It’s been a bit since I’ve done a list here on 1guysmindlessmoviereviews.com. I had a few ideas on what to do. The summer movie season is just starting to kick off, so we will have lots to discuss soon. So, in honor of that and the release of the new “Masters of the Universe” this week, I’m thinking outside the box. Outside the toybox, to be more exact. There have been movies based on books, video games, comic books, and true stories. But there is also a genre that is based on toys and board games. So, let’s talk about five of those that I have really enjoyed over the years. Without further ado… let’s get to the list.
5. Transformers (2007) – Up first (or fifth, as is the case) is “Transformers”. Technically, there are seven of these now, but back in 2007, there was just the first live-action remake of this popular transforming toy. Personally, since this first one, they have gone downhill, and I haven’t even seen the last two. I just wasn’t excited for them. But I still remember enjoying the hell out of this first one, and it was such a big-screen epic watch.
4. The Lego Movie (2014) – This one isn’t as bad as “Transformers”, but there have been several more of these made since the original in 2014 to varying degrees of success. But nothing topped the original, with a plethora of stars lending their voices to the cast (Pratt, Ferrell, Banks, Arnett, Neeson, and many others). Not only was it a very good story, but it was also fun and mixed the LEGO characters into real life. Plus, it was full of catchy moments like “Everything is Awesome”!
3. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) – I’m not sure what it was about this one that makes it stand out from the others, but “Honor Among Thieves” is by far the best Dungeons & Dragons media that exists to this day. Now, I didn’t play the game much when I was younger, but I knew a few people who did (plus what I know from Stranger Things 😊). The cast, the humor, and the fantasy/sci-fi aspect make this so fun and very easy to watch over and over again.
2. Mars Attacks! (1996) – Ok, for those asking why this would make a list talking about movies from toys. I will have you know, if you look it up, Mars Attacks is a science-fiction themed trading card game by Topps in 1962. Besides that, this is my list, and I want it on here. I am a big fan of Tim Burton and thoroughly enjoy most of his work. Sure, this is campy, corny, and full of silly parts, but that’s what it’s supposed to be. Burton fully intended for it to look that way, and I’m here for it. Besides that, the cast is stellar, and they are amazing at playing those same campy roles.
1. Clue (1985) – Honestly, how could this not be number 1? I feel like if you’re any type of movie fan from the 80’s and 90’s, then you’ve seen and love “Clue”. How could a movie based on a board game be so good? It’s all about casting. Starring Tim Curry as Wadsworth (the butler) and an all-star cast behind him. Eileen Brennan as Peacock, Martin Mull as Mustard, Lesley Ann Warren as Scarlet, Madeline Kahn as White, Christopher Lloyd as Plum, and Michael McKean as Green. It really doesn’t get much better than that in the mid-80’s. Then top it off with a fun story and twist ending of sorts, and you have yourself a very fun board game movie sitting at my number one spot!
So, there you have it: the list of my favorite “toy” movies. What did you think? Have you seen all of these? What would you add or remove from the list? If so, what movies do you think should be in (or off) this sort of list?
Also, if you haven’t done so, check out my other lists here or some of my other reviews as well here. I will be back next week with another mindless movie review of some sort.
