There seem to be an abundance of movies that feature robots and we keep coming across them, so of course we are going to encourage you to also enjoy the outdated effects and convoluted plots. This time we found "Making Mr. Right" from 2008 with John Malkovich as both a scientist and inventor of Ulysses, a robot made in his own image. Asimov is undoubtedly very restless in his grave right about now.
"Real Steel" has finally come out on Blu-ray for those of you who missed the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em film starring Hugh Jackman. Just think of it as "Rocky" on robotic steroids. Add to that a dysfunctional father/son relationship and you have an instant family viewing night.
If you want something G-rated and on the cheese ball side, "Short Circuit" was released in 1986 and stars Ally Sheedy and Steve Gutenberg. This was pre-CGI animation and consisted of a bot named Johnny 5, who was designed by Syd Mead of "Blade Runner" fame. Because he was voiced by his creator during filming, #5 sounded much more human than previous movie bots.
Keep time with this Tokibot Watch on a keychain made of durable steel. At a size of 1.5 x 1", he has movable antenna and arms, a Japanese quartz movement and runs on 1.5V battery (included.)
This Pendant Watch comes on a 15" chain and has hour, minute and second hand displays, and a quartz movement. A compass makes up his body, more decorative than functional.
Capitalizing on their successful Alphie, Playskool has two smaller units designed for those ages 3 and up. The Deci-Bot teaches counting and numbers in both Explore and Find It Modes. Maestro-Bot is for playing tunes and has three song modes and colorful keys to teach its humans one of three songs. They are bright, cheerful and come with AAA batteries.
This is no Mindstorms NXT, still the Lego Creator Rescue Robot can be posed, has an armored chrome head protector and comes with a lighted brick, rocket booster and antenna. This kit is recommended for kids ages 7 - 12, has 149 pieces and can also be turned into a laserbot or robocat.
Kid Galaxy's RC Data Robot is almost too cute and designed for ages 3 and above because we all know that toddlers love robots, too. With blinking lights and moving eyes, he spouts out botty noises and his remote lets him go forward, back or turn around. He also comes in apple green.
Their commercial may talk down to the average human, but it seems that
UNO has almost become high tech with its Roboto Game. Each player's name is recorded and players can include customized "house rules." The bot picks a name to begin. As soon as you think you are getting somewhere, the bot calls out a random rule or comment and changes your play. A deck of 108 cards and 3 AAA batteries are also included.
If you can remember as far back as the 60s, then you will appreciate film director Bryan Barber's acquiring the rights to the cartoon Gigantor. Here's a refresher if you don't. A young lad's father creates a huge robot as a flying weapon but the boy bonds with it and uses it in peaceful ways.
Barber tracked the rights to an aging Fred Ladd, who owned the Japanese language cartoon and adapted it for English speakers. Considering that the run of Transformer movies are never-ending and with the recent big bucks from Real Steel, Barber may have a hit on his hands. He says the live action film will be "Transformers meets Goonies."
Kikkerland does more than just cool wind-up critters. We found two robots that you can add to your collection that also have a function. The 4 piece Robo Measuring Cup Set comes in red, is made of food safe ABS plastic and is a mere 3-1/4 X 7-3/4 X 2-1/4-inch" when stacked.
The Robot Tea Infuser is made of rust-proof stainless steel, has arms that will fit any sized cup or mug and includes a tray that can double as a saucer.
That didn't take long. There is already an authorized Real Steel WRB Built For Battle Set. It includes a 12 x 12" Ring, Atom, Zeus, light up controls and sound effects from the film. Recommended for those over 6 years old. A Rock 'em Sock 'em by any other name...
You know that the holidays will soon be upon us when new toys start to appear, including the latest Let's Rock Elmo. The Sesame St. muppet certainly has evolved and now comes with a microphone, tambourine and drum set, and sings 6 different songs. This will be one of the hot toys this season, so shop early.
Note that Hasbro also wants your kids to play along with separately sold Let's Rock Guitar, Keyboard and Mic , but you can save those for birthdays.
Last week, General Hospital brought back James Franco to reprise his roll as the sinister villain of the same last name. Not only did he ham it up with an obnoxious monkey, he featured an assortment of Kikkerland wind-ups like the MxyKikker shown here that were supposedly embedded with cameras. Yeah, we always knew they were toys to die for!
Check out where Evolta's Spokesbot has come from and where he is going in the World Challenge IV 2011. October 23, the little green guy will take place in a week long Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. The humans only get a day but the trio of competitiors will swim for 2.4 miles, ride a bike 112 miles, then run 26.2 miles. During that time, they will only stop for feeding recharging their nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries.
Looking to expand your Sugarbooger Dinner Set for your tot? They now have a Mini-Bib Set that comes with two 12 x 9" pieces that are non-toxic, machine washable and have snap closure.
Their covered Bowl Set is a melamine bowl with removable suction base, an airtight seal, is dishwasher safe (but not microwavable) and comes with a silverware set.
For those who are leaving the nest, the laminated Lunch Sack is fully insulated, can be wiped clean and line dried, has a hook and loop closure and an ID card in case it gets lost.
Must Have: Making Mr. Right
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