Gaffer the Cat

Review: Rowlf Plush

Rowlf Plush

In anticipation of Muppets Most Wanted, the Disney Store released a plush Rowlf. Now, I have to say that I have always wanted a Rowlf plush (who hasn't?) and was quite excited to hear this news.

Shortly thereafter, I made a large Muppet merchandise purchase from Disneystore.com (with a lovely cast discount). That purchase included the Rowlf plush. I eagerly placed my order and waited for the magical box to show up at my door. 

When the box came, I was so excited to see my new plush! Rowlf is amazingly large. I was quite surprised and pleased at his 16" height. His fur is super soft and looks great. His face looks fantastic with a nice shiny nose and mouth agape, in true Muppet fashion. He has a slightly flat bottom, so it's easy to prop him up anywhere in your home so guests can see him. On his left foot is the Disney Store Genuine Authentic patch. 

Of the Muppet plushes that I own, I have to say that Rowlf is one of the best. I'm pretty impressed with Bean Bunny, too. 

Final Thoughts:

Go buy one now and you'll be ticklin' the ivories in no time at all. Now you'll have a buddy to go home, read a book, have a couple of beers with, and then take for a walk.

Rodan

Name: Rodan
First Appearance: Rodan

Like Anguirus and Godzilla, Rodan is a giant prehistoric monster awakened from a time long ago. Unlike Godzilla though, Rodan was not altered by radiation, having more in common with the ankylosaurus-like monster Anguirus than Godzilla. However, Rodan starred in his own movie before he crossed over into the Godzilla series. He would become one of Godzilla's closest allies and would fight alongside Anguirus, Mothra, and Varan.

The original Rodan possess no beam weapons or
special weapons of any kind. Instead, Rodan relies on his natural talents and abilities, using his claws and beak to attack his opponents. He can fly at super-sonic speeds, destroying planes, buildings, and creating hurricane like winds in his wake. With a flap of his wings he can blow down the strongest structure and even hold back the great King Ghidorah. On many occasions Rodan fought along side Godzilla, waging war on Earth and Planet X. Although a friend of Godzilla, Rodan became his enemy later on. However, Rodan would be reborn as Fire Rodan, more powerful than ever with a uranium beam capable of halting the King of Monsters in his tracks. Eventually, Fire Rodan would sacrifice himself to save Godzilla to protect the young baby Godzilla that he cared for in his nest.

Rodan shares a rich and deep history with Godzilla. A fan favorite for all time, Rodan is the opposite of Godzilla-a quick and nimble flyer. The duo is unstoppable, able to bring down MechaGodzilla, Gigan, and King Ghidorah. Loyal and true, Rodan is brave and strong and makes appearances throughout Godzilla movie history.

35 Years of The Muppet Movie

Review: 7D Mine Train

7D Mine Train App

Last month saw the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom. Next month will see the premiere of 7D, the poorly named seven dwarfs cartoon series. This month, however, you can download the app called 7D Mine Train. 

The 7D Mine Train is a fast-paced game that introduces the characters from 7D (did I mention how much I dislike this name?). Players can choose a dwarf (after they are unlocked) and ride through a treacherous track to collect gems, open chests, and achieve goals. The only character available at the beginning is Sleepy.

Players are treated to a short video of their selected dwarf the first time they are selected and the video can be revisted. After a dwarf is selected the game starts. Each dwarf has a customized mine cart (in Sleepy's case, it's a bed, with Sneezy, a tissue box) and a special power (Sleepy can sleep walk . . .er, float). The mine cart races along a track that is filled with obligatory falls, spikey rocks, locked treasure chests, witch-like baddies, and gems. Avoid the rocks and the baddies, collect the gems and unlock the chests, and you've figured out the game. To jump, just tap the screen. Easy! A kid could do it! 

To help keep things fresh (and experienced gamers coming back), the game introduces goals before each excursion to the dangerous mines. The tracks are basically randomized, so each time you play, it keeps it a little fresh. There are three main backdrops for the tracks, breaking up the monotony. The sound track is fast-paced and zips along. The dialogue, though, gets a little repetitive but doesn't really take away from the experience.

Final Thoughts:

It's a simple little game with a simple purpose - expose more people, especially kids, to the new incarnations of the beloved characters from the classic film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Does it please on all levels? I found the game to be slightly too repetitive and I'm just not a fan of the character redesigns. 

To keep players coming back, the other dwarfs will be timed releases, leading up to the premiere of the 7D show on Disney XD. Clever or diabolical?

Play the game and tell us what you thought!

Dusty Crophopper

Name: Dusty Crophopper

First Seen: Disney's Planes

Dusty is a plane with high hopes-literally. Crop duster by trade, this single-prop plane sees himself soaring alongside his high-flying heroes in an international race. The fact that he’s not really built for competitive racing doesn’t deter him from pursuing his dream—but his fear of heights just might. With a little help from his friends—and a WWII vet with wisdom to spare—Dusty takes off on an adventure of a lifetime, going prop-to-prop with champions while daring to reach heights he never imagined possible. 

In his next adventure, Dusty Crophopper returns to hometown Propwash Junction after another victorious racing season, the former crop duster revels in his new career success until a fateful training run changes his course with a career-ending injury. Forced to shift gears, Dusty decides to train with the Aerial Fire Fighters at Piston Peak Air Attack Base as a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT). The heroic, often life-threatening efforts involved are admirable—but seemingly impossible to master—particularly if you’re a crop duster-turned-racer with an injury that can’t be ignored.

Dusty Facts:

• Dusty's wingspan is 23 feet (7 meters).
• Dusty is inspired by the Air Tractor AT-502, Cessna and the PZL-Mielec M-18 Dromader. He has a horsepower of 680 1/2.
• Dusty's crop sprayer is a M5000 model.
• In his turbo design, Dusty is equipped with a four-bladed Sky Slycer Mark Five propeller and two T33 wings.
• His flying style is keeping it nice and low, but keeping his speed up.

Mr. Frog's Wild Ride

Power Discs-Disney Infinity 2.0

Disney Infinity 2.0 continues to impress. At E3, a few power discs for Disney Infinity 2.0 have been revealed and boy are they great! The ones that have been revealed are not Marvel properties at all, but based on more classic Disney properties, including the Muppets and the Main Street Electrical Parade (which looks like a rare disc)!

It's great to see such a mix of Disney properties, from movies to parks. Not only are they reaching new fans, but old fans who have amazing memories of Disney past. So, when do we get a Haunted Mansion sky disc and terrain and The Muppets as playable characters? I can wait. I'm happy the Muppets are still being included!

I'm wondering now - Will the playsets all be Marvel based? And the other Disney properties get to be power discs?

Miss Piggy's U.S.S Swinetrek

Main Street Electrical Parade Float

Darkwing Duck's Ratcatcher Bike

Darkwing Duck's Grappling Gun

Simba's Pride Lands

Simba's Kings Domain

Calhoun's Command

Calhoun's Cybug Swarm

Zeus's Thunderbolt

Maleficent's Spell Cast

Review: Ultimate Spider-Man Episodes 1 & 2

Ultimate Spider-Man premiered on Disney XD on April 1, 2012. Since then there have been two seasons with 52 episodes. We're going to start at the beginning!

"Great Power" by Paul Dini

The show introduces Peter Parker (Drake Bell) as a teenager who has been fighting crime as Spider-Man for one year. Already J. Jonah Jameson has labeled Spider-Man a public menace. In the midst of swinging around New York City, Spider-Man encounters the Trapster who was trying to draw Spidery out for some reason. After the fight, Spidey is approached by Nick Fury to train with S.H.I.E.L.D. who proceeds to compare the web head with Captain American and Iron Man (for good measure, just in case the kids weren't sure what universe we were in). I'm personally not a fan of comparing Spidey with other superheroes. Spider-Man has always been a great hero without the comparison.

Peter quickly tosses in a backstory about Uncle Ben (which I'm glad they kept in) and we understand that the series is about responsibility. Responsibility is pretty central theme for Spider-Man and seems an appropriate message for the young audience. Peter turns down Fury and goes about web slinging. The villains are introduced, Doctor Octavius (Tom Kenny) and Norman Osborn. Norman has Doc Ock spying on Spidey to learn more about the military applications of Spidey's powers.

Now for the whirlwind of backstories and introductions while at school - Mary Jane Watson, Harry Osborn, and Flash Thompson, as well as a cameo by Stan Lee as a janitor. The school is then attacked by the Frightful Four - The Wizard, Thundra, Klaw, and the Trapster (who is missing because we was caught earlier) - looking for Spider-Man. They demolish the school, catch some footage of Spidey, and hurt some people. After the cops show up, everything is cool and Spidey ends up changing his mind about S.H.I.E.L.D. after coming home and realizing he has let a number of people close to him down. Spidey realizes he can be the ultimate Spider-Man.

The show deals a lot with breaking the fourth wall and using interstitials to fill in some of Spidey's monologuing. Peter Parker is the main focus and our narrator throughout the series, letting us into his world through cartoonish fantasy sequences and Peter's inner-monologue. I think Spidey's quips are appropriate and perfect for the audience, which is probably males 8-14ish. The animation is fine, nothing spectacular.

The first episode serves its purpose - it introduces the characters, though in a rushed way, and starts to set-up the story arc and the slapstick tone of the show.

Episode 2 "Great Responsibility": Paul Dini

The second episode picks up right after the end of "Great Power." Spider-man has decided to join S.H.I.E.L.D. and must prove himself with his very first test which takes him much longer than Cpt. America, which ties the Marvel Universe together. We also get our first look at Spideys new team that is composed of other teen heroes: Nova, White Tiger, Power Man, and Iron First. They all bet against Spidey and his childishness.

Kurt Connors also gets his introduction as well, working for S.H.I.E.L.D. and developing Spider-Man themed tech, including the Spider Cycle. It gives Spidey a new edge but also kind of takes away from Peter Parkers greatest weapon which is his mind (and sarcasm). Agent Coulsen also makes a brief appearance, acting just like he does in every other Marvel production, serious and doubting Spideys abilities. Some time is spent with Spidey and the Spider-Cycle, which serves as a vehicle (get it?) to introduce the new team which Spidey refuses to join. Spider-Man has always been a solo act and I think that makes him more vulnerable, not to mention his age and tragic back story.

However, director Fury does a good job convincing Spidey to join a team and become the next Avengers. We get a fun scene with Spideys "Good Angel" and "Bad Angel" but the Frightful Four interrupt the scene. This scene is in good juxtaposition to Fury lecturing Spidey about the strength of a team as he quits it and the Frightful Four are able to take Spidey down as a team. Who should show up but Spideys new allies, here to save the day, and work with Spidey. The fourth wall is broken often and really adds to the show and helps us get into Spideys world and his mind. Spidey also teaches his new team a valuable lesson about being responsible for their actions and who really are the victims when heroes and villains fight.

I particularly like the cut scenes that look like a comic book, placing a "BAM" or "SLAM" in the background during a key scene. Spidey sees the value of a team and joins but also requests that he has Spidey time as well. Life returns to normal. The animation isn't anything spectacular and is very similar to "Ben Ten." The episode ends with a great scene between the principal of the school and Parker. After meeting his new "classmates" (his new found team) he requests a transfer which the principal denies. A dramatic reveal and it is Agent Coulson who denies it and leaves us with his own brand of humor, "thwip, Twhip."

Overall the episode builds upon the first, adding new characters, introducing old ones, and building a new life for Spider-Man that we haven't seen before. One with team mates, new villains, and new lessons to learn.

Hugga Wugga

Hugga Wugga on The Muppet Show

Name: Hugga Wugga (or Sclrap Flyapp)
First Seen: The Today Show (1963)

The Ed Sullivan Show, 1968

 The Muppet character known as Hugga Wugga has evolved much over the years. In 1963, when the sketch now known as "Hugga Wugga" aired for the first time, Hugga Wugga was known as Sclrap Flyapp (and so was the sketch). That name came from the words the character would sing. Hugga Wugga, in every incarnation, had a penchant for blowing up those who did not sing the same words it was singing. Many have fallen to the senseless blasting of Hugga Wugga.

Though its appearance has changed much, the character hasn't. This alien-like Muppet with a fuming temper and nose, is usually seen with two other alien like Muppets on a rocky planet filled with mystery (which looks a lot like dense fog). Hugga Wugga doesn't really care for free thinkers and much prefers that everyone be like it is.

Hugga Wugga was seen in The Muppet Show episode 118 (Phyllis Diller) as well as in comics and in Gonzo Presents Muppet Weird Stuff . He's definitely one of my favorite Muppets of all time. Watch the sketch below and you'll laugh. You'll be singing Hugga Wugga in no time at all.

Disney Infinity: Spider-Man Playset

Okay, so this is really exciting news. Disney Infinity 2.0 will feature a Spider-Man playset with a bunch of cool characters! Spider-Man, Nova, Venom, Iron Fist, and Nick Fury will be available for purchase. Spidey and Nova will come together with the playset. The others will be for individual purchase.

From the trailer for the playset, it looks like Green Goblin, Mysterio, and Doc Ock have cloned the symbiote for use to terrorize New York City. Spider sounds like Drake Bell, so I think it's safe to assume that both Nova and Iron Fist will be voiced by their cartoon voice actors.

The sculpts on each figure look really good with quite dynamic poses. Here's a closer look at some of the character development

 

 

Below is an interesting picture. See Goblin in the vehicle with Venom? Does that mean he's playable or a partner power disc? 

 

Count me in for this playset! Spidey is my favorite Marvel character and I can't wait to see his in action in Disney Infinity!

Life Cycle of a Goddess

Review: Godzilla Awakening

Godzilla: Awakening

Right before Godzilla 2014 hit theatres, Legendary released the Godzilla: Awakening comic. This would act as the prequel to the movie and give the readers a little more history on the reinvention of Godzilla for a new era. Produced by Legendary Pictures and written by Max Borenstein (the writer of the Godzilla 2014 script), Godzilla: Awakening gives the reader something to think about before seeing the legend reborn.

The comic takes place decades before the events that unfold in Godzilla 2014. The comic opens in Tokyo, 1980, where Serizawa's father begins to tell his secrets before he passes. Hirshima is bombed in 1945 and Serizawa senior is desperately searching for his old home and new born son (who would later become Serizawa in Gareth's Godzilla). Somehow his son survived the bombing and while removing him from the rubble a flying monster, Shinomura, appears before Serizawa Sr. So begins his fall into the mysterious world of mutants, monsters, and Godzilla.

Essentially the comic serves as an introduction to the world of Godzilla. Borenstein writes around the scientist Serizawa, which any fan knows, pays homage to the original Godzilla in 1954. Serizawa was the name of the scientist who created the Oxygen Destroyer which led to the death of the original Godzilla. In Awakening, Serizawa now has a mission: to protect his only son from the dangers of man and now the dangers of monsters. The vast majority of the comic is spent on Serizawa tracking down the creature, known as Shinomura. This creature is from the same time as Godzilla and is actually a super-organiasm, or a creature made from millions of microscopic organisms to create the appearance of one. Shinomura very much echoes Godzilla final foe from the 90's, Destoroyah.

We also come to learn that MUTO's have been around and documented by Monarch for sometime. We even get a glimpse at some of the other colossal creatures that shared the Earth with Godzilla long ago. While this all adds depth to the Godzilla universe, it really only acts as a stepping stone into the movie. The story is very basic and doesn't really break new ground. That is not necessarily a bad thing. When reinventing a series, you must compliment the old with the new. Awakening does just that, immersing the reader in a new world with new monsters with the original Godzilla.

The artwork is beautiful but can get difficult to decipher at times. Being that it is illustrated by three different artists, it is sometimes hard to follow the story because characters change appearance and color palettes are different. The battles between Godzilla and Shinomura are really just glimpses, with the action merely hinted at. While this does seem to set-up Gareth's Godzilla fairly well, it doesn't lend itself to the comic format. We want to see full color drawings of the new Godzilla and this new enemy he must face. The cover is probably my favorite artwork in the entire comic.

While Godzilla did have a short-lived Marvel series, Legendary has produced a quality comic to supplement this new universe Godzilla will inhabit. The story is good while basic, the artwork is superb when it works, and the brief history is all we need to feel Godzilla belongs once again in the modern world.

If the Shoe Fits

If you like things that are glass and spin around, you'll love this trailer for Disney's Cinderella, in theatres March 2015.

The live-action movie will be inspired by the classic fairy tale. I'm quite excited about Cate Blanchett playing Lady Tremaine. But I'm very much less excited, perhaps cringing is a better word, about Helena Bonham Carter playing the Fairy Godmother, or in this version, a kindly beggar woman.

I'm more curious to know if this version will follow in the footsteps of Maleficent and Alice in Wonderland, or perhaps go another direction. Guess we'll find out in 2015! 

Anguirus

Name: Anguirus
First Seen: Godzilla Raids Again

Anguirus made his first appearance in Godzilla Raids Again, making him the first enemy Godzilla would face. A distant cousin of the Ankylosaurus, Anguirus is a gigantic spiked lizard, sporting a crown of horns and a large spiked carapace. He has no beam attacks or weapons of any kind except for his own body. He was actually defeated in his first bout with Godzilla but would burrow underground to heal and fight along-side Godzilla later in the series.


One of the only Godzilla characters to walk on all fours, Anguirus is easily a fan-favorite with his never-give-up attitude and his loyalty to Godzilla. The Showa Era brought a sense of family and friendship to the Godzilla monsters and Godzilla and Anquirus would be an inseparable pair. He fought the likes of King Ghidorah, Gigan, Megalon, MechaGodzilla, and the King himself. He even gets kicked around like a soccer ball in Godzilla: Final Wars which is now a classic scene with Anguirus and Godzilla. One of the early monsters, Anguirus would only appear in the Showa Era series and for one final battle in 2004 for Godzilla: Final Wars.

Bring on the Brave. Bring on the Wicked.

Disney Infinity 2.0 brings two femalte leads to the fore front among the Marvel Men, Merida from Pixars Brave and Maleficent from Disney's Maleficent. It's been sometime since we've seen a villain take a leading role in Disney Infinity and I can only hope there are more to come. The trailer shows Maleficent using some of her classic powers from the classic Sleeping Beauty which is a great addition and it looks like Merida has some nice melee/long range attacks. Also, Mike Wasowski, what are you doing?

Evolution of a King

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