When I was first going to post this topic, I thought "favorite movie trilogies", but some favorites have two movies, or four, or six, etc.  So, I went with the franchise tag, hope that isn't the confusing way to do it.  Anyways, how do you rank your favorite trilogies, sequels, sagas, franchies, etc.?  Here are my faves:

1.  Star Wars Saga (if I had to split them, the original trilogy would be first on this list by a landslide...the prequel trilogy would be second, but depending on how Episode III is, it might face a little competition from others, though when it comes down to it, its still Star Wars, and I still love it)

2a.  Lord of the Rings (I really feel this is the "Star Wars" for this generation, the way the OT was for us.  I feel the story of these movies is amazing, and I'm sure I would enjoy the books just as much...haven't read them yet.....but these movies aren't just great for effects, action, etc....they are just good movies IMO)

2b.  Indiana Jones (very close with LOTR for me, nostalgia might be a big factor in that.  I really enjoy all of these movies, and really don't get tired of watching them on cable either....can't wait for the DVD release in November )

3.  X-Men (I really liked both of these movies so far, hope that they can continue for a few more without losing the entire cast.  Just fun movies)

4.  Austin Powers (I know some people don't care for them, but I think these movies are hilarious.  I have enjoyed each one so far, although some of the luster has worn off of the first one due to it being on television so much.  Still great movies, especially for a good laugh)

5.  Back to the Future (these were good movies as well, some of my favorites as a kid.  I enjoyed the first one by far the most though, and still haven't bought the DVD set for that reason, not sure if I want the other two as bad or not.  Second isn't too bad, never got into the third one for some reason though)

I'm sure there are more that I am forgetting right now, but that's the top of the list for me...that I can think of right off hand at least.  Any other opinions?

I've been debating on whether or not to collect one of the LOTR lines (the Toy Biz one or the 3" line), and I had a question for you Toy Biz collectors.  If I buy some of this line, I'd mainly like to get the main characters to start with (Frodo, Aragon, Sam, Gollum, Pip, Merry, Gimli, Legolas, Gandalf, etc.)  Which are the best versions of these characters to pick up (and are they somewhat easy to find still?).  I know that the last two times I've been out checking the aisles I have seen a few Gollums (don't know why I haven't picked one up yet), but I also see there is a articulated one coming for ROTK?  Maybe I am mistaken.  Anyways, just curious if you had any advice for me on collecting some of this line?  I'm just trying to decide which line to get, and then see if we can afford it.  Thanks for any advice.

I have been considering collect some LOTR figures, although I wasn't sure which line to go with, the Toy Biz one, or these new 3" scale figures.  Are any of you collecting/going to collect these?  Also, is there a good site online that provides information on this line, and what is coming, etc.?  I know there was a great LOTR toy site somewhere, but I can't remember the address now.  Also, does anyone know, is the KBToys deal the only was to get a Gollum figure in the 3" line?  Something about $40 purchase, free Gollum figure...  Anyways, thanks for any help or advice you might have on these toy lines.

While at a wedding in a different part of the state this past weekend, I was able to pick up the two remaining OT sets that I needed (X-wing, Fast Through the Forest).  Now if they would only continue this line, or at least offer something here or there...I'd like to see characters like Boba Fett and Yoda get the Playskool treatment .

Well, I finally picked up my first figure of this line, the one that started it all, He-Man himself.  This figure is incredibly old news to most (if not all) of you, but I wanted to start somewhere, and I figured, what better place than He-Man?  I really like the looks of these figures, and I hope I am able to continue collecting them.  I know it will be difficult getting into the line so late, so I'm not sure how it will work out.  I'm just going to chip away a little bit at a time (my collecting budget is mainly devoted to Star Wars stuff, so I can only do a figure here and there).  How difficult do you think it will be to catch up on the regular characters (no variants, exclusives, etc.)?  What would be the cheapest route to take?  We are headed out shopping this weekend I think, so I might see what's available after I check out the SW section.  I am hoping to maybe find the original Battle Cat as well, but we will see.  And of course, I'd really like to find some of the newer waves (Buzz-Off, Man-E, Prince Adam, Whiplash, Sy-Klone, etc.), but it doesn't sound like they are showing up real regularly yet from what I have read?  Anyways, thanks for continuing to discuss the line...and hopefully this repaint mess, as well as the past case packing problems won't ruin it for everyone.

Yeah, when I first heard of the rereleases, I thought...this might be a great way for me to catch up since I'm getting into the line late....but these are terrible IMO.  Like Mikey D said, the Merman isn't that bad, but I'm not a fan of the other two.  Are they offering repaints of all the original figures now?

I had to post here after seeing this wave at TRU this past weekend (2 Sidious, and 2 Lukes, no Obi-Wans).  When I first saw the pictures online, I wasn't to sure about the Luke, but after reading the review over at GH, as well as JangoFettish's comments, I decided to check it out.  I picked up the Luke, and I have to agree, it is amazing.  I didn't think I would like the green "swoosh", but when you have it opened and set up, it is really nice looking.  Its actually one of my favorite pieces, and I'm glad I picked it up.  Thanks for the positive reviews on it, it helped to sway me!  I can't decide whether or not I want the Sidious one or not.  I thought about starting an "Unleashed" thread in the Other Collectibles section to discuss these, but didn't know if this one might have covered it enough.  After picking up Luke, I really want to get more of this line.  For the most part, I think I'll just stick to the OT ones (although I got Jango as a gift, and have preordered Yoda, because well, its Yoda)...but I really hope this line continues.  It sounds like it is/has been doing pretty well?  I have Boba, Han, and Yoda preordered, and look forward to seeing more in the future.  Now, to see if I can pick up the Vader online or via ebay somewhere.....

I ordered this ship when it was available at KBToys.com on Tuesday.  Even though they didn't change the wing size, I have never had a regular Tie in my collection, and wanted one since it is one of the main ships from the OT.