  More so, deploying a different Conan Doyle villain (instead of a fourth Moriarty) helps Rathbone and Bruce make Terror By Night easily watchable.  

9.  Sherlock Holmes and The Secret Weapon (1942)   68 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: Professor Moriarty (Lionel Atwill) has abducted a pivotal Swiss scientist for the Allied cause.  Parts to construct his captive’s experimental bombsight, however, are hidden in multiple locations.  Hence, Moriarty races Holmes to decipher a baffling code first to unlock their whereabouts one by one.  After being taken prisoner himself, Holmes risks a torturous death to thwart Moriarty’s scheme. 

Crisp and well-played, the film’s plotting makes for solid entertainment.  Atwill’s chemistry as the second ‘Moriarty’ matching wits with Rathbone proves just as good as he had been as ‘Dr. Mortimer’ in The Hound of The Baskervilles three years earlier.

8. Sherlock Holmes Faces Death (1943)   68 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: Watson is the on-call physician at the Musgrave family’s posh British manor, which is serving as a convalescence home for mentally disturbed war veterans.  As the Musgraves are brutally killed off one by one, Holmes, Watson, and Dennis Hoey’s Inspector Lestrade stumble upon an ancient family ritual possibly spelling doom for all involved.

For a routine whodunnit, neither the culprit nor the motive is much of a surprise.  Still, Sherlock Holmes Faces Death makes for worthwhile viewing, as its sense of campy suspense rides first-class.      

7. The Woman in Green (1945)   68 minutes.  Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: Reminiscent of Jack The Ripper, a fiendish serial killer is targeting women and then sending each victim’s severed finger to taunt the baffled authorities.  Holmes suspects that a series of subsequent suicides committed by guilt-ridden prime suspects is an extortion scheme hatched by Professor Moriarty (Henry Daniell).  A complication is Moriarty’s alluring blond accomplice, who uses hypnosis to reel in expendable victims.  

Daniell’s performance as the franchise’s third-and-final Moriarty coldly mirrors Rathbone’s Holmes, making them ideal on-screen foes. Daniell might have made a decent Holmes himself, but his Jeremy Irons-like acting style lacks Rathbone’s timeless panache.  As for the film’s contents, be forewarned that its grisly shock value (much like The House of Fear) somehow bypassed the era’s strict censors.  With most of the plot’s nastiness inferred and/or occurring off-screen, The Woman in Green effectively injects film noir into the Holmes/Moriarty rivalry.            

6.  The Spider Woman   (1944)   62 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: Having faked his own demise, Holmes subsequently goes undercover to probe a suspicious series of deaths plaguing London.  As he suspects, the common link is a cold-blooded female ‘Moriarty’ and her use of a lethal spider venom. 

Often overlooked, The Spider Woman’s best noir asset is Gale Sondergaard’s devious criminal mastermind, making her an intriguing new foe for Holmes & Watson.  By far, Sondergaard prevails as the franchise’s signature femme fatale.  Including the shooting gallery sequence, there is a welcome aura of unpredictability percolating in the plot.  Though the film’s running time is perhaps a few minutes too short, The Spider Woman merits a chance for rediscovery. 

5. The Pearl of Death   (1944)   69 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: A criminal gang’s deadly ransacking search of London for an elusive pearl includes a giant-sized, silent henchman.  Dubbed ‘The Creeper,’ this behemoth brutally kills prey with his bare hands.  Holmes and Watson may realize too late that they are facing more than one adversary.

Though this comic book-style ‘Creeper’ should be facing off vs. either Batman or James Bond, this Universal movie monster is a potent challenger for Rathbone’s Holmes.  Despite its otherwise formulaic plotting, The Pearl of Death concocts an underrated gem (pardon the pun) for viewers.

4. The Scarlet Claw (1944)    74 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: During an occult convention visit to Canada, Holmes & Watson are recruited to help snare a ghostly serial killer utilizing a bloody claw-like weapon for vengeance.  Reaching a remote Canadian village where the murders are accumulating, the two detectives must pursue their elusive quarry in a nocturnal fog. 

Along with director Roy William Neill, Rathbone and Bruce are at the top of their deductive game in a gothic chiller worthy of Universal’s other movie monsters.  A terrific Holmes hat trick would be viewing The Pearl of Death, The Scarlet Claw, and The House of Fear together – arguably, they are Universal’s three best mystery-thriller entries in this series.

3. The Hound of The Baskervilles   (1939)   80 minutes.    Twentieth Century Fox (Director: Sidney Lanfield). 

Premise: The storyline is a relatively close adaptation of Conan Doyle’s iconic novel, as Holmes and Watson pursue a bloodthirsty ‘apparition’ stalking members of the Baskerville clan on the Scottish Moors.

In terms of first-class production values, this gothic Hound meets all expectations.  Its only limitation is, as with the novel, the plot’s mid-section drags without Holmes present.  For anyone seeking a faithful black-and-white rendition of Doyle’s most celebrated Holmes tale, this one is highly recommended.

2. The House of Fear (1945)   69 minutes.    Universal Pictures (Director: Roy William Neill). 

Premise: In a secluded Scottish village, the local castle’s residents are being gruesomely killed off one by one.  Each grisly murder is foretold by the receipt of an ominous packet of orange pips.  The insidious rub is that each victim’s life insurance policy is subsequently split amongst their housemates – calling themselves ‘The Good Comrades Club.’  Hired by the suspicious insurance company, Holmes and Watson’s subsequent arrival (along with Scotland Yard) only accelerates the culprit’s haunted-house scheme.   

Deftly blending ghoulish off-screen carnage with well-played humor, this macabre cinematic cocktail nearly equals the classic And Then There Were None from that same year.  As long as one doesn’t ponder a gaping plot hole, The House of Fear’s sheer Halloween entertainment value is tough to beat.    

and at Number # 1 …

1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939)   81 minutes.    Twentieth Century Fox (Director: Alfred L. Werker). 

Premise: Set in the mid-1890’s, Holmes is frustrated that Professor Moriarty (George Zucco) escapes the British court system’s death penalty on a legal technicality.  Subsequently, with their young female client being stalked by vicious killers, Holmes & Watson try to protect her and the woman’s family.  Worse yet, Holmes senses that an elaborate ruse is masking Moriarty’s most audacious heist ever.  

Exceptionally well-played!  Including Holmes’ undercover turn on a British vaudeville stage, this film’s entertainment value assembles a timeless Holmes mystery worthy of Conan Doyle.  With Rathbone and Bruce in peak form, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is the franchise’s crown jewel. 

Notes: Four of these films: The Secret Weapon; The Woman in Green; Terror By Night; and Dressed To Kill have long since shifted into the public domain, with colorized versions subsequently released.  However, all fourteen black-and-white films are now available in remastered DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital formats.

  • Rathbone and Bruce also performed a weekly New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes radio series from 1939 to 1946.  After Rathbone’s 1946 departure, actor Tom Conway replaced him on the radio show. Universal Pictures evidently considered hiring Conway as Rathbone’s live-action replacement, but the studio instead opted to retire the franchise as is.  As for the radio show, Bruce and Conway left the program in 1947.  The New Adventures relied upon character actors afterwards to fill the void before ending its eleven-year run in 1950.
  • For trivia’s sake, though perhaps briefly mentioned once, Irene Adler never appears in these films.
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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

Categories
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

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

(SHERLOCK HOLMES AND) THE HOUSE OF FEAR

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 69:00 Min.

Inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story, “Adventure of the Five Orange Pips,” Universal Pictures released this film directed by Roy William Neill in 1945.  It’s the tenth of fourteen Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce films released from 1939-1946, as the last twelve are set in the present-day. 

Residing at Drearcliff Manor, on a secluded clifftop not far from a Scottish coastal village, is an exclusive group dubbing itself the ‘Good Comrades Club.’  Each a distinguished older British gentleman bachelor, a macabre prelude of death begins targeting its members.  At dinner time, upon receiving an ominous packet of orange pips signifying the remaining number in the group, the packet’s addressee soon meets a grisly fate.        

Considering each ‘Good Comrade’ has vested his sizable life insurance policy in the others, the suspicious London insurer sends Sherlock Holmes from 221B Baker Street to investigate.  Holmes suspects there is at least one probable killer already lurking among them.  The formidable presence of Holmes & Dr. John Watson merely accelerates the culprit’s vile intentions of eliminating these ‘Good Comrades,’ one by one.  Per local legend, the haunted manor’s family curse that “no man goes whole to his grave” is coming true to chilling effect. 

As Holmes, Watson, and Scotland Yard’s Inspector Lestrade witness, this unseen predator has no mercy upon the desecrated victims.  Yet, Holmes grimly senses all may not be what it seems.

Note: This film has been released in VHS (as half of a Rathbone-as-Sherlock Holmes double-feature), and, as part of The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection, in DVD and Blu-Ray formats.

Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone          

Dr. John Watson: Nigel Bruce

Inspector Lestrade: Dennis Hoey           

Bruce Alastair: Aubrey Mather

Dr. Simon Merrivale: Paul Cavanaugh  

Capt. John Simpson: Harry Cording

Mrs. Monteith: Sally Shepherd        

Alan Cosgrave: Holmes Herbert

Alex MacGregor: David Clyde       

Alison MacGregor: Florette Hillier

Ralph King: Richard Alexander     

Guy Davies: Wilson Benge

Stanley Raeburn: Cyril Delevanti   

Angus: Alex Craig

Sgt. Bleeker: Leslie Denison           

Chalmers: Gavin Muir

REVIEW:

In essence, Fear lifts Doyle’s legendary crime-fighting duo into an ominous storyline more befitting Agatha Christie.  Given the ghoulish mayhem occurring off-screen, the filmmakers resort to comedy relief at the right moments; some of which is subtly clever.  Even the deliberately silly sequence of Watson alone safeguarding the manor on a clichéd dark and stormy night somehow works better than it should.  The same applies to Dennis Hoey’s perpetually-befuddled Lestrade. 

Mostly, it’s up to Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce anchoring a solid cast to overcome the plot’s contrivances; hence, the end result is undeniably entertaining.  Just don’t try overthinking it, and The House of Fear delivers Rathbone’s likable answer to And Then There Were None released that same year.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7½ Stars

Categories
Blu-Ray DC-Related LEGO Toys & Games Video Games

LEGO BATMAN {Remastered} (PLAYSTATION 3)

SUMMARY/STORY:

Released in 2008 by Warner Bros. and produced by TT Games, this adaptation of the Dark Knight would be one of the first games from TT Games and its first to star Batman. The game would drop at various points throughout 2008 depending on the territory.  The story itself is pretty simple. Taking inspiration from many sources, the kid-friendly storyline, therefore, is unique when matched up against almost any other LEGO game.

There are three mini-stories for not only the Dynamic Duo, but there’s another three for the villains. The good thing about not having an ongoing plot is that it’s easier to couch co-op with friends. The downside, however, is a lack of urgency to play this classic for hours on end, like most other addictive video games.

Note: Popularity of this game’s original release has led to two (and counting) sequel games, as well as the direct-to-DVD/big-screen film franchise.

ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:

All things considered, the LEGO engine has remained the same since TT games’ masterpiece in LEGO Star Wars I to newer installments of LEGO gaming. There are still four hearts of health; the ability to be a single-person or dual-player game at all times; there’s no online capabilities. But why should it change?  LEGO Batman’s success is one of the reasons why the simplistic formula has stayed the same for so long — because it works! 

Quirky Bat-humor, puzzles, combat, music cues, and story twists all make the gameplay, though sometimes tedious, a fun experience for kids and adults alike.  Collectibles such as gold bricks, red bricks, mini-kits, civilians in peril, and the true hero/villain bar still remain an intricate part in LEGO gaming today.  An upside is that this PS3 saves games-in-progress, etc. much better than its PS2 counterpart having to rely on possibly glitchy memory cards.

Disappointingly, players can only use Batman & Robin in the story mode for every single hero mission.  Hence, all fifteen times that you suit up – it’s with the Dynamic Duo.  However, there’s something fun about the villain levels, though, as a new character introduced in every level.  That same character then becomes unlocked for future use. All of this aside, there are unique aspects to this game that other franchises don’t have.  Tons of new puzzles were introduced into this game —  thanks to Batman & Robin both getting around in eight different alternate outfits (players can choose which to use, each with specific abilities). 

Need to blow something up? Batman and his array of Bat-bombs have you covered.  Want to go swimming in the deep end with Killer Croc?  Robin has the necessary diving suit.  As cool as it would be to get more Bat-Family members involved, never before had we seen the same two characters get this many alternate outfits. Overall, this game is off the charts, when gauging the fun factor.

GRAPHICS:

Though upgraded  from PS2, the graphics are still nothing special.  The cartoony style resembles its predecessors, like Indiana Jones, at least on the surface.  However, this game’s detailing just feels more immersive.  The backgrounds and locations do feel straight out of Gotham City, with torn-up buildings and plenty of goons littering the streets. One difference between this game and newer LEGO games is that LEGO Batman isn’t nearly as glossy.  It retains more of a nostalgic feel, which is always nice.

GAME MODE(S):

Outside of the main story, there are two bonus levels, where players have to reach 1,000,000 studs to complete. The only prize to earn is the ability to purchase the last six ‘fun facts’ and Ra’s al-Ghul in the game’s store. Frankly, though, the facts can just be googled.  The parts to make Ra’s can be found in the create-a-mini-figure section of Arkham Asylum.  It’s an  feature consistent with from slightly older titles, such as Indiana Jones or Star Wars.  The levels aren’t as fun as one might expect – at times, the intended obstacles really feel like an afterthought after playing.  The levels themselves can become far more a chore than a challenge.

REVIEW:

Unlike its sequels, this game keeps its focus on Batman’s Gotham City, not the entire DC Universe. With a total of thirty levels, it remained the most levels of any LEGO game alongside Star Wars: The Complete Saga until 2016.  For fifteen levels, players suit up as the Dynamic Duo in three mini-stories headlined by The Riddler, The Penguin, and The Joker, all with five levels each, before becoming the bad guys for another fifteen levels.   In addition to the Dynamic Duo’s extra suits, the game includes 46 different characters, giving any player great background info on Batman’s rogues gallery.

Is this one of the best LEGO games out there? To most fans, it really isn’t. Is it even the best LEGO Batman game? Well, probably not that, either.  Still, there’s a storyline that’s easy to follow, allowing players to casually jump in at any moment without losing track of what’s going on.  In that sense, for anyone who wants to kill an hour to kill in Gotham with their buddy, this undemanding 2008 classic rocks.

BONUS FEATURES:

This particular release of LEGO Batman comes with a Blu-Ray of the 1989 Batman film. Borrowing some of the same Danny Elfman music cues, this version of the iconic video game is worth checking out, if only for some cool continuity.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

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

THE ROCK VS. “STONE COLD” STEVE AUSTIN (WWE WRESTLEMANIA 19: Taped March 30, 2003)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 18 Min. +

Memorably, these legendary frenemies had twice before clashed at WrestleMania – 1999 and 2001 – with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at stake.  Now, with Austin on the verge of forced retirement due to a lingering neck injury, completing their trilogy meant a final showdown at Seattle’s Safeco Field on March 30, 2003.  Motivating The Rock’s pride were two bitter World Title losses, as Austin, healthy or not, evidently had his WrestleMania number.  The match commentators are Michael Cole and Tazz, with Carlos Cabrera & Hugo Savinovich as the WWE’s Spanish language announcers.    

Note: As of this date, it would be Austin’s last match.

REVIEW:

It’s all about the star power.  Stealing WrestleMania 19’s glow more through nostalgia than actual substance, this match’s run time is deceptive.  Less than eight minutes of finishers and stealing the other guy’s crowd-pleasing finishers makes this expedited slugfest more of a greatest-hits highlight reel.  Frankly, it resembles a Monday Night RAW street fight where the unremarkable action escalates into an in-ring slugfest and a ringside beatdown.  To the surprise of no one, there are few, if any, technical wrestling displays – more disappointingly (no doubt due to Austin’s physical condition), no major choreography spots commemorate his retirement.    

In the end, what might have been a legendary finale to The Rock vs. “Stone Cold” is a strictly run-of-the-mill brawl.  This match offers historic context only by watching their two prior WrestleMania battles first.  

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6½ Stars

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

THE ROCK VS. “HOLLYWOOD” HULK HOGAN (WWE WRESTLEMANIA 18: Taped March 17, 2002)

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 17 Min. +

A full year had lapsed since the demise of World Championship Wrestling (WCW).  The triumphant WWE gradually incorporated the WCW on-screen personnel it wanted, including the original New World Order (NWO): “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall.  For WrestleMania 18 at Toronto’s SkyDome, on March 17, 2002, the WWE’s ‘Icon vs. Icon’ match pitted The Rock vs. the legendary Hogan.  Amidst all the back-and-forth trash talking with The Rock, Hogan and his cronies were depicted as ultra-nefarious baddies out to put the WWE’s most charismatic star down permanently.  

Yet, as for the climatic showdown itself, even Hogan was humbled that SkyDome fans were loudly cheering his first WrestleMania in nine years.  The Rock’s own reaction proves stunning, particularly after Hogan is greeted with a post-match beatdown by superior numbers – a dubious WCW tradition. 

The commentators are Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler, with Carlos Cabrera and Hugo Savinovich as the WWE’s Spanish language announcers.    

REVIEW:

Suffice to say, this clash is much better than expected.  Evidently inspired by SkyDome (after 1990’s WrestleMania VI), the 48-year old Hogan cranks up his performance quality enough to share the same ring as The Rock.  While both adversaries are wildly cheered, what’s perplexing is whose side is the majority of SkyDome fans on.  Then again, does it really matter?  Packing this ego-driven showcase with flexing, finisher stealing, and egging on the crowd’s reaction, it’s an instance where the not-quite-wrestling is far more about sparking pure nostalgic emotion than any technical know-how.  Even so, Rock vs. Hogan is remarkably generous with its People’s Elbows and Running Leg Drops bringing the audience to their feet.  Above all, The Rock’s professionalism hiding an aging Hogan’s limited mobility is admirable.  The fact that their match doesn’t resort to cheap interference ploys, just for drama’s sake, says plenty.  

In the best possible way, however, the aftermath (improvised or not) surpasses their crowd-popping in-ring work.  Despite an eternity spent on the traditional ‘Hulk-A-Mania’ pose-down, fans ultimately score the finale they didn’t realize they wanted.  Not to mention, this showdown’s genuine magic easily overshadows the all-too-predictable Chris Jericho/Triple H Unified World Championship title match.  Courtesy of the mutual admiration society established between these two wrestling legends, the turbulent pro wrestling universe for the moment, finally rights itself. 

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8½ Stars

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

SHAWN MICHAELS VS. RAZOR RAMON — WWE Intercontinental Title Match {Ladder Match} (WWE SummerSlam 1995: Taped August 27, 1995)

SUMMARY:                       RUNNING TIME: 25:04 MIN.

In a Pay-Per-View (PPV) rematch from 1994’s WrestleMania X, Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon again face off in a ladder match for the WWE’s second most prestigious title.  Held at Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena, on August 27, 1995, more than 18,000 fans would witness live this high-profile I-C Championship clash on SummerSlam 1995’s undercard.

REVIEW:

Despite recycling almost every trick from their last encounter, this match still entertains and has its fair share of surprises – even for a match that is 25+ years old.  Re: the I-C Champ, “The Heartbreak Kid” gives a good performance.  However, inconsistency with his ‘injured’ leg, blatantly scripted spots, and two botched finishes makes this one a bit of a dud for Michaels.  As for Razor Ramon (aka Scott Hall), he puts on a clinic with good selling and a brutal beatdown of Michaels early on.  Ramon probably has the best performance out of any wrestler at this PPV, which helps this match feel fresh.

Plus, watch for the new ladder moves!  Moonsaults and mooning from atop the ladder by Michaels exhibits originality, as well as considerable risk, to ensure the big rematch equals their original WrestleMania X showdown. The only real issue with this bout, for better or worse, is that both Michaels and Ramon appear out of breath early.  It’s most likely due to their choreography being more brutally structured as a match involving a ladder rather than an actual ladder match.

For fans of either HBK, Scott Hall, or ladder matches, this one is definitely worth checking out, even if the stunts feel outdated by today’s standards.  Easily, this was one of Scott Hall’s best matches.  Michaels, too, gets great pops from the crowd, even when Ramon carries most of the match.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8 Stars

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