New movies you really should see

Being a pre-teen to teen, all the way to flat out adulthood, I have practically waited a very long time to hear five simple words hit the big screen in “live action” and those words are “Autobots, transform and roll out!” Finally, it arrived! “The Transformers”, by far, has to be one of the best, if not the best movie I have ever seen. Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg did an excellent job of bringing a great toy and animation series to life for the summer. And it’s not all just about the great special effects, the action from start to finish, or the incredible story line of good versus evil. This film has a little something for everyone. It has comedy, action, heart, and soul. If you haven’t seen it yet….GO! Parents, kids, seniors, I guarantee you won’t be dissapointed. The critics always have their little clicks, you know, break it all down, technical this, impossible that, sometimes I think they have forgotten the real reason why we go to the movies in the first place….TO BE ENTERTAINED! This one delivers, on all fronts. To sum it up in just one word, for this summer, “The Transformers” in nothing but pure “FUN!”

 

Christmas 2007: Hottest toys for 5

Buying Christmas presents for boys aged 5-7 is so easy. There are so many great toys out there for the inquisitive boy. There are technology toys, game toys, toys that are educational, you name it it’s available. Boys this age have just begun school and are learning so many new things.

Your elementary aged child may find he is a budding artist or he may have an idea that he wants to be a fireman when he grows up. Whatever stage of development he is at, here is a list of some of the most desired toys from Santa this Christmas.

1) The Cyclops Bionic Eye

Have you seen the advertisement for this amazing toy? It shows a boy putting this globe like devise to his dad’s scalp trying to locate the thinning hair follicles, in full view on your television. The Cyclops plugs into your TV. It’s kind of like a telescope eye, which you point at things like the carpet, plants or even skin and the fibers and vision is displayed in magnified view on your television.

A great toy and an innovative invention that any child aged 5-7 will love.

2) Science Kit

Boys this age are establishing knowledge of geography and the world around them. When choosing a science kit make sure it has plenty of goo and gunk, to make or play with. Also choose once that make for amazing chemical explosions (safe ones) and spilling over of mess and goo that is created by the use of simple household items.

3) Bug Catchers/Ant Farms

Boys and bugs, they go together so well. Go to your local National Geographic store and have a look at some of the toys directed at boys in this age group. There are so many items to choose from, that it will be difficult to decide.

4) LEGO

Kids this age get a bit more technical in their building and construction designs. Have a look at themed LEGO depending on what your boy’s interests are. There are great starter LEGO kits in Harry Potter themes that can be expanded at your child’s next birthday. Look for LEGO that encourages design and plenty of fun to build for your boy.

5) Discovery Remote Control Roboquad

Any boy, who has seen the recent release of Transformers, will be intrigued by technology and robots. The Discovery Remote Control Roboquad is the best toy to encourage this interest. This robot has intelligence; it has three different levels to show how it interacts with its environment such as aggression, activity and awareness. Use the Roboquad to investigate the perimeters of your home, navigating doors and edges and watch its realistic LED eyes.

A great gift for the robot enthusiast in the family.

6) LeapFrog Leapstar learning Game

As a parent, I cannot recommend the Leapstar any higher than what I will now. Leapfrog never fails to release amazing toys and gifts that kids of all ages love. The Leapstar Learning system is a hand held game designed to encourage learning. So your elementary aged boy will love to have one of these. They encourage the learning of alphabet, math’s, numbers, and phonics and much more by using great interactive games.

If you don’t buy any other popular gaming console this Christmas, make sure you get your hands on one of these. The console is money well spent, but the games can become a little pricey. But when you consider how your child is progressing in their learning, you won’t think twice for paying for games for this excellent device.

This list is in no way exhaustive. There are toys here that your 5-7 year old will love, some on the lower end of the budget scale and some at the higher. They are all highly recommended and will guarantee they don’t lose interest easily as some presents do.

 

Three Transformers Action Figures That Stand Out

Transformers The Movie has hit the cinemas hard. Fans raving about it and transformers action figures are sold like crazy. There are hundreds of action figure items sold in toy stores around the world. Some are great and others are not even worth looking. Out of these hundreds of transformers action figures some really stand out among fans. In this article we’ll review three of them. It’s hard to pick just three out of tens excellent candidates but here it is.

1. Transformers Movie Leader Optimus Prime Action Figure This figure really similar to the movie version of Optimus Prime so it really makes a nice collectors item. Don’t get me wrong though, your children will love to play with just as much. Optimus truck form looks cool and his robot form is even cooler. The electronic lights and sounds add a realistic adventure. The Ion Blaster is great too. It takes a little while to transform Optimus to robot form so smaller kids may find it too challenging but for bigger kids the challenge may prove to be a lot of fun. Too bad it’s made of plastic. If only it was made from diecast it would have been perfect.

2. Transformers Cybertron Supreme Class Cybertron Primus Action Figure This thing an amazing, fun, cool looking and huge transformers figure. Would advise it for older children though because transformation is quite complex ( but still fun ). However, for younger children transforming Primus can be quite a challenge. They even might get frustated in trying and break them instead. Anyway, this is certainly a great toy for grownups or older kids. One last thing: if you buy it, play with it; it is a real shame to keep this one in the box. Or better yet buy two, one to keep in the box and one to play with. If want to display it you won’t be embarrassed. This figure is made with good material, excellent build quality, great details and finish too. The great details allows you to keep transforming Primus over and over again and the pieces will still fits tightly.

3. Hasbro Transformers Ultimate Bumblebee Action Figure Another great transformers figure for collectors. Just like the Primus figure this one is also too difficult for children to change modes from robot to car and vice versa. And just like the other figures this one also a very cool figure that you can proudly display on your office desk, A/V rack or shelf so your friends, kids, neighbors or anyone can admire it.

This is probably the biggest transformer figure i’ve ever known. It is one of the most detailed too. Plenty of articulation points and moving pieces makes it very pose able. The left hand has articulate fingers and an opossable thumb, so you can pose it while picking flowers or something like that. It makes different sounds in robot and vehicle mode, the eyes and headlights are blue and very intense, while the backlights sparkle in red as they should. It also has speed sensitive engine sounds when it is in camaro mode Conclusion? This is a must buy for Transformers lovers. If you buy it you will never regret it.