Author: Vault

Manekochan @ the Movies: How to Train Your Dragon

Featured Thumbnail
Vault12

Well, it’s finally happened. I’m writing a movie review for IAT. Those of you that have been hanging around on the forums know me, but I’m mostly a behind-the-scenes member. This weekend, however, Vault and I wandered over to the local Cineplex to see How To Train Your Dragon.

I have to admit that I was excited to see it. Anyone that knows me can attest to the fact that I will watch anything whatsoever if it’s animated. And How To Train Your Dragon had the added bonus of 1) being bookended by narration (which I’m a sucker for – from Pete and Pete to Arrested Development) and 2) starring an animal companion that just about broke the cuteness meter. I knew I had to see this film.

I should note that I’m not a fan of tossing 3D onto movies for no apparent reason, but I was willing to watch Dragon even if it meant paying the equivalent of an extra ticket.

Read More

Vault Review: Professor Layton

Featured Thumbnail
Vault10


“A hidden treasure. A murder. And a village full of secrets. Pit your wits against the puzzles of St. Mystere. Can you crack the case?” These are the words that the trailer for Professor Layton and the Curious Village tempted me with. A puzzle solving murder mystery, with a unique animation style and a playful yet elusive soundtrack. I was sold instantly. If you're not familiar with Professor Layton, I encourage you to check his DS Game's homepage.

Three years later, Japan is about to enjoy their fifth installment of the Layton franchise, with an animated movie soon to follow. So far the United States just got the second game, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, last year. I am jealous to say the least. Lucky for me though, I can satiate some of my Layton cravings with the brand new Professor Layton figure from Japan’s highly popular Revoltech line.

Read More

Vault Review:
Iron Man 2 Figures

Vault13

A couple weeks ago Toys R Us had a sale on their Iron Man 2 figures. I had been eye balling them ever since they hit the stores, but I just didn’t want to spend the money. Well, they finally got me with that sale.

Ironically, it wasn’t Toys R Us who got my money though. By the time I made it there, the aisle had been pretty well cleaned out. A few Mark Vs and badly painted comic Mark IIIs were all that was left. So, I went to Wal-Mart and took advantage of their price matching on advertised sales. They had a much better selection, too much so. Instead of ending up with just the two versions of War Machine that I had originally gone there for, I also found Iron Monger and a movie Mark I that I couldn’t pass up..

Read More

Vault Review: Transformers Animated Arcee

Featured Thumbnail
Vault7

In 1986, the first Transformers movie introduced fans to a slew of new characters. Hot Rod. Kup. Springer. Blurr. Arcee. Ultra Magnus. Galvatron. Cyclonus. Unicron. Back then, you could watch the movie and then hit up your local store for all but two of those new characters as action figures. I bet you know which too you couldn’t get. It wasn’t until seven years ago, that Unicorn and Arcee finally joined their brethren in the toy world. But, while Unicron was close to being on-model and kinda turned into a planet, Arcee ended up a motorcycle. Fans weren’t done waiting. Now, twenty-four years since her debut, fans are finally getting an Arcee that’s close to what they’ve been wanting since the saw the movie.

Read More

Most Requested
Figures: Dino Riders!

Featured Thumbnail
Vault22

I’ve got the lead on this column again this week, so I decided to go big. One mere figure isn’t enough to satiate my toy needs today. No, instead I want the return of an entire line.

When I was a kid, I loved dinosaurs. I think that’s pretty normal. Dinosaurs were giant, ferocious, mysterious beasts. With thunderous roars, they stalked and stomped their ancient land, battling each other with armored and spiked hides. And I imagined myself right there along ide them. Maybe riding them, fighting Rulons, with a giant missile launcher or two. Well, that was when I was a kid, and things were much simpler. Now, of course, as an adult it might sound silly to think of humans riding dinosaurs decked out in tech and fighting against aliens and mutants, but I don't care. Nothing I've learned can take away from the awesomeness that was Dino Riders.

Read More

Mr. Rant says “less double talk, more double swords!”

Featured Thumbnail
Vault14

I get tired of picking on Mattel so much.  There are a lot of toy companies out there, and I’m sure they are doing a lot of things wrong.  But, I don’t hear about the mistakes they are making every week.  Their spokesperson doesn’t personally post on a message board designed by the company.  This is why I talk so much about Mattel.  I have a weekly deadline to meet, and Toy Guru makes my job easier. So, today I’m pretty much talking to Toy Guru directly here, but the rest of you  get the benefit of getting to read it too.

Read More

Vault Review: MOTU Classics Battle Stands

Featured Thumbnail
Vault5

Trap Jaw and Battle Cat weren’t the only things to sell out on Mattel’s last D-Day. Even though it took a couple more hours than the other two, the MOTU “Castle Grayskull Diorama & Stands” also sold out. I imagine most people were thinking the same thing I was, “Battle Cat is a little expensive, so I might wait until next time to get those stands.” Well, at the last minute I caved and added a set to my cart, and I guess I’m glad I did so. Because if you decided to wait, you are probably a little annoyed at the recent comment by Toy Guru.

Read More