From what I've seen thus far, there are some nice titles in "Wacky Packages Goes to the Movies."
Once again, though, I am confused as to what age bracket Topps is targeting. I was under the impression that these titles would only be based upon recent theatrical releases. Instead, they span decades. If Topps is targeting 8 - 10 year old children, many of these titles will be completely unfamiliar to them, particularly when it comes to the chase sets. In addition, as much as I appreciate, say, "The Scare Bears: Reign of Terror," is this title really appropriate for this age bracket (especially with its decapitated and disemboweled children?)
Also, if Topps is catering to the 50+ age bracket, I wish they would have offered collectors something new (as opposed to titles we have already seen before) - even a small 10 card chase set featuring parodies of "The Exorcist," "Saturday Night Fever," and other classic films. (True, the 8 - 10 year old audience might not "get" these. But they're not going to get "The Da Vinci Cold" or "The Woman With The Draggin' Tattoo," either. In fact, I'll go as far as to say that kids today will probably be more familiar with "Saturday Night Fever" - and John Travolta's famous disco stance - than "Da Vinci" or "Draggin' Tattoo.") Instead, Topps gave us (at least) 30 - 40 titles that most of us already have in our possession, albeit in different forms (which serves only to generate a larger profit margin.) I, for one, would have gladly spent a few dollars more, however, for an additional small chase set as described above. ("Creature Crackers" was great. I'll always love it. But is there actually a demand for it? A demand so great that people today are clamoring for a reprint?)
I was also under the impression that Topps altered the black borders on WP to accommodate larger artwork. Yet, we still have the same size artwork, only this time around with an added WP logo. I do, however, appreciate the black backgrounds - especially when compared to some of the chase set backgrounds, specifically the classic film title backgrounds which I find highly distracting. I'd rather be dazzled with quality, craftsmanship, artistry, and meticulous, well thought out planning than just crazy designs and bright colors.
It would also have been nice to parody Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, Muppets, etc.. One would think that with Eisner's many contacts, he would have a bit of sway with Disney. I would think that Disney would welcome the opportunity for additional - and free - advertising, if handled correctly. Not all parodies have to be gross, blood splattered, demeaning, and/or disparaging. It's almost a lost art now, but some things can simply just be funny without going over the top. ("Monions" would be a good example.) And if it's a matter of licensing fees, well then, pay up. Sometimes it's necessary to make an investment to garner greater returns. I'm sure Topps pays other licensing fees. So what's the deal when it comes to WP?
Again, some good artwork and humor here - and the "lost" cards are a nice bonus - but as with the 50th Anniversary release, a set of this magnitude could have been better, something refreshing to astound you, take your breath away, and make you gasp, "Wow! Now this is a damn fine set!" (Instead of "Hmmm. Well, half of the 150 card set is good.")