Month: November 2020

HULK HOGAN IN RED HULKAMANIA SHIRT & BLACK PANTS (WWE/MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

From Mattel in 2011, this 7-inch WWE figure represents an older Hulk Hogan casually dressed with a painted-on ensemble.

His outfit consists of: a red-and-yellow “Hulkamania” headband (non-detachable); yellow-and-black sunglasses; a matching red-and-yellow “Hulkamania” cut-off shirt; black slacks with a silver-buckled black belt; and black hiking boots. A black italicized “I am that I am” (worthy of Popeye) tattoo adorns his right forearm. His articulation includes: 1. His head barely nods and turns slightly both directions. 2. His buff arms are easily flexible, in part due to the well-built joints in his elbows and wrists. The arms easily rotate the full 360-degrees while the wrists bend back and forth. 3. His waist also rotates 360-degrees, but his abdomen & ribs don’t bend. However, his full upper body will bow. 4. The legs sufficiently bend at the knees, so sitting pose and running poses are viable options. The legs also easily swing back and forth. 5. The ankle joins allow his boots to tilt slightly in both directions.

REVIEW:

With or without the sunglasses, its resemblance to the Hulkster is spot-on. Even his blue eyes and blonde hair & handlebar moustache are depicted with impressive care. The paint job (especially the red T-shirt) is immaculate. Impressively, surprising flexibility ensures that this Hulk Hogan is available for either playtime or display options. Peg holes are included in the bottom of the hiking boots for any display bases. Whether he is posing with his 24-inch pythons, or pounding his next adversary with a leg-drop, this Hulk Hogan figure is a great buy at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Though a bit flimsy, Hogan’s yellow-and-black-shades are detachable. To re-attach them, these sunglasses must slide through his bandanna. A display base isn’t included.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective. The Hulkster’s photo shows him wearing the same red cut-off shirt.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games TV Series

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED’S OBSIDIAN (MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

Released by Mattel several years ago in its long-running Justice League Unlimited (JLU) action figure line, this 4.75-inch Obsidian is likely the first-ever toy of this particular DC Comics hero. As the twin brother of Jade and the son of the Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott), the shadowy Obsidian has been a recurring presence (sometimes, as a villain) in DC storylines since his 1983 debut with Infinity, Inc.

REVIEW:

Resembling his animated counterpart, this Obsidian has a stellar dark-blue-black-and-silver paint job. His gray rubber cloak is firmly attached. In terms of articulation, the figure has: 1. His head has full 360-degree mobility. 2. The arms can rotate the full 360-degrees. 3. His upper body can bend into a bowing position. 4. The legs can simulate walking, running, and kicking poses. 5. There is a single peg hole on the bottom of Obsidian’s right foot for the small clear plastic display stands that some JLU figures are packaged with.

For ages 4 and up, this figure is certainly ideal for playtime or display purposes (as this Obsidian will indefinitely stand without a support base).

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Accessories aren’t included.

PACKAGING:

Finding him sold separately means it’s likely a loose figure. This reviewer is aware that Obsidian is included in Mattel’s JLU three-packs with the cowboy Vigilante & Brainiac. He also appears in Mattel’s JLU – The League United six-pack with Mr. Terrific; Superman; Elongated Man; Supergirl; and Hourman.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Action Figures DC-Related Toys & Games

JUSTICE LEAGUE’S MARTIAN MANHUNTER/J’ONN J’ONZZ (DC COMICS ACTION FIGURE)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY:

From DC Comics’ Justice League action figure series, this approximately 7½ -inch Martian Mahunter (aka J’onn J’onzz) figure has a heavily muscular physique.

With the exception of his attached blue rubber cloak, his entire costume is painted on. The figure possesses the following articulation: 1. With effort, the head can turn a full 360-degrees. 2. Aided by elbow joints, the otherwise stiff arms will move fairly well and can extend outwards. 3. Despite its limber knee joints, the legs barely move. 5. For some unknown reason, the blue boots will swivel a full 360-degrees. 6. If properly positioned, he can indefinitely retain some a standing pose. 7. The bottom of his right boot includes a single peg hole to insert J’onn J’onzz on any display bases he may fit.

REVIEW:

Sporting a spot-on resemblance, including his red eyes, this super-ripped Justice Leaguer effectively brings back memories of his classic look. Its high-caliber paint job and sturdy construction are this Martian Manhunter’s most vital assets. However, the figure’s stiffness, unusual heaviness, and almost non-existent articulation, however, doesn’t make it an ideal choice for a kid’s playtime. Instead, this statue-like figure proves best as a display-only option for J’onn J’onzz fans. Its imposing presence should inspire some interesting comparisons to his various other figure incarnations.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

To the best of this reviewer’s recollection, this figure might come with a Justice League display stand.

PACKAGING:

Being unable to pinpoint its manufacturer, this segment of the review, unfortunately, must remain incomplete.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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

AURA (by BrunuhVille: Aura)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:29 Min.

Released by Portuguese composer, BrunuhVille, it’s the lead-off track from his same-titled 2013 album.

REVIEW:

Its melancholic ambiance is balanced by a beautiful serenity later in the track. In that sense, BrunuhVille’s magic as a musical artist-composer on this track is comparable to similar work by Secret Garden. For epic instrumental enthusiasts, this somber track is definitely a gem worth downloading for fantasy-adventure playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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CD's Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows

ANGELES (by Enya: Shepherd Moons)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:01 Min.

It’s the fifth track of Enya’s 1992 Shepherd Moons album.

REVIEW:

Everything works on this classy track, as Enya’s vocals are ideal for the soothing melody. For any meditative-relaxation playlists, the tranquility of “Angeles” is a can’t-miss prospect.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Movies & Television (Videos) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

AXEL F. (by Harold Faltermeyer: Beverly Hills Cop movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:04 Min.

Performed by composer-conductor Harold Faltermeyer, this instrumental appears on 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop film soundtrack. The recurring theme narrates Eddie Murphy’s Detroit police detective ‘Axel Foley,’ as he searches for illicit evidence proving who killed a childhood friend.

REVIEW:

It’s likely one of the most enduring movie instrumentals of the 80’s. Harold Faltermeyer designed this catchy theme to be synonymous with Axel Foley’s sneaky ingenuity/improvisations, not to mention his team-up antics with fellow cops Taggart & Rosewood (John Ashton & Judge Reinhold). Faltermeyer’s spot-on instrumental work here remains a gem. For soundtrack playlists or just simply ‘80s nostalgia, “Axel F.” is a can’t- miss download option.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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CD's Individual Tracks (CD's) Movies & Television (Videos) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Soundtracks (CD's)

ALMOST PARADISE (by Ann Wilson & Mike Reno: Footloose {1984} movie soundtrack, 15th Anniversary Edition)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:49 Min.

Recorded for 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack, Heart’s Ann Wilson duets with Loverboy’s Mike Reno. Including the soundtrack’s 1998 15th Anniversary Edition, this radio-friendly love song has subsequently appeared on a number of ‘80s pop compilation albums.

REVIEW:

Pairing Ann Wilson and Mike Reno in a romantic duet was an inspired choice, given the gorgeous melody. There’s no mistaking that their polished vocals are electric, as both of them are at the top of their game. The song’s weakness clearly isn’t Wilson and Reno; rather, it’s more the overly sentimental lyrics. Suffice to say, “Almost Paradise” risks soaring into romantic pop drivel.

Even so, as long as the lyrics are more of an afterthought, the song makes a good choice for ‘80s pop and road trip playlists. The only other caveat, ironically enough, stems from Footloose itself. Whether it’s interpreted as adult lust and/or loneliness, this song’s yearning context seems, at best, awkward, if applied to the film’s love-struck (and underage) teenagers portrayed by Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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CD's Individual Tracks (CD's) Movies & Television (Videos) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Soundtracks (CD's)

ALL TIME HIGH {from Octopussy} (by Rita Coolidge: Best of Bond … James Bond, 2008 edition)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:03 Min.

Originally for 1983’s Octopussy starring Roger Moore, this James Bond tune was recorded by Rita Coolidge. This song has since been re-released on various compilation albums, primarily multiple updates of the Best of Bond … James Bond (which assembles the franchise’s theme songs to date).

Note: The Best of Bond … James Bond series includes a 40^th anniversary edition in 2002 and a subsequent update in 2008 for Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent (or perhaps too imitative) of Carly Simon, Rita Coolidge’s breezy vocals are this tune’s best asset. Otherwise, “All Time High” would likely fade into easy-listening obscurity, as even casual fans might not recognize this classy Early ‘80s love song as a James Bond theme. Its chief claim to fame, otherwise, is that “All Time High” is the first Bond title song to exclude the movie’s title from its lyrics (1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’s instrumental theme, notwithstanding).

In an intriguing, yet perhaps not coincidental, twist, “All Time High” sounds vaguely similar to Lani Hall & Michel Legrand’s “Never Say Never Again,” — which was also released in 1983 for Sean Connery’s same-named Bond film competing against Roger Moore. While the sly Hall/Legrand tune is closer to a lounge act performance, Coolidge’s “All Time High” has a more polished melody. Frankly, it makes too little difference, as both of these 1983 Bond tunes are at best average.

If given a choice, though, one might prefer finding Hall’s “Never Say Never Again” over Coolidge’s “All Time High,” as Hall’s jazzy tune is catchier.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

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Classical, Electronica, & New Age Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

ROWENA {Cover: from Mr. Holland’s Opus} (by The Seattle Symphony Orchestra: Michael Kamen’s Opus)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:57 Min.

Composer-conductor Michael Kamen devised the instrumental, “Rowena,” for the soundtrack of the acclaimed 1995 Richard Dreyfuss drama, Mr. Holland’s Opus. A few years later, the Seattle Symphony Orchestra performed the track for the 1998 Michael Kamen’s Opus retrospective album.

REVIEW:

It isn’t distinctive, but composer Michael Kamen imbues “Rowena” with an intriguing sense of melancholy. This somber track conveys a down-to-earth narrative with appropriately poignant touches at the right moments. Though the theme perhaps overstays its welcome, “Rowena” should blend in well with instrumental and classical music playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

CD's Movies & Television (Videos) Soundtracks (CD's)

STAND BY ME [Movie Soundtrack] (by Various Artists)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 2, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 23 Min.

Released by Atlantic Recording Corporation in 1986, this soundtrack features ten vintage songs by the original artists. The tracks are:

Title: Artist: Running Time:

Everyday Buddy Holly 2:07
Let the Good Times Roll Shirley and Lee 2:22
Come Go With Me The Del Vikings 2:40
Whispering Bells The Del Vikings 2:25
Get a Job The Silhouettes 2:44
Lollipop The Chordettes 2:09
Yakety Yak The Coasters 2:49
Great Balls of Fire Jerry Lee Lewis 1:49
Mr. Lee The Bobbettes 2:14
Stand By Me Ben E. King 2:55

REVIEW:

It’s the kind of album that is easily overrated as nostalgia or simply easy to dismiss altogether. Saved for last, the title tune’s timeless magic is worth the price of admission alone. Yet, apart from Ben E. King’s classy presence, the Stand By Me soundtrack comes off as a merely a sample of American Graffiti’s far more extensive songbook. Even if this compilation is by no means remarkable, its well-chosen assortment offers a pleasant retro-style listening experience. The album’s ridiculously short running time, however, is its biggest detriment. If one doesn’t mind how fleeting this album really is, then it’s likely a worthwhile bargain.

PACKAGING:

All the tracks, artists, and their running times are listed on the case’s back cover. The fold-out booklet includes stills, a track listing; running times; composition credits; and artist credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars