Month: October 2020

UNDERTAKER VS. TRIPLE H – “HELL IN A CELL” (WWE WRESTLEMANIA 28: Taped April 1, 2012)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 31 Min. +

In a sequel to their brutal encounter at WrestleMania 27, this WrestleMania rematch one year later pits Triple H against the Undertaker in what could quite possibly be The Game’s most iconic match. Shawn Michaels steps in to referee this Hell-in-a-Cell cage match. From Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida, on April 1, 20212, Jim Ross, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, and Michael Cole call the action in this ‘End of an Era’ bout.

As for the match’s run time, when looking at it from the entrance of Shawn Michaels to the mesmerizing finish, it lasts a whopping 50:22. However, in terms of actual ring time, the match goes for 30:40. Calling it a slobber-knocker would be an understatement! This match appears on the WrestleMania 28 DVD and Blu-Ray sets.

REVIEW:

Though Triple H has a reputation for not jobbing to many, he sells very well here.. Not to say that he doesn’t get his fair share of offense, but it takes a while. “A vile, vicious, malicious attack,” as called by J.R., sums up what lengths The Cerebral Assassin is willing to go to prevail. In total, Triple H performs about five moves that aren’t in conjunction with a foreign object. This could show a lack of wrestling skill or maybe his will to win, but, either way, The Game doesn’t impress from an in-ring standpoint. Maybe it’s him getting carried up the rampway, then a cut above his eye, or showing just pure exhaustion, Triple H does pull off acting skills that makes anyone wonder why he didn’t co-star alongside The Rock in The Tooth Fairy. In all seriousness, however, he does a great job conveying the battle-tested veteran finally meeting his toughest match.

The Undertaker has had arguably the greatest career in pro wrestling history. Decades after decades of consistent gold, this classic shows that even while pushing 50, he can still look like the most dominant force in the company. With hard hitting strikes and ruthless aggression, he looks like he wants to send Triple H home on a stretcher. Though not as heavily reliant on weapons as Triple H, Undertaker’s relentless rights and lefts make up most of his offense.

Despite having the durability of a slice of soggy bread, Shawn Michaels contributes to makes this match great. Sure, he isn’t wrestling, but his facial expressions and reactions truly convey someone with as many mixed emotions as he has. His distressed/torn apart look is probably the best part of the bout. Does Shawn align himself with his friend Triple H? Or does he side with The Undertaker … the same man who retired him just two years prior? It keeps anyone guessing as to what The Heartbreak Kid will do next!

WrestleMania XVIII is the best-selling WWE PPV in history, and this match clearly shows why. On its surface, this match is a slow-paced, half-hour brawl heavy on weaponry. Yet, all of this doesn’t matter. The so-called ‘End of an Era’ earns its hype, as this brawl marked the last time Triple H or The Undertaker performed at an exceptionally high level. Now, yes, they could’ve looked good because the match is fixated on weapons rather than wrestling, but they both come out better than they did coming in. Even when, at times, it oozes of WWE’s scripted stench, this slugfest should be on anyone’s WrestleMania radar!

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Blu-Ray Digital Movies & TV DVD Sports (TV & Videos) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

BRET “HITMAN” HART VS. “MR. PERFECT CURT HENNIG (WWE Entertainment: Taped April 29, 1989)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25 MIN.

Filmed by the WWE on/about April 29, 1989, at a house show at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens, it’s Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. “Gorilla” Monsoon and “Lord” Alfred Hayes are the commentators – it’s possible that they recorded voice-overs for this match, since they aren’t actually visible on-screen at ringside.

The match is included on the WWE’s 2013 Bret Hart: The Dungeon Collection DVD and Blu-Ray sets.

REVIEW:

As Hart attests in his autobiography, he and Hennig, as second-generation performers in their prime, were so evenly matched (and worked safely together) that their WWE house show battles made for professional bliss. It’s no wonder that their chemistry could steal a house show’s audience from the main event on any given night. Including their standard-issue finish (or maybe just a slight variation of it), this particular showcase is no exception.

Hennig (i.e. his sheer athleticism; a few of his patented flops/pratfalls) demonstrates why he was the best technical heel in North America in 1989 – with the possible exception of the NWA’s Ric Flair. Noticeably, Hennig’s ‘Mr. Perfect’ gimmick is still in development, as his in-ring style here resembles his 1987-88 heel run as AWA World Champion.

Still a part-time singles performer at this juncture, Hart already exudes the legendary presence he would have in the 90’s. Unsurprisingly, this showdown (including some friction after the bell) is a terrific prelude to their Intercontinental Title showdown at SummerSlam 1991, in spite of Hennig’s real-life back injury. A subtle bonus is that Monsoon & Hayes playfully nail their commentary track observing these guys work with methodical precision.

Considering the match doesn’t embrace the WWE’s cartoony style, this low-key Hart vs. Hennig battle is a treat for fans.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts Movies & Television (Videos) Toys & Games

ELVIRA (FUNKO’S ROCK CANDY VINYL STATUETTE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2017, this Rock Candy vinyl collectible by Funko presents actress Cassandra Peterson’s legendary Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Faithfully recreating her sultry black evening gown (including a jeweled dagger) and over-the-top make-up, this statuette is approximately 5½ inches tall. Its packaging includes two small head shots of the real Elvira to compare with one of the same size of this cartoony counterpart. The collectible has large foot pegs in case one wishes to pose her on a display base (which isn’t included).

REVIEW:

Including a spot-on paint job, Funko’s sculpted rendition of Elvira is flawless. The minute details extend to her black fingernail polish, the gleam off her black patent leather pumps, and even a dimple on her right cheek. The sole oddity are the foot pegs, as they aren’t even necessary. This statuette stands perfectly well because the molded black dress effectively anchors her. To Funko’s credit, the well-designed packaging allows consumers to see the statuette through clear plastic to confirm that it does indeed match exactly the gothic promo photo on back. Considering its tongue-in-cheek potential as a desk or shelf decoration, this vinyl statuette would make an amusing gift for any Elvira fan.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

DC-Related Toys & Games Video Games

JUSTICE LEAGUE HEROES (PLAYSTATION 2)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2006 by Snowblind Studios as an original title, Justice League Heroes became the League’s only release into that generation’s consoles (Playstation 2 and Xbox 360). DC Comics also produced this game around the same time as major competitor MARVEL released the first of its three Ultimate Alliance titles. When Justice League Heroes hit shelves, its rating was assessed as “T” – Teen.

Note: Brady Games produced the game’s strategy guide.

REVIEW:

Despite not equaling the popularity of its MARVEL counterpart, this game presents Justice League action at its finest (or, at least, the best we were going to get). The game’s main cast is Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash (Wally West), Green Lantern (John Stewart), Martian Manhunter, and Zatanna Zatara. Available for ‘purchase,’ with game credits, are eight other unlockable heroes and multiple alternate costumes/‘skins’ for the main cast. Reliable baddies, such as Brainiac, Circe, Darkseid, Doomsday, Gorilla Grodd, Killer Frost, The Key, Queen Bee, and White Martians comprise a roster that helps balance well-known DC characters with more obscure ones.

As nice as this mix is, notable exclusions, like Lex Luthor and The Joker, make this game feel like there could/should have been more. In comparison, in Ultimate Alliance’s first level alone, you face Radioactive Man, Winter Soldier, and Scorpion (just to name a few), while this game’s first opposition is an unnamed robot army. Not pushing the boundaries makes the game feel like DC has underachieved — considering all the potential its designers had to work with.

Story:

The storyline offers twists and turns that make Justice League Heroes well worth playing … except that there’s really no story. One villain tries stealing a Mother Box while others are wanting to take over the world, too. The plot can sometimes feel like a hot mess resembling a kid playing with action figures. Still, that doesn’t mean that the game can’t be fun, too, even if the minimal plot is lacking in some aspects. All in all, the game is a great way to have some DC fun with the family, even if it can feel uninspired. One wonders if the game was rushed just to keep up with the progress of Ultimate Alliance. Unsurprisingly, both games came out within a week of each other. Coincidence? I think not.

Engine/Gameplay:

In terms of a great mechanics, this is it. This third-person RPG allows for single-player and co-op functions. Now, many critics didn’t like how this game differed from Ultimate Alliance because you couldn’t pick your character on each level for most of the game. This does, however, offer a more personalized story arc that sees the progression of the main group (working in pre-assigned duos) Users gain flexibility later on when drafting their own squads.

When a character levels up, users possess accumulated virtual currency to add abilities and upgrades to their heroes to spice things up. Other upgrades, such as “shields”, which look like mac n’ cheese shapes, are used to purchase new characters and alternate costumes/skins (i.e. Hal Jordan can substitute in for John Stewart). However, you cannot purchase every character/costume on the first go-around. The good news is that the game allows you to carry over data if you wish to play the game multiple times without needing to purchase those characters/costumes a second time.

Fun factor-wise, Justice League Heroes might just break the scales! A beat-em-up style game with a few easy puzzles makes this one fun while also requiring players to deploy a little strategy. Unlocking abilities for Green Lantern and The Flash are absolute fan favorites, plus new characters with unique animations, do make this game even more enjoyable. This includes The Flash moving faster than other heroes; characters, like Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman, being able to fly, and Batman possessing an exclusive glide ability. The animation, plus some idle chatter amongst the heroes, helps diversify the game, but it becomes tediously repetitive over time. The music is generic – frankly, having the remote near to press the mute button isn’t such a bad idea.

Graphics:

For a PS2 game, this one actually has great visuals! Close ups and cuts scenes look great, but the overall gameplay in the graphics department isn’t where this game shines. The camera angle isn’t pretty, but the overview look makes the game easier to play – it’s the norm for this style of roleplaying. Health, XP, and special ability bars are shown in the top left for Player 1 and in the top right for Player 2 with pictures of their characters, making it easy to distinguish who (still) has what. For its time, the graphics are above-average but not anything stellar.

Game Mode(s):

Unfortunately, Justice League Heroes only has one mode, and that’s the single story/campaign. However, you can choose between three levels of difficulty. There’s also up to three saves on a single memory card.

Justice League Heroes doesn’t soar to its greatest potential, but it’s a solid kid-friendly option. In that sense, consider it as an ideal bridge between the LEGO Batman franchise and DC’s far more recent Injustice: Gods Among Us games for PlayStation 3 and 4.

BONUS FEATURES:

There’s a trailer to a season of Smallville. The game’s animated film-like intro clip is accessible on the main menu.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

STAR WARS – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK’S BESPIN HAN SOLO (HASBRO ‘BLACK SERIES’ — SDCC 2018)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

It was initially released by Hasbro as a “Star Wars – Black Series” exclusive at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con (SDCC). This six-inch Bespin Han Solo recaptures actor Harrison Ford’s look from 1980’s Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It’s barely distinguishable from the figure’s subsequent mass-market release; specifically, there’s a subtle change made to Han’s left hand.

This SDCC version allows Han to grip his blaster with either hand. The mass release version allows him to grip the blaster accessory with his right hand only, with his left hand changed to more of a finger-posing pose. Either rendition is the first-ever Bespin Han Solo action figure with a close resemblance to Ford’s likeness.

REVIEW:

Including a commendable paint job, this figure’s sculpting faithfully recreates Harrison Ford’s Empire look. The distinctive part down the middle of his sculpted brown hair and even a few creases in his forehead add welcome touches of realism. This sturdily-built Han Solo figure has better-than-expected articulation. Specifically: 1. His head nods and turns a full 360-degrees. 2. His arms rotate 360-degrees and bend at the elbows and the full-rotating wrists. 3. The figure can bend into a bowing position. 4. Though his knees bend, the articulation itself is minimal. 5. His booted ankles bend and move the feet more than expected. 6. Han’s legs are remarkably spry to simulate walking; running; kicking; and action-pose shooting. Even better, it’s easy to position Han in a standing display pose without a base.

To Hasbro’s credit, this Han Solo figure (along with its “Black Series” Star Wars IV: A New Hope counterpart) presents Han’s finest-ever depiction in six-inch form. All that’s missing is a carbonite-encased version.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

While his air mask and/or some extra hands would have been appreciated, Han’s trusty blaster is the sole extra. This pistol snugly fits in his right-leg holster. Despite foot pegs in his boot heels, a display base isn’t included.

PACKAGING:

Hasbro does a superb job displaying the figure. Everything inside the product box a consumer needs to see is readily visible.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Notes: In 2020, Kenner has re-released the mass-market figure as part of its own six-inch Star Wars merchandise. Its packaging features a photo image of Ford posed as Solo in The Empire Strikes Back. Also, a six-inch ‘Han Solo in Carbonite’ figure exists, but this reviewer hasn’t seen it in person.

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

STAR WARS – THE FORCE AWAKENS’ FINN ON JAKKU (2015 HASBRO ‘BLACK SERIES’)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in 2015 by Hasbro as part of its ongoing 6-inch ‘Black Series,’ this action figure closely resembles actor John Boyega as Finn.

REVIEW:

Sporting a top-caliber paint job, this Finn ’s costume faithfully recreates his incognito post-Stormtrooper attire he wears on planet Jakku. Curiously, unlike his molded sleeves, Finn’s jacket can be removed from the figure (with some effort), making it into a vest. In terms of articulation, this Finn is solid. Specifically: 1. His head turns slightly in both directions. 2. His arms move only fairly well, but both the forearms and hands have full 360-degree mobility. 3. The figure’s upper body can bend down into a bowing pose. 4. The legs are surprisingly nimble, as they can also rotate the full 360-degrees. 5. Due to flexible knee and ankle joints, Finn’s pose options (running, walking, kicking) are certainly available. 6. Though a display stand isn’t included, there are peg holes in the bottom of his feet for bases that will fit him.

Considering all its practical advantages (including an impressive likeness to John Boyega), this sturdy Finn action figure is ideal for either playtime or as a display item.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Although not seen below, this figure comes packed with a gold-and-silver-plated blaster, which frankly looks like a glorified power tool.

PACKAGING:

The figure is well-protected by Hasbro’s product box, which is decorated by Boyega’s image as Finn.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

DR. MID-NITE (2010 DC UNIVERSE CLASSICS/MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

The Justice Society’s Dr. Mid-Nite appears in 6-inch form Wave 12 of Mattel’s DC Universe Classics series in approximately 2010.

Excluding his attached green rubber cloak, his costume is completely painted on (including his trademark goggles). His articulation points are: 1. His head swivels slightly both directions. 2. With surprisingly good mobility, his arms and wrists can also both do complete 360-degree rotations. 3. His torso allows him to bend forward (and backwards a little). 4. His nimble legs can spread out and will bend at the knees and ankles. His lower legs swivel a full 360-degrees from a spot between the quads and kneecaps. 5. The bottom of his feet have peg holes for any display stands he might fit on, though none are included with the figure. Yet, if properly positioned, Dr. Mid-Nite can indefinitely retain a standing display pose.

REVIEW:

Kudos to Mattel for crafting such an impressively-built figure. Quite simply, there’s hardly a fault with this durable Dr. Mid-Nite. Everything a collector (including a top-caliber paint job) could want with this figure is here.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

His crime-fighting owl, ‘Hooty’ is included, as is a small Justice Society commemorative button marking DC Comics’ 75^th Anniversary. For the ‘Build-a-Darkseid’ figure, Dr. Mid-Nite comes packed with the left arm component.

PACKAGING:

Mattel does a terrific job packaging Dr. Mid-Nite.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

Action Figures MARVEL-Related Toys & Games

BULLSEYE (2005 MARVEL LEGENDS/TOY BIZ ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released in Toy Biz’s 2005 “Build-A-Galactus” Marvel Legends series, this 6-inch Bullseye figure likely represents the villainous assassin’s first incarnation as a toy.

His white utility belt and leg holster are tightly-secured rubber attachments. Its articulation points include: 1. The head nods and can swivel a full 360-degree rotation. 2. Bending at the elbows, the arms can rotate a full 360-degrees. 3. The lower arms can also do a full 360-degree swivel. 4. The wrists and hands (minus his thumbs) have remarkable flexibility. 5. His upper body does a full 360-degree swivel and can bend slightly backwards and forwards at the torso. 6. The legs can also swivel a full 360-degrees. 7. The knees bend, as do the upper portion of his boots. 8. When properly positioned, the figure can stand indefinitely in display poses. The bottom of his feet include peg holes for display stands he will fit on, though none are included for the figure.

Note: Bullseye’s variant figure is menacingly sneering, with his eerie white teeth visible.

REVIEW:

Depicting Daredevil’s most dangerous adversary, Toy Biz’s solid effort is complete, down to his corpulent-looking sneer. Beyond the stellar black (or dark, dark blue)-and-white paint job and a spot-on face, what’s remarkable about the figure is its flexibility. Still, Bulleye’s elbow and knee joints are also the figure’s potential weak spots. These joints aren’t so much flimsy, as they are the most likely parts to someday require some super-glue. Provided Bullseye is handled with reasonable care, this Marvel Legend is a worthwhile addition to the villains’ gallery of any figure collection.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

No weapon accessories (i.e. playing cards) are included. Instead, a full-length (32 pages) reprint of Daredevil # 132 featuring one of the Man Without Fear’s pivotal showdowns vs. Bullseye is enclosed in a sealed plastic bag. For the “Build-Your-Own-Galactus” figure, Bullseye comes packaged with the left leg component.

PACKAGING:

Toy Biz does an excellent job promoting the figure in its nicely-manufactured box.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

WWE BROTHERS OF DESTRUCTIONS – KANE & THE UNDERTAKER (MATTEL/WWE ACTION FIGURES BATTLE TWO-PACK)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 26, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released by the WWE through Mattel in 2017 as part of its 43rd series, this ‘battle’ two-pack features The Brothers of Destruction: Kane and the Undertaker.

REVIEW:

These two ‘basic’ figures definitely live up to that branding. This means that the figures have limited articulation, as compared to their higher-end (and higher-priced) counterparts, but that’s okay. When trying to replicate two fifty-something guys as action figures, it’s probably more accurate to say they can’t move quite as freely. This set also comes with a shovel to use as a weapon or a burying tool (for landscaping purposes).

Starting with The Undertaker, this version of ‘The Deadman’ is very reminiscent of his SummerSlam 2015 look. The main issue is that this figure’s eyes are bugged out, making it more of a distraction than a help. One good thing about this figure is that his tattoos are accurate; however, they’re all with brown printing, unlike higher quality alternatives. Besides that, he’s not that bad — but the figure just feels cheap. The same cannot be said for Kane. ‘The Big Red Machine’ has great red stitching, plus a flame running up his left leg. The face is really detailed, though it’s still inaccurate. This figure feels more like the menacing Kane from the late 90’s in a newer outfit rather than a 51-year old part-timer. Still good though!

Is this pair worth tracking down? For younger kids, sure! One thing about having two figures is that siblings can trade off on them and play WWE wrestling together. As for adult collectors, this isn’t anything more than a run-of-the-mill attempt to cash in on fans of either Kane or The Undertaker.

BONUS FEATURES:

The bonus is the gray plastic shovel for them to share.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars