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“Back to the Future”

Marty’s Pick-up Truck/Back to the Future II Hoverboard Chase

Playmobil

Our Score 4 out of 5 stars

Playmobil expand on their “Back to the Future” line with the addition of two brand new pieces. “Marty’s Pick-up Truck” and the “Hoverboard Chase” playset are the latest elements from the film franchise to receive the Playmobil treatment allowing both toy and film fans to further recreate classic scenes from the iconic movie franchise right in their very own home.

First up is “Marty’s Pick-up Truck”. If you remember this was the truck featured briefly at the end of Part I that Marty receives from his parents after returned to 1985 thanks to the help of Doc and the lighting strike which struck the Hill Valley Clock in 1955. Included with the all black pick-up truck which features four rubber, oversized tires, light bar and tow hitch are three new figures which coincide with the film scene. You get Marty, Jennifer Parker outfitted as they are in the final scene of the first film along with Biff Tannen who is dressed in a green track suite and comes complete with window spray and a buffing towel. This figure really made us laugh and was certainly a favorite. Just like the previously released DeLorean and Clocktower Advent Calendar pieces no details were spared as Marty’s truck features its own “McFly85” vanity plates and all three figures feature detailed, screen accurate costuming which from a collector standpoint is really nice to see.

Next up we checked out the first entry from the futuristic “Back to the Future Part II”. The “Hoverboard Chase” playset features one of the films most popular scenes as we see Marty get a custom to what skateboarding is like in 2015 when he is chased by Griff Tannen through a futuristic Hill Valley. Included in the set are four screen accurate figures (Marty, Griff, Dr. Brown and Police Officer) along with two hover boards and a police motorcycle which transforms to a hover cycle. Also included is the pond/town square area where this epic scene takes place. Again, no detail was missed as the pond and walk area feature multicolored flowers, signage featuring Mayor Goldie Wilson and the comedic “Jaws 19” movie sign. Playmobil doesn’t stop there! For those who purchased the previously DeLorean you get a couple upgrades in the way of the Mr. Fusion attachment and a replacement cover for the hook holder. My son really enjoyed these additions as not only did it put a fresh spin on an older toy, but it now looked just like the one in the film and, best of all he didn’t have to worry about how he was going his next batch of plutonium.

Playmobil continues to make great products that are enjoyable for children and adults of all ages and these two additions to the “Back to the Future” line is no exception. Both products offer tons of features and details which translate into hours of imagination and play. Though the updated Marty and Doc figures are great, we have already seen a couple versions of these characters be released. I think it would have been better to have provided the updated wardrobe to use on characters you may already own allowing for the inclusion of other figures from the film like Marty’s parents, Mayor Goldie or Principal Strickland however that aside we still had lots of fun with these toys and we can’t wait to see what Playmobil has lined up for “Back to the Future III”.

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Media Mikes had the chance to sit down with Chase Mason of the metal band Gatecreeper to talk about the band’s sophomore album “Deserted”, out now. Chase also shared with us info on the groups upcoming tour, his approach to standing out in death metal, and his friendship with fellow artist Post Malone.

Ryan Albro: What would you tell people about Gatecreeper that have never heard of them before?

Chase Mason: Gatecreeper is a death metal band from Phoenix, Arizona. We play a catchy, mid-tempo style mixed with old school death metal. Even if you don’t like death metal you will like Gatecreeper.

RA: What would you tell eager returning fans about the new album, Deserted?

CM: If you liked the last record, Sonoran Depravation, you’re going to like this one. It shows a natural progression for the band and is a better, more concise, version of what we’ve already been doing. We’re not trying to experiment or be progressive here. It’s overall better than the last record.

RA: Gatecreeper has been gaining a lot of popularity as of late. How do you maintain relevance in today’s music scene so well?

CM: It’s important to use all the tools that you have to your advantage. I’ve seen a lot of bands that think they’re too cool to use social media or don’t play shows with bands they don’t think are cool. It’s better not to turn your nose up at certain things. It’s about being comfortable and staying true to who you are. As far as standing out in a sea of a million bands and artists, I think it’s really important to provide a full package. I try to pay attention to every aspect of the band. You have to have good songs to start out with, but the visuals are important as well. There are a lot of bands with really good songs that may not get noticed because they’re lacking in other areas. The music first, then your art, whether it’s album art, tour flyers or tour merch. I’ve tried with Gatecreeper to have a full package and have everything flow together and be distinct so that we stand out. There are new bands putting out records every day, there are a million shows that come into your town a year, so if you want to stick out, you’ve got to pay attention to all the little details.

RA: What can you tell us about the Brad Moore album artwork?

CM: It’s crazy. Anybody who sees it will think it’s crazy, in a good way. It’s important to me to have cool art. If someone’s at the record store or they’re online and they see that album cover it will grab their attention. Even if they don’t know who we are, they will listen to the record.

RA: Which tracks from “Deserted” are you most looking forward to performing live?

CM: Puncture Wounds is a very fast, up-tempo song for Gatecreeper. That song will be a great circle pit song. The end of the song Ruthless was written with playing the song live in mind. There’s a part in the song that as soon as it hits you’ll know it’s time for a circle pit. Since we toured so much on the last record, we learned what works well live. Deserted was the first record, while we were writing, where we knew a part would sound cool on the record, as well as live.

RA: What are the band’s touring plans for the album?

CM: We’re going to do two record release shows, one in LA, the other in Phoenix. Phoenix will be our hometown record release show. Starting on Halloween, we’re co-headlining a tour with Exhumed, with Necrot and Judiciary until December. After that we play the Decibel Metal & Beer Fest in LA. That’s what we have lined up for the rest of the year after the record comes out. We’re still finding out what we’re going to do, but next year we’re going to be doing some more touring for sure.

RA: When can we expect the Gatecreeper / Post Malone collaboration?

CM: I think you’ll be waiting forever [laughs]. I like Post Malone’s music, I like him as a person. I like rap and a lot of things that aren’t metal, but I don’t feel the need, nor do I ever want to combine them. I would play a show with Post Malone for sure. Will we ever do a song with him? Probably not. I think there has to be a line drawn somewhere.

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Tag: chase

Toy Review: Playmobil “Back to the Future” Marty’s Truck & Hoverboard Chase Set

Gatecreeper’s Chase Mason Discusses the Bands New Album “Deserted”