Month: April 2022

MAKING TODAY A PERFECT DAY (by The Cast of Frozen Fever: 2015 single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 19, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:01 Min.

Frozen’s animated 2015 mini-sequel, “Frozen Fever,” has a cold-stricken Elsa guiding her sister, Anna, through a series of birthday surprises inside and outside their castle. Partially told through narrative dialogue, “Make Today a Perfect Day” primarily features Frozen cast members Idina Menzel & Kristen Bell, with help from castmates Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, among others.

REVIEW:

Working off a well-scripted narrative, Kristen Bell (as Anna) and Idina Menzel (as Elsa) are in endearing form. Josh Gad’s Olaf and Jonathan Groff’s Kristoph also make nice contributions amidst this catchy song’s chorus. As charming as this track is, the sole odd note is the demure finish — a poignant last dialogue exchange between Elsa and Anna is so faint that it’s practically inaudible. For Frozen fans, this tune makes an ideal addition to related playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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DVD LOONEY TUNES-Related Movies & Television (Videos)

LOONEY TUNES: RABBITS RUN

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 19, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 75:00 Min.

Released by Warner Bros. Animation in 2015, this direct-to-DVD film (in fitted widescreen) isn’t a sequel to the 2011-2013 Looney Tunes Show program. Though most of the same voice cast returns, Kristen Wiig is replaced by co-screenwriter/co-voice director Rachel Ramras as ‘Lola Bunny.’ Further, despite utilizing a near-identical animation style, this storyline is a different continuity than what was previously depicted in the Looney Tunes Show. The same applies to rebooted visual looks for some familiar characters (i.e. Elmer Fudd & Daffy Duck).

In New York City, unemployed perfume salesperson Lola Bunny relies upon an exotic plant to concoct what she believes will be the world’s next blockbuster fragrance. Yet, spritzes of this unique perfume reveal its true power: instant invisibility, which can be reversed by water.

Enlisting help from cabbies Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck, fugitive Lola makes a mad dash for Paris to sell her fragrance. In increasingly hot pursuit of Lola & Bugs are government operatives Elmer Fudd & Cecil Turtle, would-be bounty hunter Yosemite Sam, Lola’s greedy ex-boss: Giovanni Jones, and a mysterious third party. Outlandish twists ultimately set up an out-of-this-world showdown, with its no-holds-barred winner gaining control of Lola’s creation.

REVIEW:

Given the unpredictably wacky plot twists, the good news is that the Looney Tunes creative team is mostly on their game. Despite missing Kristen Wiig’s endearing take on ‘Lola Bunny,’ the film’s likably quirky storytelling equals better episodes of the Looney Tunes Show.

As intended, kids will get the biggest kick out of Rabbits Run. Adults, however, after a welcome first viewing, will likely recall why Looney Tunes humor works best in far smaller doses — as in seven minutes. If anything, though, fans of Bugs & Lola’s ‘romance’ won’t be disappointed.

BONUS FEATURES:

Available languages are English & Spanish, with subtitles presented in either English or French. Why Spanish wouldn’t also be included in the subtitle options doesn’t make sense.

Included are two animation film trailers: the Scooby-Doo/KISS crossover and the first Batman Unlimited. There’s also five animated extras. First up is the Looney Tunes Show pilot episode: “Best Friends,” which includes Elmer Fudd’s somewhat suggestive music video, “Grilled Cheese.” The TV episode is good fun parodying game shows, as well as providing an insightful view of Bugs & Daffy as ‘Odd Couple’ housemates.

The other four cartoons first appeared theatrically in 3D. Three of them are Road Runner/Wile E. Coyote capers: “Coyote Falls,” “Fur of Flying;” and “Rapid Rider.” Essentially a music video for a 1950’s Sylvester & Tweety novelty song recorded by Mel Blanc & June Foray, the last one is “I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat.”

Though the video game-like animation definitely looks expensive in these four shorts, what’s sorely missing is the timeless Looney Tunes charm that actually makes audiences laugh. Suffice to say, Warner Bros. can hire innumerable voice actors to imitate Mel Blanc, but they desperately need better storytellers who grasp how to sell funny-bone gags that directors Friz Freleng, Chuck Jones, etc. made look so easy.

PACKAGING:

The DVD casing is solidly produced. The disc’s contents are also accurately provided.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA # 203 (1982 DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 19, 2022

Written by Gerry Conway

Art by Don Heck; Romeo Tanghal; Ben Oda; & Carl Gafford

Cover Art by George Pérez & Dick Giordano

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Shuffle and Deal … With Death!,” DC Comics released this issue for June 1982. Off the San Diego coast, Aquaman takes a cocky Firestorm out to practice some at-sea training maneuvers. Yet, they are overpowered by unknown adversaries later revealed as members of The Royal Flush Gang. Found comatose and effectively neutralized, the two hospitalized Leaguers may require specialized medical assistance to ensure their survival.

Sent by Elongated Man to investigate, Wonder Woman is similarly ambushed and then shockingly left for dead. Utilizing a formidable new weapon, the Royal Flushes aren’t even bothering to capture the League. They already consider their long-time adversaries as good as gone.

With this new deck stacked against them, the JLA appears to be rapidly falling one by one. Still, another stunning twist is afoot within the resurgent and deadlier-than-ever Royal Flush Gang.

Note: Despite his appearance on the cover, Superman doesn’t appear in this issue.

REVIEW:

Bolstered by likable artwork, writer Gerry Conway’s plotting delivers a fun opener where the Royal Flush Gang, despite their past failures, easily wins the opening round. Even if this storyline is ordinary enough, it’s still solid DC entertainment.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “JLA Mail Room” column.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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

IF YOU WERE HERE {from 1984’s Sixteen Candles} (by The Thompson Twins: VH1 – The Big 80’s — The Big Movies)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 19, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:57 Min.

Recorded by The Thompson Twins, this track from their 1983’s Quick Step & Side Kick album is heard in the 1984 Molly Ringwald film, Sixteen Candles. Among other collections, the tune would subsequently resurface on 1998’s VH1: The Big 80’s – The Big Movies compilation album.

REVIEW:

As a New Wave pop equivalent of a cologne spritz, “If You Were Here” retains a timeless scent linking it to the mid-80s. The song’s subtle charm and slightly quirky sound makes it a decent catch for ‘80s New Wave/nostalgia pop and/or soundtrack playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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Comic Books & Graphic Novels Fantasy, Horror, & Science Fiction Independent Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

THE HOLLOWS: BLOOD WORK (DEL REY Books)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 19, 2022

Written by Kim Harrison.

Art by Pedro Maia; Gemma Magno; Emam Casallos; Jan Michael T. Aldeguer; Jezreel Rojales; P.C. Siqeira; Mae Hao; & Zach Matheny.

Cover Illustration by Juliana Kolesova. Flap & Back Jacket Illustration by Pedro Maia.

SUMMARY:

Released by Del Rey Books in 2011, this 170-page hardcover graphic novel is a seven-chapter prequel to Kim Harrison’s The Hollows urban fantasy-horror series. In an alternate-reality Cincinnati, Inderland Security (I.S.) polices the decadent supernatural community. As the I.S. equivalent of a plainclothes street cop, jaded vampire Ivy Tamwood is begrudgingly assigned as the senior partner of free-spirited witch Rachel Morgan.

The twenty-something duo instantly clash over basic methodology, as they probe a werewolf’s ominous homicide. Ivy is gradually impressed by Rachel’s investigative instincts, as their teamwork draws them closer to the deceptive truth. Yet, Rachel’s rebellious, good-natured allure triggers an underlying sexual current/blood lust from Ivy.

Ominously, having arranged the duo’s I.S. partnership, others may share Ivy’s ulterior agenda to someday control Rachel’s destiny.

REVIEW:

Blood Work isn’t necessarily a huge disappointment, but it still falls far short of impressive. Though the style is reminiscent of Marvel’s Anita Blake adaptations, neither Blood Work’s rudimentary visuals nor Kim Harrison’s inconclusive plotting deliver much of anything worthwhile. A semi-naïve Rachel Morgan is marginally likable; otherwise, Harrison’s one-dimensional cast provides minimal incentive to finish reading this storyline.

More suggestive than flat-out gross as several of Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake stories are, Blood Work’s premise occasionally presents glimmers of potential. The problem is that this supernatural-cop murder-mystery concocts an utterly blah read. To give Blood Work the comparative benefit of the doubt, trying one of Harrison’s Hollows novels first makes the most sense.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Harrison presents a single-page introduction. Brief bios on Harrison & artist Pedro Maia are provided. Maia’s eleven-page project sketchbook explores the visual look he created for Blood Work’s pivotal characters (under Harrison’s supervision). A three-page guide delves into Blood Work’s production. Lastly, there’s a three-page Del Rey interview with Harrison.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

AVENGERS # 51 {aka AVENGERS # 466} (2002 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 19, 2022

Written by Kurt Busiek

Art by Brent Anderson; Tom Palmer; Tom Smith; Richard Starkings; & Comicraft’s Albert Deschesne

Cover Art by Kieron Dwyer

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for April 2002, the issue is entitled “Prisoners – A Love Story.” Kang’s militaristic forces have conquered present-day Earth. Most of its surviving heroes have been forcibly depowered and imprisoned in high-tech internment camps. In hiding, far too few of the super-powered rebels have evaded capture. Simon “Wonder Man” Williams has now fallen, as he joins the Wanda Maximoff – the Scarlet Witch, who already resides amongst the mortals steadily losing hope in one of the impregnable camps.

Soon, Wanda & a shackled Simon helplessly witness Kang’s enforcers enforce its death penalty against innocents to deter potential escapees. Re-establishing an emotional bond, the two Avengers contemplate a desperate bid for freedom.

Notes: This particular edition accompanied a 2005 Marvel Legends Wonder Man variant figure (in his iconic energy form). Also, this story doesn’t specify if it occurs on one of Marvel’s inifinite parallel earths.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of a bleak What If alternate-reality storyline where the surviving Avengers become tortured Kree prisoners-of-war, this issue benefits most from consistently solid artwork. Despite the poignant chemistry Wanda & Simon share, the depressing plot (as realistic as it seems) won’t likely motivate multiple reads.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels DC Comics DC's Hardcovers & Trade Paperbacks

52, VOLUME 3 (DC Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date April 19, 2022

Written by Geoff Johns; Grant Morrison; Greg Rucka; & Mark Waid.

Art by Keith Giffen; Chris Batista; Joe bennett; Tom Derenick; Jamal Igle; Phil Jimenez; Drew Johnson; Dan Jurgens; Shawn Moll; Patrick Olliffe; Joe Prado; Andy Smith; Mariah Benes; Joe Bennett; Keith Champagne; Drew Geraci; Dan Green; Jack Jadson; Ruy Jose; Andy Lanning; Jay Leisten; Dave Meikis; ‘Nelson;’ Rodney Ramos; Norm Rapmund; Prentis Rollins; Ray Snyder; David Baron; Hi-Fi; Pete Pantazis; Alex Sinclair; Phil Balsman; Pat Brosseau; Jared K. Fletcher; Rob Leigh; & Travis Lanham.

Collection Cover Art by J.G. Jones & Alex Sinclair, with Robbie Biederman.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2007, this 304-page paperback compiles 52 # 27-39 (from 2006-2007) in the saga’s second-to-last volume. Including glimpses of Bruce Wayne’s enigmatic desert quest and a powerless Clark Kent’s abduction, 52, Volume 3 continues these storylines:

With the explosive demise of Booster Gold, the masked Supernova is the new sensation of Metropolis.
Superman remains mysteriously absent. Dubbed his ‘Everyman’ project, Lex Luthor takes advantage by pushing his own ominous, pay-to-play new incarnation of Infinity, Inc. The source of super-powers for these rookie renegades seeking instant fame and glory has John Henry Irons/Steel’s research team and a depleted JSA (including an outraged Obsidian) challenging Luthor’s ulterior motives and means. Worse yet, John Henry’s own niece, Natasha, has joined this Infinity, Inc. to escape Steel’s heroic shadow.
Accompanied by the Helmet of Nabu (Dr. Fate’s helmet), Ralph Dibny continues his obsessive quest to resurrect his beloved wife, Sue, by supernatural means. Ralph’s efforts include facing off vs. Jean Loring’s Eclipso and even challenging the Spectre for answers.
In deep space, sinister forces are at ruthless work. To aid the Green Lantern Corps, Starfire, Adam Strange, Animal Man join Lobo on a perilous mission that will hopefully lead the lost trio back home to Earth.
On secluded Oolong Island, the Metal Men’s Dr. Will Magnus is uneasily surrounded by evil super-geniuses (including Veronica Cale & Dr. Sivana) in gleeful subservience to Chang Tzu.
With the original Question terminally ill, Renee Montoya commutes to and from Nanda Parbat, as she may become his eventual successor. They help Kate Kane’s rookie Batwoman in battling Intergang’s near-biblical crime wave infesting Gotham City. Having departed Bruce Wayne’s year-long sabbatical, Dick Grayson & Tim Drake return to a besieged Gotham.
Viewed as an imminent threat to American security, the Black Adam Family (Black Adam, Isis, & Osiris) is targeted for termination by the Suicide Squad.
Rip Hunter, Waverider, & a secret ally discover the shocking threat plundering the space-time continuum.

REVIEW:

Volume 3’s production values are consistently impressive. Continuing its controversial approach after the ultra-violent Infinite Crisis, DC Comics eschews its pre-teen audience altogether for darker and more mature storytelling in the DC Universe.

Yet, what hits home is that 52, Volume 3, as engrossing and cohesive of an initial read as it is, doesn’t necessarily maintain that same appeal the second time or more around. An excess of macabre plotting and some unrepentant gore deplete any sense of innocent fun that DC Comics once proudly stood for. Hence, 52’s fans won’t be disappointed, but kids should look elsewhere for appropriate DC entertainment.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

For starters, there’s a page-long summary of 52’s multitude of ongoing storylines. After each chapter, members of the creative team offer plot commentaries, page breakdowns, and script analyses. There’s a gallery of artists J.G. Jones & Alex Sinclair’s covers (with four to a page), with only Issue # 27 getting a full-page spread.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars