How – and why – ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ is based on ‘The Wizard of Oz’

The Force Awakens has been frequently dismissed as a lazy rip-off of Star Wars, and it’s easy to see why – Death Star type threat, desert planet, stolen data in a droid, etc. But it’s clear to me that another story has been a key influence – The Wizard of Oz. Continue reading How – and why – ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ is based on ‘The Wizard of Oz’

J.J. Abrams calls lack of Rey Star Wars merchandising “preposterous”

If you’re frustrated at the exclusion of Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise featuring Rey – you’re not alone.

Entertainment Weekly reports that  Writer/Director J.J. Abrams shares your pain – and your bemusement as to why this central character of the story he created should be excluded at all.

“I wish I had more details about merchandising and the schedule… I’m learning things as you are. I will say that it seems preposterous and wrong that the main character of the movie is not well represented in what is clearly a huge piece of the Star Wars world in terms of merchandising.”

“I read that she wasn’t in the Monopoly game and was quickly making phone calls about this because if it were true — and it is true, and now Hasbro, of course, has said they’re going to put Rey in — it doesn’t quite make sense why she wouldn’t be there.”

He cheekily added “She’s somewhat important in the story.”

Creating a new gender balance in the force was clearly important to Abrams, who told me last year that “the idea was always to have this female character at the heart of the story.” He added that “…we have wonderful cast of good guys, bad guys, pilots, stormtroopers – that happen to be female.”

Daisy Ridley also said to me that ““J.J. is an incredible writer, especially of females in a kind of male dominated world.”

Now Rey faces her latest battle – in the male dominated world of Star Wars merchandising.

 

Review: Battle Action Millennium Falcon from Star Wars The Force Awakens

The Battle Action Millennium Falcon toy is full of great features and should please any young Star Wars fan – with one important addition.

(MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD)

While it’s great to see favourite characters returning in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, for me the most glorious returnee is the Millennium Falcon. Continue reading Review: Battle Action Millennium Falcon from Star Wars The Force Awakens

Electronic Chewbacca Mask with Moving Mouth review

TL:DR – this Chewbacca Mask with moving mouth is awesome!

There have been scores of Star Wars masks over the years. Those based on characters with helmets tend to be the best realised – such as Darth Vader or Stormtroopers. The detail is usually pretty accurate, and there are additional features such as voice changers in Vader or Kylo Ren that can elevate them above the usual run-of-the-mill dress up masks.

But this Chewbacca mask is probably the best Star Wars children’s one I’ve seen so far. It’s made of a hard durable plastic, has a good cartoony likeness of the lovable Wookiee, and is a comfortable fit (for a child) with secure straps.

But what really makes this so great is that is has a hinged lower jaw, so the mask’s mouth opens when the wearer’s does – and doing this triggers Chewbacca’s distinctive howls and roars.

There are a number of distinctive Chewie sounds that those familiar with the films will recognise, with different ones being triggered by how much the jaw is opened.

My daughter is really enamoured with it, and the overall effect is pretty theatrical.

Check out the Chewbacca mask with moving mouth in action:

Adorable eh? And as you can see, it’s perfectly paired with a Dorothy dress 🙂

This is a great addition to my daughter’s dress up box, and she really enjoys terrorising  friends and family with it.

As with many of the toys available in this new wave of Star Wars merchandise, I would have loved this as a kid too.

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The Star Wars The Force Awakens Chewbacca Electronic Mask has an RRP of £29.99.

  • Movie-like appearance
  • Open mouth slightly to hear Wookiee howl
  • Open it wider, and Chewbacca’s roar gets louder
  • Adjustable straps

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Disclosure: We were gifted this item free of charge for the purposes of this review.

 

Family Fever

REVIEW: LEGO Star Wars – Rey’s Speeder

Appearing early on in the very first trailer for The Force Awakens, Rey’s Speeder was one of the first new vehicles to be revealed.

Rey's Speeder, Star Wars, The Force Awakens, Daisy Ridley

Its blocky, lo-fi, junkyard style design quickly became a fan favourite.

This LEGO version is a lovely little set to construct.

LEGO Star Wars 75099 Rey's Speeder

This was one of my favourite looking ones from The Force Awakens line (admittedly, the iconic , far larger, and more expensive Millennium Falcon – also featuring Rey – just edged it). The suggested age is 7-12, but my 3-year-old daughter put it together with minimal supervision.

Rey is clearly a central character to the new saga, so it is great to have a minifigure of her. My daughter also loves the fact that she is another female Star Wars character to play with.

Rey LEGO Star Wars minifigure

The minifigure has the usual two faces, though the expressions are a fairly subtle ‘wry smile’ and ‘displeased frown’. The freckles are a nice detail. She also has a mask with goggles, as seen in the introduction to the character in the film.

Rey wearing mask and goggles, Star Wars, The Force Awakens

The set also comes with a second mini figure, the hooded and mysteriously named Unkar’s Thug.

Rey’s Speeder is already one of the more iconic new vehicles of the new saga and is a great addition to our LEGO Star Wars collection, that that my daughter frequently plays with already.

The fact that it features the character that is basically the lead role in the new saga makes this an essential set for any young LEGO Star Wars fan to own. All she needs is the addition of one particular accessory (not included).

😉
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Star Wars © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

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Family Fever