New Wave Toys Zoltar Mini Replica

 I've been a fan of New Wave Toys for quite awhile because of their Replicade line of mini (working!) arcade games. If I had the room, definitely would be collecting all their releases and accessories to have a mini slice of 80s arcade heaven. But when they opened pre-orders for their latest replica, I didn't hesitate.

Now, of course a lot of people associate our pal Zoltar with the movie Big and there's no denying that movie did more for Zoltar's career than any arcade ever would. But I also have a fascination with these automated fortune tellers. If you pop over to this Flickr gallery, you can see a few variations I've encountered. 

 

I think it's tied in to my feeling that amusement parks are places of fun but there's a little something spooky just out of sight. Now that I think of it, I did record Something Wicked This Way Comes off cable as a kid and watched it A LOT.

Anyway, let's get a look at Zoltar!

13 Year Blog-iversary!

 Well, this was a shock to me! I could have sworn this was only 12 years but here we are. I was all set to pull out that Sesame Street pinball video, but I did that last year when it was actually 12 years.

Staying true to form , the top 10 posts with the most views has not changed much since last year. The only moving and shaking on the chart is that Now Hear This - Christmas Fear jumped from 9 to 8. 

 

 

It still cracks me up that this Andy Gibb post is number 2. The difference between 2nd and 3rd is almost 1.5k views! 

The blog is now entering it's teenage years so that's something to look forward to.

Monthly Media Recap - June 2024

It was a banner month for movies: I went to the theater TWICE! I honestly don't remember the last time I went out to a movie more than once a month. Probably summer 2019? While I can enjoy the communal experience, too many people think they're on their couch and have zero theater etiquette.

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Movies

Stopmotion (2023, Shudder)

Started the month of with an absolute banger of a horror flick! I seem to always enjoy these type of movies where the main character is going through something personal and them having to deal with some crazy horror on top of it. Very imaginative and extra points for making stop motion creepy AF.

Rating: 8/10

 

The Crow: Salvation (2000, Pluto TV & Tubi)

Sorry, Eric Mabius, you might be perfect for Hallmark movies but no amount of slow-motion walking or makeup are going to make you badass back from the grave. Despite how despicable they made the bad guys to make you want them to get what’s coming, this Crow feels more like a slasher villain than an anti-hero.  

Rating: 3/10

 

 

The Crow: Wicked Prayer (2005, Pluto TV)

This actually made me go back and re-evaluate my feelings on the last movie. This is so far from even being just okay, but it least it’s bad in a way you can make fun of it. The plot was a little confusing and most of the acting is flat out laughable in parts. And at this point, I’ve had enough of resurrected guys doing revenge murder. Initially, DMX was in talks for this sequel and I definitely would be more interested in seeing something a little different from the franchise. 

 

Rating: 2/10

And speaking of train wrecks on film...