I've always thought of action figures as a fairly democratic thing. Y'know, everyone can afford a G.I. Joe. But apparently there's such a thing as "designer toys," and they, along with every other toy in the world that has ever been popular, are getting their own movie.
Paramount is working to turn the Kidrobot series of collectible action figures into a feature film, producing it via Nickelodeon Movies. Variety says the movies will be a mixture of animation and live action. The toys themselves actually do sound pretty cool-- musicians and graffiti artists are brought in to create their own toys, which are sold in several retail stores across the country as well as in a handful of Urban Outfitters. Urban art: Not just for grown-ups anymore!
Even though these toys seem slightly less commercial and more artistic than the average action figure, there's something disconcerting about the idea of "designer" toys, which kids will clamor for and many, many parents won't be able to afford. And now they're getting a movie! Which means the marketing will just get all the more insidious. I never thought I'd say this, but Transformers are looking downright wholesome and old-fashioend by comparison.
