tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81653013527027960502024-03-13T10:43:56.881-07:00Joint JunkieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.comBlogger730125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-44292067840795387542016-02-20T19:44:00.000-08:002016-02-21T04:30:19.765-08:00Deadpool (2016)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Deadpool/deadpool_ver7_xxlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Deadpool/deadpool_ver7_xxlg.jpg" height="185" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
So I finally got around to watching <i>Deadpool </i>last night, and despite being tired of the hype that the Fox marketing team has been shoveling for months now, I found myself thinking that this is probably the best "superhero" movie that they've put out.<br>
<br>
If you haven't heard yet (and I don't see how that's possible as their marketing was EVERYWHERE for a few months), <i>Deadpool </i>is a Valentine's date movie about a man who finds out he has cancer and rashly decides that he can't put the love of his life through the pain of watching him die. Over the course of an hour and forty-eight minutes, he realizes that that was the stupidest decision of his life.<br>
<br>
It's rather moving.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2016/02/so-i-finally-got-around-to-watching.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-60190500122145217472015-04-26T22:00:00.000-07:002015-04-26T22:44:59.737-07:00Avengers: Age of Ultron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Avengers/avengers_age_of_ultron_ver10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Avengers/avengers_age_of_ultron_ver10.jpg" height="640" width="430"></a></div>
<br>
Maybe it was the fantastically long lead-in to this movie, or all the hype Disney's stellar marketing team built up around it's release, but I found myself slightly disappointed with their new <i>Avengers: Age of Ultron</i>.<br>
<br>
To be fair, this sequel had a lot to live up to. Not only was it expected to top 2012's <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/282-marvels-the-avengers">Avengers</a></i>, but there have been four other Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies released between that year and 2015 - <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/toyrack/646-funko-pop-iron-man-3-figure-set">Iron Man 3</a></i>, <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/600-captain-america-the-winter-soldier">Captain America: Winter Soldier</a></i>, <i><a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/10/thor-dark-worlds-dark-elf.html">Thor: The Dark World</a></i>, and <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/630-guardians-of-the-galaxy-is-the-best-star-wars-movie-ever">Guardians of the Galaxy</a></i>. Then you have the two television shows, <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/idiotbox/523-marvel-s-agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d">Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.</a></i> and <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/idiotbox/673-marvel-s-daredevil">Daredevil</a></i>. It's a wonder this super franchise hasn't collapsed yet under the weight of it's own continuity.<br>
<br>
But predictably, <a href="http://deadline.com/2015/04/international-box-office-avengers-age-of-ultron-furious-7-paul-blart-home-1201416588/">it's now made more than $201M in it's first weekend internationally</a>, and with no real competition until May 13 when <i>Mad Max: Fury Road</i> is released, it looks like it's on track to become the biggest movie of 2015.<br>
<br>
At least until <i>Star Wars: The Force Unleashed</i> arrives.<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2015/04/avengers-age-of-ultron.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-11494363071575422832015-04-12T12:30:00.001-07:002016-02-20T19:52:59.847-08:00Marvel's Daredevil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Television/Daredevil/daredevil-concept-art-109118.jpg" height="640" width="417"></div>
<br>
It's hard not to compare Netflix's first Marvel show, <i>Daredevil</i>, with Fox's <i>Gotham</i>. Both are based on superhero comics that are relatively well known, and both are kind of experimental in a way. The former is Marvel's first foray into video-on-demand programming through US Internet subscription service, Netflix, and the latter is a Batman show without Batman. However, both of them share a strong crime drama bent; they focus more on the crime and corruption in their cities, rather than the superhero aspects of their heroes.<br>
<br>
After watching 5 episodes of <i>Daredevil</i>, it's hard not to come to the conclusion that Marvel's experiment succeeded, while DC's has failed incredibly.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2015/04/marvels-daredevil.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-43146318001089872592015-03-28T23:01:00.001-07:002016-02-20T19:52:49.355-08:00iZombie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Television/iZombie/MV5BMTgxNDI2MTgyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwOTY4MTMwNTE._V1__SX640_SY720_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Television/iZombie/MV5BMTgxNDI2MTgyN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwOTY4MTMwNTE._V1__SX640_SY720_.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
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There are only a few shows that catch my attention straight out of the gate. Even one of my favorite programs of all time, <i>Firefly</i>, didn't wow me when I first watched the pilot episode. So when Hollywood comes out with a winner like this one, I feel I need to spread the word.<br>
<br>
<i>iZombie </i>is a series that airs Mondays on CW, the home of other great comic-based tent pole shows, <i>The Flash</i> and <i>Arrow</i>. It's a little different from those two shows in that it's less superhero action, more crime/buddy cop comedy, and that it stars a woman in the lead role.<br>
<br>
The story focuses on Liv Moore, a med student who has a happy, stable life with her loving family, sweet fiance, and bright future as a Doctor. One night she decides to live a little and go to a big party she's been invited to. Unfortunately, a zombie decides to crash the party and Liv is among the casualties lying in a body bag on the beach in the morning.<br>
<br>
Naturally, she gets back up.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2015/03/izombie.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-80901885327996556952014-12-30T11:46:00.002-08:002016-02-20T19:52:58.191-08:00What to Watch in 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaE01AfeNBA/VKFC4zn3f1I/AAAAAAAABF0/oyX4HfNw83s/s1600/FotorCreated.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaE01AfeNBA/VKFC4zn3f1I/AAAAAAAABF0/oyX4HfNw83s/s1600/FotorCreated.png" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
Last year I wrote out <a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/559-movies-to-look-forward-to-in-2014">every single movie I wanted to see this year at GeekOut.ph</a>. Despite my best efforts, I've only been able to see some of the films I posted about on that article. Some were moved to later release dates (<i>Jupiter Ascending</i> and <i>Tomorrowland</i>), others were put on the back burner after some pretty awful reviews (<i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i> and <i>Transcendence</i>), but I was able to see a good number of them in the theater, which is where movies should be watched.<br>
<br>
2014 turned out to be a pretty <i>fantastic </i>year for movie lovers. Even if some of the worst films I've ever experienced came out this year (yes, I'm looking at you, <i>T<a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/626-transformers-age-of-extinction-needs-to-die">ransformers: Age of Extinction</a></i> and <i>The Amazing Spider-Man 2</i>), some of the absolute <i>best </i>have also been fielded. <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/600-captain-america-the-winter-soldier">Captain America: Winter Soldier</a></i> and <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/630-guardians-of-the-galaxy-is-the-best-star-wars-movie-ever">Guardians of the Galaxy</a></i> immediately come to mind, but we also saw <i>Edge of Tomorrow</i>, <i>How to Train Your Dragon 2</i>, <i>The Lego Movie</i>, <i>Big Hero 6</i>, and <i>Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.</i><br>
<i><br></i>
Now that the new year is coming up fast, I'm excited to find out what 2015 has in store for cinephiles. So in no particular order, while the Metro Manila Film Festival is clogging up cinemas with (mostly) garbage, let's look at what's coming up.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/12/what-to-watch-in-2015.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-88008219619925353512014-11-16T17:30:00.000-08:002014-11-16T17:30:41.305-08:00Komikon 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Events/Komikon%202014/10522680_844281648925320_5463833025726045508_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Events/Komikon%202014/10522680_844281648925320_5463833025726045508_n.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
Return to Komikon!<br>
<br>
It's been a couple of years since I was able to visit Komikon at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig City, but last Saturday I was able to stop by after it opened and catch up on the local comics scene. I gave a bunch of my copies of favorites titles away recently so I needed to get some replacements as well.<br>
<br>
Word to the wise for next year, it opens at 10am, but unless you're trying to get first in line for something, it's probably better to arrive around 11am so you don't have to wait in line to enter the convention floor.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/11/komikon-2014.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-1031649725208519632014-11-08T20:09:00.001-08:002014-11-08T20:09:48.964-08:00Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Live Action Role Play Figures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Playmates/TMNT%202012/P1050855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Playmates/TMNT%202012/P1050855.jpg" height="266" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<i>Mazes & Mutants </i>is one of the best episodes of the most recent <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/toyrack/373-nickelodeon-s-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles">Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</a></i> cartoon series. In it, the four turtles decide to play the eponymous game and eventually to cosplay their chosen characters, turning it into a Live Action Role Play or <i>LARP</i>.<br>
<br>
Things get hairy when another young mutant, Sir Malachi, decides to turn the role play part into reality with his hallucinatory powers. They have to defeat the dragon, save the girl, and win the day.<br>
<br>
With the help of Mikey's +1 Ring of Awesome.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/11/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-live.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-5966832235889206522014-11-07T13:05:00.000-08:002014-11-07T13:05:02.405-08:00Interstellar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Interstellar/interstellar-movie-hd-wallpaper-and-poster.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Interstellar/interstellar-movie-hd-wallpaper-and-poster.jpeg" height="225" width="400"></a></div>
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Despite all the awful reviews for Christopher Nolan's new film, <i>Interstellar</i>, I decided to give it a shot and watch it in IMAX. I felt that a movie about space travel really deserved to be seen on the really big screen.</div>
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While I'd have to agree that Nolan's film has it's problems, I was genuinely interested in what was happening on screen. The action scenes were very well done, the images very engrossing, and the science not <i>completely </i>Hollywood. Clocking in at 2 hours and 49 minutes, the movie's a hard sell to regular audiences, though, and I'd agree that most won't get as much bang for their buck as I did.</div>
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<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/11/interstellar.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-1857839327443063612014-11-03T17:07:00.000-08:002014-11-03T17:07:08.159-08:00John Wick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/John%20Wick/john_wick_ver3_xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/John%20Wick/john_wick_ver3_xlg.jpg" height="640" width="425"></a></div>
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You messed with the wrong guy.</div>
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That's basically what this movie is all about. To set your expectations straight, this is a <i>revenge</i> flick. It is a sub-genre of the action category that has recently included films like <i>Taken</i>, <i>Man on Fire</i>, <i>Django Unchained</i>, <i>Old Boy</i>, <i>Munich</i>, <i>The Crow</i>, and hundreds of others. Their unifying theme is that the bad guy always gets his due.</div>
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<i>John Wick </i>doesn't mess with the formula.</div>
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<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/11/john-wick.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-81523837784774502302014-10-29T18:05:00.001-07:002014-10-29T18:05:56.141-07:00Funko Pop! Iron Man 3 Figure Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Funko/Pop%20Vinyl/P1050769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Funko/Pop%20Vinyl/P1050769.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div>
<br>
This is really going to be a pretty quick review since there isn't really much to these figures other than THEY ARE CUTE!<br>
<br>
If you've seen one Funko Pop! Vinyl Bobblehead figure, then you have a pretty good idea of what they look like. They stand about 3" to 4" tall, have small bodies, and huge cube-shaped heads (something like the "super-deformed" toys that Japan loves to produce). The squarish, hollow heads are mounted on a post with a large spring attached, that in turn attaches to the roof of the head's interior.<br>
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You hit the head, it bobbles. Bobble. Head.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/10/funko-pop-iron-man-3-figure-set.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-31150666529996777482014-10-20T21:54:00.002-07:002014-10-20T21:58:09.849-07:00Thor: The Dark World's Dark Elf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Thor/P1050490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Thor/P1050490.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div>
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It's markdown time again.<br>
<br>
Or actually, it's pretty much been markdown time for a really long time. With disappointing movie related waves from <i>Amazing Spider-Man</i>, hard-to-find figures from the <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/600-captain-america-the-winter-soldier">Captain America: Winter Soldier</a></i> wave, a non-existent <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/615-x-men-days-of-future-past-a-rant">X-Men: Days of Future Past</a></i> wave, and not-worth-full-price <i>Transformers: Beast Hunter </i>waves, it's been awhile since there's been a real draw for the local toy stores. Even the <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/630-guardians-of-the-galaxy-is-the-best-star-wars-movie-ever">The Guardians of the Galaxy</a> </i>toy line failed to pull in huge numbers (but I think that's mostly because there didn't seem to be large numbers of them ordered).<br>
<br>
<i><a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2013/12/thor-dark-world.html">Thor: The Dark World</a> </i>is another line that pretty much got buried really quickly in toy stores. I guess Thor just isn't as cool as giant robots or guys in steel underwear. Even I didn't want to pick them up, since they aren't made for collectors. G.I. Joe is a good line for collectors. Articulation is standardized, accessories are the norm, and price isn't crazy. Marvel 1:18 toys <i>used </i>to be on the same page, but lately it's been more miss than hit.<br>
<br>
And the <i><a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2013/12/thor-dark-world.html">Thor: The Dark World</a> </i>were all pretty much miss.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/10/thor-dark-worlds-dark-elf.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-85923944373083299942014-10-19T01:00:00.001-07:002014-10-19T01:12:14.339-07:00Figma Ryuko Matoi (Kill la Kill)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Figma/P1050577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Figma/P1050577.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div>
<br>
I don't like many Japanese cartoons, also known to geekdom as <i>anime</i>, but I will occasionally find a series that floats my boat. <i>Kill la Kill</i> (or <i>Kiru Ra Kiru</i> on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_la_Kill">Wikipedia page</a>, which I'm pretty sure is just "kill la kill" with a racist accent) fits that bill.<br>
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Awesome fight scenes? check.<br>
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Big action set pieces? check.<br>
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School girl outfits with short skirts? check.<br>
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Huge scoops of fan service? check!<br>
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If you're not familiar with the series, it's another winner from the makers of <i>Gurren Lagann</i>, the anime that brought us <a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2009/11/alter-yoko-littner-bounty-hunter-version_1248.html">Yoko Littner</a>. Click the link. That should tell you pretty much what you're in for.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/10/figma-ryuko-matoi-kill-la-kill.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-45617165843804057472014-10-12T23:56:00.000-07:002014-10-20T21:56:37.169-07:00DC Comics Buildable Capsule Figures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Off%20Brand%20Toys/DSC_7518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Off%20Brand%20Toys/DSC_7518.jpg" height="265" width="400"></a></div>
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I've been a fan of these little guys since they made the Marvel versions a few years back. So far, I've been able to collect a lot of the series including the two Marvel sets, the Disney sets, the BokChoyBoy toys, and a few others. I was even tempted to get the NFL sets, but I may have missed my window there.<br>
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I'm glad that didn't happen with the first wave of DC self-buildable figures.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/10/dc-comics-buildable-capsule-figures.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-6376156567104291252014-10-11T21:17:00.000-07:002014-10-20T21:56:35.662-07:00TFC Toys Star Cats Dinosaur Combiners Age of Extinction Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Off%20Brand%20Toys/P1050538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Off%20Brand%20Toys/P1050538.jpg" height="213" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
I honestly am not sure if these are knock off toys.<br>
<br>
If they are, they're definitely "Class A" knock offs, because they are absolutely amazing considering I only paid about Php 2,000 (roughly $45) for them. But from what I see online, the "original" toys from the Unknown Chinese Toy Manufacturer cost about the same, so they could be original for all I know.<br>
<br>
Either way, they are amazing.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/10/tfc-toys-star-cats-dinosaur-combiners.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-42979973982853050112014-09-06T22:36:00.000-07:002014-09-06T22:36:12.417-07:00Robot Spirits Gundam Age-1 Titus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Bandai/Robot%20Spirits/P1050419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Bandai/Robot%20Spirits/P1050419.jpg" height="640" width="426"></a></div>
<br>
The Robot Spirits is a toy line from Bandai that includes 12cm (about 6") mostly robots from various anime shows, those most of the figures are of Gundam robots. The articulation and level of detail in the series is unprecedented and most usually include a good assortment of accessories. If you're not <a href="http://slangards.tumblr.com/post/545457550/toy-review-astray-red-frame-kai-mg">a Gunpla geek who wants to build toys from scratch</a>, then these present a really great option.<br>
<br>
I would have been really into these toys if not for one thing: they're <i>really </i>pricey. Even the ones that don't include a lot of accessories run about Php 3,000. If you're looking at something with tons of armor and weapons (like the the Altron), then you're looking at something closer to Php 4,000.<br>
<br>
But recently, I found out that the few figures that local stores have in stock are all on sale for something like 65% off! So this Gundam Age-1 Titus, which was Php 3,500 was bought at Php 1,200 ($30 US) at Glorietta Toy Town!<br>
<br>
That's awesome!<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/09/robot-spirits-gundam-age-1-titus.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-8402179253294452802014-09-03T15:36:00.000-07:002014-09-03T15:36:52.884-07:00Decool Bootlego Future Foundation and Fantastic Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Bootlegs/Lego/DSC_9250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Bootlegs/Lego/DSC_9250.jpg" height="640" width="424"></a></div>
<br>
If you haven't been to Divisoria in Manila yet, it's an insane place where just about everything is available for incredibly low (most of the time anyway) prices. When Marvel Legends and DC Universe Classics were at the peak of their popularity, Divisoria was the place to go to find cheaper, low quality factory over-run and test shot figures you could use for customs. Or if you weren't too picky, could pass off as part of your collection.<br>
<br>
Now, with the rise in the costs of plastic and the drop in market interest pretty much killing off the super-articulated action figure, other bootlegs are taking over. We saw a lot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle stuff start popping up, Frozen toys, Megablocks, (always) Transformers, and the big ticket these days, LEGO minifigures.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/09/decool-bootlego-future-foundation-and.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-46427650213104806672014-08-23T18:19:00.000-07:002014-08-23T18:19:02.345-07:00Mr. Potato Head Transformers Mixable Mashable Heroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Playskool/DSC_9067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Playskool/DSC_9067.jpg" height="265" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
If you've already read the article I posted about the <a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/toyrack/632-mr-potato-head-marvel-mixable-mashable-heroes">Marvel Mixable Mashable Heroes from Mr. Potato Head</a>, then you know pretty much all you need to know about the Transformers versions other than the characters that are available so far in the Philippines, which are Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Grimlock, and Starscream.<br>
<br>
You'll also need to know that they're still a whole lot of fun, and great value for your money, especially for younger kids.<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/08/mr-potato-head-transformers-mixable.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-69919096747847869212014-08-17T20:22:00.000-07:002014-08-17T20:22:19.346-07:00Leatherhead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Playmates/TMNT%202012/DSC_9229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Playmates/TMNT%202012/DSC_9229.jpg" height="400" width="265"></a></div>
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So the new <i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i> movie is out and I've decided to stop giving Michael Bay and company any <i>more </i>of my money than he already gets every time I buy a Transformers toy. After <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/626-transformers-age-of-extinction-needs-to-die">Transformers: Age of Extinction</a></i>, I can't take anymore of the kind of crap that he consistently feeds his audience.</div>
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I'd rather give that money to the excellent people behind the Nickelodeon cartoon, and <a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/toyrack/373-nickelodeon-s-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles">the awesome toy line based on it</a>.</div>
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I bought the <a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/toyrack/373-nickelodeon-s-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles">four Turtle figures</a> pretty early on and if you read what I wrote in <a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/toyrack/373-nickelodeon-s-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles">my review 2 years ago</a>, then it's pretty clear that I thought it was the best line out there at the time.</div>
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<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/08/leatherhead.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-30145752364403426942014-08-05T16:28:00.000-07:002014-08-05T16:28:48.492-07:00Mr. Potato Head Marvel Mixable Mashable Heroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Playskool/DSC_9075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Playskool/DSC_9075.jpg" height="265" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
Kids get the coolest stuff.<br>
<br>
Take these mini Mr. Potato Head figures from Playskool for kids 2 years and up. They stand about 2" tall and are made of pure <i>awesomesauce</i>. Each one costs Php 249.75, with the special sets (the ones with an extra change of clothes) costing Php 449.75. That's a pretty good value considering these are all <i>Marvel</i> intellectual properties, which cost butt loads to license.<br>
<br>
At those prices, these little guys are a steal!<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/08/mr-potato-head-marvel-mixable-mashable.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-26365755955114032632014-08-02T16:38:00.000-07:002014-08-02T16:38:13.134-07:00Guardians of the Galaxy is the Best Star Wars Movie Ever!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Guardians%20of%20the%20Galaxy/guardians_of_the_galaxy_ver9_xlg-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Guardians%20of%20the%20Galaxy/guardians_of_the_galaxy_ver9_xlg-1.jpg" height="640" width="436"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> is the movie I was waiting for. It is EVERYTHING I expected it to be and more. It is my <i>favorite</i> Marvel movie by far.<br>
<br>
It is totally fucking awesome.<br>
<br>
That's my quickie movie review. Now go watch it so we will see more good films like it in the cinemas. If you watched <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/626-transformers-age-of-extinction-needs-to-die">Transformers: Age of Extinction</a></i>, then you owe it to humanity to get off your ass, go to the cinema and pay the money to watch this in IMAX 3D.<br>
<br>
You owe it to us.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/08/guardians-of-galaxy-is-best-star-wars.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-58942901389405626402014-07-12T14:41:00.001-07:002014-07-12T14:42:15.704-07:00Family Dollar Marvel Universe Hulk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Marvel/Avengers%20Assemble/DSC_8974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Marvel/Avengers%20Assemble/DSC_8974.jpg" height="640" width="424"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
I'm a sucker for Hulk figures.<br>
<br>
He's always been my favorite Marvel character and even if a figure is less than stellar in the articulation, accessories, or appearance categories, I might pick it up if it's one of the Hulk. It happened when I saw the <a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Hulk%20Collection/DSC_7429.jpg">Titan Heroes Hulk</a> from the Avengers Assemble line in the toy store. It was cartoon-y and only had five points of articulation and didn't look like it had been sculpted too well, but dammit, it was a Hulk figure!<br>
<br>
This time it happened with the Family Dollar exclusive Marvel Universe Hulk 3.75" figure.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/07/family-dollar-marvel-universe-hulk.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-49641876239565405312014-07-05T13:11:00.000-07:002014-07-05T13:11:53.064-07:00Age of Extinction Hound<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/TF%20AoE/DSC_8913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/TF%20AoE/DSC_8913.jpg" height="640" width="424"></a></div>
<br>
It's not a secret that I hate the Michael Bay <a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2011/04/truk-not-munky-demmit-transformers.html"><i>Transformers</i> </a>movies. I couldn't even complete my <a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/cinemabuzz/626-transformers-age-of-extinction-needs-to-die"><i>Transformers: Age of Extinction</i></a> review due to the fact that remembering the experience of watching it just pisses me off and these days, blood pressure is a real issue. So let me steer clear of that issue and move on to something I am grateful for that came out of the craptastic film.<br>
<br>
This particular Transfomer toy. It's the Age of Extinction Voyager Class Hound!<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/07/age-of-extinction-hound.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-27762203980442732192014-07-04T14:02:00.001-07:002014-07-04T15:24:04.342-07:00Beast Hunters Predaking!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/TF%20Beast%20Hunters/DSC_8897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/TF%20Beast%20Hunters/DSC_8897.jpg" height="265" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
That was a pretty easy hunt.<br>
<br>
I didn't really take to Beast Hunters as much as I did to the first two seasons of <i><a href="http://geekout.ph/index.php/idiotbox/189-transformers-prime">Transformers: Prime</a></i>. It was too long before I'd got a copy and by that time some of the high had disappeared. This new story about the return of the Predacons just didn't feel as huge as the whole dark energon and Unicron thing.<br>
<br>
But after seeing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHfo8qB5LUI">optibotimus' review of the Ultimate Class (which means "big" in the Transformese) Beast Fire Predaking</a>, I just knew I had to have him. All that beautiful black and the humongous wings and the slap-you-silly day glow orange... Delicious!<br>
<br>
Thankfully, the Beast Hunters line recently went on sale here in the Philippines, dropping about 30% in price or so. And even with the price cut, they're not really all that sought after seeing as the cartoon never really made it to network TV in this country. That meant I didn't really have to really dig in with this one and run him down.<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/07/beast-hunters-predaking.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-58040764413783141162014-07-02T11:54:00.002-07:002014-07-05T00:30:31.375-07:00The Lele Movie Series 2 KO The Lego Movie minifigs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Bootlegs/Lego/DSC_8810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Toy%20Reviews/Bootlegs/Lego/DSC_8810.jpg" height="640" width="423"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
Toy collecting is an expensive hobby and there are times when you can't keep up. I've had to kick the plastic addiction for the past year or so and am only coming back to it now. One of the things that has been keeping me going however is some fantastic bootleg minifigures that have been turning up all over.
There are several different "brands" from China, but the best ones are usually from DeCool and SY (or <i>Sheng Yuan</i>, I believe). Generally, these two are the most faithful to the original LEGO designs and have appropriate accessories included. There are several other companies, like JBL and IQ, that also sell characters from various franchises, but I've been burned more than a few times with those.<br>
<br>
Lele is one of those companies that I used to avoid, but they've come out with some pretty good knock offs lately. One of the sets that impressed me was their <i>Lego Movie</i> set from earlier this year. It included 8 characters from the movie, but none of the main ones.<br>
<br>
With series 2, we finally get one of the big ones, Emmet.<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-lele-movie-series-2-ko-lego-movie.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8165301352702796050.post-40281224908281550712014-06-27T08:37:00.001-07:002014-06-27T11:24:16.641-07:00Transformers: Age of Extinction Needs to Die!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Transformers%20Age%20of%20Extinction/transformers-age-extinction-optimus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv232/slangardssinned/Movies/Transformers%20Age%20of%20Extinction/transformers-age-extinction-optimus.jpg" height="640" width="511"></a></div>
<br>
<h4>
<u><i>NOTE: there will be spoilers and an awful lot of swearing in this article. If either offends you, stop reading here. You have been warned.</i></u></h4>
<br>
Why do I keep doing this to myself?<br>
<br>
Every time one of these things comes out, I think, "hey, maybe he's changed. Maybe he finally gets it. Maybe he's gone back and reflected on his work and had an epiphany. Maybe this time around, it will be different."<br>
<br>
And it never happens.<br>
<br>
Damn you, Michael Bay.<br>
<br>
<br>
<a href="http://jointjunkie.blogspot.com/2014/06/transformers-age-of-extinction-needs-to.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13957203696998949277noreply@blogger.com1