Sherlock POPVinyls

Funko

I've always been a fan of murder mysteries and recently, have even gotten Bean hooked on them. I grew up completely addicted to Masterpiece Mystery on PBS. I loved Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, or really any Agatha Christie, but I also loved Sherlock Holmes. When I was a kid, Jeremy Brett played the title role on PBS. He was brilliant, and frightening, and in short, amazing in the way that he portrayed Sherlock Holmes. It was his performance that led me to read the complete Sherlock Holmes collection as a young adult. Later, I discovered old Holmes movies with Basil Rathbone at the helm. And you can't leave out Disney's animated version, The Great Mouse Detective. I even enjoyed the futuristic cartoon Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century, though it was sadly short lived.

Nowadays, there are several Sherlocks to choose from. Robert Downey, Jr did an incredible job of bringing humor to the role. Jonny Lee Miller gives us not only a Holmes who solves American crimes, but also a female Dr. Watson. (Have you noticed how she always seems to dress in black and white with occasional greys. I'm sure its some commentary on her intellectual relationship with Sherlock.)

Entertainment Earth

Lastly, we've come to my current favorite Sherlock: the BBC version with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. It may take place in modern times, but it seems to stay fairly close to the feel of the original stories. The only sad part is that they make just three episodes per year. (My favorite is John and Mary's wedding from last season.) However, Funko's new POPVinyl collection may help ease the wait. This set of six figures features two Sherlocks (one in gloves and the other playing the violin), Dr. John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Moriarty, and Irene Adler. An additional Moriarty wearing the crown jewels will also be available. Unfortunately, they won't arrive in stores until sometime in October, but since I absolutely adore Sherlock Holmes, in almost any incarnation, I'll be sure to add these to my collection.

Gus Gus in the Glass Slipper

I'm sure you've noticed by now how much I love collecting Funko's POPVinyls. I'm pretty selective about which ones I add to my collection, because it would be easy to fill up the entire house if I wasn't.  I'm especially fond of the Disney figures. The two that Funko created for the live action Cinderella are absolutely adorable.  For the last several weeks,  I've been trying to find GusGus in the Glass Slipper, but no store had him. Well, Saturday I was in my favorite used book store, 2nd and Charles, for Harry Potter day and stumbled upon Gus Gus quite unexpectedly. I was quite happy to add him to my collection.  He's so cute!

Quote of the Week

I've always loved this quote from the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers movie. I think it shows quite eloquently how Sam was the driving force behind Frodo's success on his quest to destroy the ring. And it's also a beautiful message of hope.

Sam - It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end... because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it'll shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something. Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going, because they were holding on to something.

Frodo - What are we holding onto, Sam?

Sam - That there's some good in this world, Mr Frodo. And it's worth fighting for.

The Good Dinosaur Trailer

Pixar

The Good Dinosaur looks so cute!!

The Good Dinosaur arrives in theaters on November 25.

Scooby Doo Legos

I was super excited yesterday when I heard the news that Lego is creating a new collection starring Scooby Doo. Bean and I love Legos and Scooby, so we can't wait to see the new sets. They won't be available in stores until August 1, but Amazon has a few sets available for pre-order.

The first set is the Mystery Machine, which of course includes Fred. Scooby and Shaggy minifigures are also a part of this set, as is a spooky tree, zombie, and an oversized sandwich. It's SO cute! The Mystery Machine will retail for $29.99.

The second set is a Biplane painted like the Mystery Machine, and a Headless Horseman with pumpkin head. Scooby and Shaggy are also included in this set. The Headless Horseman will retail for $19.99.

Additional sets will include a Mummy Mystery Museum,

a Haunted Lighthouse,

and Mystery Mansion, which is where you can find Daphne and Velma.

I can't wait to play with these new Scooby Legos. It will be difficult not to get carried away!

Quote of the Week

Disney

The way to get started is to 

quit talking and begin doing.

- Walt Disney

Robin Hood POPVinyl

Oo-de-lally! Look what I found on a recent POPVinyl search. It's Robin Hood from what is still my very favorite version of the story. Too bad they didn't make a Maid Marian to go with him.

Once Upon a Time Season 5

Disney

We love watching Once Upon a Time. The way they've combined so many fairytales into one story is both unique and fascinating. The first four seasons have seen many changes for the main characters, both for good and for evil, and it looks like Season 5 will be no different.

A lot of those changes will likely revolve around Emma Swan and the fact that she has become the Dark One. This new trailer from Comic Con is calling her the Dark Swan.

And it appears that she will live up to the name.

There will also be several new characters this season. Liam Garrigan has been cast as King Arthur, representing Camelot, and characters from Brave will also be making an appearance, which ought to make Bean (and a lot of other fans) happy. Here's a preview of Princess Merida, played by Amy Manson.

It looks like were in for a wild ride in Season 5, which premieres on September 27, 2015 on ABC. If you've somehow missed an episode or two along the way, Seasons 1-3 are currently available on DVD and Blu-ray, and Season 4 will be available on August 18.

Teen Beach Movie 2

Disney Channel

Have you seen Teen Beach Movie? When it first debuted on the Disney Channel a few years ago,  I wasn't sure I would like it. I used to love the old Frankie and Annette beach movies, in part because they were so campy, but I didn't think it would work with modern kids. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the music and craziness of those old films was alive and well in Teen Beach Movie. It was funny and ridiculous, yet very cute. Bean absolutely loved it!

As a result, we knew we had to watch Teen Beach Movie 2 and see what happened when our favorite beach movie characters suddenly appeared in the real world. This movie was also funny and over the top, with lots of musical numbers. However,  it also explored what can happen when summer is over and a summer romance is faced with the complications of going back to school. I also liked the way Layla wanted to be something more than what was expected of her in the movie world.

Although sad at times, Bean and I loved the music of  Teen Beach Movie 2 just as much as the first one. If you missed it on the Disney Channel, be sure to check your local retailers because it's already available on DVD.  And for some behind the scenes magic and a chance to learn a few of The outrageous dance steps, visit the official website.

Star Wars Little Golden Books

I don't know about you, but I love Little Golden Books. The simple artwork and child friendly stories have long been a family favorite. I've been collecting them for several years, adding them to those from my childhood. Many of my favorites are Disney stories, including a copy of Cinderella from the 1950s. Recently, Random House announced a new addition to the Little Golden Books lineup: Star Wars. The new books will feature a child friendly retelling of the first six movies. Individual books will be available on July 28th. A boxed set of the first six books will arrive in stores on September 1st. I think I'll have to add them to my collection, how about you?

Photo of the Week

Jedi Mickey in the Star Wars Weekends Legends of the Force Motorcade

Soft Kitty

I have no idea why, but I've had  the lyrics to "Soft Kitty" from Big Bang Theory stuck in my head for days. It's more invasive than "it's a small world"! Don't get me wrong, I love both songs, but not when I can't seem to think about anything else!

Happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth of July!

Photo of the Week

Look who I found at Barnes and Noble yesterday.  It's Joy in POPVinyl form! She's so cute!