Category: TV Episodes & Movies

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: FOLLOW THAT SPACE CAB! (Episode 5)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 8, 2020

SUMMARY: Running Time: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on January 21, 2017. Escorting a bottled Mr. Mind back to Earth from the Galactic Court, Superman is ambushed in deep space by rival bounty hunters Lobo and Jonas. It appears that the conniving worm has crossed alien mobster Boss Kack, who has placed a hefty bounty on him. Desperately hitching a ride with Space Cabbie, a weakened Man of Steel needs emergency Justice League back-up. With Hawkman & Superman tangling with Lobo, it’s up to Space Cabbie to thwart a certain worm’s escape during the melee.

The voice cast is:

Superman & Boss Kack: Jason J. Lewis

Hawkman & Jonas: Troy Baker

Lobo: John DiMaggio

Mr. Mind: Oliver Vaquer

Space Cabbie: Patton Oswalt

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

Packed with writer Paul Dini’s humor, this witty Silver Age-style tale might have made a fine Justice League Unlimited episode. In addition to Mr. Mind’s incessant scheming and Space Cabbie’s collection of selfies with previous League clients, perhaps this short’s best element is the Hawkman vs. Lobo showdown, which resembles DC Comics’ answer to the Foghorn Leghorn vs. Barnyard Dawg feud.

The only off-note is the mace-wielding Hawkman’s generic space cop costume, which is just a blah visual look for the character. Still, voice actor John DiMaggio memorably steals the show with his spot-on interpretation of the dim-witted Lobo.

Of course, one has to consider the episode’s chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look. Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids shouldn’t complain too much. “Follow That Space Cab!” delivers a nostalgic treat for super-hero fans, especially those who enjoy DC’s tongue-in-cheek Silver Age tales from the 1950’s and 60’s.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Note: This episode is also on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: SHAZAM SLAM, PART 4 – ABATE AND SWITCH (Episode 4)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 8, 2020

SUMMARY: Running Time: 10-11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on December 16, 2016. After Episodes 1-3: “Classic Rock; “Power Outage;” and “Night of The Bat,” another demonic round-up ends the “Shazam Slam” four-parter. The League faces a considerable challenge capturing the elusive demons Abnegazar, Rath, and Nyorlath. As a costume-switching scheme only proves briefly effective, it’s up to Batman to find some potent allies, who can shift the odds in the League’s favor.

Story elements from Episode 1: “Classic Rock,” come into play, as the ghoulish trio gets formidable back-up. A temporarily-homeless League also stumbles upon replacing the destroyed Hall of Justice with a new island headquarters.

The voice cast is:

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Green Arrow & Nyorlath: Chris Diamantopoulos

Superman & Rath: Jason J. Lewis

Plastic Man: Dana Snyder

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Cyborg: Cameo (No Vocal Appearance)

John Constantine & Abnegazar: Damian O’Hare

Swamp Thing: Mark Hamill

Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Cameo (No Vocal Appearance)

Black Adam: Gary Cole

Billy Batson / Shazam (aka Captain Marvel): Sean Astin

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

Packing in plenty of story, it’s a rousing wrap-up for “Shazam Slam.” Aside from the mischievous gag of Plastic Man gleefully cross-dressing as Wonder Woman, this episode delivers a terrific kiddie entertainment package. Including a brief stop-over at DC’s House of Mystery, the episode smartly sets up how the League’s island-based Watchtower replaces the destroyed Hall of Justice. This cartoon’s sole detriment is Dana Snyder’s squeaky take vocalizing Plastic Man, which is likely meant to emulate Tom Kenny’s version from Batman: Brave and The Bold. Let’s just leave it as saying Kenny’s wacky Plastic Man is far, far better in comparison.

Of course, one has to consider the episode’s chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look. Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, the entertaining “Shazam Slam, Part 4: Abate and Switch” is the best of the first four episodes. To its credit, sheer creativity and a spot-on voice cast, particularly Rachel Kimsey’s energetic Wonder Woman, overcome the cartoon’s cheap-looking visuals.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: This episode is also on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: SHAZAM SLAM, PART 3 – NIGHT OF THE BAT (Episode 3)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 8, 2020

SUMMARY: Running Time: 10-11 Min.

Directed by Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on December 16, 2016, continuing the storyline re: escaped demons from Episodes 1-2: “Classic Rock” and “Power Outage.” Chasing after fugitive demon Uthool of the Brothers Djinn in Gotham City, an over-confident Batman becomes possessed by the demon. Posing as the Dark Knight, Uthool intends to ignite the Hall of Justice’s radioactive core to force a volcanic catastrophe. It’s up to the League to thwart the mighty Uthool in time, though the team’s headquarters may suffer irreparable consequences. Episode 4: “Abate and Switch,” concludes the “Shazam Slam” four-parter.

The voice cast is:

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Green Arrow: Chris Diamantopoulos

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Booster Gold & Uthool: Diedrich Bader

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Cyborg: Khary Payton

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

Previously portraying Batman in Batman: Brave and the Bold, Diedrich Bader steals the show as a hilariously clueless Booster Gold. Doubling as the demonic Uthool, Bader is dynamite with this voice cast, including the always-reliable Kevin Conroy as Batman and Khary Payton’s Cyborg. Though the plot is routine, this episode is still a terrific way to spend about ten minutes, particularly Booster Gold’s one-sided boxing workouts with Batman.

Of course, one has to consider the episode’s chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look. Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids won’t likely complain much. The surprisingly entertaining “Shazam Slam, Part 3: Night of the Bat” accomplishes this task well enough.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Note: This episode is also on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: SHAZAM SLAM, PART 2 – POWER OUTAGE (Episode 2)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 8, 2020

SUMMARY: Running Time: 10-11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on December 16, 2016, continuing the storyline re: escaped demons from Episode 1: “Classic Rock.” Escaping prison, the Parasite merges with a fiery demon, Calythos, who belongs to the Brothers Djinn, who have escaped the Rock of Eternity. Siphoning off Superman and Wonder Woman’s combined powers, Calythos intends to force an intense volcanic catastrophe to revert Earth back to its primordial existence. The two Leaguers must summon some ideal help. Episodes 3-4: “Night of The Bat” and “Abate and Switch,” finish the “Shazam Slam” four-parter.

The voice cast is:

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Jimmy Olsen & Parasite: Max Mittelman

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Martian Manhunter: Crispin Freeman

Batman (cameo): Kevin Conroy

Calythos: David Lodge

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

For the most part, Power Outage is a great Superman/Wonder Woman team-up. Supported by a few humorous bits with Jimmy Olsen, this episode is a fun way to spend ten minutes. Jason J. Lewis’ Superman continues the low-key style shared by Tim Daly and George Newbern from Superman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited. Rachel Kimsey’s energetic Wonder Woman is a delight in playing up her powerhouse presence. David Lodge’s sneering Calythos is a hoot, as Lodge’s voice perfectly matches this animation style. The only off-note is that Crispin Freeman’s Martian Manhunter too closely replicates the Red Tornado’s nasally mechanical voice previously heard in Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

One also has to consider the episode’s chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look. Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids shouldn’t complain too much. “Shazam Slam, Part 2: Power Outage” accomplishes its job relatively well.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Note: This episode is also on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: SHAZAM SLAM, PART 1 – CLASSIC ROCK (Episode 1)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 8, 2020

SUMMARY: Running Time: 10-11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this inaugural episode first aired in the U.S. on December 16, 2016. It then segues into Episodes 2-4: “Power Outage;” “Night of The Bat;” and “Abate and Switch,” otherwise collectively known as the “Shazam Slam” four-parter. The elderly Wizard is hunted in Gotham City by three demonic hitmen, only to be saved by Batman. Aiding the Wizard in his return to the mystical Rock of Eternity, it’s up to them to save a captive Billy Batson and stop Black Adam’s latest scheme to steal the Power of Shazam.

The voice cast consists of:

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Black Adam: Gary Cole

Billy Batson / Shazam (aka Captain Marvel): Sean Astin

The Wizard (aka Shazam): Carl Reiner

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

Plot-wise, it’s reminiscent of Batman’s Brave and The Bold cartoon series where the Dark Knight team ups with a guest hero (or heroes) each week. In that sense, as improbable as a Batman/Wizard team-up seems, the concept is still executed in a satisfying manner. Led by the reliable Kevin Conroy’s Batman, the voice cast is absolute spot-on, from Carl Reiner’s doddering Wizard to Gary Cole’s malevolent Black Adam. Sean Astin, in a dual role, is ideal portraying Billy Batson and the World’s Mightiest Mortal (making it readily clear to any confused young fans that Shazam/Captain Marvel is still Billy).

The only significant difference is the episode’s chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look. Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids shouldn’t complain too much. “Shazam Slam, Part 1: Classic Rock” accomplishes its job well enough.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

Note: This episode is also on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series.

Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

WWE HALL OF FAME: WCW NOTABLES – LWO EDDIE GUERRERO, LARRY ZBYSZKO, NWO WOLFPAC KEVIN HASH, & NWO HOLLYWOOD SCOTT HALL (WWE/MATTEL ACTION FIGURES FOUR-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 1, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2018, this Mattel four-pack consists of: Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Eddie Guerrero, and Larry Zbyszko. Nash’s red-and-black logo identifies NWO Wolfpac while his best pal Hall’s t-shirt symbolizes its frenemy: NWO Hollywood. Guerrero’s removable t-shirt homages his LWO (Latino World Order) spin-off to Nash & Hall’s New World Order. The veteran Zbyszko represents the fractured World Championship Wrestling (WCW) against various would-be World Orders.

REVIEW:

Something really great about this set is that all of the figures are ‘elites:’ meaning they have extra mobility, with more movement right above the thighs and on their abdomens. First up is Eddie Guerrero. Guerrero comes with a removable LWO shirt, so it can act as a tank-top, a throw-over, or just go without it. Underneath is a rather chiseled ‘Latino Heat.’ It isn’t as accurate as it could be, but his physique gets covered up by the shirt half of the time. He also comes with bright blue jeans and yellow boots peeking out from under them, but they are part of the figure’s sculpting. Overall, this Guerrero isn’t bad, but there’s a WCW Guerrero available with the same mold with him donning his usual black-and-gold.

For Kevin Nash, yikes! Whether it’s a displaced goatee, inaccurate hair, or just a bad design, he looks straight out of the WCW Mayhem video game more than anything. Another issue is that, since there is bending in the torso area, the NWO logo doesn’t match up, making it look like there’s a big rip in his shirt. Unlike Guerrero, Nash’s shirt isn’t removable, which is another eyebrow-raising feature to this rendition of ‘Big Daddy Cool.’ Stay away from this set, if Kevin Nash is the incentive.

Up next is Scott Hall, who suffers the same fate. Hall’s shirt also isn’t removable, having the same issue as Nash re: the torso area. Hall’s eyes are also very uneven. If anything, this figure looks like Fake Razor from the mid-90’s WWF. This Hall is apparently another figure that looks rushed and gets made so frequently that there’s bound to be better versions of ‘The Bad Guy.’ Finally, we have Larry Zbyszko, who is actually the best out of this quartet. Accuracy with the face is impressive, as is gold printing on the trunks and even the right boot, too! However, compared to three of the most popular stars of all time, it’s disappointing that the pack’s best figure is also the one that consumers are least likely to care about.

For a set of four ‘elites,’ this set just doesn’t live up to the hype. Outside of Zbyszko, who is a rare figure to track down, the rest of them are easy to find. Again, there’s another Guerrero with ring gear, not to mention a tag-team pack that features almost the exact same Hall and Nash figures — except as ‘basic’ versions.

BONUS FEATURES:

To look extra cool, this quartet has two pairs of plastic sunglasses to share.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

HERE AND GONE – A POSTHUMOUS TRIBUTE TO “MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE (by WWE/Jim Johnston: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 19, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:06 Min.

After the passing of fiery pro wrestling legend “Macho Man” Randy Savage in mid-2011, this Jim Johnston single was released by Savage’s former employer, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of Eric Clapton’s style, Johnston’s low-key acoustic tribute doesn’t reference Randy Savage by name. In that sense, this ballad is surprisingly generic, perhaps too much so. The simplistic lyrics could just as easily apply to anyone.

Still, this somber tune poignantly reflects Savage’s propensity for giving audiences everything he could throughout more than three decades of high-energy performances. More so, it gently conveys a repetitive reference about being fondly remembered after death and a thoughtful allusion towards Heaven: “still here … headed home.” Between its contemplative lyrics and a gentle melody, the end result is both elegant and intentionally ironic. “Here and Gone” comes off as the down-to-earth antithesis to Savage’s brash, larger-than-life persona.

As brief as this tune is, part of its subdued magic is that “Here and Gone” doesn’t waste time and is straight to the point. It would be an appropriate song for a funeral, wake, or posthumous video montage.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Action Figures Toys & Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

TITO SANTANA — WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION (2003 WWE/JAKKS PACIFIC ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 17, 2020

SUMMARY:

From JAKKS Pacific in 2003, this ‘basic’-style, six-inch figure represents two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana from his mid-‘80s prime. Its limited articulation and ripped sculpting is a precursor to that of current WWE-Mattel ‘basic’ figures. Specifically, this figure’s articulation points allow: 1. His head nods and turns 180-degrees both ways. 2. 360-degree turns of his waist and arms. 3. His arms bend at the wrists and elbows, so a classic bicep curl pose is possible. 4. Tito can bow, but his waist & abdomen don’t move. 5. The legs can bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits. Walking and kicking poses are workable. 6. His calves don’t rotate.

REVIEW:

In terms of a resemblance, Tito Santana’s likeness is relatively close (though the chest is somewhat embellished). His sculpted dark brown mullet is immaculate. In terms of production quality, the figure is sturdy and nicely sculpted. The paint work is solid, as nearly the entire maroon, black, and white outfit (including wrist tape) is painted on. An exception is the high-quality, white knee pads, which are tightly attached. Another authentic touch is including his white sombrero logo on the backside of his trunks.

For posing purposes, one’s options are limited, but the figure stands up well when his feet are properly positioned. However, there aren’t holes in the bottom of the feet for display base pegs. His elongated feet instead are protected by a ring at the bottom of each boot sole to provide balance for standing poses. For Tito’s fans, this low-key figure is a solid choice recreating his vintage look.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

This Tito comes with a replica of the WWE Intercontinental title strap.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective. It offers some cool nostalgia re: Tito’s star power as a solo performer.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

DVD Movies & Television (Videos) TV Episodes & Movies TV Series TV Series (Specific Episodes)

MASH: THE WINCHESTER TAPES (Season 6: Episode 5)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 16, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25 Min.

First televised on CBS on October 16, 1977, Burt Metcalfe directs this early spotlight on the 4077^th’s pompous new malcontent: Major Charles Emerson Winchester. Dreading his life at the 4077^th, Winchester records a bleak audio letter to his parents back home in Boston. In addition to his personal assessments of his campmates, above all he pleads with his well-connected father to do whatever it takes to get him shipped out of Korea. A subplot has Klinger pushing a newfound fainting ailment as his latest discharge ploy. Meanwhile, Hawkeye’s desire for a romantic Tokyo weekend getaway with a newly ‘un-engaged’ nurse on a busy Friday is repeatedly thwarted.

Capt. “Hawkeye” Pierce: Alan Alda

Capt. BJ Honeycutt: Mike Farrell

Col. Sherman Potter: Harry Morgan

Cpl. “Radar” O’Reilly: Gary Burghoff

Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: Loretta Swit

Major Charles Winchester: David Ogden Stiers

(Lt.) Father Francis Mulcahy: William Christopher

Cpl. Maxwell Klinger: Jamie Farr

McLeod: Thomas Carter

Camp Laundress: Kimiko Hiroshige

REVIEW:

Aside from a LOL prank from BJ & Hawkeye, “The Winchester Tapes” is Frasier-style showcase for observing David Ogden Stiers’ Winchester at his self-serving best. This episode is a prime example of how MASH was gradually re-inventing itself as a comedy-drama in the post-Frank Burns era. Viewers will observe the propensity for raunchy sitcom gags was moving towards far more low-key material.

Winchester’s fuming for a transfer while sitting posed for a painted portrait by Col. Potter is an absolute gem. His post-op scene with Margaret pales to the absurdly funny chemistry she shared with Frank Burns, but there’s still enough magic to make it worth watching. The other cast members offer their usual contributions, but the last gag prior to the closing credits definitely makes for some must-see Winchester.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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DVD Movies & Television (Videos) TV Episodes & Movies TV Series TV Series (Specific Episodes)

MASH: DEAR SIGMUND (Season 5: Episode 7)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 16, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25 Min.

First televised on CBS on November 9, 1976, Alan Alda does triple-duty by also writing and directing this installment. Collecting his thoughts at the 4077^th, Dr. Sidney Freedman thoughtfully pens a slice-of-life letter to the late Austrian neurologist, Sigmund Freud. A tragedy occurs, as an ambulance leaving camp overturns. Through Hawkeye’s intervention, a carefree Army bombing pilot glimpses the kind of collateral damage his ‘out of sight, out of mind’ air raids leave behind. Klinger test-runs yet another discharge scam on Col. Potter. Meanwhile, a mysterious 4077^th prankster is gleefully at work.

Capt. “Hawkeye” Pierce: Alan Alda

Capt. BJ Honeycutt: Mike Farrell

Col. Sherman Potter: Harry Morgan

Cpl. “Radar” O’Reilly: Gary Burghoff

Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: Loretta Swit

Major Frank Burns: Larry Linville

(Lt.) Father Francis Mulcahy: William Christopher

Cpl. Maxwell Klinger: Jamie Farr

Major Sidney Freeman: Allan Arbus

Capt. Hathaway: Charles Frank

Private Habib: Bart Braverman

Nurse: Jennifer Davis Westmore

John (patient): Sal Vicuso

Unidentified patient: J. Andrew Kenny

REVIEW:

Kudos to both writer-director Alan Alda and guest star Allan Arbus for this near-masterpiece. Despite its excessive preachiness, this episode is an admirable brew of poignancy, drama, and LOL humor. Arbus scores the acting MVP of “Dear Sigmund,” as his Major Freedman calmly observes the 4077^th at work and play. In impressive fashion, the entire regular cast contribute spot-on scenes, with or without Arbus, reflecting plenty of character depth. The translation gag between a supposedly delirious Klinger, Potter, and an eager-to-please Private Habib is a true gem, as is Margaret’s candor in the ‘Swamp’ swilling gin with Sidney. While there is some insight into Frank’s marriage, the ‘air raid’ prank sequence is one of Larry Linville’s best MASH pratfalls.

Without hesitation, “Dear Sigmund” qualifies as one of MASH’s finest mid-series run episodes.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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