Welcome to The Stormtrooper Effect

This is where i will review and discuss toys, video games and movies. I collect 3 3/4 inch to 12 inch Star Wars, Iron Man, Batman, Halo toys and other movie memoribillia that appeal to me! As of late i am into Hot Toys 12' inch figures. Thank you for visiting my page and I hope you enjoy browsing through my site as much as I enjoy sharing it with you!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

test post for flickr


IMG_4221
Originally uploaded by Stormtrooper Effect
can this picture be seen?!?!

Technical Difficulties.

as yet i'm backlot on 4 posts as i am still unable to upload pictures.

i normally directly upload my pictures to blogger, however this time around, while it successfully uploads, it doesn't appear on the compose screen.


so yeah. till then i guess i've gotta find an alternative.

Friday, June 26, 2009

The Passing of a Pop Icon: Michael Jackson, An Eulogy

An Eulogy: Michael Jackson

29th August 1958 - 25th June 2009


Today marks a passing of one of history's most indelible Pop Culture Icons, Michael Jackson.

For four decades, he has entertained the world. Be it his adorable youthful voice as a child singer in Jackson Five, or his solo career with the unforgettable trademark moves, from the moonwalk in Billie Jean to the gravity defying leans in Smooth Criminal, to the distinct screams and yowls peppering his songs.

Rightly dubbed the ''King of Pop'', having hit multiple platinums for his hit singles and albums, and snagging 13 grammies, having being awarded 7 in one year. And not to mention, being honored at the Hollywood walk of Fame twice. These are proof enough of the impact he has made in his 50 years in this world.

and through his work, he has broken racial barriers for other fellow artists into the music industry and inspired generations to come.

with relation to that, i remember fondly the times where i would groove to the catchy tunes of 'beat it' and 'black or white', amongst many others. These two songs are distinctively a part of my memory, having grown up listening to them, recalling the youthful defiance McCaulay Culkin in the music video of ''Black or White'' to the sheer cool dance moves of ''Beat it'' and how he actually managed to make a shirt with a piano keyboard print actually look cool. (having grown up playing the piano since childhood, i never thought it would actually be cool playing the piano till i saw Michael Jackson wearing that shirt in Beat It )

and years later, i still must confess that his music has been a great influence to me still, with me playing BEAT IT instrumentally as a soundcheck during both my practice and stage performances with my band. Whilst the english language falls short to describe the riffs and solos of that song, i will say, his legacy will carry on strong, for generations to come.


and with that I end my personal eulogy to Michael Jackson. Thank you for all that you have given this world.

Rest In Peace


With Regards,
Joshua Lim

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Review & Exclusive Figure

Caught Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen today. And i must say, this movie is a must for those who love the franchise/toy and or cartoon, and also those who're just hanging around for the movie kicks.

i feel strongly that this show was based on a fast paced, dynamic action movie, with extremely breathtaking aesthetic graphics, namely the robots be it autobots or decepticons. Though i must add that whilst this year boosts a hell lot of heavyweight titles in terms of franchises and movies, as yet they've all been pretty much action movie no brainers. Apart from Watchmen perhaps?

there a a few plotholes or rather small questions left unanswered likewise with the first film but i doubt one would pick on such nitty gritty details when the film just blows you away in terms of visual appeal. From frame to frame, be prepared to be wowed at the COOL FACTOR of the robots. Transforming, to fighting to dying to disguising. Loved the cinematic dramatising of Optimus' defeat and (PLOT SPOILER, HIGHLIGHT TO VIEW) -DEATH. but he gets resurrected- Spoilers end here.

There is a general plot ongoing though, this film drives hard on its action and i'd give it a 5/5 star rating with consideration that one watches it solely to be entertained, action, big explosions, visual appeal and plain geek fandom! It's a one of the better films by far to hit the box office so far, with Terminator Salvation being a huge downer.


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That aside, i've got a nice figure for you to peek.
just get the popcorn and drink combo and you'd get to choose one of three 3' inch figures, of Optimus Prime, Megatron or Bumblebee. Looks pretty sweet IMHO. though the combo special comes at a stiffling price of $9.90... and i got it mainly for this figure...

whisking this figure off to my shelve display!

that aside the plastic cup for the drink is reusable, and has a very nice design of transformer's Optimus on it. Will feature it here when i've scrubbed it clean.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Hot Toys Announcement Updates - X-Men Origins Wolverine & Marcus Wright Improved Headsculpt

After a much anticipated wait, Hot Toys has finally unveiled their next blockbuster product lineup, X-Men Origins: Wolverine figure...namely, the titicular character...


However hyped i am, i must admit i'm not impressed, YET. The Hugh Jackman likeness has a long way to go to look like him. Not a fan of the hair sculpt either, though the clothes look rather fantastic. But knowing HOT TOYS, they'd soon announce a new and improved headscupt so i wont ' worry much.
On another note, Sam Worthington's likeness here as Marcus Wright is now finally, SPOT ON! The jaw to the nose and ears now resemble the iconic Terminator he played in Terminator Salvation, though i honestly missed the intense stare he had from the first sculpt.

To note, they also improved his hairsculpt which is growing on me slowly, wasn't really blown away by it at first but now, its looks better the longer i stare at it. ( self comforting )


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that aside, Iron Man Mark I is due to hit stores end June, and boy...i sure am broke.
as yet my preorders are as follows
T-600 Endoskeleton
John Connor
Marcus Wright
DX-Joker
Chris Redfield
Sheva Alomar

may have to pass on the Resident Evil line to get the other figures i am also interested in, namely

Mark I Iron Man
Dutch Schaffener
John Connor 2nd Variant
T-600 with rubber facemask

but with so many variants to keep up with, there would come a point that i have to choose between one. And hell, this year sure is one helluva year for collectors. With multiple lines being announced and churned, and not just that, Terminator Salvation's packing a truckload of figures to collect. Making this year awesome, and terribly expensive.

though i predict the yet unannounced figures that i'm interested which will soon grace the shelves of Hot Toys are

Rorschach of Watchmen
Wolverine
Deadpool
DX batman

now i ponder on what we'd have next year.

Hot Toys Terminator Salvation T-700 Endoskeleton

Finally got around opening this figure and taking him out.

as you can see, Hot Toys has changed its standard use of cardboard boxes to house figures and went for a stylised styrofoam instead. For the whole rough metallic look. Aesthetically pleasing though i must say it would be a pain to upkeep in the long run.
Front Design on styrofoam. Reminiscent of the endo's chest plate.
and the back, that of the spinal column.
Incredible detailing and shoulder plates which can be opened to peer into the wires and intricate servos/hydrolics

The endo with its diorama stand.

Picked up my predator last week and will feature it up soon, when i do take it out of the box.

Green Day's 21 Guns Music Video


Green Day's 2nd music single, 21 Guns is officially out as of 22nd June 12am.

though its still yet to be released around our region, with sufficient digging, i've come up with this link to the video.


its under the featured videos of the week. Enjoy