xboxtravis7992

I have a friend who films HO layouts using his GoPro. If an HO train can fit a GoPro on it, a Lego train should easily take a GoPro. Here is an example of my friend's video to show what a GoPro can pull off:

I know I am way behind with everyone else; but I am slowly catching up with Season 3. I bought the first episode of the season with some iTunes gift card credit, and finally watched all of it today. I know the title of the episode was something like Steps into Shadow or something like that; but since I am not sure I will just refer to it as Y-Wings Glorious for the rest of my post since I don't want to butcher an episode title (besides as I have said before I really love Y-Wings...). So anyways last night I also read the first two volumes of the collected Kanan: The Last Padwan comic and I still have the viewing of Rogue One from a few weeks ago still simmering in my mind. So from what I have gleaned from "Y-Wings Glorious", the comic, the commentary on the season from you guys and other places around the web, and Rogue One; is really a much darker view of the Rebellion. Remember how decidedly darkside like the whole Ezra mind controlling an AT-DP pilot was from that first episode? It seems to stand in stark contrast with our image of the Rebellion from A New Hope. But it actually fits in very well with the actions of the Rebels in Rogue One (particularly our first scene with Cassian Andor in that film). A few of you have mentioned the Ghost crew's seeming moral superiority compared to Saw Guerrera in the last episode was strange... But it now seems that is almost one of the fatal flaw of the Rebels across all these stories. Kanan willing to tell Ezra how evil it was to use the Sith Holocron seems a little backhanded when we read in the comic about Kanan's days as a smuggler after Order 66... Ezra telling Saw how awful his methods are seems a little backhanded compared to Ezra using mind control to command an AT-DP pilot to kill his allies. Saw telling Jyn how shocked he was to see her come to him with a group of rebel troops; seems a little strange coming from the man who used Bor-Gullet to torture a former Imperial and a few years earlier threatened to kill off the entire Geonosian species... So what do I find interesting about all these characters openly lying to one another in the Rebelion? Well it seems that they honestly believe what they are telling each other. In truth the Rebellion's cause is just; the force is really with them in their fight to stop the evil Empire. But their methods to get there? Its war. War is dark, its evil, and harsh. Ezra could justify his killing of that squad in the episode because he saw it as a wartime need, yet refuses to admit that it was just as evil as the things the Empire would do. Saw could justify torturing Bodhi with Bor as a necessity; although again it stoops to the same level of evil the Empire would employ. What the rebels are doing is harsh, but to cope with it they won't admit it until after the war is won. Basically rather than admit that they are fitting as dirty as the Empire; the Rebels are trying to seek the moral high ground to cope with what basically boils down to war crimes. While I said that I think the Rebel's cause is just, their methods are having an adverse affect on the mentality of its soldiers. From what I have observed only a few Rebels in the TV show at least seem to have had to come with terms to this. The main one seems to actually be Captain Rex. A former clone trooper and hardened soldier; it seems he has shown signs of having PTSD like effects. Yet he also seems to be a bit more honest about how dirty the Rebel's war is then the rest of the rebels are sometimes. Sure Rex can join the rest of the Ghost crew in asserting their morals at times; but he isn't ignoring their dirty little war. The way the Rebels in Rogue One act compared to the T.V. show right now makes me think things are just going to get worse for the rebels in the coming seasons of the show; as they go from their idealist vision to hardened soldiers. The type of soldier willing to shoot their informant in the back, or the type willing to bomb an ally to death. All of this ads a new significance to the title of A New Hope, as our group of hardened soldiers by that point are literally reminded on what ideals they started their rebellion on. It takes the destruction of the Death Star to bring truth back to the Rebel's morality. Basically what I am trying to say boils down to this. Our Rebel heroes might seem chipper and happy; but deep down inside they should all be a little screwed up... Just saying. Sorry if this is just a bunch of nerdy over analysis.

I assume there is an expiration. Don't quote me on it though since I don't know the details. I probably should research it eventually to see if I am correct on it... EDIT: I just researched it. The contract for Fox expires for Episode V, VI, I, II, and III in 2020; only three years away. One problem though, Lucas signed with Fox a contract saying that at least Episode IV can only be distributed by Fox forever. So if Disney wants the rights to a New Hope after they get the rights to the other five films, they will have to buy it from Fox. Five films for Disney for free, but one film for what ever Fox is charging. Still, I imagine that once Disney owns rights to five of the films, Fox would have no reason to hold onto Episode IV forever by its lonesome.

The Prequels were definitely my first "theatrical Star Wars experiences" (not counting the one time I think I saw one of the special edition films when I was four or something like that...). But they are still my least favorite in the saga. Why? Well I have a few reasons: Choppy Acting and Dialogue: George Lucas is a weak director and dialogue writer, and it really showed in the PT. Great actors such as Ewan McGregor and Ian McDirimid were able to salvage their roles and make them memorable. However some other talented actors such as Natalie Portman and Samuel L. Jackson were lackluster in their roles at best. Sadly it seemed Anakin got the worst dialogue despite being the lead character, and the so-so acting of Hayden C. and Jake Lloyd really made it so they couldn't elevate their roles. Again, I think the issue lies in the dialogue and on set directing, as at least Ewan, Ian, Natalie, and Samuel have proven to be GREAT actors elsewhere. (Heck remember how everybody ragged on Natalie for her depiction of Padme, yet only a few years later she was winning Oscars for best Actress? Seems to make me think George is not as skilled in directing actors as he is in other parts of making a movie.) Overuse of CGI: First, yes I know that a few critical parts of the PT were done with old school effects (Just look at what half of the future Mythbuster's hosts were doing when they were at ILM making the PT ) However the CGI really carried the focus in a lot of effects. Sadly though the CGI of 1999-2005 was crude and new technology. The films looked plastic-like due to the bad CGI moments, and lacked the sense of grounded reality the OT had. What was revolutionary tech back when the PT was first made now looks incredibly dated compared to the seamless blend of CGI and classic effects in modern films. However don't get me wrong, there are a lot of elements of the PT I still do like. While I think George is a weak director; he is a visionary story man and world builder. The PT oozed with original ideas, which sadly were often hard to see through some of the noticeable mistakes. Revenge of the Sith is still one of my favorite Star Wars films, out done only by A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, Rogue One, and The Force Awakens (my top four aren't exactly ranked in that order though). Furthermore the PT inspired some of my favorite Star Wars spin-off media, both in Clone Wars, and The Clone Wars. Star Wars Battlefront II, Republic Commando, Jedi Starfighter, and more. But especially I gotta love how the PT helped inspire Lucasfilm to sign a contract with a certain danish plastic brick manufacturer...

I basically voted for any figure we haven't got ever, or haven't got in a set in over ten years or so. The issue I see with a lot of the list is that %75 of the figures on it are readily available in recent sets, so I really don't see them being a good thing to release in a collectible series, unless the figure is a unique variant (i.e. Cloud City Luke or Leia would be pretty awesome; but any other Luke or Leia is rather available.)

Wow, flashback time! When Disney and Lucasfilm really started collaborating 30 years ago with Star Tours: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/01/star-tours-at-30-celebrating-three-decades-of-star-wars-at-disney-parks/?CMP=SOC-FBPAGE20170110020300

Good. So far my phone connects to Eurobricks fine when it is on Wi-Fi. I haven't tested it yet on the cell phone network though since when I posted this. If I notice it again, I will let you guys know.

I have watched bits of it. The only segment I have been able to stand through fully was the cartoon segment. The animation was awful, and the story was all over the place and felt like some Scooby-Doo episode. But it was tolerable, and in a way it started the legacy of Star Wars cartoons that would lead to eventually both Clone Wars shows and Rebels so I gotta give it some credit for that. I have only seen other bits and pieces jumping around or clips from reviews. My favorite is watching the fight between Han and the Stormtroopers. So hammy, the stormtrooper falls to his death and nobody bats an eye; and Han then awkwardly picks up Chewbacca's son (who must be 4-feet tall and 100 pounds at least) and hands it over to Chewie saying; "Ummph... Wow, have you sure grown." Oh, also the late Carrie Fisher singing a Life Day Carol... Yikes. Its stupid, its awful. But Disney would make easy money by just including this as a special feature on a future Blu-Ray release of the Star Wars films (maybe once Fox's distribution contract for the original six films expires and Disney releases the inevitable collectors disc set with tons of bonus stuff...).

Bricklinked Agent Kallus and a 212th Airborne Clone Trooper (my first Clone Trooper purchase since the Arc Trooper/Commando Droid Battle Pack; I might be a Millenial but my collection is definitely more OT focused than it is PT focused). Also two medium blasters and ten short blasters to start replacing stud shooters in my Battlepacks (I will keep some stud shooters for heavy troopers to represent rocket launchers, but I want most of the troops to be holding blasters of some kind).

I think that kind of has to do with the environment it was set in. Trust me; everything looks shorter in a redwood forest! Those trees are truly massive. Anyways best Rogue One set... I only own Krennic's Shuttle and the U-Wing right now; but I actually kind of like the U-Wing a bit more. I know I am in the minority here; but something about the U-Wing has that ungainly shape that a lot of rebel ships (Y-Wing, B-Wing, etc.) have. The play features are really well integrated to. It feels like an Original Trilogy ship to me. I like how Krennic's Shuttle looks on display, but opening it up to get figures in and out of it is such a chore it really dampens the fun. However both are 50/50 when it comes to comparing the figures; I love Krennic, K-2SO, and Bodhi in the shuttle with the Death Troopers. I equally love Erso, Cassian, the two rebel troopers, and the pilot with the U-Wing. This wave has been really spectacular. I am trying to save up to get the Hovertank and AT-ST to complete the main cast of characters from the film; and maybe even I'll save up for the Y-wing (I have the 2012 Y-Wing already, but I just love those things! Wouldn't mind having another!)

Dispose and recycle most of them; keep those which are really nice (Lego Ideas set boxes; Old Bionicle canisters, etc.) If I keep all of them they just create to much clutter in my house.

Wow; well done at bringing the Railbricks magazines back for availability!

Out of those themes the only one I own is Galidor. I liked it when I was a kid; but after getting a few for Christmas my interest was redirected to Bionicle and Lego Star Wars sets. I could never find the TV show on the air more often than a handful of times. I still own a few of the Galidor sets. AWFUL building toys; but FUN action figures. I think Jens is my favorite of the lot; some of the others are kind of bizarre. The McDonalds Galidor stuff though was %100 awful; downright some of the worst Lego sets ever made.

Brickset just posted pictures of a new polybag; with an exclusive R3-M2 figure. Looks like a cool little astromech! http://brickset.com/sets/40268-1/R3-M2

I was at a bus stop trying to use the AT&T service. I'll see if it works when I am at home on my Wi-Fi

Something weird happened last time I tried to reach Eurobricks on my phone. Instead of directing me to the forums it opened a page showing the Eurobricks header saying "BANNED; You are not allowed to access this site." I was afraid I had been banned without notification; but when I tried Eurobricks on desktop everything was normal. What could be causing this issue? I don't know if something went wrong with the server.

Thinking about this makes me wish Lego continued to produce 9V track and developed a DCC system to go with it. Imagine proper DCC for Lego; easy to use and readily available...

Yes there was an advertisement for it at the start of one of the films in our marathon and my mom said; "Will that be on Netflix? We need to watch it!" We are following the current season of Agents; and I am still hopeful we will get the Cloak and Dagger and New Warriors TV Shows

I thought Disney uploaded the pilot episode to YouTube? I remember seeing somewhere. Check Disney XD's Facebook page.

Last night I finished watching all the MCU films (those on home video at least) with my family. It has taken us nearly two months, but we did it! Here is my ranking of the MCU films from worst to best (I will also include Agents of SHIELD here, but since I haven't seen any of the other TV shows or webseries; AOS will be the only MCU TV show in this ranking) The Incredible Hulk By far my least favorite MCU film. The film is rather dull, and drab. Not a lot of humor either. Edward Norton's performance as Bruce Banner is also bland (a problem considering how future MCU actor Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner is in my opinion one of the best MCU characters). The film also suffers a few continuity errors (note the Favela chase scene starts in darkness, goes through a daylight chase, then ends again at night. Unless that chase really lasted 16+ hours, its a little ridiculous). Another knock on the film is the awkward set ups for future MCU plots which never happened (doctor guy getting exposed to Banner's blood, Betsy Ross as a love interest, etc.) The redeeming qualities of the film are the introduction of General Ross (who would play a role in the later Civil War film), and of course Robert Downey Jr's cameo after the credits. Thor 2 I know a lot of people love this film, and I don't think its a bad film. However it doesn't entertain me as much as some of the other MCU films. The villain is forgettable, and his plot to destroy the universe just feels rather uneventful compared to other events in the MCU. There is some decent humor in this film though; especially the Chris Evan's cameo as Loki shape-shifted to look like Captain America. The death of Thor's mother is also rather impact-full. Hands down the best character in the film is Tom Hiddleston's Loki, who manages to steal every scene he appear in. Thor Again, I hate to put the God of Thunder so far down on my list; but his solo films have never really impressed me that much. This one is more entertaining than its sequel though in my opinion. Thor's quest of redemption is rather fun; and the inclusion of Phil Coulson and Hawkeye in the film make for some good fun. Again, Loki steals every scene he is in; making it clear Loki is perhaps the MCU's best villain. The final battle of the film is fun, but the small faux-town it happens in sort of ruins the suspension of disbelief. Captain America: The First Avenger I love the period setting of this film, and Chris Evans makes for a great hero. Unfortunately the film does feel weak when compared to its sequels. WWII feels a little to comic book like in the film to, and feels less like Saving Private Ryan and a bit more like Star Wars (maybe not an accident considering director Joe Johnston worked on Star Wars...). I wish there was a bit more grit to the war in this film, as it would have helped explain how Captain America became such a grizzled soldier in later films. Still some really great stuff in here (the parody of the USO with Cap selling war bonds is a hammy good time) and Captain America's final words to Peggy Carter are very emotionally done. Agents of SHIELD I really love this series, so it pains me to put it a bit lower on the list than I would have liked; but the issue is so many of the later MCU films are far better than this series. What I really like about this series is how it captures the events of the main films and shows how it affects people in the world of the MCU. In particular, the end of the first season showing the collapse of SHIELD and the rise of Hydra is brilliantly done. What keeps the series from achieving true greatness is how it often leaves plot threads unanswered or fails to acknowledge past events in the series (the lack of Deathlock in later seasons, the unexplained Agent with over a dozen brothers, Hunter and Bobbi leaving the team, etc.) Another downside of this series is despite how it makes an effort to tie into every MCU film, the events of Agents of SHIELD have yet to really impact the main MCU (the lack of mention of Inhumans during the discussion on the Sokovia Accords in Civil War being the biggest evidence that the films are all to eager to ignore Agents of SHIELD). Clark Greg's Coulson character is a great lead; and Grant Ward became one of my favorite MCU villains. Iron Man 2 Iron Man 2 feels a bit dumb compared to the first Iron Man film; being basically the same story as the original but LOUDER! Still I love so much of this film; Robert Downey Jr's ever charismatic performance makes for a compelling character; who is as egoistical as he is heroic. The references to the World's Fair and Disney influences are great too; including the upbeat song from the Richard Sherman which is a parody of his own There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow from the 1960's New York World's Fair. The introduction of War Machine and Black Widow make for some great story. Justin Hammer is also a fun villain to go against Tony Stark; although it feels like the story potential of Whiplash was wasted for the most part. Iron Man 3 Again, it is Robert Downey Jr's great performance which carries this film. The story is still rather goofy, but it begins to address the PTSD Tony Stark has been suffering since the events of the Avengers. I know a lot of people hate this film for the Mandarin reveal; but I think it shows how Marvel Studios is willing to play with audience's expectations to create something unique. The film does a decent job at concluding the Iron Man trilogy, while setting up Tony's character motivations in future films. Doctor Strange With some great visuals, a strong lead performance by Benedict Cumberbatch; Doctor Strange is one of the more solid origin films in the MCU. The trippy nature of his super power makes for a film that is visually distinct from the rest of the MCU. The main weakness of this film is that it feels A LOT like previous MCU origin films; and in some way's Doctor Strange's path to a hero feels like Tony Stark's path (rich guy in some traumatic incident, becomes a superhero and reconnects with long idle love interest). The somewhat formulaic nature of the MCU is beginning to show, and it distracted from this film's otherwise original take on the superhero genre. Avengers Age of Ultron This film is a solid action flick; but avoids being in my top MCU list due to a few issues. It feels like a comic book in the middle of its run, creating a story arc more concerned for setting up future stories; than it is focused on making itself a great story. In particular it feels much of the film is a long trailer for Civil War, Thor Ragnarok, and Avengers III. Despite that, the action is very well done; and the way the events of Sokovia impact the MCU makes this feel like an essential film to watch. The introduction of Vision and Scarlet Witch to the team also helps to expand the ever growing world of the Avenger's. What we learn about Hawkeye, Black Widow, and the Hulk also makes them all far more compelling character's. Again, high praise for Robert Downey Jr's performance as Tony Stark. Ant Man This film helps break the conventions of the MCU origin films with a heavy dose of humor. Paul Rudd's Scott Lang is a like-able character. Bonus points to Michael Pena's Luis character to; especially since every scene Luis is in becomes laugh out loud hilarious. Ant-Man's fight in the film is a lot more "down to earth" than the events in Age of Ultron; and help to make the character feel more grounded than the other members of the Avengers. The final battle scene is both dramatic, and hilarious; and is one of my favorite film finales in the MCU. Iron Man The first MCU film started the franchise with a bang. As I said before, Robert Downey Jr made Tony Stark his own; launching Iron Man into pop culture status nearly equal to Spider-Man, Superman, and Batman. The action is solid, and the story helps introduce is to the MCU in such a way it made us want to see more. Captain America Civil War A solid film making use of the long running characters of the MCU. Having watched all the previous MCU films gives us an emotional attachment to this characters; and seeing them fight is rather heartbreaking. Yet, their motivations are clear due to what we have learned about them in previous films in the series. The airport battle is great fun; while the final fight between Captain America and Iron Man is emotionally dramatic. Again, bonus points for introducing us to future MCU stars such as Black Panther and Spider-Man. The only thing that keeps this film from being #1 is that it is a bit formulaic. The Avengers The first "team up" film in the MCU remains one of the most solid entries in the series. Loki is again, a great villain. Seeing all the characters we had been introduced to in the first few films now together was a great treat. The action and plot is solid, and is a thrill from start to finish. Great directing, acting, and visual effects tie this all together. Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel took a little known superhero team and launched them to star status in this film. Great humor; a great soundtrack, and great acting helps this film be one of the best MCU films to date. Chris Pratt's Starlord is a great lead hero, and Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot make for a great team that is just as good at making us laugh as they are at saving the day. Bonus points for including such bizarre characters as the Collector, Howard the Duck, and the space dog into the film too. All around a great film that makes its sequel one of the future MCU films I am most excited for. Captain America Winter Soldier This great tale of espionage and conspiracy elevates Captain America to one of the best heroes in the MCU. The introduction of the Falcon alongside the return of Bucky Barnes as the Winter Soldier; help expand the Avengers line up. The HYRDA reveal is one of the most satisfying film twists since Darth Vader said "I am your father." The way the HYDRA reveal impacted future stories helps to cement it as one of the biggest plot twists in film history. Downright my pick for number one in the MCU franchise.

Yes, I would love to see Kylo have to reconcile the "redemption" of Vader. It would be interesting if Haydnn C. reprised his role as Anakin Force Ghost just to tell Kylo how wrong he is about Vader. Then to top it off, Kylo getting pissed and becoming MORE evil. (Wasn't there actual early scripts for Episode VII though with force ghost Anakin showing up being conflicted between the light and dark? Makes me wonder if force ghosts don't appear as they are, but how the viewer sees them. I.E. Luke would see an Anakin ghost, and Kylo a Vader ghost; but both are manifestations of the same spirit; just seen differently by the observer...)

Great example! The way Star Trek Beyond handled Nimoy's passing was perfect. If Leia isn't killed of dramatically, she should be killed of peacefully sort of in-between the plots of Episodes 8 and 9. Imagine Luke and Rey off on some mission, only to return at the start of Episode 9 to the shocking news that Leia passed away while they were gone. Imagine Kylo Ren's reaction. Would it turn him closer to the dark side? Or reagnite some of the light still in him?

2016 is now over. Gotta say farewells to Bionicle's last year.

Most common Lego theft I see? Stolen minifigures from the DK books. The plastic bubble holding the figures in those books only takes seconds to open, and people steel the minifigures all the time. I dare say %80 of DK books I see on a store shelf are missing their minifigures.

I don't know if Rogue One is completely kid inappropriate. It is no more violent than Revenge of the Sith, The Avengers and other MCU films, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, The Dark Knight, the Lone Ranger, TMNT, Bionicle in 2006/2007... I think I get my point across. Although it I agree that it is a pity when you think about it that the Freemaker sets are taking up slots that could have been used to give us things from the actual canon. I still wish we could get a few vehicles from the PT/OT/ST/CW/Rebels stuff too that have yet to show up as real sets. Heck technically the Star Speeder 1000 from Star Tours is canon thanks to the Force Awakens and I have been dying to get my hands on one of those in Lego for years!