Dorayaki

Now I know why brides hold ceremony in local town hall. Well, in that case let's hope to see some landmark churches/temples in future catalogue, which are not enormous sets or Architecture sets. Or maybe waiting for a movie license. I personally want to see some princess-related sets, but not sure if in conflict with Disney line (hope that they'll do better). And there have been some medieval civilian sets, but maybe some sets that focus on aristocratic lifestyles (no war-related) would be interesting. A revived Forest theme is nice too.

Uh, though Johnny is indeed important in Lego action history, IMO most TLM physical minifigures except the original characters don't have too much to do with the whole movie story. Honestly I don't need Lloyd and Batman (and the suggested Green Latern, sorry guys) since they can all be found in current line. If GL still doesn't appear in other licensed sets, it's just that TLC or DC don't want to produce him. It could be interesting if TLC made an online poll that allows us to choose which two Lego characters deserve to revive the most . A Hard Hat Wyldstyle is interesting, however, the problem is I don't see TLC would make the third exclusive headpiece (helmet with a tail on the top) for her unless all her hairpieces can be used for future generic minifigures. Not a good Valentine gift for DC fans though.

Glad to hear it. Could you provide the reference?

I actaully agreed with this viewpoint, but this is what TLC should have thought about when they came up with a new design of figure, and obviously they didn't. As mentioned, both violating story concept and losing markets also bring considerable defects to the movie. Here is another issue: if there could be minifigures for characters from all non-minifigure themes, the problem can be easily solved, but we've not seen Friends minifigure used in this situation. There are also minifigure-scale figures for Bionicle/HF characters (though I'm not sure how TLC dealt with the non-minifigure characters from minifigure themes, such as the droids from SW).

I didn't think LR was the project in conflict because there was no similar single product provided in line. In your statement, it's more like that the project conflicts with LR just because they're based on the same "style". In a commericial way, it's true, but there is such a guideline: Yes, it stated a similar concept of building, not a similar theme, or many other projects are clear choices for deletion, such as the "Female Minifigures Set", in conflict with City and CMF. A beneficial conflict with licenses has nothing to do with the Cuusoo guideline. I'm not surprised if a police station project is rejected because TLC won't stop their City theme. But it's debatable for generic Western themes because it's not a longterm theme that TLC promised, and we even didn't know that Disney was making LR. It was a pity that TLG pointed out the saloon from the movie, but didn't decide to make a convertible saloon.

Yes, it'd be better discussed in other topics, not the movie. I can only say that if TLC think they cannot market different designs of figures, they shouldn't have made them. The example of Chima at least had a possible reason of "close world", but not for Hearlake City which is simply one of the open worlds of Lego, so it doesn't work. I do agree the difference part. Many slight differences can be seen on both licensed and nonlicensed characters and places, so I doubt that the existed characters can relate to their own original stories in the future, such as Lloyd referring Emmet in his own movie. If the topic is only about Octan and the City, it only depends on whether Lord Business' rebellion would be recorded on history and how much it affects Octan the brand. Maybe the "city" could be given a specific name such as Tacostue City, so that this movie canon won't be geographically related to any other main Lego line, even if it really happened. Same for the "city" from Ninjago. Uh, that is still leaving them in "the world of TLM". I mean other media that isn't about the TLM, like the Lloyd example above. And I personally want to see the next original movie featuring a different group of characters that can represent other Lego themes (while here are construction, pirate, space and DC representives in Team Emmet). I agree that the action figure stories also look like a close world, but compared with Chima, which assumed that humans don't coexist with other animals, it's not hard to make Makuhero City be one of the regions in the Lego world. Or since there are the Space theme, we can also assume that they live in another planet if TLM/TLC wished . On the contrary, if TLC intended to make the movie an independent canon, maybe including Chima and Bionicle can make more sense. And in a commercial view, they can also be advertised, same for Friends.

Not sure if it's should be in general discussion, so please inform me if needed. Once upon a time, there was a sad news for AFOLs before the heartbreaking Christmas. So as concluded, there was going to be an official Modular Western Town from a project/theme that TLC would make to replace this project ---- and after more than a year passed, I think I'm sure there is no such kind of product in catalogue. So what actually happended in TLC's so-called "ongoing project"? Possible project 1: The Lone Ranger Another big summer hit of Disney films, which is a common license company appears in Lego lines. Though not being a big theme, there were still many remarkable choices of sets such as a mine mountain and a west train. However, the only set doing with "town" is the 79109 Colby City Showdown. The sets consisted of two small models of a bank and an office. But generally, the two are not very close to the previous Modular project which consisted of buildings with two storeys. So, it's not doing with the reason. Possible project 2: The Lego Movie As an official Lego original film, it provided a very complete view of a classic western town, and have many nice building ideas. When it comes to the physical sets featuring Western themes, there are 70800 Getaway Glider, a western style hang gliding, and 70812 Creative Ambush, a plane that was originally a saloon. The movie sets feature some vehicles that can be converted from buildings or cars, however, the Saloon Plane itself is one of those which can't convert into its original building, that means there is no Western building in this theme. Still,the Sea Cow represents the Pirate theme. Though maybe not all AFOLs, but I believe some Pirate fans are very excited about this. Generally Lego products need one year to design and produce, not to mention the time when the Cuusoo project actually achieved. Therefore, it's been more than one year and we can't see a Western Town, what should it mean? Another unknown or postponed project? Or even easier----- it was a lie? If not giving any reasons just like the recent reviews, I personally think the Modular Western Town couldn't pass because it consists of multiple buildings and looks very like a theme project since each building fit in an independent set box, which clearly violated Cuusoo's guideline. But now I'm alittle confused since we were given a very different and unproved answer. Ironically, there was another project from the same creator, mb_bricks's UCS Sandcrawler. It wasn't clearly rejected for another possible set, but now it's confirmed to appear this year.

Uh.... R4-D5?

Nice try. Always eager to see a Lego candy house.

I disagree that because we know Friends minidolls were designated to be different from minifigures from the beginning, it's pretty clear. If they think they cannot market the design, they shouldn't have made it. Besides, I don't think audience recognize all themes that were referred in this movie. It's more important for the girls (who TLC want to target at) who are disappointed by the result. Not to consider whether a minidoll character should be involved with the story, just according to what the story told, Friends could have at least participated by: BTW, even though Fabu-Fan had no participation in this movie, it'd be strange if she dreams of Fabuland and it was actually there. Maybe the City have had communication with Fabuland until Lor Business comes. Same for the Blacktron-Fan. I usually think Technic stands for "techniques" since it doesn't really feature characters and stories. There were Technic figures, but I can hardly believe TLC means that the Technique figures have established their own government So IMO, it can be involved in this story at the hands of the building masters: using Technic techniques to build supreme machines. If there is going to be TLM2, maybe it would be actually used. For Mindstorms, it can also be a giant robot built and designed by Lord Business to conquer the world, much like the Nintendo R.O.B. in Smash bros . I always think magical fantasy can be an element or subtheme of Castle series, for that Castle has been lacking participation of women, such as brave princesses, witches or female knights. But I'm not sure if TLC can make an independent middle-age fantasy minidoll theme now since they've associated with Disney franchise, though this issue have been discussed in many other licenses such as PotC v.s. Pirates.

Oh, I think you explanation works, agreed. But still as said, I think kids would wish to see, or just hear Emmet and Wyldstyle's news from other future official Lego story rather than just leaving them in the world of TLM. For female characters or elements, I agree Unikitty is a thoughtful and creative addtion to the team (it could be that TLC wants to encourage consumers to focus on brickbuilt creatures rather than moulds). Rather than what I personally feel, I think it's more about the audience who play Friends, went to the movie, and felt dissapointed as result. Well, to a degree it's like the writers would like to see what the past Lego line had brought, but they still have to do their own work and it's impossible for each of them to notice every detail. The only rule could be that the same story can't contradict itself. TLM inherits the history and attributed in order to build a Lego world, but we don't know if the later stories would inherit plots from it. I guess TLM didn't advertize Chima because it exists in a closed world. so maybe it means TLM did try not to violate.

I'm not sure what this topic is, it's almost going to be retitled "what sets should TLC have made". Generally, not counting on a possible sequel, accroding to TLC's tendency, a third wave that was after a long time from the movie schedule doesn't sound logic. Unless TLM has own specific theme and worldview that can extend and ultilize to create more sets that are even not based on the movie scenario, like the Star Wars. But indeed there are many neat ideas unused in real sets, compared with the convertible vehicles which weren't much highlighted.

Yes, I agree the alternatives look equally good. It's a very nice present for MOC fans

Still, Friends already features five leading girls until the possible next generation, and we can't avoid more girls than boys in a girls-oriented theme. The problem is, Friends have come to the third year, it still lacks male and variable characters (and male clothes prints). I think each wave should at least provide more than one twist, such as a grandfather, a shopkeeper and a horse trainer. The licensed male Disney characters can provide some diversity, but still hard for us to MOC since they're from middle ages. It's quite a pity that none of the distinctive male charaters from animation story has a chance to be any set. I don't mind having minidolls instead of minifigures, but it depends on how TLC market them with other themes. So far The Lego Movie have played the worst role. For other neutral themes that aren't that girls/boys-oriented, I agree that they're in the minifigure gender ratio issue. Nice to hear voice from a parent of both boy and girl. Still, the use of minidolls was due to their shape, not their gender. Solving the minifigure gender ratio problem might not be able to appeal more than 50% girls who aren't KFOLs. But IMO maybe the design of generic female minifigures from City sets aren't diverse enough (such as repititive hairpieces). Gender ratio of licensed stories are another issue from film industry, not TLC themselves (unless TLC skipped some licensed female characters such as the poor Éowyn ). In educational aspects, I don't think we have to care about what real world looks like. Even though Gail has many coworkers from The Lego Movie (one of the good role models TLC made, no, not the minidolls), that doesn't mean we can see female construction workers everywhere in real world. We just have to tell girls that " though there aren't many women in those industry, but there are woman, so you can still be one of them". And that analysis may not help too much, because we also know that the lack of female minifigures could be a general problem in all themes. Ironically TLC do try to add ladies in the industries of men.

Well... yes, but not the answer I guess. I mean fans can imagine a different world everyday, but can Lego do that? I'm not sure Lego stories should be something like the Superhero comics. Or unless TLC would avoid to talk about settings that could relate to this movie (eg, nobody has ever seen the Octan president since then). Anyway, though not necessary, I guess kids would be happy to know that when they're watching the newest episode of Friends or Bionicle, Wyldstyle and Emmet are still fighting evil in another corner of that world.

Well, I'm not too surprised after seeing the whole story. We've seen all kinds of predictions.

Even better for the official Lego Wreck-It Ralph coming. What about fighting Chinese fake army? BTW, was there anything "under the sea" in cameo? In Lego there should be Spongebob, Aqua Raiders and Atlantis but in the submarine scene we didn't see any of them. Did Lord Business forget to control these locations?

As result, unfortunately, no, they didn't. I personally think Friends are more controversial than Bionicle and the action figures for that at least Friends is one of the System theme. But you're right, it's hard to put a real-sized Bionicle character but they do play a very different but important role in Lego's history. Since Metalbeard can join the main cast, I don't see why TLC can't add a Bionicle representive to defeat Lord Business, not to say a minifigure version. For other different kinds of figures, Fabuland had a cameo appearance in the film. The others such as 4plus and Belville were not, but at least Friends can represent a voice for girls-oriented line if the others only exist in history. Duplo figures seem to be the "predecessor" to System minifigures, so I'm not sure they have to appear. It depends on whether TLC see an action-themed story (original or licensed) that is able to target at girls. Even that there is Merida who is a fighting character introduced for the minidoll line, in the first wave we didn't see her having a fight scene set.

Yes, that's a good thing. As mentioned, Friends is basically a micro aspect of a typical city, we don't have to be durprised if it was announced as a subtheme of City. It's just that many boys are in more love with the "macro things" so it fits in a newly branded theme in order to market. But that doesn't mean City should be left with Police and Fire. Arctic is a try, though alittle debatable, so more Train or Plane, Post would be nice. TLC just finally notice the popularity of buidlings, but they mostly try to market with Winter Village, Modular or Friends while there are seldom representive City buidings beside the grand fire/police stations. I really wish there is a grand train station bigger than the police station. Totally agree. I found it's pretty contradictory, that in The Lego Movie, TLC tried to tell every one how we shouldn't be bound by rules, the Friends are just telling another story. I wish that TLC can give kids more informations that they can enjoy the functionality that the bricks bring to them, or how can they buy other different sets (from the same theme or other themes) to MOC or expand their own Lego world. Good point. IMO, TLC is trying to ultilize their real strength--- buiding aka doll house to appeal girls, while most traditional Barbie houses were not functional enough because of its doll scale. But as result, TLC also expect to play Lego like what they usually do with traditional doll house rather than showing the real "brick power" to them. New "beautiful buidings" are still good news to AFOLs, but it's not good when girls are not interested in any other Lego product that they don't relate to. Would girls be interested in how to construct a buiding? If their parent bought them Creator house sets, would they try all three different buiding styles? So far the animal polybags look like one of the experiment for TLC to see how girls adjust to alternative buildings and dissasembling, but not sure if it would really help future Friends line.

As result, the characters and scenario from Evil Lair were not connected, as I remembered. And for Johnny Thunder and many civillian characters we couldn't remember, it seems like that TLG just try to make some "samples" from hundred of characters and bricks, based on their commercial reason or personal taste. One of the commercial problems is, I don't think kids could really remember the vehicles unless they've bought some.

It seems like the "exclusive" minifigures are made to appear in many different occasions or campaigns. Maybe the Western Emmet would appear in somewhere else.

Yes, the nightmare I predicted earlier have come true. I don't think that's quite difficult if we just want need a different theme and story, because there are still themes that this movie didnt go for, such as Space or Kingdom. But I agree that TLM have to come up with another spirital concept and a substory with the "real world". My personal viewpoint toward this movie is, it's an outstanding introduction for kids and adults who played Lego before and they're not current AFOLs. But for me, the ending is kinda weak because their isn't another shocking twist to make the ending different, even though Emmet's confrontation is touching. Maybe it's still restricted by the "real-world play" and we can't see something like the universe being changed. There are too many characters in the first half of the story, and it's not easy for us to see how each member of Emmet's team was introduced clearly. Maybe a sequel helps, but only when Emmet isnt the leading role. In a commercial view, I'm not sure it's a "success" (maybe it should be discuss in the set thread): 1) The convertible vehicles didn't show their transformation in this movie. We don't know how the civilains protect themselves from the managers, and I don't think kids would even notice those fighting cars and ask their parents to buy the sets. 2) The minor characters from CMFs didn't have important roles, uh, as predicted. We're able to find their existence in this movie, however, I think their personality can have more effects on this movie. What their roles are in the actual story is: 3) After seeing the whole magnificent view of Cloud Cuckoo Palace in the movie, take a look at the set, uh..... I really wished that TLG can do their real best. Oh, and one last sentence.

Just curious, is there any thread in Eurobricks that discuss or review the movie itself, or there shouldn't be because of some rules I didn't notice? I guess it would be interesting to see a discussion between those who have actually played Lego for period of time.

I just tried to observe any detail from TLM, but as result I can't find one obvious non-physical character that didn't appear in any TLM set. The "Michelangelo" is left to be the only answer which was already in spoilers. Some other "new charactes" could be those who came with hair-in-helmet, just like Emmet and Gail. But their names are not told, just like many other characters from the physical set. It's not surprising after some thoughts. Maybe TLC only put characters beside the protagonists that come from old licensed sets, or can be MOCed from any generic minifigure, so that the whole movie can look like a world that is built by "consumers". But maybe the video game content would point out more minor characters who didn't have any role in this film. I'd check it later.