(Filed by correspondent Michelle Kung from the 2007 International Toy Fair)
Transformers isn't the only 2007 summer tent pole aiming to keep your kids clamoring for tie-in merchandising. The following three titles aim to give Optimus Prime and Megatron a run for your money.
Shrek the Third (May 13): Shrek (Mike Myers), Fiona (Cameron Diaz), Donkey (Eddie Murphy), and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) are all back in this new adventure as the big green guy must track down Prince Artie (Justin Timberlake) and convince him to be king. Your daughters will try to convince you that you need to get them the kung-fu kicking Princess Dolls and talking plushes, while your sons will insist on helping fling slugs into Shrek's mouth for a Bug Bounce.
Ratatouille (June 29): The newest film from Pixar is written and directed by The Incredibles' Brad Bird and centers around Remy (Patton Oswald), a French rat who yearns to become a chef. Mattel has recreated Remy and his rodent buddies in various plush and plastic forms (who knew rats could be so lovable?), as well conjured up a Mousetrap-like interactive board game that involves flinging chips and releasing (plastic) chopping knives.
Spider-Man 3 (May 4): In addition to baddies Venom and Sandman, Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) must deal with an even greater villain in Sam Raimi's actioner: himself. While Sony/Columbia is keeping tight wraps on many of their numerous licensee's products to prevent too much plot spoilage, some of the more active toys being prepped for a spring 2007 release include video games, plastic figurines and collector's pieces, Hasbro's Spinning Web Blaster, a wrist attachment that shoots out silly string-like web fluid, and, yes, a Mr. Potato Head Spider Spud.
