Category: LOONEY TUNES-Related

BUGS BUNNY’S CUPID CAPERS

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date June 20, 2024

SUMMARY: APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 36:00 Min.

Released on DVD in 2010, this Looney Tunes TV special first aired on CBS in 1979.

Incorporating original framework sequences, the storyline consists of Bugs Bunny’s encounter with a Cupid resembling a scantily clad Elmer Fudd. Demonstrating this Elmer-Cupid’s dubious match-making talents, clips from nine Looney Tunes are shown (not in this particular order):

1949’s The Grey Hounded Hare (Bugs Bunny);
1948’s Hare Splitter (Bugs Bunny & Casbah Rabbit);
1952’s Little Beau Pepé (Pepé Le Pew & Penelope Pussycat);
1953’s Wild Over You (Pepé Le Pew);
1954’s Devil May Hare (Bugs Bunny & The Tasmanian Devil);
1954’s Rabbit Romeo (Bugs Bunny, Millicent, & Elmer Fudd);
1952’s The Super Snooper (Daffy Duck);
1953’s Hare Trimmed (Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, & Granny); and
1953’s Of Rice and Hen (Foghorn Leghorn, Barnyard Dawg, & Miss Prissy).

Voice Cast:

Bugs Bunny / Daffy Duck / Pepé Le Pew / Foghorn Leghorn / Barnyard Dawg /Yosemite Sam / Elmer Fudd / etc.: Mel Blanc

Granny / Miss Prissy / Various Female Voices: June Foray & Bea Benaderet.

Notes: Bugs Bunny’s Cupid Capers was previously released in 1992 in a VHS format. The compilation’s alternate title is Bugs Bunny’s Valentine.

REVIEW:

Bugs Bunny’s Cupid Capers, unfortunately, does the Looney Tunes franchise no favors. Despite Mel Blanc’s reliable vocals, the crummy animation deployed for the Bugs Bunny/Cupid framework sequences speaks for itself. Forty-five years later, Warner Bros frankly ought to be embarrassed by how poorly Bugs Bunny’s Cupid Capers plays on television.

Long before their eventual re-mastering, this assortment of Looney Tunes clips (some are extended further than others) hold up fine – relatively speaking. The only cringe-worthy ones are Pepé Le Pew’s amorous contributions, including his bonus Past Perfurmance cartoon.

This DVD, in retrospect, could have been salvaged in two easy steps. First, axing the awful framework scenes altogether should have been a foregone conclusion. Then, Warner Bros. should have chosen four or five complete Looney Tunes for the Valentine’s Day theme. Otherwise, unless one retains nostalgia for the original TV special, Bugs Bunny’s Cupid Capers is strictly a dollar store find.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

As padding, there are two complete Looney Tunes cartoons. One is 1940’s Holiday Highlights (a parody of holidays) – it’s an archived relic one might peruse on a Looney Tunes Golden Collection set. Still, this lackluster cartoon short is obscure for good cause. The other is 1955’s Past Perfumance (Pepé Le Pew & Penelope Pussycat), where the setting is a 1913 Paris movie studio. Plot-wise, it involves standard-issue Pepé hijinks, and let’s leave it at that.

Also included is an interactive Looney Tunes jigsaw puzzle for children. Lastly, there is a combo trailer for the Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown and It’s The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown DVD’s.

Language options consist of English and Spanish. Subtitles are available in English, Spanish, and French.

PACKAGING:

Though simplistic and a bit vague, its advertising is accurate. The disc is reasonably well-protected. The DVD’s main menu screen is easy to navigate.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 2½ Stars

Digital Animated Shorts Digital Movies & TV LOONEY TUNES-Related Movies & Television (Videos) TV Episodes & Movies TV Series (Specific Episodes)

NEW LOONEY TUNES: EASTER BUNNY IMPOSTER & EASTER TWEETS (Season 2: Episodes 13A-B)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date August 21, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 12:00 Min.

These Erik Knutson-directed episodes were first released in the U.S. on Boomerang’s streaming service on March 15, 2018. First up is “Easter Bunny Imposter,” as an eagle-led Eagle Scout troop pursues Easter Yeggs’ brown Easter Rabbit in the forest. Filling in for his old pal, Bugs Bunny leads the ultra-dense scout leader on a merry chase.

Then, in “Easter Tweets,” with Granny having gone out bowling, Sylvester (disguised as the Easter Bunny) gets the house to himself chasing after Tweety.

Bugs Bunny & Sylvester the Cat: Jeff Bergman

Granny & Scouts: Candy Milo

Tweety: Bob Bergen

Eagle Scout: Cedric Yarbrough

Scouts: Matthew Yang King

Note: For the series itself, these two shorts are Episodes # 65A-B.

REVIEW:

At a supposed bargain price, this reviewer gave the above-named episodes a chance. Suffice to say, the dubious experience should count towards a $0.59 tax write-off (and twelve minutes viewers will never get back). The pathetic gags fail 99% of the time; yet, a tone-deaf Warner Bros. Animation exacerbates this unforced error by repeating variations of the same failed jokes over and over.

The sole upside reusing the same voice actors from the far superior Looney Tunes Show is a lost cause. Specifically, aside from bad scripting, the cheapo web-toon animation looks so crummy that these kiddie cartoons ought to have been a radio show. Maybe then they could have been rated slightly higher.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 1½ Stars

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Digital Animated Shorts Digital Movies & TV LOONEY TUNES-Related Movies & Television (Videos) Online Videos

MARVIN THE MARTIAN IN THE THIRD DIMENSION

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 13:00 Min.

Directed by Douglas McCarthy, this double-length, rare 3D Looney Tunes short initially accompanied Space Jam’s 1996 theatrical release. Voice actor Joe Alaskey replaces the late Mel Blanc as both Daffy & Marvin.

Spying on Earth from his home planet, Marvin the Martian stumbles upon a supposed anti-Martian invasion concocted by Duck Dodgers. An incensed Marvin, in retaliation, sends K9 to abduct Dodgers not realizing that he was watching an unemployed actor: Daffy Duck. Daffy is busily improvising his own obnoxious space movie spectacular from an unused equipment storage shed on the Warner Bros. studio lot.

Upon K9 completing his mission, an initially-oblivious Daffy catches on that he is now facing real Martians. It’s up to the conniving, little black duck to thwart Marvin’s scheme on Mars and in a hot pursuit back to Earth.

REVIEW:

Preceding Galaxy Quest by three years, this vivid short explores the same basic premise (just imagine Daffy Duck instead of Tim Allen). Yet, there’s no mistaking that this cartoon is a homage to Marvin’s classic showdowns vs. Bugs Bunny (seen in a cameo of sorts) and Daffy Duck’s Duck Dodgers.

Despite some spot-on gags, this animated short makes the mistake of stretching its plot far too long. Also, seeing this cartoon in 2D spells out its gaudy video game-style animation; suffice to say, the computerized visuals lack the charm of the original Looney Tunes.

Had there been a faster and more frenetic pace, fans might have experienced a worthy successor to the Friz Freleng & Chuck Jones era. Still, Marvin the Martian in the Third Dimension, in terms of a laugh-o-meter (especially the last two minutes), surpasses most of the Duck Dodgers TV animated episodes that aired in 2003-2005.

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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DVD LOONEY TUNES-Related Movies & Television (Videos)

LOONEY TUNES: RABBITS RUN

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 19, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 75:00 Min.

Released by Warner Bros. Animation in 2015, this direct-to-DVD film (in fitted widescreen) isn’t a sequel to the 2011-2013 Looney Tunes Show program. Though most of the same voice cast returns, Kristen Wiig is replaced by co-screenwriter/co-voice director Rachel Ramras as ‘Lola Bunny.’ Further, despite utilizing a near-identical animation style, this storyline is a different continuity than what was previously depicted in the Looney Tunes Show. The same applies to rebooted visual looks for some familiar characters (i.e. Elmer Fudd & Daffy Duck).

In New York City, unemployed perfume salesperson Lola Bunny relies upon an exotic plant to concoct what she believes will be the world’s next blockbuster fragrance. Yet, spritzes of this unique perfume reveal its true power: instant invisibility, which can be reversed by water.

Enlisting help from cabbies Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck, fugitive Lola makes a mad dash for Paris to sell her fragrance. In increasingly hot pursuit of Lola & Bugs are government operatives Elmer Fudd & Cecil Turtle, would-be bounty hunter Yosemite Sam, Lola’s greedy ex-boss: Giovanni Jones, and a mysterious third party. Outlandish twists ultimately set up an out-of-this-world showdown, with its no-holds-barred winner gaining control of Lola’s creation.

REVIEW:

Given the unpredictably wacky plot twists, the good news is that the Looney Tunes creative team is mostly on their game. Despite missing Kristen Wiig’s endearing take on ‘Lola Bunny,’ the film’s likably quirky storytelling equals better episodes of the Looney Tunes Show.

As intended, kids will get the biggest kick out of Rabbits Run. Adults, however, after a welcome first viewing, will likely recall why Looney Tunes humor works best in far smaller doses — as in seven minutes. If anything, though, fans of Bugs & Lola’s ‘romance’ won’t be disappointed.

BONUS FEATURES:

Available languages are English & Spanish, with subtitles presented in either English or French. Why Spanish wouldn’t also be included in the subtitle options doesn’t make sense.

Included are two animation film trailers: the Scooby-Doo/KISS crossover and the first Batman Unlimited. There’s also five animated extras. First up is the Looney Tunes Show pilot episode: “Best Friends,” which includes Elmer Fudd’s somewhat suggestive music video, “Grilled Cheese.” The TV episode is good fun parodying game shows, as well as providing an insightful view of Bugs & Daffy as ‘Odd Couple’ housemates.

The other four cartoons first appeared theatrically in 3D. Three of them are Road Runner/Wile E. Coyote capers: “Coyote Falls,” “Fur of Flying;” and “Rapid Rider.” Essentially a music video for a 1950’s Sylvester & Tweety novelty song recorded by Mel Blanc & June Foray, the last one is “I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat.”

Though the video game-like animation definitely looks expensive in these four shorts, what’s sorely missing is the timeless Looney Tunes charm that actually makes audiences laugh. Suffice to say, Warner Bros. can hire innumerable voice actors to imitate Mel Blanc, but they desperately need better storytellers who grasp how to sell funny-bone gags that directors Friz Freleng, Chuck Jones, etc. made look so easy.

PACKAGING:

The DVD casing is solidly produced. The disc’s contents are also accurately provided.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 238 (2017 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 7, 2020

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Derek Fridolfs & Pamela Lovas

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for September 2017, this issue’s stories are:

“Out of Control” (8 pages). Writer: Derek Fridolfs, with art by Walter Carzon; Horacio Ottolini; Candace Schinzler-Bell; & Saida Temofonte. After several more ACME product disasters, Wile E. Coyote realizes that his new TV remote can forward and reverse time.
“Hunt & Peck” (4 pages). Writer: Sholly Fisch, with art by ‘Aranda;’ ‘Saichann;’ ‘Leigh;’ & Dave Tanguay. In a wonky flashback hosted by Elmer Fudd, a prehistoric Wile E. Coyote takes his chances hunting mammoths and road runners.
“What’s My Neurosis?” (4 pages). Writer: Jesse Leon McCann, with art by Mike DeCarlo; Mike Sellers; & Dave Tanguay. Hapless psychiatrist ‘Doctor Bill’ diagnoses some Looney Tunes during their therapy sessions.
“Zip Drive” (4 pages). Writer: Sholly Fisch, with art by Pablo Zamboni; Ruben Torreiro; Phil Balsman; & Dave Tanguay. Wile E. Coyote runs through a computerized series of attack scenarios strategizing how to finally nab the Road Runner.

REVIEW:

While the glossy artwork is ideal, something pertinent beyond the voice work and sound effects is lost in translation reading the particular Looney Tunes stories. The story ideas are mildly promising, but the humor is pretty weak stuff. It’s all too reminiscent of the Looney Tunes kiddie dreck that Gold Key and Whitman peddled in their 1970’s comics. Still, this issue should briefly entertain 8-and-under Looney Tunes fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page DC Super-Hero Girls puzzle with Poison Ivy entitled “Leaf Me Alone.” DC Comics’ Orion and Mr. Miracle each receive a full-page profile. The cover previews are for Batman ’66 Meets the Legion of Super-Heroes #1; Scooby-Doo Team-Up # 28; and Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? # 83.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 39 (1998 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 7, 2020

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by (Uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for April 1998, this 32-page issue pairs a Foghorn Leghorn caper with a ‘Twlight Zone’-like misadventure for Bugs Bunny. The two stories are:

“Barnyard Gladiators” (12 pages). Writer: Michael Eury, with art by Horacio Saavedra; Rubén Torreiro; & Javier Saavedra. Winning a four-million-dollar lottery jackpot, Miss Prissy has Foghorn Leghorn and another gold-digging rooster literally competing for her affections. Yet, the real winner (or loser) may be the referee: Barnyard Dawg.
“Hare-allel Universe” (12 pages). Writer: Michael Eury, with art by Pablo Zamboni; Scott McRae; John Costanza; & Jo Meugniot. Bugs Bunny’s underground burrowing inadvertently sends him into a parallel dimension where familiar Looney Tunes appear opposite to their natural personas.

REVIEW:

Impressively, the issue’s artwork is as good as one could hope for. The cover image makes a curious mistake, as Barnyard Dawg is missing his trademark brown coloring. Still, the mildly amusing Foghorn-and-Barnyard Dawg script lives up to their feuding brand of storytelling. In fair warning, though, the story’s concluding gag re: who Miss Prissy chooses to marry just seems kinda wrong, good taste-wise.

As for the Bugs Bunny tale, it’s surprising that Warners Bros. hasn’t tried a cartoon with this ‘Twlight Zone’ spoof premise before. The script plays out okay, but a lack of voice actors or any funky sound effects negates how funny this premise might have been. For faithful fans, Looney Tunes # 39 is a fun, kid-friendly read, but its two stories don’t hit their full potential.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 38 (1998 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 7, 2020

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Leonardo Bato & Rubén Torreiro

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for March 1998, this 32-page issue celebrates Marvin the Martian’s 50^th Anniversary. The two stories are:

“The Trouble With Mars” (17 pages). Writer: Terry Collins, with art by Pablo Zamboni; Rubén Torreiro; Daniel Griffo; & Prismacolor. To contend with Marvin the Martian’s ominous threats, present-day NASA sends Porky Pig to recruit a down-on-his-luck Duck Dodgers and personally investigate Mars. It’s a long-awaited rematch pitting the 24^th½ Century’s bumbling space heroes vs. Marvin and Lt. K-9.
“Puppy Love” (6 pages). Writer: Dana Kurtin, with art by Cosme Quartieri; Khato; John Costanza; & Tom Ziuko. A suburban rodent couple adopts a chihuahua puppy as its new baby. Knowing that their ‘baby’ isn’t really a mouse, the would-be dad summons his cousin, Speedy Gonzales, for an emergency intervention.

REVIEW:

The issue’s artwork is as good as one could hope for (including a terrific cover image). To some extent, the lead story’s premise is on a par with the Duck Dodgers cartoon TV series. It’s even a solid upgrade over that dull Return of Duck Dodgers in the 24^th and ½ Century cartoon from roughly forty years ago.

Some gags (including Porky’s reluctant return to his Space Cadet uniform) are well-played, though a throwaway joke re: how Duck Dodgers supposedly ‘sold out’ NASA to Hollywood isn’t explored enough. It would have helped explain (particularly, to kids) why this story occurs in the present-day rather than the ‘24^th½ Century.’ Further, had the script been reconfigured as more of an ongoing spoof of sci-fi shlock cliffhanger serials, that might have worked better. As to Speedy’s back-up tale, it’s an instance of where the amusing premise sounds better than the actual outcome. Otherwise, it’s less said the better.

For devoted Duck Dodgers fans, Looney Tunes # 38 is fun, but it likely merits only a single read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 27 (1997 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 7, 2020

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by Walter Carzon & Horacio Ottolini

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for February 1997, this 32-page issue offers these three tales:

“Once a Toon … Always a Toon” (10 pages). Writers: Allison Heartinger & C.M. Baldwin, with art by Cosme Quartieri; Bob Pinaha; Khato; & Tom Ziuko. Petunia Pigs hosts a reality TV special where Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Elmer Fudd (with some unintentional ‘help’ from Wile E. Coyote, & the Road Runner) voluntarily participate in an isolation dome experiment to change their natural combative tendencies. It’s their supposed goal to become ‘better-behaved’ Toons for the sake of 21^st Century political correctness.
“Lot O’ Misery” (6 pages). Writer: Dave King, with art by Nelson Luty; Teresa Davidson; Horacio Ottolini; & Grace T. Bland. Perennial lottery loser Daffy Duck finally scores a five-million-dollar jackpot. Bugs Bunny observes him desperately search for his missing ticket.
“Love Disconnection” (8 pages). Writer: Sean Carolan & Jennifer Moore, with art by Oscar Saavedra; Teresa Davidson; Rubén Torreiro; & Grace T. Bland. During an argument re: her TV career, Petunia Pig dumps her sexist boyfriend, Porky Pig. A desperate Porky resorts to implementing radio host Pepe Le Pew’s dubious romantic advice to try winning Petunia back.

REVIEW:

Including a fun cover image, this issue’s artwork is as good as one could hope for. While the lead story isn’t as hilarious as it should have been, its sarcastic jabs at excessive political correctness (not to mention, a swipe at Barney the Dinosaur) are well-played. Daffy’s lottery mishap is practically a cartoon waiting to happen, but its tame ending is far too predictable.

As for Petunia & Porky’s relationship bickering, the gags aren’t funny, though the underlying sentiments are domestic issues any adult might relate to. Still, the concept re: Pepe Le Pew’s new job as a radio call-in advisor is ingenious enough that it likely deserves a cartoon by itself. Even without voice actors and wacky sound effects, Looney Tunes # 27 is an okay single read for adults and kids alike.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics LOONEY TUNES-Related

LOONEY TUNES # 10 (1995 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 7, 2020

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Cover Art by (Uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Published by DC Comics for January 1995, this 32-page issue offers some Christmas season capers. The stories are:

“How the Wabbit Saved Christmas” (18 pages). Writer: Jack Enyart, with art by George Wildman; Scott McRae; Bob Pinaha; & Dave Tanguay. On Christmas Eve, chimney sweepers Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck’s efforts to nudge Elmer Fudd’s holiday spirit set them up as an injured Santa’s stand-ins. Filling in for Santa, their overnight hijinks includes appearances from Penelope Pussycat, Pepe Le Pew, Speedy Gonzales, and the Tasmanian Devil.
“All Trapped Up” (3 pages). Writer: Bobbi JG Weiss, with art by Horacio Saavedra; Rubén Torreiro; Bob Pinaha; & Dave Tanguay. Sylvester the Cat’s Christmas Eve snooping over what gift his devoted son has in store for him has an ironic outcome.
An untitled and uncredited Bugs Bunny single-page comic strip has Bugs befuddling Elmer Fudd’s sense of Christmas spirit.

REVIEW:

Including a delightful cover image, this issue’s artwork is as good as one could hope for. While the lead story isn’t nearly as hilarious as it might have been, it offers some decent kiddie fun. The inspired gag re: Penelope Pussycat’s ‘Christmas present’ for Pepe Le Pew is the likely highlight. The Sylvester-Sylvester Jr. tale isn’t all that funny, but it’s worth a mild chuckle. The same might be said of the Bugs Bunny comic strip, which is presumably a newspaper reprint. All said, Looney Tunes # 10 isn’t worth multiple reads for adults, but it’s a decent holiday one-and-done read for young fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Bugs and Tweety & Sylvester separately offer full-page kiddie activities.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4½ Stars