Alpha Group Celebrates Spongebob Squarepants’ 20th Anniversary with Fresh Line or Imaginative, Unique Toys

EL SEGUNDO, Calif – “Are you ready kids?” Just in time for the 20th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants, Alpha Group, the global master toy partner of Nickelodeon’s iconic and top-rated animated series, is introducing a brand-new, never-before-seen product line. Building upon two decades of incredible SpongeBob content and fandom, these toys have evolved from the conventional preschool toy range and are certain to excite a multi-generation fan base – Kids, Tweens, Teens and Millennials. The company’s imaginative range includes collectible pop culture figures, fun-loving novelties, plush and – for the first-time ever – SpongeBob toys that include Nickelodeon Slime! SpongeBob SquarePants has emerged as a global pop culture phenomenon since first premiering on Nickelodeon in July 1999. The series has been the most-watched animated program for more than 17 consecutive years, is seen in over 208 countries and translated in more than 55 languages. The Spring line up hitting retail now is as follows:

Slimeez with Nickelodeon Slime Experience the world of Bikini Bottom like never before with SpongeBob Slimeez Figures! Load each 3-inch figure with Nickelodeon Slime (included), push and watch the ooey gooey Slime ooze through the figures. Six figures are available this spring at Target, each packaged with 2oz. Slime and collectible SpongeBob cube for the ultimate blind package experience. Will you find the rare Gold SpongeBob Slimeez? Seven figures debut in Fall. Ages 6+, SRP: $6.99 – Slimeez in action :

SpongeBob StretchPants Play with SpongeBob in a crazy new way! Stretch his arms and legs to activate over 20 unique silly sounds and phrases from SpongeBob himself! Parents, siblings and friends can join in the fun by grabbing an arm and a leg. Keep pulling to hear what he will say next! The more you pull, the funnier he gets! Available on Amazon and Target for ages 4+, SRP: $24.99.

Masterpiece Memes 8-inch collectible vinyl figures bring to life fan favorite show and movie moments that have now become some of the most popular viral memes. Featuring exceptional details and window packaging for collector displays, the Spring Masterpiece Memes figures include Mocking SpongeBob, Imaginaaation SpongeBob, Surprised Patrick, Spongegar and Handsome Squid ward. Available at Amazon and Target for ages 6+, SRP: $19.99

SpongeHeads Young-and-old alike, dress up as your favorite SpongeBob SquarePants characters with the 20-inch soft, inflatable head wear! Made to fit most kid and adult heads, Sponge Heads allow fans of all ages to show off their favorite characters in a silly fashion statement! Let the party begin! Available on Amazon and Target for ages 6+, SRP: $12.99

Mini Plush – Bring Bikini Bottom to the toy collection with these soft, 6-inch Mini Plush friends! These adorable little SpongeBob characters are perfect for play and display. Six characters debut at Hot Topic and Target. Ages 4+, SRP: $7.99

SpongePop CulturePants The 4.5-inch vinyl collectible figures celebrate and capture iconic pop culture in a unique SpongeBob way. The Spring line includes B-Movie SpongeBob, Patrick and Dr. Plankton, based on the horror episodes from the show, as well as Old Timey SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward in an all-new timeless style inspired by the golden age of animation. Available on Amazon for ages 6+, SRP: $9.99

Giggle Blaster – SpongeBob is silly and wacky and now kids can be too with the SpongeBob-styled Giggle Blaster. Featuring a real working periscope, the fun-themed blaster sprays aerosol party string (included) and shouts over 15 SpongeBob phrases and sounds. Packaged with one can of aerosol party string, and compatible with most standard size cans, the Giggle Blaster arrives in Fall. Ages 6+, SRP: $19.99

Socialize with Alpha Group Facebook – @AlphaGroupUS IG – @TheAlphaGroupUS Twitter – @TheAlphaGroupUS Stay Connected with SpongeBob SquarePants Facebook – @Spongebob IG – @Spongebob Twitter -@SpongeBob

 

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Film Review: Alpha

Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Johannes Haukur Johanneson and Leonor Varela
Directed By: Albert Hughes
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 96 minutes
Sony Pictures Releasing

Back in elementary school, my school would take classes on field trips to the Kansas City Zoo at least twice a year. On one of the occasions, instead of checking out the various animals dotting the grounds, we’d instead seek air conditioned or heated shelter to watch movies at the Sprint IMAX Theater. The film fare would usually be a nature documentary or some good-intentioned PG movie. If the Sprint IMAX Theater was still around, I could see “Alpha” being used as an excuse for a field trip.

Set 20,000 years ago in Europe, “Alpha” follows Keda (Smit-McPhee), who’s been left for dead by his tribesmen and father, after a bison hunting expedition. Accompany Keda on his journey back home is an unlikely ally, an injured wolf-dog that he nurses back to health. Pitched as the origins of man’s best friend, this movie is only mildly entertaining because of the elements the human and his four-legged friend encounter. Otherwise it’s a humdrum trip back in time.

According to various news outlets, “Alpha” has apparently been sitting on Sony’s film shelf for about a year, with the release date constantly being pushed back or up for various and unknown reasons. I suspect it has something to do with the film aiming for a vibe like that acclaimed “Quest for Fire” vibe, but instead coming off more like Roland Emmerich’s lazy “10,000 B.C.”

It makes noble attempts at visual storytelling, by having very little dialogue, and when primitive man does open its mouth, it’s gibberish that’s translated through on-screen captioning. It may have actually played better without, forcing audiences to immerse themselves further into the Ice Age experience. Instead the movie dumbs itself down a lot, and even throws in some coming-of-age storytelling tropes in for good measure.

“Alpha” could serve as a starting point for young ones interested in human history, but their parents may find themselves rolling their eyes or checking their phones. Director and writer Albert Hughes has a spotty history, but with “Alpha” has shown a little growth visually and narratively. I can’t help but think that ALPHA may have been a much better and nuanced film in someone else’s hands. There’s a lot of potential, but the finished product, while being polished and dazzling, feels like a mix of unnecessary studio meddling and dog-lover peddling.

Win Tickets to Advance Screening in Florida for “Alpha”

Media Mikes is proud to be hosting an advance screening of :ALPHA”. Studio 8 is releasing ALPHA in theaters nationwide in 3D & IMAX on August 17th, 2018. Click below to get tickets, first come first serve! Good luck and like always leave a comment here after you’ve seen the film!

AMC Altamonte on August 14, at 7:30pm

http://www.sonyscreenings.com/wEUiZ17035

An epic adventure set in the last Ice Age, ALPHA tells a fascinating, visually stunning story that shines a light on the origins of man’s best friend. While on his first hunt with his tribe’s most elite group, a young man is injured and must learn to survive alone in the wilderness. Reluctantly taming a lone wolf abandoned by its pack, the pair learn to rely on each other and become unlikely allies, enduring countless dangers and overwhelming odds in order to find their way home before winter arrives.

Win Passes to the Kansas City Advance Screening of “ALPHA”

Media Mikes has teamed up with their friends at Sony Pictures to give (50) readers and a guest the chance to be among the first in Kansas City area to see the new film “ALPHA” at an advance screening to be held on Tuesday, August 14th.

All you have to do is click HERE.  The first (50) people to do so will receive a pass for (2) to attend the screening.  This is a first come/first serve giveaway.    After the allotted (50) passes have been claimed, the giveaway has ended.

The screening will be held at the AMC Towncenter 20 Theatre in Leawood, Kansas and will start at 7:30 p.m.

Good luck!

 

ALPHA opens in theaters August 17th.

CAST: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Natassia Malthe, Leonor Varela

DIRECTOR: Albert Hughes

SYNOPSIS: An epic adventure set in the last Ice Age, ALPHA tells a fascinating, visually stunning story that shines a light on the origins of man’s best friend. While on his first hunt with his tribe’s most elite group, a young man is injured and must learn to survive alone in the wilderness. Reluctantly taming a lone wolf abandoned by its pack, the pair learn to rely on each other and become unlikely allies, enduring countless dangers and overwhelming odds in order to find their way home before winter arrives.

OFFICAL SITE: http://www.alpha-themovie.com/site/www/#/

RATING: PG-13

RUNNING TIME: 96 Minutes

 

 

Blu-ray Review “Appleseed Alpha”

Starring: Luci Christian, David Matranga
Director: Shinji Aramaki
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: July 22, 2014
Run Time: 93 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

“Appleseed Alpha” is based on the original manga by “Ghost in the Shell” creator Shirow Masamune. This series has had a great life to do starting in 2004 with the first film “Appleseed” and in 2007 with “Appleseed Ex Machina”, this CG-animated film is a prequel to the series and one of the best installments to date. I love the new look of this film and I couldn’t take my eyes of the TV. Luci Christian and David Matranga return as the voices of Deunan and Briareos as well. If you are looking for a state-of-the-art action packed CG film, look no further.

Official Premise: Left to survive in a post-World War society, two mercenary soldiers – Deunan and her cyborg partner Briareos – are sent on a mission on the outskirts of their war-torn city. During the operation, they run into Iris and Olson, two citizens from the utopian city of Olympus, who might have a way to save the world but the ruthless Talos and the scheming warlord Two Horns have their own plans. It’s up to Deunan and Briareos to safeguard their newfound contacts and help save humanity’s last hope.

Sony is releasing this film as a combo pack including Blu-ray + UltraViolet Digital Copy. The 1080p transfer was simply amazing. I immediately fell in love with the the animation style. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track was easily the highlight though with a killer music soundtrack. This film includes some great songs from today’s top international music artists, including Yasutaka Nakata (CAPSULE), Skrillex & Alvin Risk, androp, CAPSULE, DJ FUMIYA (RIP SLYME), PASSEPIED, Q;indivi+, tofubeats, AKLO, 80KIDZ, nishi-ken, and RAM RIDER. In terms of special features, there is a great filmmaker commentary track with director Shinji Aramaki and 11 making-of featurettes that track the cover the film from script to screen.

Blu-ray Review “Alpha & Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure”

Starring: Chris Carmack, Kevin Sussman, Danny Glover, Eric Price, Brian Donovan
Directed by: Richard Rich
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Release date: October 8, 2013
Running Time: 45 minutes

Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Extras: 2 out of stars

I have to admit, I do not think that the world was howling (get it?) for a sequel to the 2010 film “Alpha and Omega”. The film was a nominal success in theaters but it was cheap and made money. Like the first film, “Alpha & Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure” was made by the Indian animation studio, Crest Animation Productions. I am not surprised since “Alpha & Omega” was their highest grossing animated film. Even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the first film, I am a sucker for a good holiday themed film. This one is quite entertaining and kids will love it for sure. I just wish it was longer than 45 minutes, but nonetheless it will be a repeat watcher with my 16 month old daughter no question.

Official Premise: Kate, Humphrey and their 3 little wolf puppies (Stinky, Claudette and Runt) are happily preparing to celebrate their first winter together when their youngest cub, Runt, mysteriously disappears. They must now go on a new journey across the wilderness to find Runt and bring him back before the snow blocks their way home. It’s their greatest adventure yet, filled with action and suspense as well as plenty of the humor and heartwarming moments that were delivered in the first theatrical release. While their adventure does not end exactly as planned, Kate & Humphrey discover that “Home is where the Family Is.”

In terms of the release, for this Walmart Exclusive, Lionsgate delivered a very fine release with Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet digital copy combo pack. The 1080p transfer is beautiful and the animation looks amazing, along with very vibrant colors. This film is not in 3D though like the first. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works well with the film as well. In terms of special features, it was a bit of a let down to be honest. There is a quiz for kids to test if you “Are you an Alpha or an Omega?”. There is a “Wolf Fun Facts Trivia”. The only extra worth checking out is “A Wolf’s Tale: Making Alpha and Omega 2”. Lastly “Following the Pack: A Sneak Peek Into Upcoming Alpha and Omega Adventures”, so if you enjoy this series there will be more to come.

Blu-ray Review “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Alpha”

Directed by: Herve de Crecy, Francois Alaux
Starring: Radek Bruna and Mark Ivanir
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Distributed by: New Video
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Running Time: 25 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars

A live-action “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon” film…where do I sign up. This film is a sharp and fantastic attempt to showcase the charm of this series. The only bad thing about short film is that it is a ‘short film’, I would have loved to seen this go feature length. This film will be put out to time with the release of Ubisoft’s “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Future Soldier” video game for Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. The film is produced by Little Minx aka Ridley Scott, so you know that you are not getting some cheesy low-budget action. This film contains some great action and impressive CGI. New Video also released last year the brilliant “Assassin’s Creed: Lineage”, live-action prequel as well. What’s next guys? We want more!!??

If you are aware of the “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon” franchise, you will know that the ghosts are the world’s most highly trained and lethal soldiers. This film is a specifically a prequel to the new video game “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Future Soldier”. It focuses on what happens when the Ghosts are dropped behind behind lines in hopes to eliminate one of the world’s biggest terrorists. This film also boasts the amazing cinematography from Trent Opaloch, known best for his work on “District 9”.

This release not only comes with a Blu-ray disc but also a DVD disc as well. The video looks great in its high-def 1080p transfer. The audio is also very impressive and packed with a fantastic score. There are only two special features but they are very impressive and worth the purchase of this film alone. There is 30 minute making-of featurette, which is longer than the film itself and really dives into all aspects including the special effects, the production and even the score. Lastly there is the 2010 Comic-Con teaser included. If you are fan of the series, this is a must purchase.