Month: May 2022

AWA SOUTHERN CHAMPION “MACHO MAN” RANDY SAVAGE VS. NICK BOCKWINKEL (CWA television: Taped Early 1980’s)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11:09 Min.

This CWA match evidently occurs in Nashville, TN, but its approximate date is likely sometime in the early ‘80s between Nick Bockwinkel’s runs as AWA World Champion. Playing the babyface (a rarity – per the commentary, the ex-AWA champ hadn’t been cheered in that region in five years), Bockwinkel challenges for Randy Savage’s AWA Southern Heavyweight title.

As a dangerously agile heel, the fiery Savage is backed by a white-haired manager (whoever it is – it’s evidently not his dad, Angelo Poffo) standing at ringside with a cane.

REVIEW:

This obscure mat classic further enhances the impressive list of future Wrestling Hall-of-Famers that Nick Bockwinkel faced off against during that era (Hogan, Flair, Lawler, Hennig, Backlund, etc.). Unsurprisingly, the less-than-flashy ring veteran demonstrates his own legendary technical skills tangling with the brash and much-younger Savage.

Plausibly delivering and taking punishment from each other, the long-time ex-AWA Champion and the future WWF/WCW World Champion both appear near the top of their prospective games. For fans, it’s a well-played brawl.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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IS HE THE ONE? (by John Barry: Somewhere in Time movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:14 Min.

From 1980’s Somewhere in Time film soundtrack, composer-conductor John Barry delivers this instrumental tune (Track # 6). “Is He the One?” depicts actress Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour) contemplating whether or not her romantic destiny lies with mysterious newcomer Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve), who has crossed space and time to be with her.

REVIEW:

Reprising elements from the main theme once more, John Barry’s symphonic work continues to express its poignant magic. Though this tune isn’t distinctive, it blends seamlessly into the soundtrack’s romantic storytelling.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: CIVIL WAR (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 12, 2022

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

Art by Ron Garney; Bill Reinhold; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art & Collection Cover Art by Ron Garney

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2007, this 168-page paperback reprints The Amazing Spider-Man # 532-538 (from 2006-2007) entitled “The War at Home, Parts 1-7.”

In the Stamford, CT tragedy’s aftermath, Iron Man & Spider-Man, arrive on the scene to help and personally witness its horrific damage. A subsequent White House meeting with the President prompts Tony Stark into admitting he is Iron Man, and that he will supervise a new U.S. policy’s enforcement. Accordingly, Stark prods his protégé, the ever-reluctant Peter Parker, into publicly unmasking his long-kept secret identity. The intent is to help motivate their peers into adhering to the controversial Superhuman Registration Act.

The world’s reaction is mixed. Including a multi-million dollar fraud lawsuit from The Daily Bugle, Peter must contend with tense ramifications, both personal and public, now that his private life is no more.

Peter already has second thoughts once Stark presumptively assigns him to the Registration Act’s enforcement squad. Realizing what hardline tactics his boss is resorting to, Spider-Man’s crisis of conscience comes to a head. Forced to risk the safety of his loved ones, wife Mary Jane and Aunt May, Peter makes a startling decision.

As Marvel’s first Civil War progresses to its end, dark forces elsewhere plot to destroy Spider-Man’s life. With Peter and his family now on the run as high-profile fugitives, the stage is ominously set for the next arc: Back in Black.

Notes: Marvel Comics identifies which scenes occur amidst specific issues of Civil War. Also, Issue # 532 indicates that “The War at Home” would go six issues vs. the seven it later became.

REVIEW:

With satisfying depth, J. Michael Straczynski’s storytelling explores this game-changing event in Spider-Man’s life. Specifically, Spider-Man’s Civil War role as its pivotal ‘everyman’ comes into clear focus. Spidey’s encounters with Mr. Fantastic, Captain America, and Iron Man infer that only he conscientiously grasps all angles of the Registration Act’s dire ‘right and wrong’ vs. ‘whose side are you on?’ mentality.

One question conveniently left unaddressed, however, is: besides Spidey and possibly Mr. Fantastic, shouldn’t there be other potential dissenters (i.e. She -Hulk) on Team Stark shifting away from pro-registration? Considering Stark’s harsh means of capture and incarceration, wouldn’t others object – without necessarily joining Captain America’s forces?

Still, Straczynski’s plot twists are well-played, even if one sudden face-off isn’t unexplained. It can only be surmised that Peter’s Avengers Tower suite has been under covert electronic surveillance upon Stark’s suspicions being aroused. Had Straczynski briefly depicted Iron Man’s provocation to aggressively confront Peter, that would have been helpful Otherwise, his scripting logically evolves from Point A to Point B, etc., giving Spider-fans a fully-developed and very readable seven-part arc.

Working double-duty as both penciller and cover artist, Ron Garney presents consistently solid visuals. His highlights include some superb facial close-ups (i.e. Mary Jane), often in dramatic moments. In sync with Garney’s low-key style, the art squad’s other members contribute commendable work. Though this particular storyline might not appeal to newcomers, The Amazing Spider-Man: Civil War delivers what it promises to faithful Spider-fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Garney’s cover precedes each issue. Also included are two covers from artist Clayton Crain: his Issue # 538 variant and the Wizard # 182 (magazine) cover.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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ALAN MOORE’S COMPLETE WILDC.A.T.S. (DC Comics/WILDSTORM Productions)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 11, 2022

Written by Alan Moore.

Pencils by Travis Charest (1); Kevin Maguire (2); Ryan Benjamin & Jason Johnson (3-4); Travis Charest, Dave Johnson, & Kevin Nowlan (5); Travis Charest & Dave Johnson (6); Scott Clark & Dave Johnson (7); Travis Charest, Dave Johnson;, & Aron Wiesenfeld (8); Travis Charest & Ryan Benjamin (9-10); Mat Broome, Pate Lee, & Jim Lee (12); Mat Broome (13); Mat Broome & Rob Stotz (14); and Travis Charest (15).

Inks by Troy Hubbs (1); Troy Hubbs, Randy Elliott, Sal Regla, Trevor Scott, & Scott Williams (2); Art Thibert, Terry Austin, Hakjoon Kang, Andy Owens, & Harry Thuran (3); Tom McWeeney (4); Troy Hubbs, Kevin Nowlan, & John Nyberg (5); JD, Scott Williams, & Dave Johnson (6); Bob Wiacek & Dexter Vines (7); JD & Dave Johnson (8); JD; Richard Friend, Mark Irwin, & Luke Rizzo (9); Richard Friend, Sal Regla, Sandra Hope, John Tighe, Mark Irwin, & Luke Rizzo (10); Trevor Scott, Richard Bennett, & Jason Gorder (12); Troy Hubbs & Scott Taylor (13); Troy Hubbs, Scott Taylor, JD, Sandra Hope, & Trevor Scott (14); & JD (15).

Chapter 11: Jim Lee & Josh Wiesenfeld (layouts); Richard Bennett (finishes); & Travis Charest (art).

Letters by Bill O’Neil & Comicraft.

Colors by WildStorm FX; Bad@$$; & Alex Sinclair.

Collection Cover Art by Travis Charest.

SUMMARY:

Released by DC Comics in 2007, this 392-page WildStorm Productions paperback reprints WildC.AT.S. # 21-34 (1996-1997); Issue # 50 & WildC.A.T.S: Homecoming (1998); and WildC.A.T.S: Gang War (1999). This collection is divided into fifteen chapters.

On Earth, most of the WildC.A.T.S. are believed to have died. Despite their different objectives, Majestic & Savant recruit three replacements: Grifter’s lecherous brother, Max; the mind-altering Tao; and killer cyborg Maxine Manchester. The team soon initiates a counter-strike against gang warfare that becomes increasingly violent.

In deep space, the other WildC.AT.S. actually survived, as their starship at last arrives at planet Khera. Among them are Voodoo, the android Hadrian, EMP, Reno, & Zealot, as they’re eager to revisit their home planet. Yet, several hundred years have already elapsed in Kherubim time. The team, especially Voodoo, experiences harsh reality acclimating to changes pm present-day Khera (i.e. the fate of surviving Daemonites). Amidst mixed emotions, the teammates ultimately opt to return to their true home: Earth.

Amidst the WildC.A.T.S. reunion, some members quietly leave to restart their personal lives elsewhere. Other veterans, like Grifter, resurface to bolster the team’s short-handed roster. More so, Hadrian’s secret origin comes to light. A devastating explosion’s fallout reveals a traitor lurking among them. With three teammates badly injured, a hunt commences for the mastermind manipulating the WildC.A.T.S. for a nefarious ulterior motive.

In the epilogue, the team contemplates adding a reserve squad, but an ominous letter indicates one nightmare isn’t over yet.

REVIEW:

This project’s vast art squad contributes high-caliber visuals from start to finish. The flip side is that Alan Moore’s quirky, adult-oriented scripting remains an acquired taste. Keeping track of who’s who here may be enough work for casual readers, but grasping the underlying sub-plots necessitates prior knowledge of series continuity.

Hence, established WildC.A.T.S. fans may have a potential dilemma: Moore’s creative run is intriguing and sophisticated, but it isn’t as fun as Jim Lee & Brandon Choi’s original incarnation.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A full table-of-contents specifies each chapter’s art-team. There’s also five full-page pin-up images of various WildC.A.T.S. spread out in this book. Pin-up artists are: Lee Bemejo & John Tighe; Carlos D’Anda & Mark Irwin (twice); Travis Charest & Troy Hubbs; and Ryan Odagawa.

In a full-page format, each cover (and its credited art team) is included. The cover artists are:

Chapter 1: Jim Lee & Troy Hubbs;

Chapters 2-6: Travis Charest & Troy Hubbs;

Chapter 7: Scott Clark & Bob Wiacek;

Chapter 8, 10, & 15: Travis Charest;

Chapter 9: Travis Charest & John Nyberg;

Chapters 11-12: Jim Lee & Richard Bennett; and

Chapters 13-14: Mat Broome & Troy Hubbs;

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING (1987)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 11, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 42 Min.

Released by Touchstone Pictures in 1987, Chris Columbus (before Home Alone and the Harry Potter franchise) directed this teen comedy starring The Karate Kid’s Elisabeth Shue. In suburban Chicago, 17-year old Chris Parker’s (Shue) special date night is inexplicably canceled by her smarmy boyfriend (Whitford). As her evening is now conveniently free, her mom (Shuman) prods a disappointed Chris into a routine babysitting gig.

With her three young charges in tow, Chris must then reluctantly drive into downtown Chicago to rescue her stranded best friend, Brenda (Miller). A series of bewildering mishaps inadvertently puts Chris and the three kids in the crosshairs of ruthless mobsters. Finding her inner hero, Chris might still discover an unexpected reward salvaging undoubtedly the worst night of her teenage life.

Chris Parker: Elisabeth Shue

Sara Anderson: Maia Brewton

Brad Anderson: Keith Coogan

Daryl: Anthony Rapp

Dawson: Vincent D’Onofrio

Brenda: Penelope Ann Miller

Dan: George Newbern

Mike: Bradley Whitford

Joe Gipp: Calvin Levels

Graydon: Ron Canada

Bleak: John Davis Chandler

Mrs. Anderson: Linda Sorensen

Mr. Anderson: Dan Ziskie

Mrs. Parker: Sandra Shuman

Bag Lady: Sandi Ross

Notes: The film is also available in Blu-Ray and digital formats. A remake was filmed for the Disney Channel in 2016.

REVIEW:

Bolstered by Chris Columbus’ spot-on directing, Elisabeth Shue’s effervescence surpasses an otherwise standard-issue, 80’s kiddie PG-13 sitcom. Aside from occasional profanities, both the acting and mild plot twists work well for the movie’s intended audience.

Though today’s generation will likely deem the humor outdated, Adventures in Babysitting may prove an unexpected nostalgia treat on family movie night.

BONUS FEATURES:

Included is Dolby Digital Surround Sound and a French language track.

PACKAGING:

The DVD has an average yet sturdy casing. The DVD’s contents are accurately advertised.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

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A DAY TOGETHER (by John Barry: Somewhere in Time movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date May 11, 2022

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:07 Min.

From 1980’s Somewhere in Time film soundtrack, composer-conductor John Barry delivers this instrumental tune (Track # 4). Having transported himself back in time from 1980 to 1912, “A Day Together” depicts lovestruck playwright Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) courting stage actress Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour) on the scenic grounds of Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel.

REVIEW:

Again reiterating elements from his poignant main title theme, John Barry’s symphonic storytelling epitomizes a romantic instrumental piece. This classy track is highly recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars