Above The Law (1988)
The Toy: It might be the greatest likeness in the world, but we just love that this exists! "Steven Seagal IS Nico Tostani" screams the packaging. Yeah he is…
Coolest Detail: The gun-clasping positioning of his hands is nicely done. No detachable ponytail though, sadly.
V For Vendetta (2006)
The Toy: A talking V doll from NECA, fond of spouting such alliterative nonsense as, "Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valourous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin van-guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it’s my very good honour to meet you and you may call me V." Got that?
Coolest Detail: Verbiage aside, we like the six (count them!) daggers that come as part of V's costume. Ready for trouble, isn't he?
Ghost Rider (2007)
The Toy: Hot Toys take on Johnny Blaze with this awesome figurine boasting both Nic Cage's overacting mug and the flaming skull of the Rider himself. The hair looks a tad iffy on the Blaze headpiece, but then again, so did Cage's in the movie.
Coolest Detail: The bike of course! It's ruddy brilliant.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
The Toy: NECA's excellent Reservoir Dogs series are best appreciated as a complete set, as they give you the chance to recreate that iconic car-park scene to your heart's content.
Coolest Detail: The interlocking bases that make choreographic the aforementioned scene a doddle.
Army Of Darkness (1992)
The Toy: The pick of NECA's Cult Classics' Army Of Darkness line is this figure of Ash in his S-Mart gear. His facial scars are a nice departure from the movie scene, in which they've long healed over.
Coolest Detail: The iron fist is a truly excellent touch. Handy for dealing with shoplifters and / or Deadites.
Batman Begins (2005)
The Toy: Hot Toys' brilliantly realised take on Scarecrow, who comes as part of a set with the fear gas version of Batman. Very expensive, but if you've got money to burn…
Coolest Detail: The Scarecrow mask is brilliantly rendered, capturing every hideous cranny of Dr. Crane's frightening alter-ego.
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
The Toy: NECA's talking version of Hannibal Lecter, sporting his trademark mask and programmed to recite five choice phrases on command. And yes, one of them is that lip-smacking noise…
Coolest Detail: The gurney and straightjacket combo is a cool way of presenting the character.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The Toy: A Leatherface figure from the horror-centric McFarlane Movie Maniacs, complete with chainsaw and meathook. Will you carve, or shall I?
Coolest Detail: The severed hand that comes with the figure serves as a suitably icky accessory.
Bride Of Chucky (1998)
The Toy: Buying a Chucky doll seems a bit like tempting fate, but then again, this collector's pairing of Chucky and Tiffany is too cool to resist. Chucky's been through the wars a bit, hasn't he?
Coolest Detail: The accessories are brill, with Chucky tugging on a cigarette and Tiffany quaffing a bottle of Champagne. Oh and there's also a knife, of course.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
The Toy: One of NECA's assorted collections of Pulp Fiction toys, specifically focusing upon the scene in Maynard's store. Bring out the gimp!
Coolest Detail: The gratuitously large bloodstain on Butch's chest. Not for kids, these ones!
X-Men (2000)
The Toy: Not only is Toybiz's Uncanny X-Men series a slice of pure nostalgia, it also produced some excellent figures. Our favourite is Cyclops, sporting an early incarnation of his X-Men costume, complete with his trademark yellow visor.
Coolest Detail: Press a button on Cyclops' back and his red eye-laser lights up. Awesome!
G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra (2009)
The Toy: Hasbro's 2010 line Pursuit Of Cobra Wave 3 hits the high notes with this achingly cool version of Snake Eyes. Just about as tooled up as you could ask an action figure to be!
Coolest Detail: Snake Eyes' pistol comes with a removable silencer. Now that's cool…
Sin City (2005)
The Toy: McFarlane's controversial Death Row Marv figure, that shows the hulking hero strapped to the electric chair. Naturally, parents groups got their knickers in a twist, but given the movie's general tone, we think this figure sums things up pretty well!
Coolest Detail: The chair has a switch you can flip in order to send Marv to the sweet hereafter.
Return Of The Jedi #1 (1983)
The Toy: The highlight of the Kenner Power Of The Force line is the model Star Wars fans had waited 14 long years to get their hands on… Vader with a removable helmet. There's that withered old face we know and love!
Coolest Detail: The scarring on his deathly-white skull is a nice grisly touch.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
The Toys: Hot Toys' On Stranger Tides tie-in is unarguably the definitive Jack Sparrow, boasting a pair of interchangeable faces as well as a raft of clothing accessories. Snappy dresser, our Jack…
Coolest Detail: The tiny ship in a bottle version of The Black Pearl that comes as an accessory.
The Crow (1994)
The Toy: The newest incarnation of The Crow from NECA's Cult Classics line features a shirtless Eric Draven sporting his signature guitar slung over his shoulders. Emo.
Coolest Detail: The base is a flaming version of The Crow's insignia. Pretty cool, no?
RoboCop (1987)
The Toy: A special release from NECA to celebrate the film's 25th anniversary, this new version of RoboCop shows the law-enforcer in a state of disrepair, having taken a bit of a pounding in the line of duty. Well done that robot!
Coolest Detail: The broken armour and general battle damage make this our favourite RoboCop toy going!
Masters Of The Universe (1987)
The Toy: It's Modulok, "evil beast of a thousand bodies", from Mattel's Masters Of The Universe collection. Ugly so and so, isn't he?
Coolest Detail: Each and every body part is detachable and interchangeable, allowing you to create endless variations of this hideous beastie.
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (2008)
The Toy: A Mezco creation that perfectly captures Ron Perlman's hulking take on Big Red. Now, what about that third film? Eh?
Coolest Detail: The sheer scale is what does it for us. Look how he dwarves that hapless soldier!
Psycho (1960)
The Toy: McFarlane's model of Norman Bates is a singularly unsettling affair, with everyone's favourite mummy's boy dressed in his old dear's dress and wig. Let's stay somewhere else, shall we?
Coolest Detail: That carving knife is pretty spectacular. it's bigger than Norman's head!
Beetlejuice (1988)
The Toy: Everyone's favourite ghoul is on typically flamboyant form in this NECA creation. Good for him.
Coolest Detail: We like the choice of Beetlejuice's black and white suit as opposed to the red velvet alternative. This one is just cooler.
Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
The Toy: Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes are immortalised in plastic as Bluntman and Chronic, the superheroes inspired by their primary alter-egos, Jay and Silent Bob.
Coolest Detail: The chief accessory is a little model orang-utan, as seen in the film. Awwww.
The Exorcist (1973)
The Toy: What bedroom couldn't be brightened up by a model of Regan spiderwalking down the stairs? One of NECA's creepier offerings, this one…
Coolest Detail: The expression on Regan's face is frankly demonic. Funny that!
The Avengers (2012)
The Toy: Is it possible for a toy to be too sexy? This startlingly lifelike model of Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow certainly poses the question…
Coolest Detail: She's got lovely soft hair. Too weird?
Platoon (1986)
The Toy: A Hot Toys version of Sergeant Barnes that captures Tom Berenger's war-ravaged expression to a tee. As you'd expect, it includes lots of awesome accessories including dog tags, grenades and a humble cigarette.
Coolest Detail: The facial detailing is superb, particularly the attention to detail lavished on Barnes' many scars.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
The Toy: The Marvel Legends take on Deadpool is nothing short of awesome, and far more badass than Ryan Reynolds' on-screen version. He even comes with sidekick, Doop! Where was Doop in Origins , eh?
Coolest Detail: The changeable heads are pretty cool, with the unmasked Wade Wilson showing off a particularly manic grin.
E.T. (1982)
The Toy: If your heart isn't warmed by NECA's comically cute E.T. seven inch, you may well be dead. Look at the little fellow… he's just adorable!
Coolest Detail: Our favourite accessories are the wig, dress and basket E.T. uses to disguise himself as a human. Not the most convincing, but he tries his best.
A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)
The Toy: Another from McFarlane's Movie Maniacs range, this time featuring dreamstalker extraordinaire, Freddy Krueger. Many, many models have been made of the horror icon, but none more faithful than this.
Coolest Detail: The look of genuine malice on Freddy's face. No comedy cackling here!
The Big Lebowski (1998)
The Toy: Entertainment Earth's 8-inch figure of the Dude, which handily comes with his beloved rug as an accessory. Mind you don't lose it now…
Coolest Detail: The Dude comes supplied with his tipple of choice, a refreshing White Russian. Yum.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
The Toy: NECA's trio of villainous Gremlins are an appropriately gruesome looking bunch, although Lenny is bordering on cute, we suppose…
Coolest Detail: The inclusion of the phantom Gremlin, complete with his ghostly white mask.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)
The Toy: Kenner's 1982 take on Indy remains a nostalgic favourite. The facial detailing might look more like a melted candle than Harrison Ford, but these were simpler times! The fedora and leather jacket more than make up for it.
Coolest Detail: Indy's left arm had an ace whip-cracking motion. What more do you need?
Godzilla (1954)
The Toy: A two-foot-tall model of Godzilla produced as art of the Shogun Warriors line. Who wouldn't want a two-foot-tall Godzilla? Noone, that's who!
Coolest Detail: Inexplicably, Godzilla can fire his right fist clean off his arm. Yikes!
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
The Toy: He's the Juggernaut, bitch! Not the Vinnie Jones version, granted, but that's probably for the best. A highlight of the 2004 Toy Biz Marvel Legends series.
Coolest Detail: Those bulging veins on his biceps are the icing on the cake. He makes Bane look like a right pansy.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The Toy: Much as we loved the original Kenner line, you really can't argue with this super-realistic Hot Toys version of Luke in his Bespin gear. Marvellous.
Coolest Detail: It even comes with the broken Vader helmet that Luke sees in his vision. Nerdgasms ahoy!
Saw (2004)
The Toy: NECA more than do justice to that creepiest of horror movie icons, the Billy puppet used by the villainous Jigsaw to terrorise his victims. Weird little fellow, isn't he?
Coolest Detail: Billy comes with his signature tricycle included. There's something about the fact that he rides a child's toy that makes him all the more unsettling…
Batman (Comics)
The Toy: Not taken from a movie this one, but so cool we had to include it anyway. Inspired by the story arc of the same name, this DC Direct Hush series produced arguably the most badass Batman figurine of all time. Lovely stuff.
Coolest Detail: Look at that jawline. More than a man, indeed...
Enter The Dragon (1973)
The Toy: Another sterling effort from Hot Toys, who've recreated Bruce Lee's iconic Enter The Dragon pose with their typical forensic eye for detail. Everything from the scars to the muscles is absolutely spot on.
Coolest Detail: The abdominal wounds look as though they're genuinely oozing blood.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
The Toy: A LEGO mini-figure of Doc Ock, complete with all four mechanical arms. The coolest of all LEGO's movie offerings? It's certainly up there.
Coolest Detail: The inclusion of the Doc's signature sunglasses is a nice touch. And the arms are cool, obviously.
Captain America (2011)
The Toy: Hot Toys turn their attention to the first Avenger, with this version of Steve Rogers sporting a natty jumpsuit and mask combo. Lovely shiny shield, too.
Coolest Detail: The glorious paint-job on that shield really stands out against the more sober tones of Cap's suit.
Terminator 2 (1991)
The Toy: NECA presents a new take on Arnie's most badass creation, the T-800. Give him your clothes, boots and motorcycle, post haste!
Coolest Detail: Tiny little fingerless gloves? Yes please.
Return Of The Jedi #2 (1983)
The Toy: Generally accepted as the best rendering of Princess Leia in her slave get-up, this Hasbro Star Wars Unleashed figure remains a firm favourite with perverts, sorry, collectors everywhere.
Coolest Detail: The chain. Always the chain.
Donnie Darko (2001)
The Toy: A talking model of Frank the bunny from the Cult Classics collection. Unnerving as all fuck, particularly when spouting such enigmatic quotes as, "why are you wearing that stupid man-suit?"
Coolest Detail: Frank comes with an alternate head piece, showing off his human form. If anything, it looks even more bizarre.
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
The Toy: Hot Toys' take on Christoph Waltz's Col. Hans Landa, in full Nazi regalia. Probably not one for the mantlepiece, unless your family are extremely film-savvy…
Coolest Details: His eyes are remarkably penetrating. We think we'll just position him the other way...
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The Toy: A dinky little Bane, complete with sheepskin coat and camouflaged tumbler. Who is he? He's Gotham's reckoning.
Coolest Detail: The broken Bat-cowl he holds in one hand. Smashed good and proper, it is!
Evil Dead 2 (1987)
The Toy: To coincide with the film's 25th anniversary, NECA have released a new 7-inch version of everyone's favourite S-Mart employee. Chainsaw? Check. Exquisitely chiseled jaw? Check. Remington? Check.
Coolest Detail: when you buy a toy bearing the promise, "includes possessed deer head accessory”, you know it's money well spent.
Rocky (1976)
The Toy: A blood-soaked figure of Rocky from NECA, looking as though he's been through the wars somewhat. You should see the other guy.
Coolest Detail: The bloodstains on his white shorts are an excellent little detail.
Superman (1978)
The Toy: Christopher Reeve's Superman, looking every bit as handsome in plastic as he does in the flesh. Be still our beating hearts…
Coolest Detail: The incredible likeness to Reeve is the prime selling point here. Another bang-up job from Hot Toys.
Batman (1989)
The Toy: A lovingly recreated model of the Clown Prince of Crime, as played by Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton's first Batman outing. Gorgeously detailed, it's another brilliant offering from Japanese company Hot Toys, although an expensive one at around $265!
Coolest Detail: The accessories are just awesome, particularly the replica of Joker's comically large gun…
Friday 13th pt. 3 (1982)
The Toy: NECA's gloriously scuzzy version of Jason in his hockey mask, complete with a veritable arsenal of weaponry including a machete, axe and spear gun. Splat!
Coolest Detail: The bloodstains on Jason's jeans and jacket are the gore-spattered icing on the cake.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Toy: Now this is just glorious. It's Heath Ledger's Joker, looking every bit as deranged as he did in the film. Every detail is spot on, right down to the concealed blade in the toe of his boot. We want this so bad…
Coolest Detail: The wealth of accessories on display, including everything from the "magic" pencil to the carefully boxed ferry-bomb detonator. Amazing.
Sonic 3 director explains the thinking behind picking those new post-credits arrivals: "It's always 'which character is going to give us something new?'"
The Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: "I couldn't be happier"
Sonic 3 director explains the thinking behind picking those new post-credits arrivals: "It's always 'which character is going to give us something new?'"
The Inside Out 2 panic attack scene is one of the best depictions of anxiety ever – and something Pixar director Kelsey Mann is incredibly proud of: "I couldn't be happier"
