Month: October 2020

EVANGELINE LILLY AS ANT-MAN’S HOPE VAN DYNE/WASP (MARVEL LEGENDS/HASBRO ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in Hasbro’s 2018 “Build-A-Cull Obsidian” Marvel Legends series, this approximately 6-inch Hope Van Dyne’s Wasp (in actress Evangeline Lilly’s likeness) celebrates the live-action Ant-Man and The Wasp film released the same year. Sporting her metallic gold, blue, and red costume with silver wristbands, Marvel’s Wasp also wears a silver helmet with antennas and yellow plastic safety goggles.

On her back, she can wear a detachable silver hard plastic wing-pack with four clear plastic scissor-like wings that are individually attachable. Her immaculate costume is completely painted on, including the sculpted (and non-removable) wristbands & knee pads, as well as the silver shoulder straps for the wing-pack.

Note: The other figures in this particular series are: Thor; Black Widow (blonde); Ant-Man; Malekith; and the Black Knight.

REVIEW:

The sculpted look of this Hope Van Dyne / Wasp figure is superb, including a flawless paint job. Sporting a detailed metallic helmet, her eyes and eyebrows are easily visible through the helmet’s googles. The alternate head (an unmasked Hope Van Dyne) is also top-caliber. The wing-pack is easily workable, as are the four wings.

The articulation points include: 1. The head nods and turns slightly in both directions. 2. Slightly bending at the frail elbow joints, her arms can rotate a full 360-degrees. 3. The wrists have full rotation capability. 4. Her upper torso swivels the full 360-degrees swivel. 5. The Wasp can slightly bend into a bowing pose. 5. The knee joints are surprisingly limber. 6. The legs provide excellent flexibility. 7. When properly positioned, the figure can stand indefinitely in display poses. For playtime, the sky’s the limit, so to speak re: flying poses. Her boot heels include peg holes for display stands she will fit on, though none are included.

In terms of her articulation points, this figure enjoys the advantage of being both a display item and a solid play toy (though her tiny elbow joints might be a future problem). As a welcome addition to any super-hero collection, this Marvel’s Wasp is a wonderful homage to actress Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne’s Wasp.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Included are a matching extra set of two slender gloved hands; a variant of Hope’s silver wing-pack; and an unmasked alternate head featuring an excellent likeness of Evangeline Lilly. It’s a shame that the Wasp’s wrist-firing “stingers” couldn’t have been thrown in as an extra. The Build-A-Cull Obsidian piece is his head.

PACKAGING:

Hasbro does an excellent job promoting the Wasp in its nicely-secured box.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

WONDER MAN (TOY BIZ ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in either 1996 or 1998 by Toy Biz, this 5-inch Wonder Man figure is likely the first toy to represent this perennial Avenger/West Coast Avenger from Marvel Comics. The figure was evidently an exclusive prize in a write-in contest held through the now-defunct Wizard Magazine. Matching the character’s late 80’s to early ‘90s look (i.e. the black-and-red tank-top costume), the figure has the character’s distinct red eyes and a wavy black mullet perm. The articulation consists of 360-degree rotation of the arms, and the ability to move the arms and legs back and forth. With a little effort, his head turns 180-degrees left and right. Small silver screws seen on its elbow and knee joints add some extra flexibility. When positioned straight, the figure will stand for display poses.

REVIEW:

This sturdy figure is a decent precursor to his subsequent appearances in the Marvel Legends 6-inch action figure series. Let it be noted that this Toy Biz figure’s unique size stands between the small 3.75-inch Marvel figures and the standard 6-inch Marvel Legends. His paint job is reasonably well-done, though his bodybuilder-style tank-top’s shoulder straps look too skinny. Otherwise, this first Wonder Man figure retains some nostalgic charm.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Unknown. In this figure’s back ‘W,’ there are two slots (with two holes between them), which suggests some accessory (maybe a jet pack) can be attached. The bottom of the figure’s feet have standard peg holes, but there isn’t any indication that the figure came with a display stand.

PACKAGING:

When purchased via auction, the figure came only in a sealed transparent plastic baggie. Otherwise, whatever packaging Toy Biz may have included is unknown.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games TV Series

SPIDER-MAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS’ FIRESTAR (Toy Biz Action Figure)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in either 1996 or 1998 by Toy Biz, this 5-inch Firestar figure is likely the first toy representing the mutant heroine from the early 1980’s Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends animated TV series. The figure was evidently a prize for a contest held through the now-defunct Wizard Magazine.

Recreating the character’s TV look, the figure’s articulation consists of 360-degree rotation of the arms, and the ability to move the arms and legs back and forth. However, due to her molded hair, Firestar’s head doesn’t turn. Small silver screws seen on its shoulder, elbow, and knee joints add some extra bending flexibility. When positioned straight, the figure will stand for display poses.

REVIEW:

Re: Angelica “Firestar” Jones, this sturdy figure makes a solid compromise between the small 3.75-inch Marvel figures and the standard 6-inch Marvel Legends. Her paint job (including the flame-accented gloves and boots) is undemanding but effective. Short of the excellent 2021 Marvel Legends Firestar (in her original costume, no less), this Toy Biz version is the next best thing for her fans. At the very least, this first Firestar figure retains a nostalgic charm beyond its Happy Meal toy look.

Note: Firestar, again in her original costume, has been released in 3.75 inch form with Spider-Man & Iceman in a Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends three-pack.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Unknown. Firestar’s feet have large peg holes, but there isn’t any indication that the figure came with a display base.

PACKAGING:

When purchased via auction, the figure came only in a sealed transparent plastic baggie. Otherwise, whatever packaging Toy Biz may have included is unknown.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

REMINGTON STEELE [LAURA’S THEME] {Cover} (by Dominik Hauser: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:11 MIN.

Keeping in mind an official Remington Steele soundtrack doesn’t exist for NBC’s 1982-1987 TV series, musician Dominik Hauser recorded Henry Mancini’s ‘Laura Holt’ theme as a 2011 single. While Mancini’s version initially accompanied actress Stephanie Zimbalist’s voice-over for the first season’s opening credits, it also surfaced as a background theme throughout the series. With the onset of a streamlined Season 2, Mancini’s theme appears over each episode’s closing credits.

REVIEW:

Few can replicate Henry Mancini’s jazzy instrumental magic so flawlessly, but TV theme cover specialist Dominik Hauser comes close. This subdued yet somewhat sultry melody is near-identical to Mancini’s work. Considering the improbability of a Remington Steele soundtrack ever being released, Hauser’s first-class effort is likely the next best thing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Note: Hauser also has available Mancini’s Remington Steele opening credits theme (at least, starting with Season 2) as a single. It’s also an excellent facsimile.

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) TV Series

REMINGTON STEELE [OPENING CREDITS THEME] {Cover} (by Dominik Hauser: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1:10 MIN.

Considering an official Remington Steele soundtrack doesn’t exist for NBC’s 1982-1987 TV series, musician Dominik Hauser recorded Henry Mancini’s upbeat Season 2 opening credits theme as a 2011 single.

REVIEW:

Few can replicate Henry Mancini’s jazzy instrumental magic so easily, but TV theme cover specialist Dominik Hauser is one of them. While there are subtle hints that it’s still a cover, Hauser’s rendition is likely one of the best-ever renditions of this particular theme. Considering the improbability of a Remington Steele soundtrack ever being released, Hauser’s first-class effort is likely the next best thing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

Note: Hauser also has available Mancini’s Remington Steele (Laura’s Theme) as a single. It’s more than just an excellent facsimile — it’s virtually identical to Mancini’s original work.

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

LOONEY TUNES RACING (PLAYSTATION 1)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2000 for North America and 2001 in Europe, Looney Tunes Racing provides a comical and exciting racing game alternative to hit games, such as Mario Kart and arcade favorite Hydro Thunder.

REVIEW:

With nineteen available characters – thirteen of them need to be unlocked. Granny and Lola Bunny represent the female characters, and only Daffy Duck has a variant: Duck Dodgers. The game’s unique levels, featuring iconic arenas in Looney Tunes lore to custom carts really do make this game feel special. There are quotes from each character and reactions when they get flattened a magical anvil, hit a road bomb, or get splatted right in the face with a pie!

Story:

Predictably, this kid-friendly game doesn’t have any true plot. Multiple game modes makes the game hard to really construct a storyline around it, but that’s actually okay! Through a multitude of arenas, users have the ‘tag’ option, where one-on-one competition requires a specific number of tags (i.e. bombs, pies, etc.) in a best-of-up to seven chances format. The ‘racing’ component has even more diverse arenas, with options on laps and best-of opportunities. The trick is sabotaging your pre-selected opponents and still hit glowing green pads on the track to gain an additional (yet brief) advantage. The game really doesn’t need a story – then again, there’s no extra incentive to play this game for hours on end.

Engine/Gameplay:

For a game this old, it shouldn’t be a shocker that the mechanics are a little wonky. Though it is outdated, there are good things about Looney Tunes Racing, too! First off, you run into these ‘tokens’ that charge up special abilities. These can charge up into abilities such as invincibility magic, throwing pies, laying down bombs, nailing opponents with an anvil, or the classic rain cloud with lightning strike. These amusing gags make the game a little more heated because it adds some extra spice. This can also be great if a player is way ahead in the lead — other players still have a (slim?) chance to get back in the game. As previously mentioned, another thing are the green speed pads that help users’ vehicles accelerate (or zip past opponents), again leveling the playing field.

In more of the gameplay aspect, games can alternate between ‘tag’ battle arenas and racetracks, in, say, a best-of-seven challenge. This helps players who may not excel in racing or tags and still be competitive. Races are your typical “Pass through this track three (or more) amount of times,” battles vs. tags where it required a limited number of hits for users to win the round. Diversity, in this aspect, makes the game less dull and can give users a break from racing or battling on the same tracks over and over. Still, only having up to two real players and no on-line capabilities makes this one feel repetitive and tedious at times.

Graphics:

For a Playstation 1 game, this one actually has decent graphics. The game presents each character with an iconic cart: for example, Bugs Bunny’s go-cart resembles a carrot. Even if the characters themselves have a rudimentary look (seeing them from the back), this feature still helps them stand out while giving the game a little flair, too. Though they’re a nice feature, the backgrounds look dull and often leave much to be desired. Sure, you can zoom through secret passages and find some in-joke surprises. Just don’t expect too much out of Looney Tunes Racing, and you won’t be disappointed.

Game Modes:

There are a few basic modes in the game: Single Race, Acme Challenge, Championship, and Multi-player. Single Race lets you pick how many rounds there are, either a best of three, five, or seven. Multi-player is pretty much the same thing except you can use “Wacky” mode to give you extra challenges, which are usually speed-related. The Acme Challenge is as close to a story as there is, where you pick up artifacts to reopen Acme museum. This mode, along with Championship are how you win gold and unlock features. Both of which are one-player modes and are really only to unlock video clips, tracks, and characters. If you don’t care to skip this necessity, never fear: cheat codes can be found on-line!

For an old school Playstation game, this one can appeal to kids and parents alike. Looney Tunes Racing shows its age, but competing as or vs. Bugs Bunny and his pals should put a smile on your face.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

None.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Jazz, Blues, & New Age Music & Radio Shows

AUTUMN LOVE (by Thomas Bergersen: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:01 Min.

As a 2014 single, European composer-musician Thomas Bergersen performs this instrumental track. “Autumn Love” is available as a digital download.

REVIEW:

Infused with a mature sense of melancholy, “Autumn Love” is tantalizingly ambiguous. Could it reflect bittersweet emotion (i.e. coping with grief or loneliness) linked to the changing of seasons? Perhaps it’s coming to grips with an older stage in life? Or maybe it’s unexpectedly finding a second love of one’s life? Could it be possibly rediscovering an old passion? Only Thomas Bergersen knows, but he incorporates a building undercurrent of optimism implying hope isn’t lost yet. This track would be ideal to narrate a silent short film where viewers must interpret the story through visuals only … and Bergensen’s intriguing style of storytelling magic.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

AMERICAN SKIN [41 Shots] (By Bruce Springsteen: High Hopes)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 30, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 7:22 Min.

First released by Bruce Springsteen as a 2001 single, “American Skin (41 Shots)” subsequently appears on his 2014 album, High Hopes. It’s deemed one of Springsteen’s most controversial songs to date.

REVIEW:

Originally inspired by the death of Amadou Diallo, and, then again with Trayvon Martin, the song has had monumental effects to Springsteen’s cultural legacy. Specifically, “American Skin (41 Shots)” adds to the lore that he is more than willing to voice his opinion, even if the subject is a public sore spot. Springsteen’s iconic lyrics dig into listeners amidst choir-like vocals from his back-up singers. The poignant lyrics describe how people of color have to be extra-vigilant in the U.S. without seeming bitter towards police officers. Even so, the song’s controversial topic doesn’t detract from its great sound and overall meaning.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE