Star Wars Fans It's May the 4th be with you Day!

May 4th has become known as Star Wars Day!

I bet that doesn't surprise most of you as it's a play on the much quoted line "May the Force Be with You!"  Whether you are a Star Wars Movies fan or not, I'm sure that today you will hear this phrase more than once.

Star Wars has had a cult following since it's original movie premiered in 1977.  Almost 40 years of old fans, and new fans being added every time a new episode comes out. The latest addition to the Star Wars phenomenon is "The Force Awakens".  While it can be a stand alone movie, it can also be taken as a prequel to all the other Star Wars Movies out there.  I know my sons have been having ongoing arguments about many points, in the movies and how they are interrelated.   One thing is certain, it has people taking about Star Wars again, and revisiting the older movies.

May the 4th is celebrated not just in North America, but,  worldwide!  It is a celebration of the Star War Movies and all the characters that people have come to love.  In 2001 the Toronto Underground Cinema launched the first official Star Wars Day Festivities which included a costume contest and Movie Marathon.  Since then, the festivities have been ramped up and are available to fans all over the world.  I'm sure if you look you will find some kind of Star Wars Celebration happening in your corner of the world.  Better yet, you can start your own traditions and celebrations, as most of the Star Wars Movies are available on Blu-Ray or DVD.  

Who is your most admired character?  Han Solo, Luke, Leia, Chewbaka, or maybe some other minor character.  Can you make a costume to make you look like your favorite character?  Sewing a costume is not too difficult and it will be fun for you and your family to create a whole wardrobe of characters for today and maybe for a second showing at Halloween.  Check out this pattern!   With a few minor changes you can have a whole family of Jedi Knights.

Since the Star Wars epidemic started there are literally thousands of different ways you can celebrate the day.  If you don't want to dress up, or watch hours of endless Star Wars movies, you can get out your Lego and build another version of the Death Star, X-winged fighter or the Millenium Falcon.   Better yet, you can also get out the "Lego" versions of the characters and have them do their own light saber dance.  I love that you can get these character Lego's, they are so much fun to play with.  Grab your favorite board game and play it with Lego characters instead of the little pieces that came with the game originally.

My sons love to play Monopoly and believe it or not there is a Star Wars Version too.  Now Monopoly has it's own cult following, so there are many versions of the same game with modifications to the names of the properties and the player pieces. The basic game remains the same, but the fun comes from landing on some really cool "outer space" properties.  The Star Wars Monopoly Game is a collectors item.  Each one is numbered and dated.  Instead of adding houses to your properties, you add Star Ships.  Will the Rebels or the Imperials win the race around the galaxy and control the properties?  That depends on you!

All I know right now is that with the release of the latest Star Wars movie, "The Force Awakens", interest in the 4th of May, just may be at an all time high.

So may I take this opportunity to offer "MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!" today and always.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Merry Christmas from Review This Reviews

 Merry Christmas to everyone from all of us here at Review This Reviews.

For me, Christmas is a time to be spent with the people you love and a wonderful time to create memories.  Everyone celebrates Christmas differently and has different Christmas traditions, one such tradition is the Christmas Tree.

Some people put the tree up as soon as Halloween is over and others on December 1st, when I was a child it was Christmas Eve in our household.   My brother and I tried to talk my parents into putting it up earlier and one year we thought victory was ours as mum relented and said okay we'll put it up on the Saturday before Christmas.

As it got closer to Christmas we realized that Christmas was on a Sunday which meant the Saturday before Christmas was, in fact, Christmas Eve!  When my daughter was younger we would put our tree up on the 1st Saturday of the school holidays.   This leads us to how you decorate your Christmas tree, there are lots of ideas that can be found on this Christmas Facebook page.   We used to have special ornaments that we put up every year, but some people like to create a new theme every year.

My brother and his family have a tradition of giving their children a present every Christmas Eve which is a pair of pajamas for them to wear that night.   They used to open the presents while still in PJs so it meant all the photos always looked good!

Growing up we would use pillowcases in lieu of stockings and when talking to some other ex-pats from the UK a few years ago we found that we had very similar things placed in our stockings each year!  There would always be an orange, a toffee dime from the Quality Street tin(how strange that this was the one that my parents didn't like from Quality Street - a must-have for any English household over the holiday season at that time!).   There would also be a book and/or a little game to entertain us and a nice outfit to wear.   

After waking our parents up at whatever time in the morning it was that we discovered Santa had been we had to go back to bed and weren't allowed up until 9am, hence the book/game.   Then we had to get dressed (hence the new clothes) and eat breakfast (which was usually porridge that took soooo long to cook!) before we were allowed into the front room to see the Christmas tree and all the gifts.   I can feel the excitement just recalling the moment when we could see the tree on Christmas morning. 

I have spent far more Christmases in the antipodes than I did in the UK so Christmas for me these days is in summer (I do still miss Christmas being in winter though I must admit).   Our family Christmases certainly look different to my childhood Christmases for one thing we usually watch Christmas movies (my daughter used to love Elf, whereas my husband and I are more Die Hard fans) in the lead up to the big day - when I was growing up we didn't watch much television.

Board games were a big part of our Christmases and I know they are for lots of other families as well.   I also come from a family of readers so there were occasions where after Christmas lunch was over we would all be stuck with our noses in books!  If you're after a book to read then be sure to check out our recommendations, and best of all most of these can be downloaded to your Kindle straight away (just in case no one gives you a book this year!)

Some people enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, others build Legos whereas others take walks as a family or for people Downunder it often means being in the pool or playing backyard cricket.   The first Christmas we spent in New Zealand we went down to the beach and tried out fly fishing rods that mum and dad had got, then found a log and tried our version of tossing the caber, I seem to recall a jandal throw as well.   Our very own Christmas games on the beach!

Whatever you're doing and whoever you're spending Christmas with this year make sure you are making some fantastic memories.   Keep safe, have fun and goodwill to you all.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing The Lego City Construction Site Set

Lego City is a hive of activity as new buildings have been approved by council - have you seen everything that's happening on the Lego City Construction Site?   It's lots of fun with Lego Rollers, Lego Cranes, Lego Dozers and more all working hard out.

Buy Lego City Construction Set from Amazon here!

If you don't have any of the myriad of Lego City Construction sets that are available then you'll be missing out on all of the excitement.

If you can only have one Lego City Construction set then you should get the Lego set #7633 pictured above.

This is a big set containing 898 pieces which will give you 3 different vehicles and 5 minifigures.

You can see the crane in action in this image.   The Lego Crane actually measures 17" long and 13" high.

Whether your child (or you, no judgements here, I love Lego!) gets more fun out of building this crane or playing with it is debatable.   In my mind it's way better than the old Tonka crane my brother had when we were growing up!!

Another fun inclusion in this set is a moving elevator which you can see in the image below.   It's a lot of fun to send your minifigs up and down on that!

As well as the three vehicles (crane, digger and truck), the modular apartments to build and the minifigs themselves that you can see in the images there are also a few other cool accessories in this set.   These things include little handheld radios for the minifigures (which will certainly make it easier for them all to communicate should one be up the elevator for example.   There are also shovels to help the workers dig on the site and lots of other fun construction related tools.

As I've mentioned that are lots of other Lego City Construction sets available to choose from so if you don't want such a big set then be sure to check out some of the others.

My little cousin loved getting the digger set for Christmas so that comes highly recommended,a although sharing it with his brothers did NOT happen!

It is lucky that I reconsidered getting this set for the three of them to play with.   Although they usually share toys happily the digger was such a hit it took about 12 months before the others were allowed to touch it!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

The Office Lego Set #21336 Reviewed

Our son loves the television sitcom series, The Office.  When he requested The Office Lego set for Christmas this year, we were more than happy to grant his wish.  

During the recent ice storm, he used that indoor time to build the set.  I was so surprised by how many cool episode pieces were included in this Lego set!  The attention to detail when creating this set was absolutely fabulous.  So many fun "things" to discover in the office as you search through the drawers and cabinets.  

It has been a while since I watched the show myself, but I instantly recognized my favorite characters, as well as some of the specific episode props which include an engagement ring, a bat, a pot of chili, a check to Science, and so many more pieces that immediately evoked laughter.  They truly made me wish to start watching the sitcom from the beginning again.

The Office Lego Set #21336

It is so much fun to rediscover Micheal Scott, Dwight, Jim, Pam, Kelly, and the rest of the office crew through this awesome Lego set. It even includes Garbage the cat.

 

Welcome to The Office Lego Set

Office Fans Will Have No Trouble Finding Their Favorite First Season Characters

Photos of My Son's Completed Lego Set - Click Image to Enlarge

Lego Ideas: The Office Set Specifications

•  Lego Ideas The Office 21336Check Price1164 Pieces
• Recommended Age: 18+
• Finished Measurements:  12" wide, 3" tall, 10" deep
• 15 Minifigures (12 with 2 facial expressions): Michael Scott, Dwight, Jim, Pam, Ryan, Kevin, Meredith, Stanley, Angela, Oscar, Kelly, Phyllis, Toby, Creed, and Darryl
• Garbage (the cat)
  
• Lots of scene inspired accessories
• Step by Step Instructions
• Removable Section: Micheal Scott's office 

More Photos of My Son's Completed Lego Set - Click Image to Enlarge

Note Details - You can even see that Jan was the last call on phone

More Lego Sets & Shelves Reviewed 

Lego Carousel Creator Expert Set #10257 Reviewed
The Lego Carousel Creator Expert Set #10257 is a fabulous & beautiful design. Somewhat challenging to build but worth it. Animal rides & carousel move

LEGO Creator Winter Toy Shop Reviewed
The Lego Creator Winter Toy Shop is fun to build AND fun decor, even as a centerpiece, during the holidays. Toy shop in the winter scene is fabulous!

LEGO Disney Castle Set - Cinderella's Castle Lego Set #71040 Reviewed
With its impressive details, arched doorway, stunning spires & turrets, the Lego Disney Castle Set is a fabulous replica of the real Cinderella Castle.

Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion Lego Kit Reviewed
Lego & Scooby Doo fans will love this awesome Lego set. The Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion is the perfect treat for Halloween or anytime for kids & adults.

Disney Winnie the Pooh #21326 Lego Set Reviewed
Those who love Winnie-the-Pooh & Legos are thrilled with the Winnie Lego set! It includes Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit & Poohs treehouse home.

Lego Gingerbread House Set #10267 Reviewed
The Lego Gingerbread House is the perfect set for Christmas time! Many of us enjoy decorating gingerbread houses for Christmas, but ...

Spider-Man Far From Home Lego Set #76130 Reviewed
The Spiderman Far From Home Lego set has lots of awesome features including an opening hatch in the jet for Spidermans quick exit. Specs & review here.

The Perfect Lego Display Shelves Reviewed
Completed Lego sets need a safe place for display. I recently purchased the perfect bookcase shelves for Lego display!

 Lego Ideas The Office 21336Check Price

Check Out More Toy Reviews at
ReviewThisToys.com
Or
Reviews on Lego Sets
Right Here On Review This Reviews!

 Lego The Office Set #21336 Reviewed by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Ghostbusters Movie - Reviewed

 

We are huge fans of Saturday Night Live with the original cast. So, when the movie Ghostbusters hit the big screen in 1984 staring, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray we just couldn’t wait to see it.

 

Now it’s 37 years later and we still love to watch it, (really 37 years, what happened?). Over the years Ghostbusters 1 and 2 have become classic movies and are still popular today. The Ghostbuster movies created such a huge market of products. Such as action figures, video games, Legos, T-Shirts, and so much more.

 

Ghostbusters Movie Plot:

.

The movie centers on parapsychologists Peter Venkman played by Bill Murray, Raymond Stantz played by Dan Aykroyd and Egon Spengler played by Harold Ramis.

 

After they lose their research funding from the University, they open a paranormal exterminator service called (you guessed it) “Ghostbusters”.

 

The movie starts with their first paranormal experience in the public library. Just prior to that is one of my favorite scenes is where Bill Murray is testing two young subjects for their ESP abilities, using mild shock treatment.

As Murray holds up cards with shapes on them, they must visualize and tell him what they see. The young man gets them all right but Murray zaps him anyway, while the young girl gets them all wrong, he smiles and tells her right, you are good at this.

 

They are then hired by a New York City Hotel to investigate a haunting. After causing a lot of damage to the hotel they capture their first ghost. This is where they become well known as they continue to rid the city of paranormal activity. 

After being thrown in jail by the EPA the Mayor calls upon the Ghostbusters to save the city. This is a perfect family movie, and so much fun to watch. It keeps you laughing throughout the entire movie.

 

Our grandson Bobby has become a huge fan of the Ghostbuster phenomenon. Bobby has watched the Ghostbusters movies over and over. Bobby also has mastered the Ghostbuster video game, and still plays it today.

 

We live in Jamestown New York, home to the National Comedy Center. Dan Aykroyd donated his Harley motorcycle to the Comedy Center for their grand opening on August 6, 2018. It was quite an event for all of us.

Dan Aykroyd donates the Harley motorcycle that he drove to Saturday Night Live in New York.

 Knowing Bobby is such a huge fan, I told him to bring his Ghostbuster DVD and we will try to get Dan Aykroyd to sign it. And, we did just that, here is one happy kid.

Find more movie reviews here: ReviewThisMovies.com

Ghostbusters / Ghostbusters 2 (Double Feature)

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing 2004 Lego X Pods

Available on Amazon

The first of the range of Lego X-Pods were released in 2004, in total Lego released 5 different sets of X-pods during this year. The premise behind this Lego range was that the Lego came inside of a pod, essentially this was 'Lego on the go.'

The pods that these small Lego kits came in were designed to fit in a pocket so that no matter where you were you could pull out your Lego pod and start to build.

This Lego X-Pod range was like a sub-range of the Lego Creator series and each kit could create a number of different things limited only by your child'simagination.

The X-Pods released in 2004 were -

• Black Robot Pod
• Robo Pod
• Auto Pod
• Aero Pod
• Wild Pod

Black Robot Pod - 4335

As you can see from the picture the Black Robot Pod comes in a clear container with two black lids. This set contains 50 pieces and is recommended for the age 6+.

This is a hard to find Lego product with the following features -

* Idea Book with instructions and inspiration for 6 robot models — quick to build and rebuild for           hours of fun!
* Handy carry case with studs — build it right into your models!
* Unique assortment of LEGO elements — great shapes and awesome colors!
* Fits into backpacks, pockets and more for on-the-go play!
* Combine with other X-Pods to build cool combo models!

An interesting snippet for you is that this Black Robot Pod was released for Halloween which might explain the color scheme of black and orange!

Robo Pod - 4346

This Lego set contains 65 pieces as well as step by step instructions to build 3 models.

Of course, as with all of the Lego x-pods there is no limit to the number of different models you can actually build!

This green set comes in a clear ‘pod’ with green lids to match the robots you can make with the set.

Auto Pod - 4347

This 67 piece x-pod set comes in a clear ‘pod’ with blue lids.

There are also instructions for building different Lego models – a bulldozer, truck, and rolling robot.

These models however are only for inspiration because the key to all of the x-pod sets is that your imagination is the only thing that will stop the number of different models you’ll be able to create.

Aero Pod - 4348

This 36 piece Lego X-Pod set is sometimes referred to as the X-Pod Planes as there is a later model also called X-Pod Aero so be aware that this is the 2004 set, model number 4348.

The pod as you can see is one of the transparent ones and comes with yellow lids, the bricks inside are also predominately yellow as you can see from the picture.

I actually can’t tell you much about this particular set as I haven’t seen it myself and there aren’t as many reviews available as I would like, but if it’s like the other X-Pod sets then I’m sure it’s fantastic and no doubt will come with instructions for a few models.

Lego Wild Pod - 4349

The Lego Wild Pod set contains 44 pieces and comes in a transparent pod with red lids.

The instuctions that come with this Lego pod show you how to make seven different creatures from a crawling bug to a flying dragonfly, but as with all of these sets the instructions are only the start.

I haven’t actually seen the instruction book or played with this pod, but I have seen a dragon made from just this set and I was very impressed!

Lego X-Pods Are An Awesome Idea!

When I was a child I absolutely loved Lego and assumed that when I had kids there would be Legos strewn across the house.  Of course life never works out quite as you imagine and when I had my only child she didn't like Lego so I never got to purchase these X-Pods for her.

I have been lucky to have a goddaughter who is Lego mad and plenty of friend's children to give me an excuse to 'hang out' in the Lego section of department stores and I still think that these X-Pods are an inspired idea.

They are an ideal size to fit in a child's pocket and perfect to take on road trips, plane trips etc to keep your child happy when they have to stay in one place.

Not only are they ideal for your child to carry they are also a perfect size to pop into your handbag.  Hands up moms who have bulging bags trying to be Mary Poppins when they go out with their children!  I used to have snacks stowed away, along with things to entertain my daughter in case we were stuck waiting somewhere - these Lego X-pods don't take up much room so can be a godsend for moms.

Even though they weren't something I used I wholeheartedly recommend them for anyone with a Lego loving child (I'd even love them for myself now!).

Most of this particular range are unavailable through many outlets so I recommend looking on ebay for them, if there's a particular one you're after be sure to search with the set number.

Images courtesy of brickipedia

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion Lego Kit Reviewed

As a special treat for Halloween a few years ago, I gave my all-time favorite trick or treater (my son) the Lego Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion.  He loves it!

Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Daphne, Fred & Velma have been the source of entertainment for many years in our household. All ages seem to adore them, laugh with them, sing along with the intro music, and even call out the question "Scooby-Doo, where are you?"  

We are also fans of haunted houses!  Therefore, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion was a perfect "treat" choice. Not only does the set come with members of the Scooby-Doo gang, it also includes a ghost & a vampire.  However, there is one notable missing character and I have given the information below on how to buy him separately.

One very unique feature of this set is the "man" eating plant, reminiscent of the Venus Fly Trap plant recently reviewed by our own contributor, Raintree Annie.  (You can read her Venus Fly Trap review by clicking here.)

This fabulous set has 860 pieces and would be a fun project for the family on Halloween, or any time.  Over the years, I have been blessed many times by our son sitting at the dining room table, letting me sort out pieces for him into like piles, while we talk and he builds the set. These are memories that I cherish and I know you will too.  I highly recommend taking the time to sit with your Lego builder while he or she works.  You will discover a totally different reason to love Legos!

 

Lego Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion Kit #75904

The mansion alone is awesome with it's clock tower and adjoining rooms, but when you add the Halloween pumpkins, the black knight, a vampire, a ghost, and the Scooby gang, you have perfection!

The set also includes a motorbike with a sidecar, the fabulous man-eating plant with a snapping mouth, and a bunch of additional accessories including food for our always hungry friends.

When completed, the Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion is 14" tall, 12" wide, & 5" deep.

 LEGO Scooby-Doo 75904 Mystery Mansion Building KitCheck Price

Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion Lego Availability

This Lego set is retired, therefore, you will need to search for the set on Amazon, Ebay or a different secondary market.  If you don't see it today, check again on a later date.  Sellers frequently add new items on Ebay.  It is one of my favorite source for retired Lego sets! (links for Mystery Mansion (shown above) on Amazon or on Ebay)

Oddly enough, Fred was not included in this set.  He can be pretty expensive when sold separately, so I would recommend pairing the Mystery Mansion Lego set with the Lego Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine Set #75902.   (The following words are links to the Mystery Machine on Amazon or on Ebay)

The images below are linked to the sets available on Amazon.

 LEGO Scooby-Doo 75904 Mystery Mansion Building KitCheck Price LEGO Scooby-Doo 75902 The Mystery Machine Building KitCheck Price

 

Check Out More Toy Reviews at
ReviewThisToys.com
Or
Reviews on Lego Sets
Right Here On Review This Reviews!

 Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion Lego Kit Reviewed by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Toys Reviewed on Review This Reviews!

Treasures from the Archives of Review This Reviews! 

Our contributors have a lot of experience with toys.  Most of us are parents and several of our contributors are grandparents.  Plus, we remember the toys we loved the most in our own childhood.  

Many of the toys from our childhood have been updated, or brought back as new versions.  Therefore, we have decades of toy experience from the user, as well as the giver, prospective.  

From toys that teach to toys that are basic emotional comfort, we review them.  We even review card games and board games that are played by multiple players.

Not only do we review toys for children, we also review toys that are appropriate for teens, like the Science Academy Lip Balm Lab, Legos, or a Remote Controlled Helicopter.

If you are searching for an appropriate toy gift, or toy gift ideas, Review This Reviews is definitely a resource you will want to explore.  

Who knows?  You just might find something new for yourself too!

Toys:  Collectibles For Ourselves & Children

When we hear the word "toy", we most often think of children.  However, some adults enjoy collecting toys.  Consider the generations of Barbies, or perhaps Matchbox cars.  Those are easy examples of collectible toys.

Regardless of age, we all love the feel and comfort of a plush animal.  Many adults have plush animal collections, whether intentional or unintentionally.  Plush animals seem to have a place in everyone's heart.  They can even be used as home decor, especially during the holidays.

Join us, as we explore the world of toys!

A Review This Reviews Pinterest Board - Toys Reviewed 

The board below features 30 of our most recent reviews.

Click through to Pinterest to see all of the Toy Reviews and Recommendations for Your Consideration that have been Reviewed by Review This Reviews Contributors! 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: