Categories
Action Figures DC-Related Movies & Television (Videos) Toys & Games

MAN OF STEEL’S HENRY CAVILL AS SUPERMAN (MATTEL ACTION FIGURE)

SUMMARY:

Inspired by the 2013 Man of Steel film, this 6-inch Mattel figure represents actor Henry Cavill as Superman in a faithful rendition of his movie costume.

REVIEW:

Its best asset is a spot-on likeness of Cavill’s Superman.  Sporting an excellent paint job, the dark blue and its subtle gray trim meshes well with the Superman logo and the matching dark red boots and cape.  The costume’s rubbery texture is also faithfully recreated.  In terms of its articulation points: 1. The head turns a full 360-degree rotation.  2.  Bending at the elbows, the arms and wrists can both do 360-degree rotations, but the arms don’t maneuver particularly well for flying poses.  3. Bending at both the knees (slightly) and ankles (nicely limber), the legs can swing out relatively well and twist a full 360-degree rotation above the knees.  4.  In a standing position, the figure holds up well for display poses.  The figure’s feet has peg holes for placing the figure on display stands it fits (though none are included). 

Among the Cavill-as-Superman figures available, this basic Mattel rendition is a reliable option for fans — either at playtime or for display poses. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

PACKAGING:

The figure comes in a standard Mattel box adorned with Man of Steel promo imagery.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                       7½ Stars

Categories
HARRY POTTER-Related Movies & Television (Videos) Party Games & Playing Cards Toys & Games

HARRY POTTER PLAYING CARDS (by Aquarius)

SUMMARY:

Produced by Aquarius, this licensed standard-size deck of playing cards celebrates Harry Potter props and non-human characters connected to the film franchise (some are photos; others are artistic representations).  However, none of the actors actually appear in this particular deck.

REVIEW:

For Harry Potter aficionados (especially kids), it’s something of a bait-and-switch.  While the ornate artwork is generally excellent, this desk doesn’t provide visuals of actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, etc.  Even the artistic imagery of Harry and his friends from the books isn’t included.  Essentially, the closest a player gets to Harry Potter in this deck are images of his eyeglasses and wand.  In fairness, the deck’s outer box is ambiguous re: the contents, but a disclaimer would have been appreciated for consumers expecting to actually see Harry Potter. 

Handling these stylish cards can be a bit slippery, which implies their durability isn’t as reliable as a standard-issue card deck. 

BONUS FEATURES:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5 Stars

Categories
Decorations Dolls, Statues, & Busts MARVEL-Related Movies & Television (Videos) Toys & Games

INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE’S SPIDER-MAN NOIR (FUNKO STATUETTE)

SUMMARY:

He has appeared in the Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions video game and 2018’s animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse film.  In 2018, he made his Funko debut.  This Spider-Man Noir stands the usual Funko height (about 3.75 inches).     

REVIEW:

Sporting silvery gray-lensed eyes, gray lines in his mask, faux silver metallic buttons on his sleeveless black duster, and shiny black military-style boots, Spider-Man Noir’s costume detailing is awesome.  Durable and well-manufactured in hard plastic/vinyl with a top-caliber paint job, this nocturnal Spider-Man (short of wall-crawling) makes for a fun desk or bookcase decoration.  Quite frankly, this ultra-cool Funko should appeal to any Spider-Man collector.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 9 Stars

Categories
Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows

THE AWAKENING (by Ivan Torrent: single)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 5:01 Min.

This 2014 instrumental single is from Spanish composer-musician Ivan Torrent. It’s available for purchase as a digital download.

REVIEW:

Creepy in an X-Files sort of way, Ivan Torrent quickly assimilates his patented epic instrumental touch upon “The Awakening.”   Its underlying electronica effect would bolster any dark sci-fi movie or video game storyline likely involving invading aliens and/or monsters.  Another possibility, if the ambiguous title wis any hint, perhaps this track conveys a sci-fi/horror tale of someone discovering his/her inner monster.  This single isn’t exceptional by itself, but, if it were attached to a fully-developed soundtrack, “The Awakening” would be formidable.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE