Month: January 2021

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: FREEZER BURN (Episode 20)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 27, 2017. Pursuing a snarky Killer Frost into Gotham City, Firestorm becomes smitten with his icy nemesis, as she eludes him. Simultaneously, Batman’s failure thwarting Mr. Freeze’s latest scheme results in the Dark Knight saving himself from certain death.

Despite her enthusiasm for a team-up, Killer Frost is double-crossed by Mr. Freeze, as he forcibly uses her to power an ice weapon-armed airship. It’s up to Batman & a wildly enthusiastic Firestorm to save Gotham from a frozen fate and rescue Killer Frost from Freeze’s clutches.

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky

Firestorm: P.J. Byrne

Killer Frost: Mena Suvari

Mr. Freeze: Peter Stormare

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

It’s reminiscent of a Brave and The Bold comic book team-up from the mid-1980’s, but this story enjoys a terrific contemporary spin. Mena Suvari’s feisty take on a hip Killer Frost (reminiscent of Catwoman’s personality) provides some great chemistry with P.J. Byrne and Stephen Tobolowsky voicing Firestorm’s dual personas. Anchoring this story is an entertaining business-as-usual Batman vs. Mr. Freeze caper that voice actors Kevin Conroy and Peter Stormare carry out to perfection.

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good for this episode. Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans can appreciate this well-played adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: RAGE OF THE RED LANTERNS (Episode 19)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 20, 2017. Ingeniously pitting the Justice League vs. five foul-tempered Red Lanterns at the Watchtower, a scheming Lobo succeeds in swiping a mystical weapon. It’s no surprise that Lobo obnoxiously likes his odds facing a 10-1 disadvantage.

Lobo: John DiMaggio

Superman / Red Lantern Dex-Starr: Jason J. Lewis

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Wonder Woman / Red Lantern Bleez: Rachel Kimsey

Cyborg: Khary Payton

Atrocitus: Michael Dorn

Red Lantern Zilius Zox: Armin Shimerman

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

Aside from a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine reunion for voice actors Michael Dorn and Armin Shimerman, what stands out most is John DiMaggio’s grumbly Lobo. Allotted plenty of screen time, it’s obvious that DiMaggio is merely recycling his Yosemite Sam voice from The Looney Tunes Show. Still, the voice cast chemistry is otherwise terrific, including Jason J. Lewis doubling as the blue feline Dex-Starr.

The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, actually looks pretty good when paired with this comic book-worthy script. The League’s action sequences vs. the Red Lanterns and against Lobo are excellent for this series. Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should like this top-tier Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: FIELD TRIP (Episode 18)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 13, 2017. While conducting a tour of the Fortress of Solitude for the League’s teenage members, Superman is accidently sucked into the Phantom Zone. Blue Beetle, Stargirl, and Firestorm are all that stands between desperate Kryptonian escapees Zod, Faora (aka Ursa), and Quex-Ul (aka Non) from breaching the Fortress to likely-unstoppable freedom under Earth’s yellow sun.

Superman / Zod / Quex-Ul: Jason J. Lewis

Stargirl: Natalie Lander

Firestorm: P.J. Byrne

Blue Beetle: Jake T. Austin

Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky

Faora: Fryda Wolff

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

Shining a decent spotlight on the League’s rookies, it’s a fun adventure for Stargirl, Firestorm, and Blue Beetle. Balancing the battle scenes with appropriate humor, all three teenage super-heroes get worthy moments. Firestorm’s hilarious scene trying to grasp kryptonite’s complex chemistry is the show stealer. Yet, there really isn’t anything else remarkable about this ‘Zod Squad’ episode.

The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, holds up fine, as the icy Fortress visuals stand out best. As the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids won’t likely complain about the episode’s mostly unimpressive artwork. For some lightweight entertainment, “Field Trip” will likely satisfy young Justice League fans.

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING: 5 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).

JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: PLASTIC MAN SAVES THE WORLD (Episode 17)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 6, 2017. Brainiac threatens to swipe Metropolis for his collection of bottled cities before destroying Earth. Standing against him are Vixen, Cyborg, Batman, and Superman. Rebuffed by the League, Plastic Man takes it upon himself to thwart Brainiac by infiltrating the villain’s starship hovering above Metropolis. Is the wacky Plastic Man willing to sacrifice himself to save Earth?

Plastic Man: Dana Snyder

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Vixen: Jasika Nicole

Cyborg: Khary Payton

Brainiac: John de Lancie

Brainiac’s Robots: Fred Tatasciore

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess.

REVIEW:

Usually best in small doses, voice actor Dana Snyder’s grating take on Plastic Man holds up surprisingly well in this showcase. Snyder is at his best playing up an undercover Plastic Man’s comedy bits aboard Brainiac’s starship. The voice cast regulars (including Jasika Nicole’s Vixen) are further enhanced by the perfect casting of John De Lancie as a vintage Brainiac.

The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, doesn’t impact the entertaining script too much. Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult Plastic Man fans should like this fun Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).

Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

LAURA {Cover} (by Carly Simon: Film Noir)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:47 Min.

For the same-named 1944 black-and-white mystery film starring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, & Vincent Price, composer David Raksin created its melody as an instrumental. Due to the tune’s enduring popularity, songwriter Johnny Mercer contributed lyrics the following year. Among innumerable artists covering this jazz standard for nearly 80 years, Carly Simon offers her own homage on her 1997 cover album, Film Noir.

REVIEW:

Simon couldn’t have selected a more appropriate tune for her album. There are three equal components in play here: 1. David Raksin’s haunting melody still reverberates throughout this modern interpretation; 2. Johnny Mercer’s lyrics convey an eerie world caught between a ghost story and a wistful romantic fantasy; and 3. Channeled through Carly Simon’s ethereal vocals, her performance binds it all together.

In a first-class effort, this melancholic jazz classic comes to life again through Simon. Retroactively speaking, Simon’s cover would been ideal for the film itself. Absolutely recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars

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

ONE TREE HILL (by U2: The Joshua Tree)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:43 Min.

It’s the ninth track off U2’s seminal 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.

REVIEW:

Much like “Running to Stand Still” and “Red Hill Mining Town,” from this same album, this track isn’t another U2 radio hit. Even if it could be construed as glorified filler, “One Tree Hill” provides a well-played insight into the band’s distinctive style. Before deciding if it merits a solo download, think of this song as really more of a companion piece to the album’s big hits. Still, for listeners downloading The Joshua Tree in its entirety, “One Tree Hill” proves a track worth hearing.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL # 2 (1986 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

Written by John Byrne

Art by John Byrne; John Costanza; Dick Giordano; & Tom Ziuko

Cover Art by John Byrne & Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Released in late July 1986 (with an October 1986 cover date) by DC Comics, it’s the second issue of a six-part mini-series restarting Superman’s continuity after the game-changing Crisis on Infinite Earths saga. Entitled “The Story of the Century!,” it’s the after-shock of Superman’s stunning public debut. Now patrolling Metropolis in the familiar red, blue, & yellow, the mysterious Man of Steel rockets to the top of Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane’s priority list.

A series of frustrating dead ends pushes Lois to use desperate tactics to score her exclusive interview. Yet, could some interloper named Kent looking for work outrace her to the year’s biggest headline?

REVIEW:

With John Byrne steering this ship, Superman: The Man of Steel # 2 is a terrific read for all ages. Keeping things simple, Byrne freshly updates Superman’s cast for the mid-80’s in a soft re-launch. On the one hand, this ‘rookie’ Superman comes off as a not-quite-naïve adult Boy Scout flying around in super-hero tights. He isn’t quite Christopher Reeve’s Superman, but this Man of Steel treads closer to that ideal than DC had previously depicted him. Yet, Byrne conveying Lois in a manner similar to her Margot Kidder incarnation has her earning this issue’s MVP honors.

Byrne’s handiwork extends to the solid visuals – there’s no mistaking his down-to-earth creative style. The artwork is nicely suited to his script. Suffice to say, Superman: The Man of Steel # 2 retains its charm thirty-five years later.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Editor Dick Giordano’s “Meanwhile …” column is on the back inside cover. A brief “DC Checklist” of issues released the week of 7-24-86 share the same space.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

OUT OF THE DARK (by Mandisa Hundley: Out of the Dark)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:01 Min.

Appearing as Track # 3, it’s the title cut off Mandisa Hundley’s 2017 album.

REVIEW:

Mandisa Hundley’s sparkly vocals are ideal for this tune recalling vintage ‘80s dance/R&B. With its brief hop-hop twist, the melody’s exuberance becomes remarkably endearing. Mandisa’s classy “Out of the Dark” qualifies for any number of playlists, including dance, pop, and aerobic workouts. It’s an underrated gem.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

FEEL THE FIRE {Cover} (Maysa Leak: Feel the Fire)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:05 Min.

Written by Peabo Bryson, “Feel the Fire” was first released as a 1980 duet between Bryson and Roberta Flack. For her same-named 2005 R&B/Soul cover album, Maysa Leak revisits Bryson’s romantic ballad.

REVIEW:

Talk about a dynamite cover! Not only is the melody a terrific recreation of creative stylings from that era, vocalist Maysa Leak puts considerable heart into this soul classic. Leak’s take on “Feel the Fire” is absolutely worth adding as a download to any R&B/Soul playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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

ONSLAUGHT (Cold Black featuring Andy Taylor: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 22, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:07 Min.

Released in 2012, this European-style techno-dance instrumental single is performed by Cold Blank, featuring Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor.

REVIEW:

For fans of indistinctive techno-dance melodies, this relentless tune fits the bill. “Onslaught” tends to repeat itself, but the track’s pulsating beat (including synthesizer sound effects reminiscent of a laser blaster) is undeniably cool. It’s an ideal choice for dance and workout playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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