Category: STAR WARS-Related

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks STAR WARS-Related

STAR WARS: MACE WINDU – JEDI OF THE REPUBLIC (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 4, 2020

Written by Matt Owens

Art by Denys Cowan; Edgar Salazar; Roberto Poggi; Scott Hanna; Guru-eFX; & VC’s Joe Caramagina

Cover Art by Jesús Saiz

SUMMARY:

Published by Marvel Comics in 2018, this 112-page paperback collects Mace Windu # 1-5. Set during the aftermath of Episode II: Attack of the Clones, weary Jedi Master Mace Windu commands a Jedi contingent (Kit Fisto, the blind Prosset Dibs, & pilot Rissa Mano) on a covert surveillance mission to the remote jungle planet, Hissrich, to spy on the Separatists. Among the villainous droids, there is the mercenary killer robot, AD-W4. Windu’s team struggles to thwart the droid army’s planet-killing “harvesting” of Hissrich.

Vastly outnumbered by the enemy, violent tension between an increasingly skeptical Dibs and Windu further exacerbates their mission’s danger factor. A flashback to Windu’s past as a Jedi padawan reveals more about his present-day Jedi philosophy. Windu confronts AD-W4 in a lethal showdown.

REVIEW:

Amidst its flashy visuals, the book benefits most from a faithful likeness of actor Samuel L. Jackson as Windu. However, even plenty of high-caliber artwork can’t protect a good adventure from being sabotaged by stilted dialogue (much like the pretentious tone of the Star Wars prequels). This storyline offers some interesting twists, but far too little excitement is generated by character interactions.

Case in point: though his speech pattern replicates his live-action counterpart, Windu is too bland of a character to endear himself to casual fans. The character, at least in this adaptation, doesn’t live up to Windu’s intriguing potential. While ages-9-and-up Mace Windu fans should be delighted with his well-deserved showcase, this one-and-done paperback is probably best found at the library.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A first-page Star Wars-style prologue introduces the storyline. All five covers and a variant cover gallery are reprinted in a full-page format. Jesús Saiz covers Issues # 1-4, while Rod Reis handles Issue # 5. The variant artists are: Javier Rodriguez & Alvaro López (Issue # 1); David Nakayama (Issue # 2); Julian Totino Tedesco (Issue # 3); Declan Shalvey & Jordie Bellaire (Issue # 4); and John Tyler Christopher (Issue # 5).

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

LEGO Movies & Television (Videos) STAR WARS-Related Toys & Games

LEGO 75267 STAR WARS: MANDALORIAN BATTLE PACK (LEGO Set)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

As part of LEGO Star Wars’ Winter 2020 wave, the battle pack seeks to capitalize on the success of the Disney+ hit TV series, The Mandalorian. This set contains 102 pieces, instructions, and four mini-figures. The recommended age range is for ages six and up.

REVIEW:

Though none of the Mandalorians are actually named, the figures themselves have great detailing. All four have exclusive printing on the torso, legs, capes, and helmets to make each one seem unique. There is also an add-on pack of accessories to add to each of the four helmets. This small set also sports four stud shooting blasters for the Mandalorians to use and two builds. First is a rock base dugout for the mini-figures to hide in, with a spot to place a stud shooter. This makes a nice side build; plus, it’s all on a small plate, making it sturdy and easy to transport.

The other build is a speeder bike with two stud shooters on the sides and mismatching colors. Its rugged look is actually nice and offers a reasonable size, as compared to most speeders and bikes LEGO produces. The stud shooters and its flexibility to experiment with pieces offer a great experience for kids, too!

There is definitely value in this set, but the problem lies with the mini-figures. For a set that is meant to be an army builder, the presence of four completely different mini-figures detracts from the purpose of this set. For people looking to get just one of this set, that notion works, too. It’s just that these Mandos aren’t named characters.

From an adult perspective, this battle pack doesn’t cut it, but the play features and a mix-and-match style should make the set a definite hit with kids. Overall, for fans seeking a remake of the Mandalorian Battle Pack from The Clone Wars, or The Mandalorian from the TV series, they are available as separate sets. This particular pack is great for those kids who aren’t collectors, or those who really couldn’t care less who is hiding under the helmets.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

LEGO Movies & Television (Videos) STAR WARS-Related Toys & Games Video Games

LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA (PLAYSTATION 3)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY/STORY:

Originally released in 2007 worldwide, this LEGO game combines LEGO Star Wars I and LEGO Star Wars II, so the first two trilogies are now one video game. The game would be developed by TT Games and published by LucasArts. The game is entirely based off the first six Star Wars films.

ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:

Despite being TT Games’ first game as a company, this banger still manages to remain amongst the best in LEGO gaming history! Classic abilities, like using The Force, or trap doors for shorter characters, would come back. This game adds new abilities like a Force choke or Force lightning. Other goodies, like mini-kits, gold bricks, red bricks, true jedi, and other achievement markers are still a major element behind modern LEGO games too. Hence, this game is not only a great re-master of the original properties, but it’s an innovator influencing future LEGO gaming.

When it’s all said and done, this game isn’t as fluid as today’s games. Though revolutionary for that time, including having over 120 playable characters, this one just doesn’t cut it now. Well, at least for newer fans, that is. If someone played LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens and then this game, it’s a whole different experience. Sure, the new games are shinier, have actual dialogue, and other ‘classy’ exclusives, but such complexity can also be distracting. This game recognizes its original purpose for fans, and that’s to have fun!

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga is a nostalgia trip jam-packed with humor and action. It’s meant to make the game worth playing as a homage, rather than being immersed into a complete replica of the original movies. This depiction remains a great adaptation of the source material that appeases adult and kid fans alike.

GRAPHICS:

They’re not too great, at least when looking at it through today’s eyes. Still, the game looked good for its time. Like its original cinematic counterparts, LEGO Star Wars is great, even when rough around the edges. Yet, it doesn’t possess the clean-cut, almost theatrical feel that the newer LEGO games have – those games feel almost entirely different.

GAME MODE(S):

Aside from reliving the movies, there isn’t a whole lot else to do. Arcade modes like smashing things to reach 1,000,000 studs or a versus mode make for some nice features. They’re just not anything worth putting hours of effort into.

REVIEW:

With LEGO Star Wars I and II coming out a few years prior to this game, there wasn’t much to improve on. Well, so we all thought. The game is a near-complete remaster of the originals, while its gameplay remaining mostly the same. Some levels are edited or cut all together, but it’s still a faithful adaptation to its predecessors. At times, this game remains truly spectacular.

The downside is, without any input from newer programs (i.e. The Clone Wars or even The Old Republic), this Complete Saga feels noticeably outdated. It becomes even more so, with LEGO’s release of Force Awakens and the all-encompassing Skywalker Saga as a fresher, more contemporary PS4 take. It’s no wonder the classic Complete Saga has faded into a relic almost two console generations behind.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

LEGO Movies & Television (Videos) STAR WARS-Related Toys & Games Video Games

LEGO STAR WARS III – THE CLONE WARS (PLAYSTATION 3)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY/STORY:

Coming out in 2011, this game would serve as a follow up-game to the first two released in the mid-2000’s. Specifically, this LEGO game focuses on the TV series The Clone Wars. This title was developed by TT Games and produced by LucasArts. It’s rated: everyone 10+. The game adapts both The Clone Wars movie and The Clone Wars TV series’ first and second seasons, as well as some later elements in the prequel trilogy.

For instance, the first level is based on the Geonosis arena scene from Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The main storyline splits up to three parts starring Ajaji Ventress, Count Dooku, and General Grievous. Each antagonist gets a few levels with an individual mini-story pieced together from movie scenes and TV episodes.

ENGINE/GAMEPLAY:

This game is just like the show — too complicated and overwhelming. It’s not a necessarily bad experience because Clone Wars at least challenges players. When was the last time that a LEGO game had 50+ battle droids on screen shooting at you? That aura that had been on the original games has been lost in the shuffle of a newer engine and new abilities. There are some good things, too, such as lightsaber throwing and new Force mechanics, but again, it just tends to over-complicate the gameplay. In that sense, the excessive tinkering takes the magic the original games had. Mini-kits, gold bricks, red bricks, and other staples of the franchise are present and still play a serviceable role.

The game’s new features would come as a culture shock to many fans, making it a scapegoat. It shows in many fans’ assessments. Gameplay features, such as splitting up players working alone vs. together, seems the complete opposite of the LEGO game ideology that fans came to know and love. Another mentionable is that, due to the TV program’s dark undertones, the original humor and aesthetics are stripped back in this game. Advanced puzzles, tougher AI, and in some levels, if you mess up, one has to actually restart the level.

GRAPHICS:

This game, with a new engine, gives a makeover to the graphics. The shiny, glossier look of LEGO games started here, which proved another shock to fans who adored the original LEGO Star Wars games. Even though now modernized, the present look of LEGO games doesn’t mean there wasn’t any backlash, either.

GAME MODE(S):

After beating the initial story, there are two bonus levels. First, one is based off the movie and is centered around Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta. The other level lets you play as the treacherous Cad Bane, which unlocks the Bounty Hunter Missions. While it’s a nice add-on to the initial story by adding other mini-levels, it feels more like a DLC product rather than a part of the game itself. ‘Battlegrounds’ provide another new mode that is almost like playing Risk in a LEGO format. After a few minutes, like a lot of games, Clone Wars can get dull and tiresome.

REVIEW:

This incarnation of Clone Wars is somewhat infamous for its repetitive and often dull experience; and it’s for good reason. Though considered the worst among the LEGO Star Wars games, LEGO Star Wars III still serves as a nice yet complicated game for single player or co-op. The main difference is that players need a certain degree of background knowledge on the plot before playing.

Prior to Clone Wars, knowing the storyline really wasn’t an issue in prior iterations of LEGO gaming. This really comes down to personal preference. Despite the game feeling outdated, it will likely appeal fare more to Clone Wars buffs than any casual fans.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Action Figures Movies & Television (Videos) STAR WARS-Related Toys & Games

BESPIN HAN SOLO (Kenner/Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Action Figure)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 1980 to capitalize on the film’s release, this approximately 4-inch Kenner action figure represents the first Han Solo toy in his Bespin (Cloud City) gear.

REVIEW:

Sporting a surprisingly good paint job (that holds up decades later), this Bespin Han Solo has decent articulation. Specifically: 1. His head turns a full 360-degrees. 2. His arms also rotate 360-degrees. 3. Though his knees weren’t designed to bend, the legs are still remarkably spry to simulate walking; running; and sitting. It’s also easy to position Han in a standing display pose. Though a display base isn’t included, the figure has peg holes in the bottom of his feet for related Kenner play sets. Even if its design style is long antiquated, this figure’s nostalgic/retro value remains timeless. More significantly, after forty years, this figure’s durability is simply flat-out impressive.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Though this reviewer can’t be absolutely certain, it’s likely that this figure originally came with a handheld laser blaster. His right hand does appear sculpted to grip such an accessory.

PACKAGING:

Like most original Kenner figures now being collected, this loose figure didn’t come with any packaging or a laser blaster. Still, this reviewer’s film childhood recollection is that the Empire-adorned Kenner box was well-manufactured. Kenner boxes were really the industry precursor for how action figure boxes are presented now. Quite frankly, coming across the original Kenner box from that era in good shape may be just as rare as finding this figure itself in mint condition.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

CD's Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's) STAR TREK-Related STAR WARS-Related

SCIENCE FICTION MOVIE THEMES (by GSO) {Cover Album}

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 28, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 49 Min.

Released in 1992, this Laserlight Digital album consist of instrumental fifteen covers of mostly familiar sci-fi movie and television themes. The ‘synthesizer realizations’ are attributed to “G.S.O.” Its tracks, run times, and original composer(s) are the following:

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark 2:32 John Williams

2. Blade Runner 3:19 Vangelis

3. Alien 2:36 Jerry Goldsmith

4. Return of the Jedi (aka Luke & Leia) 3:48 John Williams

5. Star Wars 2:35 John Williams

6. E.T. (The Extra-Terrestrial) 3:59 John Williams

7. Silent Moon 4:47 ‘Wagener’ & ‘Löhmer’

8. Battlestar Galactica 3:52 Stu Phillips & Glen Larson

9. The Unending Story (aka The Never-Ending Story) 2:29 ‘K. Doldinger’

10. Noah’s Ark 3:19 Not Credited

11. Raumpatrouille Orion 4:46 P. Thomas

12. Cosmic Wind 2:56 ‘P.Thomas/Wagener/Engelhardt/Löhmer’

13. Star Trek: The Motion Picture 2:58 Jerry Goldsmith & Alexander Courage

14. Close Encounters of the Third Kind 2:17 John Williams

15. War of the Worlds 3:00 Leith Stevens

Notes: The flashy cover art montage is credited to “A. Backhausen” and “Köln.” Track 3 mistakenly refers to Jerry Goldsmith as ‘John Goldsmith.’

REVIEW:

For an upbeat movie/TV tunes album, its bag of tricks has some surprises. Tracks 1-3 are traditionally performed, sounding precisely as one might expect. Tracks 4-6, however, mimic Meco’s disco adaptations more than John Williams. Still, Track 4’s energetic take on Return of the Jedi (Luke & Leia) is more engaging than Williams’ yawn-inducing original. Despite its pleasant sound, the unremarkable Track 7 (as well as Tracks 11-12) evidently spawned from an obscure German TV series, Space Patrol Orion, which debuted in late 1966 (coinciding with the original Star Trek series).

Track 8, too, mimics a Meco-style cover of Battlestar Galactica. It’s pretty good, at least as compared to Track 13’s Star Trek, which is bubblier than champagne (again, think Meco). At the risk of a migraine headache, beware of the grating Track 14, which includes what oddly sounds like high-pitch bird-trilling. Hence, it’s one Close Encounter too many.

Like the first few tracks, Track 9’s The Unending Story impressively recreates the original version. Track 10 evidently originates from the mid-80’s German film, The Noah’s Ark Principle. While it delivers the album’s most unique theme, its sound is still reminiscent of background music one might overhear at an 80’s-era video arcade.

Rather dubiously, the only vocals (who is actually singing remains a mystery) are heard in Track 15. After a dramatic intro, War of the Worlds then kicks over to insipid disco vocals about invading “men from mars.” One can imagine Bill Murray’s Nick the Lounge Singer from a 70’s Saturday Night Live crooning this tune in a cheap bar somewhere. If anything, this tongue-in-cheek track belongs to those sci-fi aficionados who believe the moon really is made of cheese.

For its overall consumer value (at least, up through Track 12), Science Fiction Movie Themes allows listeners to experience some instrumental standards in a funky European disco-style.

PACKAGING:

The tracks and running times are listed on the back cover. The tracks are also listed on the disc itself. Though the cover artwork montage is stellar, its inclusion of a Poltergeist (1982) image is deceptive, as the film’s theme isn’t included. Despite its billing, 2001 – A Space Odyssey (1968) isn’t show up on this album. either. The album insert is a Laserlight catalog.

Note: The album’s advertised claim of a fifty-nine-minute running time is off by ten minutes.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars