I wish that Hollywood would stop making watered-down renditions of Eighties classics, no matter how slick they are, and would instead focus on something new. 
However, Marin Stipkovic‘s rendition of Robocop looks like a classic to me.
Tag Archives: Movies
Ellen’s Oscar “Selfie” That Crashed Twitter–in LEGO
As you may or may not have heard, Ellen Degeneres hosted the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2. In true Oscars style, Ellen made this her entertaining with funny quips, freaking out the pizza boy, and posting a “selfie”.
Which later crashed twitter.
Our erstwhile pop-culture enthusiast Iain Heath has, of course, memorialized this moment in brick for each and every one of you to enjoy.
Lights, camera, action!
Tommy Williamson (GeekyTom) built some scenes for the Lego Adventure Book Vol. 2 featuring space creations by Peter Reid. These skillfully staged shots can all be seen in the book, check out more on the Flickr.
Elysium Data Heist Diorama
I’m pretty sure that this diorama by Daniel Garcia Rodado (AlterEvo) and (AL13N163NA) is the first I’ve seen inspired by the movie Elysium. Regardless of what you think of the plot or script of the movie, it had some stunning visuals, and some really cool tech. I like how this display is made up of a series of vignettes, disconnected but bound together. I also think that the builders did a great job of representing the exo-skeleton worn by Matt Damon’s character, at minifig scale.
In-Depth Look at The LEGO Movie Closing Credits
How many of you saw the LEGO movie? All of you? Excellent. Did you hear they’re doing a sequel, due in 2017? That’s pretty fantastic news to me. I’d love to go back to that world.
Art of the Title gives a really insightful walk-through of the process creating the end-credits, with all of those excellent micro-scale worlds. If you need a reminder of how awesome it really is, their article has it for you to watch and pause whenever you’d like. The article doesn’t name any fans by name, though you may recognize a couple of builds, like Bruce Lowell‘s cow skull and hot dog.
Which of the end-credit builds was your favorite?
LEGO Nautilus Ready for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Alex Jones (Orion Pax) brings to brick form one of my favorite movie ships, Captain Nemo’s infamous Nautilus. Although the Disney version differs significantly from Jules Verne’s description, its distinctive styling is iconic and I’m glad Alex has chosen to follow this rendition.
LEGO 70810 MetalBeard’s Seacow set unveiled at ToyFair [News]
A new LEGO Movie set 70810 MetalBeard’s Seacow has been officially unveiled at ToyFair in New York City. Looks like there’s a different version of MetalBeard in this set from the previous set, which works for me. I must say, I’m pretty excited about this set (though not as much as I am about Benny’s Classic Spaceship, of course).
[EDIT] This set is now available to LEGO VIP members (a free rewards program) at LEGO Shop at Home.
Here’s the press release and photos:
70810 MetalBeard’s Sea Cow
Ages 14+ 2,741 Pieces
US $249.99 – CA $299.99 – DE 249.99€ – UK £169.99 – DK 2,199.00 DKK
*Euro pricing varies by country. Please visit shop.LEGO.com for regional pricing.Help our heroes escape the Micro Managers on MetalBeard’s Sea Cow!
Shiver me timbers, the Micro Managers are approaching our heroes and MetalBeard aboard his wacky Sea Cow ship. Climb the mast to keep a look-out. Fire the powerful shooting cannons from the side of the ship to repel the Micro Managers. And watch out – one has flick missiles and the other can shoot a net! Raise the anchors, spin the rear propellers and steer the ship to safety with the mini version of MetalBeard at the wheel. Includes 4 minifigures: Benny, Emmet, Vitruvius and Wyldstyle, and 2 figures: MetalBeard and QueasyKitty.
Battle 2 Micro Managers with The LEGO® Movie MetalBeard’s Sea Cow with mini version of MetalBeard, 4 minifigures and cow with wings!
• Includes 4 minifigures: Benny, Emmet, Vitruvius and Wyldstyle, and 2 figures: MetalBeard and QueasyKitty
• MetalBeard’s Sea Cow features chimney, 2 anchors, 4 back propellers, 2 huge side turbines, lanterns, 2 gold keys, 2 bottles, bottle with printed ship, box with 4 black coals, hammer, wrench, shovel, gold crowbar and a barrel with 2 rammers. Plus cannon and ammunition deck with 6 cannons and 2 boxes with cannon ammunition (12 pieces), and boiler room with 2 flint guns, 2 flint pistols and 2 swords. Also features captain’s room with treasure chest containing 6 gold coins, 2 red jewels and 2 green jewels, 2 blueprints, 2 maps, globe, sextant, ink vial and quill, and a portrait of MetalBeard
• Also includes a cow with wings!
• The large Micro Manager features fold-up wings with hidden flick missiles, 2 claws and fold-down satellite dish
• The small Micro Manager features a net shooter
• Weapons include 2 flint guns, 2 flint pistols and 2 swords
• Steer the ship with the mini MetalBeard with sword and treasure chest
• Fire the cannons on both sides of the ship to fend off attackers
• Take off the funnel to access the cannon and ammunition deck
• Open the top to access the captain’s cabin and check out the maps, treasure chest, MetalBeard portrait and more!
• Open the doors to the boiler room to access the weapons
• Turn the exhaust to raise and lower the anchors
• Rotate the giant side turbines
• Place a minifigure on the fore mast to operate the mounted guns
• Keep a look-out from the crow’s nest
• Get the fire going below the huge funnel
• Make the rear propellers spin and speed away
• Watch The LEGO® Movie to see all your favorite characters in action
• MetalBeard’s Sea Cow measures over 22” (58cm) high, 24” (61cm) long and 7” (19cm) wide
• The Micro Manager (large) measures over 3” (9cm) high, 4” (12cm) long and 4” (12cm) wide
• The Micro Manager (small) measures over 1” (5cm) high, 2” (6cm) long and 1” (5cm) wide
• Mini MetalBeard measures over 4” (11cm) high, 5” (13cm) deep, and 5” (13cm) wide
• Double-decker couch measures over 3” (8cm) high, 3” (10cm) wide and less than 1” (2cm) long
Available for sale directly through LEGO® beginning
March 2014 via shop.LEGO.com, LEGO® Stores or via phone
Here’s the full set of photos:
Epic LEGO Movie Diorama by South Korean Fans
Creative quad OliveSeon have unveiled a spectacular diorama based on the recently released LEGO Movie. Collectively, this group of four South Korean fans produce some of the best dioramas in the fan community. Their latest incorporates numerous official sets while cleverly expanding upon them to capture various scenes from the film.
The LEGO Movie, now playing at a theater near you!
The LEGO Movie is out today, and since you’re reading this blog you’re probably making plans to go see it in the near future! Unlike Andrew, I’d been hyped to see this movie ever since the first trailer, and somehow the final product managed to exceed my lofty expectations.
Nick (DarthNick) built this diorama as part of a display for the Toronto premiere, and I think the build (background included) does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the film.
Full of sly humor, The LEGO Movie is a must-watch for all LEGO fans – especially adults [Review]
I’ll admit it: I had very low expectations for The LEGO Movie. The first trailers were annoying more than anything else, and — out of context from the movie — I wasn’t especially impressed with the corresponding sets (which LEGO sent us to review a while ago — they’re actually pretty great parts packs). But this evening I joined scores of local LEGO fans, press, and others at an early screening, and the movie won me over from the first moments on screen.
Written and directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (whose previous writing/directing collaboration is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs), The LEGO Movie begins when Emmet (Chris Pratt) wakes up one morning and heads to his construction job, following instructions every step of the way. You can infer most of the lessons that the movie will convey from that premise alone — yes, there are plenty of nods to creativity, teamwork, and other wonderful sentiments. But there’s a lot more to this movie than bang-you-over-the-head morals in the vein of Toy Story 3.
First and foremost, the movie is full of subtle references to LEGO arcana from the past 35 years. I won’t spoil any of the surprises, but the inclusion of a blue Classic Space minifig with a cracked visor should be evidence enough that this isn’t just a movie for boys aged 6-12 whose idea of LEGO is Ninjago and Legends of Chima.
Similarly, and less obscurely, well-timed cameos from completely unexpected parts of the LEGO universe (no, not that LEGO Universe) had the audience roaring with approval. The voice acting is impressive, but don’t go looking up the credits yet or you’ll spoil many of the surprises. And forget Ben Affleck, I want Will Arnett as the next Batman.
The animation style is rather striking. Unlike the flat, uniform style we’ve all gotten used to in LEGO video games, the move essentially looks like it was animated with real bricks. More interestingly, the pieces — especially the minifigs — show lots of play wear. The minifigs also move with the limitations inherent to their form; you’ll never see a minifig bending at the knee or flexing a claw hand.
There’s a final plot twist that comes as a complete but totally natural surprise. With plenty of foreshadowing, this final twist fits perfectly with what you’ve seen throughout the rest of the movie — an indication of good writing by Lord and Miller. Even better, it’s clear that they’re very aware of patterns of thinking among adult fans.
Overall, I can unreservedly recommend The LEGO Movie. This isn’t a movie about LEGO the beloved brand or corporation. Nor is it really a movie about bricks or even creativity. Fundamentally, The LEGO Movie is a movie for LEGO fans and about LEGO fans. It’s also just plain entertaining. Set aside your preconceptions and go see it.
The LEGO Movie opens this Friday, February 7th.
As a final note, I’m interested to learn how LEGO builders we know were involved in making the movie — Facebook lately has been full of subtle references to recent projects with a forthcoming reveal and early cast & crew screenings. Watching the credits, it was great to see designer Matthew Ashton get an Executive Producer credit.
I’d love to hear what you think, too. Feel free to discuss your thoughts in the comments, but please keep the discussion spoiler-free through opening weekend.
LEGO to Make Official Ghostbusters Set [News]
Ghostbusters will be the next official Cuusoo set, LEGO announced today on the blog for the Cuusoo site. Cuusoo is a LEGO website that allows fans to submit ideas to LEGO. If an idea garners 10,000 votes, LEGO will examine if they are able to turn the idea into an official set. Several sets gained the requisite votes in the last review session, but thus far only fan Brent Waller’s Ghostbusters project has been confirmed for transformation into an official set. Another Ghostbusters project also reached the 10,000 vote mark, but LEGO has decided to only pursue Waller’s project, since it reached the vote threshold first, and the model designers liked the car better.
We don’t know yet what the final set will look like, since, as is the case with all Cuusoo projects, it is the idea, not the specific model, that LEGO has agreed to produce. Pictured above is Waller’s Ghostbusters model.
Iron Man tile mosaic
Spending three months and using 3500+ tiles, this stunning 144×96 stud mosaic by Brickmoc makes me want to crank up some Black Sabbath.
