News

Today marks the premiere of Season 3 of »Silo« on Apple TV – one of today's best dystopian sci-fi series.

As a quick recap: Season 2 ended on a dramatic cliffhanger featuring a fiery decontamination event in the airlock involving Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) and Bernard (Tim Robbins). An epilogue then flashed back 350 years, to the pre-apocalyptic era, showing journalist Helen Drew (Jessica Henwick) in conversation with Congressman Daniel Keene (Ashley Zukerman).

The stage was thus set: Season 3 unfolds across two timelines. We learn more about past events and the origins of many of the Silo's secrets. In Silo 18, three months have passed since the end of Season 2. Juliette survived the fire and was elected the new mayor, but she has lost her memory and cannot recall anything or anyone; she no longer knows how to distinguish friend from foe. Only occasional, fleeting fragments of memory surface – though initially, she cannot make sense of them. Once again, she finds herself caught between conspiracy and rebellion...

The new season consists of ten episodes, released weekly. A final fourth season has already been commissioned. To whet your appetite, here is the trailer for this suspense-filled mystery:
https://youtu.be/BLBvbMtjyAQ

»Minions & Monsters« is hitting theaters today. Our Mick put the film to the test last weekend:

I find the Minions quite cute, but I always felt they were aimed at a much younger audience. So, I really had no reason to see the new movie in the cinema, were it not for that sweltering heat making my apartment almost uninhabitable. An air-conditioned theater offered a temptation I couldn't resist. That's how I ended up watching »Minions & Monsters« last weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised.

The Film is a grand love letter to cinema, packed with film references – ranging from the works of the Lumière brothers to Damien Chazelle's »Babylon«. Countless scenes recreate film history, albeit strictly "minionized" and executed with immense affection and attention to detail. While the children in the audience were thoroughly amused by all the wacky slapstick, their adult companions could spot numerous allusions to film classics and cameos by stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.

The story centers on two Minions, James and Henry. James loves telling stories and drawing; in Henry, he finds a listener and a friend who truly appreciates it. Along the way, we learn that the Minions have been on Earth for ages, always searching for a Big Boss to serve. Over the centuries, their journey takes them to Hollywood, where they become major movie stars. However, their careers come to an abrupt end with the advent of talking pictures; their gibberish simply doesn't resonate with audiences. So, they move on in search of the next Big Boss. Only James, the storyteller, has found his true calling: he wants to make a monster movie...

»Minions & Monsters« loses a bit of momentum in the second half, relying almost exclusively on a string of slapstick gags. Still, the kids in the row behind me were having the time of their lives. I had actually just wanted to enjoy the air conditioning, but the Hollywood homage treated me to an entertaining 90 minutes. Afterwards, I watched »Supergirl«, but that's a whole other story.

The Lich King was not always the ultimate antagonist in the »World of Warcraft« universe. After all, Arthas Menethil was once the Crown Prince of Lordaeron and a Paladin of the Light. His life was nothing short of glorious until the plague befell his people, causing the victims to rise as part of the army of the undead that became known as the Scourge. To put an end to it, Arthas slaughtered his own subjects before they could turn. Dreadlord Mal'Ganis was responsible for that plague, and the prince soon hunted him down. Before his revenge could slip away, he claimed the cursed runeblade, Frostmourne. Whoever wielded it would gain infinite power but lose their soul. Arthas cared nothing for the consequences and used it to defeat Mal'Ganis. When his people welcomed him back to Lordaeron as a hero, he marched into the throne room and impaled his father with the sword. Shortly after, he plunged his homeland into ruin. Years later, the Lich King called him to his side to merge with him through the Helm of Domination, so that the Lich King would be reborn and seize control of the Scourge.

McFarlane Toys has immortalized this very dark presence in the Lich King Elite Edition. This is the 9th Elite Edition and also the manufacturer's first-ever »World of Warcraft« figure. With up to 22 points of articulation, you can pose the Lich King both with and without the Helm of Domination. The exceptional attention to detail in the Elite Editions is showcased here primarily in the runeblade Frostmourne and the game-accurate armor. The tattered cape is wire-reinforced, allowing for dynamic posing.

The Lich King Elite Edition has everything we could wish for in a Product of the Month: a tragically epic backstory, countless details that will make the heart of any »WoW« fan beat faster, and a price tag that truly stands out. On top of that, the figure comes with a redemption card that allows you to unlock four exclusive in-game transmogrifications. Who could say no to that?

We certainly can't! That is why we have named McFarlane's Lich King our 💥 Product of the Month 💥 July 2026. However, we cannot guarantee whether this action figure will actually allow you to command the Scourge. 😄

The first half of 2026 has come and gone, and as film fans, we have little to complain about. While there were a few blockbusters that fell merely into the "okay" category, there were also exciting smaller flicks like »Backrooms« and »Obsession«, whose young directors shook up the cinematic landscape and reflected the audience's craving for good, original stories. And in »The Furious«, we got the martial arts work we had long been waiting for. But let's take a look towards the future, at some new trailers for films that still await us in the coming months!

»Coyote vs. ACME« hits theaters this August – a film no one expected to see anymore, given that Warner Bros. had planned to shelve it and write it off for tax purposes. But Looney Tunes fans fought for the movie, and Ketchup Entertainment made Warner Bros. an offer they couldn't refuse.

After ACME products let him down once too often during his relentless pursuit of the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote decides to hire lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to sue the corporation. The company is represented by Kevin's former boss, the shrewd attorney Buddy Crane (John Cena). Here is the trailer for this live-action/animation crossover:
https://youtu.be/H-43VeYGiPM

»Hope«, the new film from Na Hong-jin (»The Wailing« ), opens here on October 8.

In the remote South Korean village of Hope Harbor, Police Chief Bum-seok and Officer Sung-ae are called in to investigate incidents involving a mysterious creature wreaking havoc in the community. But appearances can be deceiving, and perceptions can be misleading...

It looks like exciting sci-fi monster action. The trailer itself is refreshingly understated. That's all we need to know – we're on board!
https://youtu.be/Vt7860xZFXk

We last saw Jenna Ortega as the moody, grumpy Wednesday Addams. In Taika Waititi's new film, an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel »Klara and the Sun«, she plays the exact opposite. Klara is an "Artificial Friend" who wants nothing more than to find the perfect home – and discovers a kindred spirit in Josie.

The enchanting Jenna Ortega, Taika Waititi's knack for wit and timing, and the heartwarming source material by Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro – we're sold.
https://youtu.be/wixzainceAE
The film opens in October.

Last but not least, the first trailer for »Werwulf«, Robert Eggers' new film, was released yesterday. What an atmosphere! We were captivated from the very first second. But see for yourselves:
https://youtu.be/cmjpadVj-Vk

»Werwulf« tells a harrowing story of devotion, damnation, and the devil within. The film opens in the US at Christmas. However, just as with »Nosferatu«, we have to wait until the new year; »Werwulf« will kick off our 2027 cinema year in early January. We expect nothing less than a masterpiece!

Plenty of slaps were handed out in Italy last weekend, specifically at the Cinecittà World theme park in Rome, which hosted a Bud Spencer tribute event from June 26 to 28. It has now been ten years since the magnificent Carlo Pedersoli, whom we naturally know better as Bud Spencer, passed away on June 27, 2016. His family used the occasion to organize a fantastic fan event in the Italian capital in his honor. Holy smokes, what a great idea – and how we wish the S.P.A.C.E Crew could have been there...

Fortunately, our friends from Infinite Statue & Collectibles were on site and were able to send us some insider info. At their dedicated booth, visitors weren't just offered the existing Bud Spencer & Terence Hill Collection lineup for purchase; there were actually new collectibles featuring our two childhood heroes on display as well. Much like they did with their »Fantozzi« license, Infinite is set to release a series of smaller – and thus more affordable – PVC figures of Bud and Terence. It all kicks off with three Cine-Mini releases based on the Trinity films: Bambino in his iconic sheriff pose outside his office; Sleepy Joe on his makeshift sled, being pulled along by his horse; and the duo decked out in fancy suits from the saloon dining scene. Further new items are in the pipeline, though they haven't been cleared for announcement yet and remain top secret. Reports from Italy indicate that the pre-order phase won't begin until the Lucca Comics & Games convention in November at the earliest. Consequently, the figures likely won't be available until the spring or even summer of 2027.

We were really thrilled to hear this, as we feel it was high time for Infinite to deliver some new goodies for us SpencerHill fans. The absolute highlight of the weekend, however, was Terence Hill's appearance on stage (naturally, in his cowboy outfit). Interviewed by Bud's children, Giuseppe and Cristiana, he not only spoke warmly to the fans but also shared heartwarming and amusing anecdotes from the past. Although his gait was visibly labored (undoubtedly due in part to the sweltering heat), the fact that he insisted on thanking his on-screen partner and "brother" in front of the fans and participating in the celebration in such a personal way demonstrates once again just how much he values ​​his connection with them. Simply wonderful! Bud's widow, Maria Pedersoli, even briefly joined him on stage – a deeply emotional moment that rounded off the grand family celebration.

We've found a video of Terence Hill's celebrated appearance for you here:
https://youtu.be/uc3n2F9jI_Y

If you don't have plans for the evening yet, you might wanna check out Prime 1 Studio's Next Level Showcase XVIII. For the 18th time, the Japanese manufacturer presented numerous new high end statues spanning anime, gaming, comics, and film. You can watch the roughly 1-hour video here:
https://youtu.be/9It5bMqV3LI
For a fast overview of all upcoming attractions, jump on this page:
https://www.prime1studio.com/comingsoon

As always, things kicked off with the well-stocked anime section, featuring a total of nine new statues. Our highlight is the 1/4 Scale Albedo Statue from »Overlord«, set to be released as part of the Premium Masterline series. A fantastic concept, a sexy pose, and masterful paintwork make it a real eye-catcher. The same applies to the 1/6 Scale Chainsaw Man & Beam Statue from »Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc«, – a wonderfully wild and exuberant piece that truly does justice to the source material. Also worth mentioning is the Slan The Princess of the Uterine Sea 1/4 Scale Ultimate Premium Masterline Statue from »Berserk« – sexy and creepy at the same time – which certainly doesn't hold back when it comes to showing off her charms.

While there was only one new gaming reveal, it is certainly impressive: Atreus joins Kratos as a 1/3 Scale Statue. A bear and a wolf add extra impact to this piece from »God of War: Ragnarök«.

Prime 1 also showcased some new DC Comics releases, coinciding perfectly with the current theatrical release of »Supergirl«. The heroine herself appears here in 1:4 scale, based on the comic »Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow«. The statue is a masterpiece rich in detail, packed with references and easter eggs from the source material. And since the movie has brought Lobo back into the spotlight, he makes a spectacular appearance as "Lobo Batman: Batman Who Frags" from »Dark Nights: Death Metal« — based on a concept design by Carlos D'Anda.

With the 1/3 Scale Vampirella "Temptation" from the Real Elite Masterline, the name says it all. The bloodsucker, scantily clad in the red lifeblood of her foes, strikes a characteristically seductive pose – she is sexy as hell!

There were some real highlights among the movie statues this time, as well. We particularly love the »Predator: Badlands« Dek & Thia 1/3 Scale Statue; even Sweety Bud is part of the diorama. The »Godzilla Minus One« Godzilla vs. Shinsei-Maru Statue offers an equally cool concept, depicting the giant lizard's attack on the boat, dramatically staged both above and below the water's surface. Anyone familiar with the Transformers universe is sure to be hugely impressed by the new Devastator Statue based on »Revenge of the Fallen«. It is simply amazing how Prime 1 consistently manages to pack so much detail into a resin statue, absolutely teeming with intricate mechanical flourishes. Of course, the two brawlers from Eternia – He-Man and Skeletor – simply cannot go unmentioned. Even though the two 1/3 Real Elite Masterline Statues, based on the recent blockbuster, are already listed in our shop, they were another highlight of Showcase XVIII.

As their latest licensing acquisition, Prime 1 has also teased the Power Rangers as 1/4 Scale Statues. So we have yet another manufacturer taking on this cult franchise, though they will likely achieve only modest success with it in this price segment.

We saved the two literally biggest highlights for last: the Treebeard with Merry & Pippin 1/4 Scale Statue from »The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers«. The Ents are going to war and marching on Isengard. Standing an impressive 163 centimeters tall, this gigantic collectible is truly breath-taking!

Finally, to mark the 40th anniversary of »Aliens«, Prime 1 presents the Alien Queen's nightmarish breeding ground. This massive diorama brings that unforgettable movie scene back to life across an impressive width of 140 centimeters. Extremely detailed, extremely limited (to 40 pieces only worldwide!) and also extremely expensive – simply incredible!

Tomorrow marks the 40th anniversary of the fantasy adventure »Labyrinth«, one of director Jim Henson's most famous and beloved works, and an absolute passion project, which premiered in US cinemas on June 27, 1986.

It tells the story of teenager Sarah, who is made to babysit her brother Toby by her neglectful father and stepmother. Frustrated and annoyed, she makes an impulsive wish for Toby to be taken away by goblins. Instantly regretful when her wish comes true, Sarah has to find her way through a magical labyrinth in order to save her brother from the clutches of the Goblin King Jareth. But time is running ...

The film explores themes of growing up, with the labyrinth and its inhabitants symbolizing many of the obstacles and lessons to be learned: feeling lost, making decisions, learning who you can trust, and playing the hand you were dealt. »Labyrinth« is a modern fairytale that is dark, whimsical, heartfelt, and fun, with an endless array of fascinating creatures and settings, and it's not hard to see why it has become a cult classic despite its failure at the box office when it was first released. On top of that – what else could you expect from a Jim Henson film? –, the puppetry is impeccable and brings to life many beloved characters like Ludo, Hoggle, Sir Didymus, the Worm, and, of course, the Goblins. And who could forget a teenage Jennifer Connelly's wonderful performance as Sarah, and David Bowie in his most iconic role as Jareth?

No wonder the movie has stood the test of time and even now, 40 years later is still endlessly quotable and rewatchable. Fans, who wanted to experience it on the big screen (again, or for the first time) had the chance to do so earlier this year, when it got a – sadly limited – theatrical re-release in 4K. For those who missed it, Plaion Pictures, who had already made a 30th Anniversary Edition, published a steelbook with new extras and a beautiful, classy design just in time for this next milestone birthday. You can see it in detail in this review by Lazer City Lights on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/srNG2ldmD2w

And who knows – maybe we will also get a sequel for »Labyrinth« in the near (or, more likely, distant future). The project has reportedly been in development for years at the Jim Henson Company with the latest update being the announcement of Robert Eggers as director and co-writer. We're looking forward to see where this goes!

Of course, we can't forget the collectibles. With their unique designs and visual style, the characters from this film are perfect to be turned into statues and figures. Weta created several wonderful and detailed statues, which you can buy in a bundle of 5 in our shop. The statue of Jareth and Sarah in the Illusionary Maze is still available on its own as well:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Filme/Die-Reise-ins-Labyrinth:::4681_4996.html

Also in 1/6 scale, Kaustic Plastik is set to finally release their figure of Jareth for pre-order in time for this year's San Diego Comic Con next month. We're super excited for this next entry in their high-end Maestro Line!

Are you (re)watching »Labyrinth« to celebrate the occasion, or at least put on the stunning soundtrack? And which other collectible would you love to see for this movie?

Today marks the launch of »Supergirl«, the second film in James Gunn's DC Universe. It follows last year's »Superman«, which was directed by Gunn himself while for this new blockbuster, Craig Gillespie sat in the director's chair. The film is loosely based on the comic book series »Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow«.

Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, finds herself facing an unexpected and ruthless adversary. Reluctantly, she teams up with an unusual ally and embarks on a spectacular journey across the universe to seek justice and revenge – or so the film's brief synopsis goes.

Warner Bros. has been heavily promoting the film over the past few months and weeks, releasing various trailers and short clips.

We really like Milly Alcock in the titular role; her disillusioned, "no-future" party-girl attitude feels refreshingly different and clearly sets her apart from her cousin, Superman. The story's antagonist, the brigand Krem of the Yellow Hills, played by Matthias Schoenaerts, looks like he stepped straight out of a Mad Max movie. Naturally, we are especially hyped to see Jason Momoa as Lobo. It seems like the perfect role – one Momoa was born to play. Quite interesting will be the fact, that we will finally have the chance to get to know the real culture of the Kryptonians through the eyes of a teenager who lost her home instead of the waring message of Kal-Els parents.

Of course, »Supergirl« is also getting us in the mood for some cool collectibles:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Movies/Supergirl:::4681_5675.html

And given the current Kryptonian-level heat, we are hugely looking forward to the air-conditioned comfort of the movie theater!

The Avatar and his friends enter the Earth Kingdom today! In the second season of the Netflix live-action adaptation of »Avatar – The Last Airbender« Aang, Sokka, and Katara set out to find an Earthbending master to teach the young Avatar. Along the way, they get caught up in intrigues and conflicts both outside and inside the capital city of Ba Sing Se. The events in the Earth Kingdom unfold over seven episodes, which you can watch seamlessly. Here is the trailer once again to get you excited for an epic adventure:
https://youtu.be/M_Las484swM

Fans of the original series already know what to expect at its core. However, even the first season was heavily altered in some places. So, let's stay tuned for what awaits us in season 2 of »Avatar – The Last Airbender«. Fortunately for us, the third season was confirmed long ago and filming has even completely wrapped by now. This means the finale is officially secured!

Are you excited for Toph's appearance and the events in the Earth Kingdom?

Tomorrow, »Obsession« finally hits German cinemas. Few horror films by a newcomer have generated as much buzz in recent months as Curry Barker's work. Following enthusiastic reactions at festivals and preview screenings, many genre fans are wondering if the hype is truly justified. Mick already had the chance to see the film at a preview screening. Here is his take on the movie:

The premise is deceptively simple – "Be careful what you wish for." –  but it's truly astonishing what director Curry Barker, born in 1999, has achieved with his feature debut.

The hype surrounding this movie is absolutely warranted. It not only has what it takes to be the horror film of the year but also the potential to become an instant classic.

Barker belongs to a new generation of film geeks – alongside Kane Parsons (»Backrooms«) and brothers Michael and Danny Philippou (»Talk to Me«, »Bring Her Back«) – who took their first steps in the medium as YouTubers and are shaking up the horror genre with fresh ideas. Box-office figures from recent weeks demonstrate that audiences are craving new, original material that breaks away from the beaten path; »Backrooms« and »Obsession« significantly outperformed »The Mandalorian & Grogu« and »Michael«.

But back to »Obsession«:
Baron "Bear" Bailey is hopelessly in love with his colleague Nikki Freeman, yet he cannot bring himself to reveal his feelings to her. Advice from his friend Ian proves to be of little help either. Bear, Ian, and Nikki work alongside their friend Sarah Harper at her father's music store and spend much of their free time together.

Bear's fear of confessing his love to Nikki is entirely understandable. What if she doesn't return his feelings? A confession would change everything – their friendship could fall apart.

While looking for a gift for Nikki in a New Age knick-knack shop, Bear discovers a display of small "One Wish Willow" packets; according to their retro packaging, they are supposed to grant wishes. He buys one for Nikki. Later that evening, while driving the girl of his dreams home, he once again fails to summon the courage to confess his love. Without truly believing in it, he opens the packet, snaps the willow twig, and wishes that Nikki would love him more than anything else in the world.

His wish comes true, and Nikki quickly develops an obsessive love for him...

The dynamics of this relationship are brilliantly captured and staged with wit, a keen sense of the absurd, and a steadily mounting sense of unease – executed with the stylistic confidence of a seasoned pro. The direction, timing, composition, and music are perfectly synchronized. Humor and tragedy are skillfully balanced, never clashing or cancelling each other out.

The young cast, including Michael Johnston (Bear), Cooper Tomlinson (Ian), and Megan Lawless (Sarah), gives excellent, credible, and nuanced performances. However, Inde Navarrette delivers a truly Oscar-worthy performance as Nikki Freeman, shifting between extreme emotions almost by the second.

She is manic, tender, violent, vulnerable, joyfully in love, and simultaneously desperate at the prospect of rejection. She is both the obsessive-compulsive product of Bear's wish – controlled by the One Wish Willow –, and the real Nikki, trapped deep within and unable to fight against this wish, or rather, curse. 

»Obsession« managed to affect me in a deeply unsettling way, and it stayed with me long after I left the theater. It is a film I can highly recommend!

You should definitely keep an eye on Curry Barker and Inde Navarrette in the future.

Calling all adventurers of the Forgotten Realms: Sideshow delighted us last week by confirming a license for »Baldur's Gate 3«! The American manufacturer officially announced upcoming collectibles and art prints. So, we're highly anticipating that our beloved companions Astarion, Gale, Shadowheart, Wyll, Lae'zel, Karlach & Co. will soon be filling first our shelves, and then yours, in high-end quality. Most of all, we are hoping for exquisite Premium Format Figures that perfectly reflect the love for this masterpiece.

»Baldur's Gate 3« was crowned Game of the Year in 2023 and has already captivated over 20 million players to date. The breathtaking fantasy setting is nestled within the »Dungeons & Dragons« universe. Larian Studios, previously known for »Divinity: Original Sin II«, crafted an incredibly multi-layered story within the D&D framework, featuring characters that stay with the player long after the game ends. All the more reason to celebrate that Sideshow grabbed this license, ensuring you won't have to do without your favorites outside of the game for much longer.

In any case, we are excited to see which companion or villain Sideshow tackles first and look forward to the upcoming reveals!

Which character do you want to see most as a statue?

After a wait of nearly two years, the moment has finally arrived: today marks the premiere of »House of the Dragon« Season 3, Episode 1 on HBO Max.

The new episodes pick up the Dance of the Dragons right where Season 2 left off: the opposing factions led by Rhaenyra and Aegon II are facing the climax of the war for the succession. Showrunner Ryan Condal has set the bar high, promising "arguably the craziest episode of television ever made" for the premiere. The eight-episode season will roll out weekly, leading up to the finale on August 10.

And for anyone already worrying about the end: Season 3 won't be the last – a fourth and final season was officially greenlit back in November 2025.

Here is the final trailer to get you in the mood:
https://youtu.be/0JlMjgqduVw

Trailers are a great thing that can draw our attention to a movie, spark interest and curiosity, making us want to see the film.

That was certainly the case for us with »Nightborn«, the new film by Hanna Bergholm (»Hatching«). Dreaming of perfect family bliss, Saga (Seidi Haarla) and her husband Jon (Rupert Grint) move into the remote house from Saga's childhood, deep within the Finnish woods. Yet, no sooner is their baby born than Saga senses – despite all the reassurances from those around her – that something is terribly wrong. As their marriage threatens to fall apart, Jon tries to support his wife, but only Saga suspects the disturbing truth about their newborn...
https://youtu.be/qrQcBwQcqgQ

The film opens in August.

We also got a first trailer for »The Social Reckoning« by Aaron Sorkin, the sequel to »The Social Network«:
https://youtu.be/gM4LkaXwGuY

Young Facebook engineer Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison) turns to Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White) for a dangerous undertaking. This ultimately leads to the exposure of the social network's closely guarded secrets. This time, Mark Zuckerberg is portrayed by Jeremy Strong.

The trailer doesn't need to do much to win us over, as the subject of social media affects us all. However, it does give us a pretty good impression of the movie's atmosphere. The theatrical release is planned for October.

Unfortunately, however, it often happens that there are too many trailers for a single work, revealing all the essential plot points beforehand. Sometimes we've sat in the cinema feeling as though we already knew the movie inside out. In those moments, we long for the state of not knowing, and the surprises, that the film was actually meant to offer.

If we've already decided to watch a movie – perhaps because it's part of a franchise we follow – we prefer to skip the trailers entirely to avoid spoilers.

In the case of »Spider-Man: Brand New Day«, this is the second full-length trailer. If you've already made up your mind to see it in theaters this July, you'd be better off skipping this trailer. Click the following link at your own risk:
https://youtu.be/62bIsvRcPv0

And finally, a quick streaming trailer:
https://youtu.be/BLBvbMtjyAQ
Season 3 of the dystopian sci-fi mystery series »Silo«, starring Rebecca Ferguson, premieres on Apple TV+ on July 3.

Sven, Tobi, and Jürgen treated themselves to a massive dose of »Masters of the Universe« last weekend at Los Amigos – an event where we had our own booth for the very first time this year. The MOTU convention took place at the LUXOR Filmpalast in Heidelberg, where a large number of visitors could immerse themselves in the world of Eternia across three floors. ⚔️

Of course, we didn't want those of you who couldn't make it to miss out. We're taking you ON THE ROAD to Los Amigos to share impressions from the venue and walk you through the highlights at our booth, ranging from classic Mattel MOTU action figures and related lines like Savage Crucible and Mythic Legions to impressive statues from Iron Studios. Naturally, we also met and interviewed some exciting people – look forward to conversations with Axel Giménez, Simon Eckert, and – yes, it's true – Pixel Dan! 🤩

Don't miss out – watch now on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/mlskwEceyFw

As of today, »Backrooms« is finally showing in German cinemas. In recent weeks, it has been hard to miss the massive hype surrounding A24's most successful film to date and its 20-year-old director, Kane Parsons. Mick caught a preview screening yesterday and shares his impressions here:

The origins of the Backrooms lie in 2019 on the platform 4chan. In a thread featuring "liminal space" images, a photo appeared showing a windowless room with yellow wallpaper bathed in sickly, yellow-hued artificial light. A user named Black August commented on the image:

"If you're not careful and you noclip out of reality in the wrong areas, you'll end up in the Backrooms, where it's nothing but the stink of old moist carpet, the madness of mono-yellow, the endless background noise of fluorescent lights at maximum hum-buzz, and approximately six hundred million square miles of randomly segmented empty rooms to be trapped in. God save you if you hear something wandering around nearby, because it sure as hell has heard you"

That was the spark that launched the phenomenon. Inspired by that initial photo, Kane Parsons – a YouTuber who was 16 at the time – picked up the idea. He produced a web series that went on to garner well over 100 million views. A24 subsequently offered Parsons the chance to direct a feature film version.

I hadn't watched the web series prior to this; I was only familiar with the 2019 photo and had seen a trailer for the movie. So, I went into the theater with a relatively open mind. I watched it as part of a double feature with »Obsession«, which I was seeing for the second time and for which I'll write a review shortly before its theatrical release in Germany.

At the heart of the story are two characters: Clark, played by British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (»Children of Men«), is a failed architect. His marriage has fallen apart, he runs a struggling furniture business, battles alcoholism, and is undergoing psychotherapy with Dr. Mary Kline, played by Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve (»Sentimental Value«).

One night, Clark discovers a gap in the wall. Beyond it lies a seemingly infinite world of yellow corridors and barren, surreal rooms. When Clark fails to show up for his therapy session, his doctor visits his shop and eventually finds herself entering the Backrooms ...

Kane Parsons succeeds in creating an eerie and deeply unsettling atmosphere. Alongside the staged sequences, he employs found-footage material skillfully and to great effect. The magnificent visual language is bolstered by outstanding production design and a perfectly matched sound design.

The work is at its best when exploring the titular rooms. There is a constant, palpable sense of underlying menace – a mood that resonated powerfully with the packed cinema audience.

The film offers no answers regarding what lies behind the Backrooms or where they come from. However, it does introduce a number of psychological interpretations that, in my view, could have been dispensed with. I felt most at ease within the surreal, Lynchian atmosphere; I don't need to understand everything to enjoy the experience.

»Backrooms« leaves a lasting impression, sparking discussion and analysis. For my part, I plan to watch it again this very evening.

There are countless action movies that share one thing in common: they hardly deserve the name. Fight scenes are often poorly choreographed, shot with shaky cameras, and edited so choppily that the viewer loses all sense of orientation. Often, this merely serves to mask the fact that the actors cannot actually fight. For the audience, the result is usually just one thing: dizziness and nausea.

»The Furious« proves that things can be done differently – with razor-sharp direction, clear cinematography, and impressive choreography. The film, which is hitting German cinemas today, is currently the talk of the town, with many critics hailing it as the best martial arts action movie since »The Raid 2«.

The plot may be straightforward, but in this case, that is entirely beside the point:
After his daughter is abducted by a ruthless criminal organization and the corrupt police fail to provide any help, Wang Wei (Xie Miao) decides to take the search into his own hands. His path crosses with that of the unyielding journalist Navin (Joe Taslim), who has been fighting a relentless battle against the criminal network ever since his wife's mysterious disappearance. United by pain, loss, and a desire for justice, the two find themselves in a merciless struggle against a powerful organization that covers its tracks and tolerates no witnesses.

So, if you're into top-notch action, you shouldn't miss »The Furious« on the big screen. Here is the trailer to give you a taste:
https://youtu.be/Avky8dVaqAI

Last year, manufacturer The Loyal Subjects struck a chord with children of the 80s and nostalgia enthusiasts alike by releasing new versions of the iconic M.A.S.K. vehicles. Toys like the Thunderhawk, Condor, and others brought the franchise back into the spotlight for collectors, sparking plenty of excitement and conversation. After a brief hiatus, more are on the way – Wave 2 goes up for pre-order in just a few weeks and will feature the following four vehicles:
Stealth Submarine Cycle (Piranha)
Gator
Hurricane
Armored Assault Vehicle (Jackhammer)

Details are scarce for now – we only have a handful of product renders to whet our appetites. Naturally, you'll be able to find these new releases in our pre-order section as soon as the embargo lifts in three weeks, on July 7th. So, mark the date on your calendar and keep an eye on our shop!
space-figuren.de/mask

Horror, post-apocalypse, and dark humor – our trailer highlights of the past few days have a colorful mix for you this time.

First up is the video game adaptation »Exit 8« by director Genki Kawamura with a premise that's as simple as it is creepy: a young man is searching for the exit of a seemingly endless subway station. When he finally finds the titular Exit 8, he suddenly finds himself right back at his starting point, and no matter which path he takes, he keeps ending up there. To escape the station, he has to follow cryptic instructions. See for yourself:
https://youtu.be/DlRQ1oatOt8

The Japanese film already premiered last year in Cannes and in Japanese theaters. It's set to hit the big screen here on August 13th – we can't wait!

With »The Dog Stars«, Ridley Scott delivers another sci-fi book adaptation. After a pandemic wipes out nearly all of humanity, pilot Hig (Jacob Elordi) and a handful of other survivors must face the dangers of a post-apocalyptic world. Then he receives a signal that gives him hope. Check out the trailer here:
https://youtu.be/sVCrTJdNtSs

Alongside Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, and Allison Janney round out the star-studded cast. The film hits theaters on August 27th.

Martin McDonagh's new movie is likely to put us in a slightly better mood. »Wild Horse Nine« is a dark-comedy spy thriller in which CIA agents Chris (John Malkovich) and Lee (Sam Rockwell) are sent to Easter Island shortly before the 1973 military coup in Chile. But their mission threatens to go off the rails when Chris forms a connection with two rebellious students. Here's the trailer:
https://youtu.be/Haw_sznA5aQ

Rockwell and Malkovich are already fantastic and very funny together in just these few scenes, and the film is somewhat reminiscent of McDonagh's highly recommendable »In Bruges« – we're so in! »Wild Horse Nine« hits theaters on November 12th.

We're hitting the road and heading to Heidelberg – because that's where Los Amigos is taking place tomorrow, and we'll be there exhibiting for the very first time. The LUXOR-Filmpalast will host a great line-up of amazing artists, cosplayers, and vendors, offering »Masters of the Universe« fans an exciting program, fantastic collectibles, and much more. 🏰

At our booth, you can look forward to iconic MOTU figures from Mattel, Mondo, and other manufacturers, as well as great collectibles from related toy lines by Four Horsemen, Harvinger Studios, Frazetta, and others. There's something for everyone! Plus, great entertainment is guaranteed all weekend long: to coincide with the convention, the Filmpalast is screening both live-action MOTU movies as a double feature today and on Sunday.

So, off to Heidelberg for Los Amigos — we look forward to seeing you there! 😃

Today, Steven Spielberg's »Disclosure Day« opens in cinemas.

Cybersecurity expert Dr. Daniel Kellner (Josh O'Connor) becomes a whistleblower to expose secrets about extraterrestrials. Consequently, he is forced to flee from a powerful corporation intent on keeping those secrets under wraps. Meanwhile, TV meteorologist Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) encounters strange phenomena and joins forces with him to prove the existence of life beyond our current understanding.

A new Spielberg film is, of course, a must-see for any movie buff. Anticipation is high, and expectations are soaring. The embargo lifted at 6 PM yesterday, and the first reviews began to roll in – though they did temper expectations somewhat. No one is calling it a bad film, far from it. Spielberg is brilliant, and his longtime cinematographer Janusz Kamiński delivers fantastic visuals, elevated by a John Williams score.

Nevertheless, a sense of disappointment runs through many of the reviews. Critics point to a lack of substance and plot holes, noting that certain elements don't quite seem to fit the modern day. Many were reminded of an X-Files episode that dragged on a bit too long. If the critics are to be believed, we can look forward to a film that is certainly worth watching – even if it isn't Spielberg's best.