Playmobil – Star Trek U.S.S Enterprise

By PRODUCTS

Playmobil – Star Trek U.S.S Enterprise review by Harrison

Star Trek as a franchise has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years with the release of the last three movies and streaming shows such as Discovery, Picard Five years.

Star Trek’s long term popularity has spawned countless forms of merchandise over the years from cosplay costumes to mugs with the faces of your favorite Captain. But to this day there has never been a must own collectible to rival this latest offering from Playmobil. 

The new Playmobil U.S.S Enterprise is approximately one metre in length, has interactive sounds and lights, plus all of the key characters from the original Star Trek series.  And if that’s not enough, the ships controls and lights are interactive with a free downloadable app.  

U.S.S Enterprise Bridge and Figures

The detail to the Enterprise bridge is insane, it looks just like the set Kirk and crew used from the series. I love the lenticular stickers for the closing door and the flight screen, it gives the deck a really authentic cool look. 

It comes with so many figures – Captain James Tiberius Kirk, Spock, Leonard H. ‘Bones’ McCoy, Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott, Nvota Uhura, Hikara Sulu, Pavel Chekov, as well as five tiny Tribbles. 

U.S.S Enterprise Engine Room

I particularly like the Scotty figure and his Engine room section and how the ‘On Button’ for the entire model is within this section. That’s a really lovely touch. 

The lighting and sounds are really great. They compliment the design of the ship and every detail is authentic to the original screen used Enterprise. 

Interactive Playmobil Star Trek App

The model has such a wide number of sounds and light effects that can be controlled by an exclusive Playmobil Star Trek App, making this Enterprise the perfect mix between being a display model for adult collectors and a playable toy for youngsters.

Displaying the U.S.S Enterprise

I love the main stand, its really cool and very stylised. The golden stand really helps to make it look like a collectable model and there’s even an option to suspend it from the ceiling for anyone who’s always dreamed of owning a large Enterprise in full flight for their collectors den. 

This model is really beautifully made and stunning to look at. The original series Enterprise was so simplistic in its design on the outside with its plain white shell and the different windows. It was always really slick and clean, Playmobil have captures this perfectly with this toy.

Also it doesn’t have so many small parts that an adult fan would be scared of their children playing with it, fearing something may be lost or broken. But at the same time it has the right amount of parts that it can be both a family toy and a visually stunning ornament. 

This is a brilliant celebration of the world of Star Trek and a perfect introduction to any older fans families to why we’re still enjoying the these wonderful characters and their space adventures Fifty Five years on!!! 

Available from all good retailers (10 Years +) 5 Stars

Youth #Gottit View:

If you’re a Star Trek fan, this is the ultimate showpiece collectable and a must own for any die hard fan. Whatever your age, you will find yourself playing with this toy. Highly Recommended!!!

Kidzcoolit: Playmobil – Star Trek U.S.S Enterprise review by Con CLICK HERE!!!

PlayStation 5 – Call of Duty Vanguard

By HOME ENT

PlayStation 5 – Call of Duty Vanguard Review

It’s time for yet another instalment of one of the greatest video game series of all time. And by that of course I am talking about Call of Duty Vanguard.

Call of Duty is globally enjoyed by millions and is pretty much the father of all first-person shooter games. Vanguard comes with two versions, the ultimate edition which though may be more expensive is very good as you get a loads of weapon cosmetics as well as a night raid PPSH skin to use in Warzone and Cold War. This newest game is based around the Second World War and includes historical events of heroic efforts made to show the lesser known stories of diversity in that war.

The main character for this latest release is Arthur Kingsley and like every Call of Duty iteration there are brand new weapons, notably the assault rifle STG44, the KAR98K is back and the MP40. These weapons also come with updated features such as the addition of being able to hold up to ten attachments per weapon which really changes the gameplay and adds a lot more customisation and uniqueness when gaming. Along with this comes many new maps, notably as of November 2021 there is Berlin, Decoy, Castle (which looks absolutely stunning with the next gen graphics) and Desert Siege; though there are many more coming plus the returning community favoured map ( Arriving on November 17th which is a good sign for what’s to come).

However, the maps aren’t the only exciting part of the new game. There are also three very important additions to the gameplay. Console gamers can now utilize the newly added FOV Slider, meaning console players can now see more of their surrounding and are in a better place to go toe to toe with the PC players.

Also, the new mechanic added to mounting allows players to strafe whilst mounting allowing them to dodge being hit easier. Finally, the new Blind Firing mechanic is very beneficial and really good fun to use as it works very well and is an incredibly feature while in combat with other players.

Within the Multiplayer mode there are also new addition to Zombies game. As a big Call of Duty Zombies fan, I found the changes to this mode very interesting. To start with, some positives are that the new map (Der Anteing) is very entertaining and is one of the better Zombies maps. The new Perk System is very useful of which (for those who are unaware) you now get the first level of the Perk for free and can level it up with points at a later point. This is an excellent idea as it means you can gain the effects of your favourite perks early on, instead of waiting until a leter point.

I do have a few problems with the latest incarnation of Zombies. Firstly, the new map feels a little small and after a bit they become very repetitive, especially since there are no round based maps. Although this will probably be updated soon as Activation are pretty good at addressing problems, especially seeing as the previous game Cold War had my favourite version of Zombies. Also, it feels like all of the new weapons are very multiplayer based and none of them seem particularly effective in Zombies. Although overall I do enjoy the new Zombies and itching to see future updates for the game mode.

I’m in a very early stage for the new Call of Duty story mode, but from what I’ve played so far it’s very good. The story is set towards the end of the Second World War, with the Nazis discovering that things are no longer in their favour and they are very likely to lose the war.

The British Intelligence send in Lieutenant Arthur Kingsley, (Based loosely on a highly respected historical black serviceman named Sergeant Sidney Cornell) to work alongside Polina Petrova (Also based loosely on a highly respected female Ukrainian sharpshooter called Lyudmila Pavlichenko). These characters are integral to the new story mode, which has been really refreshing to see as it’s one of the first times diversity has been so well represented in a mainstream video game franchise. The gameplay feels very smooth, especially so with the added movement on mounting which really helps players to get through and beat many elements of the game.

Overall, I really enjoy Call of Duty Vanguard and know I will have lots of fun unlocking Camos like the new Atomic Weapon Camo, which looks very clean. Future updates will massivly add to the overall gameplay of Vanguard, but as of release I would rate it 4 stars with my favourite part being the new Blind Fire mechanic which has really assisted with winning many online games already. Although the new FOV slider is very useful too.

This game will not disappointed in the slightest.

Available on PlayStation 5 5/11/21 (PEGI 18) 4 Stars

Youth #Gottit View:

If you’re a Call of Duty fan you wont be disappointed. It’s action packed, has some great new characters/ weapons and upgrades like the FOV slider really add to the gameplay. There are some elements like the Zombie’s section that could do with some enhancements, but I dare say that will be looked at by Activision with future updates. Overall this is a great edition to the Call of Duty Franchise!!!

PlayStation 5 review by Harrison and Con CLICK HERE!!!

Marvel Eternals

By CINEMA

Marvel Eternals review by Harrison

In Cinemas 5/11/21 (12A) 4 Stars

Youth #Gottit View:

This is a very fresh feeling movie in the MCU and very different to anything you would have seen in the past from the Marvel Cinematic universe, but very enjoyable. Yet another cracking film in the series – Highly Recommended!!!

Harrison talks to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla & The Last Kingdom’s Harry McEntire

By INTERVIEWS

Harrison talks to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla & The Last Kingdom’s Harry McEntire

Harrison with Harry McEntire!!! (Assassin’s Creed Valhalla & The Last Kingdom)

MCM London Comic Con October 22nd-24th 2021 Coverage CLICK HERE!!!

A Massive Thanks to The Fan Carpet for helping with some Technical issues with the first part of this interview. Catch all of their MCM Comic Con coverage here http://www.thefancarpet.com

Antlers

By CINEMA

Antlers review by Harrison

In Cinemas 29/10/21 (15) 3.5 Stars

Youth #Gottit View:

This is a strong gateway horror for younger fans new to the genre. There’s some wonderful performances from the lead actors and overall it’s a fun outing to the cinema!!!

Old

By HOME ENT

Old review by Con

Put on DVD, Blu-Ray. 4K and Digital Download 25/10/21 (15) 4 Stars

Youth #Gottit View:

We’re huge fans of M Night Shyamalan and this is easily one of his best movies. Highly Recommended!!!

Sandcastle (Inspiration for M. Night Shyamalan’s Old) By Frederik Peeters and Pierre Oscar Lévy review by Harrison CLICK HERE!!!

MCM London Comic Con October 22nd-24th 2021

By CINEMA, EVENTS, GAMES, HOME ENT, INTERVIEWS

MCM London Comic Con October 22nd-24th 2021 (For More Details CLICK HERE!!!)

Charlie Cox!!! (Daredevil, Stardust and Eat Locals)

Gabriel Luna!!! (Ghost Rider in Agents of SHEILD, Tommy in The Last of Us and Gabriel/REV-8 in Terminator: Dark Fate)

Interview CLICK HERE!!!

Anjali Bhimani!!! (Rampart in Apex Legend and Jessee Hiller in The Loud House)

Anjali’s new book available now!!!

Carolina Ravassa!!! (Sombra in Overwatch and Zyana in Onyx Equinox)

Nigel Parkinson!!! (Beano Comic/ Dennis the Menace illustrator)

Eddsworld’s Edd Gould!!!

Harry McEntire!!! (Hunwald in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Aethelwold in The Last Kingdom)

Interview CLICK HERE!!!

Bernard Chang!!! (Marvel and DC Comics illustrator)

Marc Ellerby!!! (Rick and Morty Comic)

Signed Rick and Morty card!!!

Lee Townsend!!! (Marvel Comics, DC Comics and 2000 AD Comic illustrator)

Harrison, Con and Bex at the Quidditch UK Section!!!

Harrison and Bex play Quidditch!!!

Prime Video – The Wheel of Time!!!

Believe it or not this isn’t really 1960’s William Shatner/Captain Kirk, it’s actor Ed Zephyr!!!

MCM Comic Con Family Lounge!!!

The UK Garrison 501st Legion!!!

MCM Comic Con 2021 T-Shirts Available at the Event!!!

Harrison at the Chuck Steel Night of the Trampires UK Premiere

By CINEMA

Harrison at the Chuck Steel Night of the Trampires UK Premiere!!!

Harrison with Chuck Steel writer, Director and voice of Chuck Steel, Mike Mort!!!

The Original Movie used Chuck Steel Puppets!!!

Harrison with Heavy Metal Royalty, Saxon!!! (Saxon’s songs feature on the Chuck Steel Soundtrack)

Arsenal Fan TV’s Don Robbie!!!

Arsenal Fan TV’s Ty!!!

Movie time!!!

Chuck Steel Night of the Trampires Available on Digital Download 31/1/22 – Review CLICK HERE!!!

FrightFest Halloween 29th-30th October (18 Years +)

By CINEMA, EVENTS, INTERVIEWS

Arrow FrightFest – Harrison talks Horror Movies with the FrightFest Boys, Alan Jones, Ian Rattray, Paul McEvoy and Greg Day!!!

(Photo Credit: Julie Edwards)

What film made you fall in love with the horror industry and why was it so special?

Alan Jones – It was the lurid posters that hooked me, always suggesting what they really couldn’t deliver, but you hoped they would time and again. That’s why I have a vast collection of the sleaziest and most shocking.

Horror is special because it can define us, for what scares each of us is so individual and personal. So when we meet someone to share that with, it’s a connection for life, the reason why FrightFest is such a tight community.

Ian Rattray – The Exorcist scared me silly when I first saw it. So much that I slept with the light on for a couple of weeks.

Paul McEvoy –  It was DON’T LOOK NOW…..still my favourite horror film of all time…I watched it when I was far too young……the ending absolutely terrified me……I had to go and sleep in my parents bed that night as the ending played over and over in my mind……The film is an absolute masterpiece – but I still get terrified by that ending!

Greg Day – FROGS with Ray Milland. I was fourteen and had got into a late night horror bill at the then ABC in Hastings. I stuffed tissue paper into my shoes to make me appear taller.

I was transfixed and immediately fell in love with the horror genre.

If you could pick three films from the August 2021 FrightFest line up that defines the highest quality of Horror filmmaking in 2021 – what films would they be and why?

Alan Jones – SOUND OF VIOLENCE, THE ADVENT CALENDAR, THE SADNESS because they each move the genre into a new direction,  the first two using disability in very clever and meaningful ways, the latter because just when you thought you couldn’t watch another pandemic movie, a new sexual wrinkle adds an incredible shock factor.

Ian Rattray – SWEETIE, YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT – just because it is so much fun. BOY#5 – because something so good was made for so little. PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND – because it star Nicolas Cage and when he goes full on Nicolas Cage it is a sight and sound to behold

Paul McEvoy –  A difficult one to pick just three from our bright bouncing babies…but of pushed..

DAWN BREAKS BEHIND THE EYES..a wonderful film that throws your expectations……this will look phenomenal projected up on that huge screen. THE SADNESS…which could / should be called THE MADNESS…absolute jaw-dropping insanity from start to phenomenal finish. THE LAST THING MARY SAW…a sombre, atmospheric tour de force from a sensational new talent.

But..can’t I have …KING KNIGHT / OFFSEASON/ THE RETALIATORS etc etc…

Greg Day – SOUND OF VIOLENCE  – a film where sound is the vision, SWEETIE, YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS – a true gory belter from Kazakhstan. (Think Carry on DELIVERANCE) and PRISONER OF THE GHOSTLAND – a brilliant Nic Cage aside, this is a surreal feast for the eye, worthy of Jodorowsky.

What adjective best describes the film festival and why?

Alan Jones – FABULOUS

Ian Rattray – Friendly. If you talk to others attending, they respond and many a friendship has resulted.

Paul McEvoy –  EXCITING! Because as our audience have learnt overt years ..there is NOTHING better in the world than sitting in a dark room, surrounded by your friends and like minded souls watching and experiencing something together. And to any folks coming for the first time…we hope you enjoy the experience!

Greg Day – Shared. Everyone shares their experience, their warmth, their passion for the films.

Choose one aspect of the festival for why youngsters age 18-25 years love being at FrightFest?

Alan Jones – Because you always meet the genre stars of tomorrow today.

Ian Rattray – Discovery. Take a chance on some of our discovery Strand films, which are often the best films in the festival and who may just discover the hidden gem.

Paul McEvoy –  Similar answer to the previous question, the atmosphere is unique, electric and SO very different to any other festival or film going experience. And we hope that it proves inspirational to young people to go out – be creative in any field and have fun doing it. Oh…and the free promo stuff! 

Greg Day – The buzz. And Ian Rattray swearing on stage.

Arrow Video FrightFest Halloween 29th-30th October Programme CLICK HERE!!!