Yep, that Erector Set, the model toy-building collection of metal strips and rods invented in 1911. Naturally, the Erector Set movie—loosely described by The Hollywood Reporter as a “family fantasy/adventure”—will get a modern upgrade and will be shot in 3-D.
For studio heads, classic toys are a good fallback plot device when you can’t stomach green-lighting another Hugh Grant romcom. Problem is, “Transformers” and “G.I. Joe” have already been made, and “Toy Story” already features Barbie, Slinky, Mr. Potato Head and a slew of other good characters. But there’s still some untapped potential out there. Here are a few suggestions for new flicks based on overlooked playthings:
Lincoln Logs in “Arson at Cabin 13”
A preteen pyromaniac (Justin Bieber) at sleep-away camp tries to burn down the Arts and Crafts Cabin—until the logs (voiced by Christopher Walken and Chris Rock) start fighting back.
Tinkertoys in “Ferris Bueller’s Ferris Wheel”
Matthew Broderick slides back into Bueller’s leopard-print sweater vest to use his jumbo deluxe set of Tinkertoys to build a whimsical Ferris wheel, bigger than the one at Navy Pier.
Colorforms in “One Happy Planet”
Adding to “Avatar’s” eco-theme, James Cameron invents another lush, magical planet, this one inhabited not by the blue Na’vi but by a race of small, cartoonish, 2-D people (Drew Barrymore, Miley Cyrus) made of cheap vinyl.
Corn Popper in “Pop This”
Playing against type, the Fisher Price toddler push toy (voiced by Matt Damon) uses its gunshot-like sound to control a network of street gangs in South Central L.A.
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots in “Real Steel”
Hugh Jackman stars as a futuristic dude who trains a robot for a robot-boxing championship. Unbelievable? Amazingly, this film might actually be happening, reports the Detroit Free-Press.
