December 2011 Recap
Below is a recap of all the post we've covered in December 2011. If you missed any, or simply want to see them again, click on each "title" to be taken directly to that post. As always, thanks for reading.
Star Wars Advent 2011
Erector Sets, Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs
Gremlins
Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves
A Christmas Story
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A Christmas Story (Neca)
It wouldn't be Christmas without "A Christmas Story," the 1983 movie that became an instant holiday classic thanks to its winning cast and quotable scenes. The film is as time-honored a tradition as getting your tongue stuck to a pole in freezing weather.
In 2003, NECA produced a small assortment of figures based on this iconic film. The packaging was in a rather festive green, with a red Christmas ball sticker for the figure's name. All four family members, and Ralphie's best friend, Flick were produced for the line. An incredibly rare figure, Ralphie in Bunny Suit was also produced towards the tail end of the series.
In 2008, NECA followed it up with one additional figure, Scut Farkus. The packaging was slimmed down, and utilized a red cardboard backer. A green strip at the bottom was designated for the figure's name. NECA also released the majority of the prior figures in this new packaging design, though they are much rarer, and more difficult to find than the original green packaged ones.
As we take a look at each individual figure (below), we thought it would be fun to also see where these particular actors are today.
Peter Billingsley (Ralphie)
Ralphie Parker, played by Peter Billingsley, had just one Christmas wish as a nine-year-old in the 1940s: an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and "this thing which tells time."
Luckily Ralphie never did shoot his eye out, and Billingsley has gone on to have quite the merry career. Now, Billingsley works behind the camera as a producer for films like "Iron Man" and "Four Christmases," in which he also has small on-screen roles. He directed Vince Vaughn's comedy "Couples Retreat."
Scott Schwartz (Flick)
Schwartz played Ralphie's pal Flick, who landed himself in a sticky situation after falling victim to the dreaded triple dog dare. Schwartz played a few childhood roles, in "A Christmas Story" and in "The Toy" in 1982. In 1985, he starred as Adam Weisman alongside Liza Minnelli and Corey Haim in "A Time to Live."
The grown-up Schwartz also starred in a few films that weren't so family-friendly - including "Scotty's X-Rated Adventure." He dabbled in the adult film industry until 2000, then attempted to break back into the mainstream acting scene.
Melinda Dillon (Mrs. Parker)
Dillon played Ralphie's ever-doting mother, Mrs. Parker. Dillon has steadily starred in movies throughout her career from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in 1977 to Mrs. Rogers in "Captain America" in 1990 (co-starring again with Mr. Parker, Darren McGavin).
One of Dillon's most important roles as of lately was as Rose Gator in the 1999 film "Magnolia." She played the wife of TV game show host, Jimmy Gator. She also starred in the drag queen comedy, "To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything!" as Merna in 1995.
Dillon's resume includes more than a dozen TV movies as well as TV series appearances in recent shows like "Law and Order: SVU" and "Heartland."
Ian Petrella (Randy Parker)
The baby of the family is all grown up these days! Ian Petrella played Randy Parker, Ralphie's adorable little bro who struggled with picky eating habits and a bulky snowsuit.
Inspired by Petrella's character, Randy Bibs are on sale at the A Christmas Story House Gift Shop these days...
As for Petrella, he went on to star in more than a few TV series. He played Bill on 'Who's The Boss?' and Alex on 'Diff'rent Stroke.' You could also catch him on 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' 'Once a Hero,' and in 2009's 'Crafty.'
These days, Petrella focuses on animation and puppetry rather than acting. Petrella worked on a Jim Henson project as a puppeteer. Petrella co-founded a production company that creates web content and produces various animated shorts.
Darren McGavin (The Old Man)
Darren McGavin played Ralphie's profanity-unleashing father, known to his sons as The Old Man.
McGavin's long, varied career included big-screen, small-screen and stage roles, as well as producing, directing and writing credits. McGavin starred 'Billy Madison' in 1995, as the fed-up father to an immature and down-right lazy, Billy Madison.
We fondly remember McGavin in his heroic newspaper reporter role in the short-lived horror TV series, "Night Stalker." He passed away in 2006 at the age of 83.
Zack Ward (Scut Farkus)
Farkus was portrayed by Zack Ward, who's still acting as an adult. Ward went on a rampage as Postal Dude in the horror-comedy "Postal" (2007). He also played First Sergeant Donnelly in "Transformers" that same year.
Ward's acting resume is extensive, and he's even popped up on your TV screen in "Warehouse 13," "Dollhouse," and "Cold Case." Ward's big into the horror-themed scene, if you couldn't tell. You can also see him in "Resident Evil: Apocalypse," "BloodRayne 2: Deliverance," and "Freddy vs. Jason."
Starting off as the bully in "A Christmas Story" put Ward well on his way for his future acting ventures.
Two box sets were produced over the course of the series. The first was the four pack "Parker Family" which included each member of the family. The second, which had no official name, was that of the children from the film. The latter pack even included the new Scut Farkus figure.
NECA extended the line to include the 10 and 12 inch talking figures. Though they were not as popular as the regular sized figures (not that the figures were all that popular either).
As we make our rounds to the various retail stores this year, while we have seen some new items based off of the film such as; Bobble Heads, Leg Lamp Replicas, and other various nick knacks, we have yet to see any new figures emerge. It's possible that NECA has cashed in their chips on the series, but at the same time, it's difficult to tell considering there was a five year laps between figures being released in the past. So will there be more? I suppose only time will tell. Until then, we at least have these.
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 24
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 23
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 22
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 21
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 20
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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (Kenner)
In 1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves opened in movie theaters across the U.S., and was an overnight success. Doubters of Costner's ability to play the rogue in green were silenced immediately. Personally I thought the movie was okay for a viewing, but wouldn't go out of my way to see the film again.
Kenner produced a small line of figures to coincide with the film's release. Designed in the same fashion as Kenner was accustomed to, the figures had little articulation, and poorly resembled the actors who portrayed them.
The package design was also fairly standard for Kenner's MO. A colorful photo of the actual actor stood to the side of the bubbled figure, all of which was encased inside of a red border which surrounded the entire card.
There are two known variations from this particular toy line, and both are for each of the two Robin Hood figures. One variation (supposedly) resembles Kevin Costner, while the second is simply a molded standard head for the figure which is not meant to resemble anyone living or deceased.
The majority of the main characters are available in the first and only series, but some key characters are definitely missing such as Maid Marion, Mortianna, Guy of Gisborne, and Duncan. It's unknown if a second series was ever planned as sales never warranted further figures.
As you look at my photo of the vehicles and playsets, you may think I've made some kind of mistake by including two Star Wars items. But, look closer. The Sherwood Forest playset is clearly a repainted Ewok Village (from the Return of the Jedi line), and the Battle Wagon is just a repainted Ewok Battle Wagon (from the Power of the Force line). I guess Kenner figured why design something new when they already had "perfect" designs for toys already drafted up that would fit in the realm of Robin Hood.
What's great about this collection of toys is that not only are they easy to get, they're relatively cheap. I've seen complete collections which include all eight figures, plus the two variant Robin Hood figures, all three vehicles, and the playset all in sealed boxes/packages for as little as $175.00.
If you're looking to get your hands on a unique collection of toys, this is certainly one to consider. Everyone remembers the movie - Not many know about the toys. Think of the conversation piece this series would potentially have.
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 19
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 18
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 17
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 16
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Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar - December 15
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