LEGOLAND California Resort recently had their grand opening of their latest attraction, Legends of Chima Water Park. Presented by Cartoon Network, the newest attraction is based on LEGO’s toy line where animal tribes battle in a mystical land for control of the precious energy source called “CHI.”
Plenty of celebrities were on hand for the ceremony. In attendance were Mayim Bialik (Big Bang Theory), Gena Lee Nolin (Baywatch), Caitlin Carmichael (Chosen), and San Diego Padres pitcher Ian kennedy and catcher Rene Rivera.
The three acre water park has 8 main areas of activity.
Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) certainly know their LEGO product; they philosophically understand what playing with these bricks is all about. But when it comes to cobbling together a well-meaning tale, the time wasted to get to the point is long. People watching The LEGO Movie may need a reality check later. They may wonder what goes on with their toys when no one is around.
If this movie is beginning to sound like Toy Story then maybe that’s this movie’s greatest secret let out. There is another potential reference, but do audiences really need another never-ending story? At least this product is a decent watch. Just where this film succeeds is with the final act when all the pieces of the puzzle start fitting together. However, the rest is a different entity altogether.
The LEGO Marvel universe did more than explode when TT Games announced development of the game LEGO Marvel Superheroes for multiple platforms. Mini-figures began appearing since 2002 with Spiderman and ever since then, interest has been a slow burn. The video game, which released Oct 22 is only testament to the fact that Marvel’s superheroes are a hot commodity. And no sooner than Stan Lee can say, “Make Mine Marvel!” the enviable had to happen: expansion into other media. Toys and an animated series are available for fans of this comic book universe to consume.
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload (LMSH:MO) is a web series that can be found on Disney and Marvel Entertainment’s Youtube channel, and it’s surprisingly good. The simple reason is that it does not tickle the funny bone too much. The 3-4 minute length is perfectly suited for viewers looking for light-hearted entertainment. That’s how these LEGO videos should be constructed. Movie length LEGO films are hard to pull off. To maintain the humour needs a good wit than silly foreplay, and that’s one reason why LEGO Batman: The Movie failed.
LEGO’s you can build it approach to recreating life’s greatest moments has achieved new heights as perhaps a model for high art, if not at least modern art. Photographer Mike Stimpson’s recreations are on special exhibit in Birmingham, England at the Old Joint Stock Theatre. He is showcasing iconic moments in photographic history by using LEGO Minifigures. It will be on display until December 21st, 2013.
With characters meticulously posed, the body of emotion expressed is all in the shading. With LEGO figurines, there is only a handful of expressions that can be created from stock head pieces and body parts. But with careful lighting, the feeling of wonderment and whimsy can be admired. That is what separates Stimpson’s works from others. In the past, he has been contracted by the company to photograph images for LEGO’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
From the famous V-J Sailor and Nurse Kissing to Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, that is but a small sampling of what can be found in this exhibit. There is even the famous First Moon Landing and the Lunch Atop a Skyscraper. Stimpson’s ability to control the camera’s focal length to create a subtle center of focus shows what made the original images unique. To photograph it in LEGO only reveals what he appreciates about about these images. Another work worth noting is the subtlety in how he made Old Joint Stock’s Rent tiled poster.
Stimpson’s works have toured the USA, Europe and Australia, and hopefully they will make a stop in Canada. No plans have been made to indicate if this will happen in the future, and for LEGO enthusiasts, fans can only hope. With puny-sized Stormtroopers gracing Stimpson’s online portfolio of photos, the idea here is not to move along. For arts enthusiasts, there is something to see here.
There are some more great little toy goodies just perfect for the children. Or even for mom and dad (you know who you are). From our YouTube toy collectors/testers comes our first toy, the Mellon Lock Seed from Kamen Raider Gaim.
Check out some of the latest Pretty Rhythm merchandise that is available.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Charlie Bean will make his big screen directorial debut with LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu movie. As exciting as that news is for LEGO expanding its properties to the big screen, some people may be wondering if Bean will return to projects left unfinished? This animator turned director has done phenomenal work in his rise up the ladder of success.
His previous works include Robotboy, Dexter’s Laboratory, Powerpuff Girls and the Ren & Stimpy Show. He has been involved in all parts of the animation and story telling process to make these past products the successes that they were. Now with Bean working on Ninjago, to see where this series will head next will be exciting.
LEGOLAND California Resort recently had their grand opening of their latest attraction, Legends of Chima Water Park. Presented by Cartoon Network, the newest attraction is based on LEGO’s toy line where animal tribes battle in a mystical land for control of the precious energy source called “CHI.”
*Spoiler Alert
The 
The