September's 'Galactic' Loot Crate Review

I like things. I like collectible things especially. Subscription services, such as Loot Crate, offer a chance to get random things for a set price.

I... well, I don't much like surprises. So these subscription services generally go unnoticed by me, with the minor pang of regret when I see something I missed (dat Groot POP! figure!). But mostly I ignore them.

This month, they done advertised right. The theme was "Galactic," and they said it'd include loot related to Star Wars, Star Trek, Firefly, and Alien. And more. But I don't need more, they had me at St--.

So I signed up. Used a coupon code. Total cost was about $16 for the month.

It came this weekend.

I'm happy with the loot included, but I also don't think Loot Crate is for me.

The Good:

1. The total value of the included items surpasses what I paid.
2. The packaging/presentation is spot on.
3. They had interesting things that I would not have purchased on my own.
4. The box included:

Even if they're not super interesting pieces, I do love me some Firefly, so the mini-Mal and the credit stack are fun. And the Han Solo poster looks pretty boss on my wall (featured in the most recent Never Split the Party Podcast episode...). The Tribble, surprisingly, was my favorite item in the box, however.

The Bad:

1. It kind of felt like someone got a discount at Newbury Comics, bought some random (related-ish) items, and threw 'em in a box. That's actually not an awful idea... but I'd rather just have the discount myself (or preferred things I COULDN'T find easily on my own).
2. There were several items I just didn't care about, and will create clutter (or trash):

To be fair, the "Galactic" book was interesting, but it isn't something I'm normally interested in keeping. And, as much as I love the Alien series, I don't care for this style of figure (I personally get the Alien, which was a small plus). As for the digital comic, meh. I dislike both Halo... and digital comics!

The Ugly:

1. There is no easy way to sign up for a one-month deal. You sign up for a subscription that bills you each month until you cancel, then have to send a written request through their website to cancel your subscription. This isn't unexpected, but I think they'd go a long way with offering a one-time purchase offer. That would entice me to try more. Now, knowing it's a bit more of a hassle to cancel, I'm less likely to try again, even if they advertise a theme that interests me.
2. Not every month is created equal. Some months have much rarer, more collectible items (that end up having more value in the long run). Last month's Groot figure is an example of this. This month offered nothing on that level of rare-ness. Not saying I don't love my mini-fig Captain Mal, there's just a clear discrepancy.



Honestly, I have similar issues with anything that includes a random element. Booster packs for card games or miniature games are the bane of my existence. But I know what I can possibly get in those, so I don't mind going back for more. Here, I really have no clue what I'm in store for, and it's entirely likely that a decent percent of the items simply don't interest me.

I'm happy with my loot crate, but this will probably be my last one. Unless they do a special "Maximum Carnage" themed one. Or maybe a Cthulhu theme...

What you need to fully appreciate Star Trek: Into Darkness

I, for one, really enjoyed the most recent Star Trek film. There has been, however, a lot of grumbling and negative comments shot around. I feel these either come from Star Trek purists (who will always be dissatisfied by an action movie) and, from a lesser extent, those that have no knowledge of Star Trek beyond JJ Abrams.

I am not a Star Trek purist. In fact, I can count the number of full episodes and movies (pre-Abrams, that is) on one hand. I did, however, see ones that were referenced in the new movie and I fully believe my viewing experienced was improved by knowing what had come before.

If you've not followed anything about the new movie, the suggestions I have below will spoil the one major unveil for you. Even so, I strongly suggest you watch these episodes and movie before seeing the film (or seeing it again, if you've already been).

----------------------Spoilers if you haven't been paying attention-----------------------

Space Seed (Episode #22): This episode is the introduction of one of Star Trek's most famous villains, and is a major player in Into Darkness. This is a must see in my opinion, if only because it is more or less re-created during the new movie.

(Optional)The Trouble with Tribbles (Episode #44): This one is an optional episode but one of the best known in the series. It is mostly humorous and light-hearted. You might have heard about it in Big Bang Theory. This has only a minor reference/cameo, but is still worth a watch. Apparently it also has a reference in the first film, but I somehow missed it and will need to rewatch.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Movie #2): In this film, the Enterprise is reunited with an old enemy (first introduced in Space Seed). The major moments from this movie were recreated in Into Darkness, with a few important twists. If nothing else, you should watch this film before going into the new one. It is widely considered to be the best film out of any Star Trek movie. I myself found it dated but was able to enjoy it enough.

Worth it just to see this guy's insane chest. Seriously.

----------------------End Spoilers------------------------------------------------------

There you have it folks. Only two episodes and one film and you're well on your way to a better Star Trek experience. This is coming from someone who does not consider themselves a Star Trek fan, by the way.

The weakest parts in this movie were the treatment of secondary characters (they got very little focus at all) and the misuse of the female cast (talented actresses used poorly or just inappropriately). Beyond that, it's a good action film and I give it a solid 8/10.

Oh, and go Star Wars!

-The Nerd

Movies to See in 2013

I don't think I've been to the movie theaters since The Hobbit -- not much has caught my interest, and this is a sad day.

If anyone has been feeling the same, I'm here to ease your concerns that nothing interesting is coming out -- I've found at least one movie for every month of 2013. There are some really awesome things coming up soon and some that I didn't know existed and am really excited about!

April 5th (TODAY!):
Evil Dead: This is a re-imagining of the film series I just recently reviewed. Looks a bit like every other horror movie today, but I'm hoping to find time to see it regardless.
Jurassic Park 3D: For those who enjoy trips of nostalgia literally thrown in their face, this will be a good time. Personally, I imagine I'll be skipping this one, but I respect it enough to include it.

April 19th:
Oblivion: While it's not as exciting as a movie based on the Elder Scrolls game of the same name, I do love me some sci-fi, post apocalyptic settings. And I even tend to enjoy Tom Cruise. The only sad thing is that the setting is awful similar to a novel I am writing :/
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May 3rd:
Iron Man 3: This doesn't need an introduction, but I am hoping it's better than the second film.

May 10th:
The Great Gatsby: A plug for my more literary readers. Or for those who don't want to read the book but pretend they know what they're talking about.

May 17th:
Star Trek: Into Darkness: Basically, can May just be here already?
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June 7th:
After Earth: I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this film yet, but it is another sci-fi, post apocalyptic (kind of) setting. And it stars Will Smith. Another sad note, it's title is awful close to that book I mentioned I was writing before :/

June 12:
This is the End: This looks absolutely hilarious. Some awesome comedic actors, playing themselves, as the world is coming to an end. I'm not one for comedies, but this is a must see on my list.

June 14:
Man of Steel: As long as it's better than the last fiasco, I'm down.

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July 26th: 
The Wolverine: I'm... well, not exactly excited for this film. I do like that we'll be taken to Japan, but after the last Wolverine movie, X-Men 3, and the confusing introduction of First Class into the continuity, I'm not really sure WHAT'S going on with Wolverine. Oh well.
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August 2nd:
300: Rise of an Empire: I think this is a prequel to 300 and about the bad guy, but, hey, I liked 300, right?

August 16th:
Kick-Ass 2: I really enjoy the first one, so I hope the second one can keep it up!
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September 6th: 
Riddick: Yes! I know this series isn't exactly perfect, but I've always enjoyed it!
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October 11th:
 Oldboy: This is an american remake of a Korean film, and as such is on here as more of a movie you go to see and shake your head at.
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November 1st:
Ender's Game: Excuse me while I run around the room like Kermit the Frog because I'm so excited. Oh, and Harrison Ford is in it? Life. made.

I WANT ALL OF THIS!

November 8th: 
Thor: The Dark Worlds: The first was ok, and this stars the Ninth Doctor. Fantastic!
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December 13th:
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Yes, I'm still bitter about a tiny book being broken into three films, but I will be seeing this come December.



There. I've planned your movie going experience for the rest of the year. You can thank me now or later, I'm not picky.

What are you most excited about?