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RICKY “THE DRAGON” STEAMBOAT & STING vs. “STUNNING” STEVE AUSTIN & “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR, with “SENSUOUS” SHERRI (WCW Saturday Night: Televised: 7-30-1994)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: Approx. 29:00 Min.

For the July 30, 1994, edition of WCW Saturday Night, the main event would pit Sting and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat (both former WCW World Champions) vs. the arrogant WCW U.S. Champion “Stunning” Steve Austin and “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, accompanied by ‘Sensuous’ Sherri Martel.  The bout was presumably filmed at WCW Saturday Night’s studio: the Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.  The announcers are Tony Schiavone and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. 

Notably, the bout was televised (but not necessarily filmed) days after WCW Bash at The Beach where Flair had dropped the WCW World Heavyweight Championship to Hulk Hogan. 

REVIEW:

Both duos are in excellent form, as Steamboat’s on-screen chemistry with Flair and Austin demonstrates why they were undoubtedly his best WCW adversaries (along with Rick Rude).  More so, Austin and Flair’s heel teamwork is impressive. 

Given that Steamboat’s active in-ring career ended only months later (due to an injury), fans shouldn’t mind seeing that he gets more screen time than Sting.  Eerily, it’s like a premonition that Schiavone and Heenan comment that some think that an aging Steamboat’s abilities had somewhat declined.  That may have been accurate, but, even in his early forties, Steamboat still nimbly holds his own against Austin (a decade younger) and a timeless, 44-year-old Flair.  What can else be said of a mid-thirties Sting, other than he delivers exactly what it is required of him.        

The bout’s only stale component is “Sensuous” Sherri Martel’s participation.  Her villainous antics come off as a tired cliché (after three productive years performing the same function in the WWF for Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, and finally Shawn Michaels).  Still, she is a welcome upgrade over Flair’s dubious former valet/maid, ‘Fifi,’ who “The Nature Boy” would marry in real life decades later.      

Though this tag bout’s action is formulaic and becomes somewhat monotonous (presumably, to fill at least thirty minutes of airtime), neither the participants nor the announcers let viewers down.  That includes a somewhat unexpected finish, in terms of which tandem scores a decisive win.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7 Stars

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STING, “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR, & THE BOSS (RAY TRAYLOR), with ICE TRAIN VS. “RAVISHING” RICK RUDE, RON SIMMONS, & “STUNNING” STEVE AUSTIN, with COL. ROBERT PARKER (WCW Saturday Night: Televised 1-22-1994)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 11:33 Min.

Televised on January 22, 1994, this WCW Saturday Night six-man main event was filmed at WCW’s Atlanta, GA studio: the Center Stage Theater.  On one side stands Sting, The Boss (Ray Traylor – formerly the WWF’s Big Boss Man and the UWF’s Big Bubba Rogers), and, in the aftermath of Starrcade 1993, the newly crowned WCW World Champion, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair.  Accompanying this trio to ringside is fellow wrestler, Ice Train. 

Opposing them are WCW International World Champion “Ravishing” Rick Rude, WCW U.S. Champion “Stunning” Steve Austin, and a supposedly resentful ex-WCW World Champion, Ron Simmons.  Accompanying them is Austin’s manager, Col. Robert Parker.     

The announcers are Tony Schiavone & Jesse “The Body” Ventura.

REVIEW:

Given the considerable star power involved, one would expect in-ring fireworks.  While waiting for some burst of welcome chaos, viewers instead get formulaic tag action.  Hence, this average TV six-man showdown is enjoyably watchable (including Ventura & Schiavone’s repartee) for the right reasons. It’s just not memorable.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6 Stars

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“RAVISHING” RICK RUDE & THE NASTY BOYS: BRIAN KNOBBS & JERRY SAGS, with MISSY HYATT vs. STING, RICKY “THE DRAGON” STEAMBOAT, & “NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR, with ‘FIFI’ (WCW Saturday Night: Televised 11-27-1993)

SUMMARY:                       RUNNING TIME: 19:18 Min.

Televised on WCW Saturday Night on November 27, 1993, this six-man main event occurs four weeks before Starrcade 1993 – where “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair would supposedly risk his career for a WCW World Title challenge against the reigning incumbent, Vader. 

At the time this bout was aired (but not necessarily filmed), “Ravishing” Rick Rude was the WCW International World Heavyweight Champion (having defeated Flair) while The Nasty Boys: Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sages were WCW’s World Tag Team Champions.  Accompanying The Nasty Boys to ringside is their unlikely valet, Missy Hyatt.

Their formidable opposition is a trio of former (and/or future) WCW World Champions: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, Sting, and Flair.  They are accompanied by Flair’s valet/maid (and, decades later, his real-life spouse), ‘Fifi.’ 

Filmed at WCW Saturday Night’s Atlanta, GA studio facility, the Center Stage Theater, the announcers are Jesse “The Body” Ventura and Tony Schiavone. 

REVIEW:

The bout’s slow start is further hampered by Ventura’s unnecessarily slow realization that Hyatt utilizes hair extensions – which Schiavone has to explain to him.  Along with this dubious exchange between the announcing team, the preponderance of in-ring star power falls short of translating into a must-see showdown. It’s really more of the caliber of what one might see at a (non-televised) house show. 

Of the six combatants, Steamboat gets the least amount of screen time while a game Flair unusually absorbs the brunt of the punishment.  For long-time fans, the rare sight of Flair or Sting vs. The Nastys … or any of the three ex-World Champions facing off against arch-rival Rude is certainly watchable action. 

As for the opposing valets, unfortunately, neither one contributes anything resembling talent — as they weren’t likely scripted a chance to do so. Still, it’s bizarre seeing the traditionally glammed-up Hyatt aligned with Knobbs & Sags – and such incongruity is as contrived as it sounds. Regarding ‘Fifi,’ WCW evidently sought a demure Miss Elizabeth wanna-be to stand pretty in Flair’s corner. Yet, she lacks the late Elizabeth Hulette’s presence and charm conveying the same role with “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Replacing ‘Fifi’ months later with “Sensational/Scary/Sensuous” Sherri Martel for Flair’s next heel run was at least a logical WCW personnel move.

This formulaic bout (including a chaotic finish), suffice to say, is merely lukewarm average.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   5½ Stars

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MURDER, SHE WROTE: FROZEN STIFF (Season 12: Episode 10)

SUMMARY:             APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 47:00 Min.

First airing on CBS on November 30, 1995, this final season episode was directed by Paul Lazarus off Mark A. Burley’s script exploring skullduggery at a Ben & Jerry’s-style ice cream factory. 

In Racine, Wisconsin, Jessica Fletcher (Lansbury) is visiting her friend, ice cream magnate Larry Armstrong (Smitrovich). His prosperous ice cream company, Gary & Larry’s Frozen Stuff, is donating $750,000.00 to her literary fund charity.  Yet, Larry’s accountant (Bovingloh) suspiciously dies, and then the $750,000.00 shockingly vanishes from a Gary & Larry’s bank account.

Further complicating matters is a potentially ugly scandal, as Larry’s business partner, Gary (Benedict), tries halting a consumer investigation over the company’s alleged use of banned milk-related substances.  On top of all else, Larry’s shadowy ‘flower child’ past has suddenly come back to haunt him.

Clandestine shenanigans involving embezzlement, blackmail, adultery, and literally cold-blooded greed precipitates homicide.  Helping expedite Sheriff Chubb’s (Curry) investigation, Jessica must quickly find some answers before Gary & Larry’s Frozen Stuff implodes. 

Jessica Fletcher: Angela Lansbury

Larry Armstrong: Bill Smitrovich

Gary Herling: Dirk Benedict

Carol Herling: Kristen Dalton

Woodstock “Woody” Seabrook: Bryan Travis Smith

Susan McGregor: Christina Pickles

Ralph Brewer: Gregorzy Itzin

Jim Kenton: George Wyner

Peggy Evans: Ann Hearn

Victoria: Sarah Koskoff

Kyle McGregor: Don Bovingloh

Sheriff Mike Chubb: Christopher Curry

Coroner: Fred Sanders

Cop: Scott Cranford

Priest: Charles C. Stevenson, Jr.

Mourners: Uncredited

Sheriff’s Deputies: Uncredited

Gary & Larry’s Frozen Stuff personnel: Uncredited

Larry’s Ex-Girlfriend (photo only): Uncredited.

REVIEW:

This episode’s well-played whodunnit elements manage to surpass an otherwise dull setting. 

Led by Bill Smitrovich, the supporting cast provides Angela Lansbury with solid on-screen chemistry.  More specifically, guest star Dirk Benedict redeems himself after his disappointingly shallow performance in Season Five’s “Smooth Operators.”   Benedict delivers this episode’s most intriguing character, in terms of conveying ethical ambiguity.  Hence, it becomes a surprise whether or not his well-played ‘Gary Herling’ will be the culprit, a victim getting a lethal dose of the “cold shoulder” treatment, or perhaps a mostly innocent bystander.

“Frozen Stiff,” in that sense, makes for a fine Murder, She Wrote with some welcome plot twists. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            6 Stars

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MURDER, SHE WROTE: DEADLY BIDDING (Season 12: Episode 9)

SUMMARY:          APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 47:00 Min.

First airing on CBS on November 23, 1995, this final season episode was directed by Angela Lansbury’s son, Anthony Pullen Shaw, off series producer/writer Tom Sawyer’s script.   

In New York City, on behalf of a museum, Jessica Fletcher (Lansbury) is eagerly in pursuit of a genuine Arthur Conan Doyle manuscript.  Meanwhile, ominous deaths are linked to an elusive, multi-million-dollar Edgar Degas painting that may have resurfaced at the same auction house where the now-disputed Doyle manuscript is up for bidding. 

Shady international bidders, include one stateside team that sends perpetually luckless Chicago private detective Charlie Garrett (Rogers) as their representative, quickly become interested in eccentric artist Angus Neville’s (Hutchinson) latest painting at the auction. With art world mobsters now involved, could this development be a coincidence or not?

After Garrett bungles his assignment and overbids by $300,000, it’s a murky question of now who really owns the interpretative Neville work.  Once Neville himself steals the painting, his subsequent homicide has Jessica, her trusted friends Reggie and Pete (Jones & Williams), and the NYPD’s irritable Sgt. Unger (Allen) in search of his missing artwork and an opportunistic killer. 

With the lost Degas also still at stake, could Jessica’s opportunistic ally, Garrett, turn into the greedy culprit?        

Jessica Fletcher: Angela Lansbury

Reggie Evers: Renée Jones

Pete Dunning: Jeff Williams

Giles Havelock: Martin Jarvis

Charlie Garrett: Wayne Rogers

Milt Solomon: Paul Lieber

Diana Barrow: Melanie Smith

NYPD Sgt. Unger: Tyrees Allen

Lawrence Mezznou: Aharon Ipalé

Angus Neville: Doug Hutchinson

Felix Wesker: Craig Richard Nelson

Serena Rundle: Kathleen Garrett

Kenneth Rundle: Edd “Cookie” Byrnes (uncredited cameo)

NYPD Det. McKenna: Charles Hoyes

Waiter: Sian Taylor (Dane Taylor Matthews)

Auction House Extras: Uncredited

NYPD Cops: Uncredited

Restaurant Customers: Uncredited.

REVIEW:

This episode’s complex premise teases intriguing possibilities.  The problem is that its whodunnit substance is sabotaged by exceedingly dull execution (pardon the expression) of the plot twists.  While guest stars Renée Jones and Tyrees Allen convey some vibrant energy supporting Angela Lansbury, that cannot be said of the other cast members.  Ironically, the episode’s weakest link – in spite of his generally reliable career – is Wayne Rogers’ lazy contribution. 

Rogers’ dubious effort as private detective ‘Charlie Garrett’ falls far short of the welcome snark that Jerry Orbach’s semi-sleazy ‘Harry McGraw’ once imbued Murder, She Wrote.  Suffice to say, replacing Orbach’s world-weary gumshoe with Rogers’ affable ‘Garrett’ does neither Jessica Fletcher nor viewers any favors.  This unfortunate observation is especially true in “Deadly Bidding,” as the script plays ‘Garrett’ as a weakly forgettable suspect rather than Jessica’s co-sleuth. 

Had Orbach’s everyman star power replaced a bored Rogers (and with a few necessary plot tweaks), “Deadly Bidding” likely would have been far more entertaining.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  5 Stars

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JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS: WAKING THOR (Season 2: Episode 7)

SUMMARY:        APPROX.  RUNNING TIME: 23:00 Min.

In the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, this children’s cartoon series ran for fifty-two episodes over three seasons (2003-2007).  For its time, the program utilized 3D CGI animation graphics in its depiction of the anthropomorphic world of Piggley Winks – both in the present-day and mid-1950’s.  This second-season episode initially aired on October 31, 2004. 

In the present-day, Grandpa (aka Piggley Winks) (Lamb) lives with his grown daughter and her three small children.  Just before bedtime, brothers Seamus and Sean (Futterman/Darling), are unable to find a missing toy: Captain Cyclops.  With Seamus despondent that he won’t be able to sleep without his action figure’s ‘protection,’ Grandpa senses the older Sean’s empathy is imperative.  Grandpa then relates a story from his own youth.  As he is growing up in mid-1950’s rural Ireland, Piggley (Flanagan) is eight years old.  Young Piggley lives on Raloo Farm in the village of Tara.   

Piggley and Dannan (Strong) find out that their friend Ferny’s (Taylor) beloved goldfish, Thor, has passed.  Thinking that distracting Ferny is the best medicine to ease his loss, Piggley and Dannan work hard to console a devastated Ferny.  At best, it temporarily works until Ferny is reminded of Thor’s demise again and again.   Meanwhile, back on Waloo Farm, Wiley the Sheep (Brooks) coaxes his pal Bernie (Uncredited) into playing tennis, sheep-style, for some needed exercise.  Wiley soon regrets that impulse.  

After consulting Ferny’s widowed father (Escanadon) and Piggley’s own dad (Adler), a decision is finally made to hold a traditional Irish wake for Thor.  Surrounded by his father, his schoolmates, and Tara’s other residents, a despondent Ferny realizes remembering his goldfish for the good times they had matters more than holding on to grief.

In the present-day, Grandpa’s message motivates his grandsons to find Captain Cyclops together in the few minutes they still have before bedtime. 

Voice Cast:

Piggley Winks (young): Maile Flanagan

Piggley Winks (Grandpa): Peadar Lamb

Pádraig/Patrick Winks & Mr. Hornsby: Charlie Adler

Molly Winks & Dannan Mallard: Tara Strong

Elly Winks & Fernando “Ferny” Toro: Russi Taylor

Don Toro: Fernando Escanadon

Hector MacBadger: Pamela Adlon

Millie Pelly: Kath Soucie

Gossie: Candi Milo

Seamus & Sean: Nika Futterman (U.S.) / Maria Darling (U.K.)

Bernie the Sheep: Uncredited

Wiley the Sheep: Mel Brooks.

Notes:  Including this episode, a compilation DVD was subsequently released in 2006.  The compilation’s three other episodes are: Season 1’s Sheep on The Loose (the compilation’s title); Season 1’s Donkeys Into Racehorses; and Season 2’s Molly Had a Little Lamb.  Slightly different versions of these episodes exist – per the series policy of using American voice actors for the present-day sequences for its U.S. audience only.

REVIEW:

Twenty years later, the program’s storytelling retains its undemanding charm – it’s a welcome supplement for those fans who enjoy the unrelated Shaun The Sheep.  The 3D CGI animation still holds up well – case in point: the sunset background visuals of Thor’s funeral voyage off into the pond are beautifully rendered.  As for the story, it’s alternately poignant and amusing in reiterating a timeless moral to viewers.

Keeping in mind the target audience, this Jakers! tale serves up a thoughtful treat for both toddlers and preschoolers. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                6 Stars

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JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS: MOLLY HAD A LITTLE LAMB (Season 2: Episode 2)

SUMMARY:           APPROX.  RUNNING TIME: 23:00 Min.

In the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, this children’s cartoon series ran for fifty-two episodes over three seasons (2003-2007).  For its time, the program utilized 3D CGI animation graphics in its depiction of the anthropomorphic world of Piggley Winks – both in the present-day and mid-1950’s.  This second-season episode initially aired on September 12, 2004. 

In the present-day, Grandpa (aka Piggley Winks) (Lamb) lives with his grown daughter and three small children.  His young granddaughter, Meg (or Meggy) (Disney/Dean), complains why their house has one set of rules while her friend’s family has their own.  In this instance, it’s the issue of why she can only have one candied apple while her friend can enjoy as many as she wants.    

Grandpa relates a tale of her young Aunt Molly’s lesson learned long ago in caring for a toddler lamb.  As children growing up in mid-1950’s rural Ireland, Piggley (Flanagan) is eight years old  and little sister Molly is five years old.  Piggley and Molly live on Raloo Farm in the village of Tara.   

Given responsibility by her parents (Taylor & Adler) of this young lamb, Molly (Strong) finds her lamb’s attention-seeking antics are increasingly exhausting.  More so, the lamb’s cuteness and supposed remorse keeps baiting Molly into various mishaps.  The situation comes to a head when Molly’s bored lamb causes chaos at the schoolhouse.  Meanwhile, back at Raloo Farm, Wiley the Sheep (Brooks) tries to take advantage of the situation. 

As Molly learns, rules are made for a reason, and that such rules must be obeyed by all (including uncooperative little lambs).  Meg, in the present-day, understands Grandpa’s advice that good intentions go along with such rules. 

Voice Cast:

Piggley Winks (young): Maile Flanagan

Piggley Winks (Grandpa): Peadar Lamb

Pádraig/Patrick Winks & Mr. Hornsby: Charlie Adler

Molly Winks & Dannan Mallard: Tara Strong

Elly Winks & Fernando “Ferny” Toro: Russi Taylor

Meg: Melissa Disney (U.S.) / Julie-Ann Dean (U.K.)

Wiley the Sheep: Mel Brooks

Gossie: Candi Milo

Lamby: Uncredited.

Notes:  Young Piggley plays a minor role in this episode, as it’s centered around Molly.  Including this episode, a compilation DVD was subsequently released in 2006.  The compilation’s other three episodes are: Season 2’s Waking Thor; Season 1’s Donkeys Into Racehorses; and Season 1’s Sheep on The Loose (which appears as the compilation DVD’s title).  Slightly different versions of these episodes exist – per the series policy of using American voice actors for the present-day sequences for its U.S. audience only.

REVIEW:

Twenty years later, the program’s storytelling retains its undemanding charm – it’s a welcome supplement for those fans who enjoy the unrelated Shaun The Sheep.  The 3D CGI animation, suffice to say, holds up much better than the show’s opening credits (which resembles a kiddie computer game).   

Keeping in mind the target audience, this average Jakers! caper is a cheerful treat for toddlers. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        5 Stars

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JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS: DONKEYS INTO RACEHORSES (Season 1: Episode 14)

SUMMARY:       APPROX.  RUNNING TIME: 23:00 Min.

In the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, this children’s cartoon series ran for fifty-two episodes over three seasons (2003-2007).  For its time, the program utilized 3D CGI animation graphics in its depiction of the anthropomorphic world of Piggley Winks – both in the present-day and mid-1950’s.  This first-season episode initially aired on February 29, 2004. 

In the present-day, Grandpa (aka Piggley Winks) (Lamb) lives with his grown daughter and three small children.  His young grandsons: Sean and Seamus (Futterman/Darling) come to him to display their different artistic talents.  One is a better artist while the other is evidently a better writer than artist. 

To encourage them to accept and share their natural gifts, Grandpa subsequently relates a tale from his own youth.  As he is growing up in mid-1950’s rural Ireland, Piggley (Flanagan) is eight years old.  Young Piggley lives on Raloo Farm in the village of Tara. 

At school, teacher Mr. Hornsby (Adler) assigns his students to interpret a timeless Irish proverb that one can’t make a donkey into a racehorse.  Accepting it as a challenge, Piggley (Flanagan) attempts to transform the beloved Winks family donkey, Flanagan, into a racing steed – no matter how futile the task seems.  Piggley gets helpful, if not skeptical, support from his friends: Ferny the Bull (Taylor) and Dannan the Mallard Duck (Strong).  The end result convinces Piggley that Flannagan’s true talents should be accepted for what they are. 

Meanwhile, Wiley the Sheep (Brooks) pilfers Flanagan’s energy-boosting oats for Raloo Farm’s own lackadaisical flock of sheep.  The sheep subsequently enjoy a spirited yet short-lived round of adrenaline-fueled fun.  A subsequent mishap finds Wiley in need of Piggley and Flanagan’s help for a rescue.      

Seamus and Sean, in the present-day, understand Grandpa’s advice to help each other develop their artistic skills. 

Voice Cast:

Piggley Winks (young): Maile Flanagan

Piggley Winks (Grandpa): Peadar Lamb

Pádraig/Patrick Winks & Mr. Hornsby: Charlie Adler

Dannan Mallard: Tara Strong

Don Toro: Fernando Escanadon

Elly Winks & Fernando “Ferny” Toro: Russi Taylor

Seamus & Sean: Nika Futterman (U.S.) / Maria Darling (U.K.)

Gossie the Turtle: Candi Milo

Wiley the Sheep: Mel Brooks.

Notes:  Including this episode, a compilation DVD was subsequently released in 2006.  The compilation’s other three episodes are: Season 1’s Sheep on The Loose (the compilation’s title); Season 2’s Molly Had a Little Lamb; and Season 2’s Waking Thor.  Slightly different versions of these episodes exist – per the series policy of using American voice actors for the present-day sequences for its U.S. audience.

REVIEW:

Twenty years later, the program’s storytelling retains its undemanding charm – it’s a welcome supplement for those fans who enjoy the unrelated Shaun The Sheep.  The show’s 3D CGI animation holds up well; by comparison, the opening credits frankly resemble that of a kiddie computer game.

Keeping in mind the target audience, this amusing Piggley caper (with its morsels of wisdom) is a delightful sitcom treat for toddlers and parents alike.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       6½ Stars

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SHREK (2001)

SUMMARY:                 RUNNING TIME: 1 Hr., 30 Min.

Released in 2001 by DreamWorks Pictures, this animated film co-directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson adapts William Steig’s book, Shrek! 

Notes: In 2002, the film received the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Different formats for Shrek include digital, Blu-Ray, 3D Blu-ray, Ultra HD Blu-ray, DVD, and compilation bundles.

In the medieval kingdom of Duloc, the evil Lord Farquaad (Lithgow) exiles a wide variety of timeless fairy tale characters (i.e. Pinocchio, the Three Blind Mice, a crippled Gingerbread Man, the Three Bears, etc.) to a nearby swamp.  With anti-social ogre Shrek (Myers) as the swamp’s sole resident, he instantly takes offense to these hapless squatters.  In particular, Shrek is annoyed with his new, self-appointed sidekick: the chattering Donkey (Murphy).  To regain his exclusive land, Shrek (with Donkey tagging along) trudges off to Duloc to persuade Farquaad to rescind the squatters’ eviction. 

Meanwhile, Farquaad schemes to become an official king by marrying a princess by picking, Dating Game-style, Bachelorette Princess No. 3: Fiona (Diaz).  The problem is that Fiona is trapped inside a faraway tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon, as only true love will save her.  No problem, Farquaad cynically assumes.  However, his tournament of knights to find an expendable rescuer soon ends after Shrek and Donkey trounce them all.  Farquaad then improvises by convincing Shrek and Donkey to go on a noble quest to rescue Fiona in exchange for the swamp.

Finding their inner heroes, Shrek and Donkey surpass tremendous odds in rescuing Fiona from the highest tower on the highest secluded mountain.  Hiding her own nocturnal secret, Fiona is often at odds with Shrek on their awkward journey home.  Quite reluctantly, she is forced to trust Donkey with the truth behind the magical curse afflicting her.  Once surrendered to Farquaad, Fiona instantly accepts his marriage proposal and urges that they be married that same day. 

In a final quarrel, a dejected Shrek leaves Donkey behind.  It’s up to Donkey and an unexpected friend to convince a despondent Shrek that Fiona shares a destiny with the grumpy ogre.

Primary Voice Cast:

Shrek: Mike Myers

Donkey: Eddie Murphy

Princess Fiona: Cameron Diaz

Lord Farquaad: John Lithgow

Gingerbread Man: Conrad Vernon

Magic Mirror and Geppetto: Chris Miller

‘Monsieur’ Robin Hood: Vincent Cassel

Pinocchio and The Three Little Pigs: Cody Cameron.

REVIEW:

Given it was released nearly a quarter-century ago, Shrek still holds up remarkably well.  One should consider it a genre trailblazer for future animated movies where fairy tale allegories, pop music covers, and a hip sense of self-parody cleverly mesh.  The CGI looked fresh for its time, and, even now, it isn’t a distraction from the film’s romantic comedy plot.

With the voice cast on its game, they sell the storyline’s all-ages humor without resorting to excessive raunchiness.  Though one sight gag (depicting Mother Bear of The Three Bears) is dubious, the movie’s anything-goes satire of fairy tales is well-played.  Ultimately, the first Shrek is worth adding to a family video library, regardless of format.               

NICK’S ODD MOON RATING:                                 8 Stars

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JAKERS! THE ADVENTURES OF PIGGLEY WINKS: SHEEP ON THE LOOSE (Season 1: Episode 17)

SUMMARY:      APPROX.  RUNNING TIME: 23:00 Min.

In the United States (on PBS), the United Kingdom, and Australia, this children’s cartoon series ran for fifty-two episodes over three seasons (2003-2007).  For its time, the program utilized state-of-art 3D CGI animation graphics in its depiction of the anthropomorphic world of Piggley Winks – both in the present-day and mid-1950’s.  This first-season episode initially aired on March 21, 2004. 

In the present-day, Grandpa (aka Piggley Winks) (Lamb) lives with his grown daughter and three small children.  He bemusedly observes his two grandsons, Seamus and Sean (Futterman / Darling), playing with a remote-control car.  Recognizing their inexperience, Grandpa subsequently relates a tale from his own youth.  As he is growing up in mid-1950’s rural Ireland, Piggley (Flanagan) is approximately eight years old.  Young Piggley’s family lives on Raloo Farm in the village of Tara.    

Entrusted by his parents (Taylor & Adler) to supervise the family’s sheep herd, rookie sheepherder Piggley Winks’ overenthusiasm for the job soon prompts Wiley the Sheep (Brooks) to run away.  It’s then up to Piggley, with help from his friends Dannan the Mallard Duck (Strong), Ferny the Bull (Taylor), and his little sister, Molly (Strong), to track down the ‘fugitive’ Wiley.  Piggley is determined to take responsibility for Wiley’s rebelliousness, and, in the process, he understands why Wiley fled.  More so, Piggley’s parents allow their son to learn from his own initiative.  

Seamus and Sean, in the present-day, understand Grandpa’s message to practice more to better enjoy their shared toy.

Voice Cast:

Piggley Winks (young): Maile Flanagan

Piggley Winks (Grandpa): Peadar Lamb

Pádraig/Patrick Winks & Mr. Hornsby: Charlie Adler

Molly Winks & Dannan Mallard: Tara Strong

Elly Winks & Fernando “Ferny” Toro: Russi Taylor

Seamus & Sean: Nika Futterman (U.S.) / Maria Darling (U.K.)

Wiley the Sheep: Mel Brooks.

Notes:  Entitled the same as this episode, a compilation DVD was released in 2006.  The compilation’s other three episodes consist of: Season 2’s Waking Thor; Season 1’s Donkeys Into Racehorses; and Season 2’s Molly Had a Little Lamb.  Also, slightly different versions of these episodes exist – per the series’ policy, American voice actors are used for Grandpa’s family in the present-day sequences for the U.S. audience only.

REVIEW:

Twenty years later, the program’s storytelling retains its undemanding and innocent charm.  Hence, it’s a welcome attraction to those fans who enjoy the unrelated Shaun The Sheep.  Though the 3D CGI animation predictably appears dated, Jakers!’  visuals are still superior to that of its opening credits.  The show’s opening credits, suffice to say, resemble kiddie interactive computer games of that era. 

Keeping in mind the target audience, this average Piggley predicament offers a cute treat for preschoolers.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        5 Stars