BENDABLE BOWTRUCKLE TOY

Look what hitched a ride into work with me hiding in my briefcase ... a bowtruckle! Bowtruckles are magical creatures from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that have most prominently been on display in the Fantastic Beasts movies. Newt Scamander has a fondness for these hand-sized, insect eating critters that have the general appearance of a stick figure made of bark and twigs. They are attracted to live within the type of trees that have wood which is ideal for wands attracted by the magical attributes of the plants. 

The Bowtruckle, which eats insects, is a peaceable and intensely shy creature but if the tree in which it lives is threatened, it has been known to leap down upon the woodcutter or tree-surgeon attempting to harm its home and gouge at their eyes with its long, sharp fingers. An offering of woodlice will placate the Bowtruckle long enough to let a witch or wizard remove wand-wood from its tree. — Newt Scamander, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

This bowtruckle snuck around my office. One moment I spotted it hiding in a plant on my desk than later caught the darn thing dipping its roots in a coffee cup. These little critters like to camouflage themselves while spying on you but are fun to have around.

Do you think we'll see any bowtruckles in the new Fantastic Beasts movie? Fantastic Beasts 3: Secrets of Dumbledore brings Newt Scamander and his beloved magical creatures back for more adventures on the silver screen. Are you geeked to return to the Wizarding World of J.K. Rowling with this movie?

Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald's growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

You don't have to just see bowtruckles in the movies though, pick up your very own Bowtruckle from The Noble Collection. Bend and pose these toys to make them come alive. The Noble Collection Bendable Bowtruckle is like having your own movie prop replica of one of the magical creatures from the Fantastic Beasts films. It absolutely earns a Geek Daddy nod of approval!

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ALBUS DUMBLEDORE FANTASTIC BEASTS WAND

As magic wielding evolved through the generations, wizards and witches began to harness the conducting properties of certain woods to craft wands which allowed for greater accuracy and enhanced power in spellcasting. There becomes a mystical bond between a wand and its magic user that tie to the two together. While most wands tend to be a conduit for a magician's natural connection with the supernatural, others actual bestow extraordinary ability upon its wielder. 

The Elder Wand for example, possessed by Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter novels and movies, was considered to be one of the most powerful wands to ever exist. It would allow its user to perform feats of magic that would normally be impossible for even the most skilled wizards and witches. It was one of three magical items called the Deathly Hallows that were allegedly created by Death himself.

According to legend, three brothers defeated Death in a contest of wits. Each of these brothers from the Peverell family were granted a prize for their victory. Antioch Peverell received the Elder Wand, an immensely powerful that was considered unbeatable; Cadmus Peverell was gifted the Resurrection Stone, which could summon the spirits of the dead; and Ignotus Peverell was given the Cloak of Invisibility which granted its wearer to be unperceivable. Anyone who was to possess all three of these Deathly Hallows would become the Master of Death.

There are gaps, of course, and long ones, where it vanishes from view, temporarily lost or hidden; but it always resurfaces. It has certain identifying characteristics that those who are learned in wandlore recognise... Whether it needs to pass by murder, I do not know. Its history is bloody, but that may be simply due to the fact that it is such a desirable object and arouses such passions in wizards. Immensely powerful, dangerous in the wrong hands, and an object of incredible fascination to all of us who study the power of wands. - Garrick Ollivander discussing the Elder Wand.

While most inhabitants of the wizarding world thought of the Deathly Hallows as simply a spooky story made up by Beedle the Bard to amuse and scare children, it turns out that these magical items were actually very real. In fact, at the time Harry Potter enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the headmaster of the school Albus Dumbledore was unbeknownst to other wielding the Elder Wand. During his battle with Voldemort and the Death Eaters, Potter eventually comes into possession of the Deathly Hallows. He is thus able to master death overcoming Voldemort's curse against him to defeat the evil wizard.

In the J.K. Rowling Fantastic Beast prequel movies to her Harry Potter stories, we are introduced to a middle-aged Dumbledore in the early years of his career at Hogwarts. The casual observer may not notice this, but Albus' wand is distinctly different in Fantastic Beasts from the one in the Harry Potter stories. He hasn't acquired the Elder Wand yet! 

But I have! I've gotten my hands on a movie prop replica of the Fantastic Beasts Albus Dumbledore Wand from The Noble Collection. This officially licensed, screen accurate reproduction is 15.5" long and features the same details as the prop utilized by Jude Law in The Crimes of Grindelwald and Secrets of Dumbledore. The Fantastic Beasts Albus Dumbledore Wand includes silver metallic bands with rune carvings that symbolize light winning out over dark and a carved twisted handle that are exact prop reproductions as used in the films.

I have my wand stashed away at the office. Sometimes when I'm thinking things out or practicing for oral arguments, it is used as a fidget stick that is spun and waved to help me focus on working through a problem or to cut through some stress or tension. While my Fantastic Beasts Albus Dumbledore Wand at the moment is tucked in a desk drawer, it would also make a great decoration to display in a man cave, game room, home library or children's bedroom. Fans of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world are sure to be delighted by this or any of the other movie replica wands available from The Noble Collection. 

I personally like this wand because it has the sophisticated look of a more mature wizard more fitting to my current stature. What style of wand would you wield? Is there a specific look or features that appeal to you? The Noble Collection has a wide selection of officially licensed wands to choose from based upon the movie props utilized by actors in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films produced by Warner Bros Pictures.

Do you think we'll learn more about the Elder Wand in the new Fantastic Beasts 3 film arriving at movie theaters this year? In Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Professor Albus Dumbledore knows the powerful, dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts magizoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards and witches. They soon encounter an array of old and new beasts as they clash with Grindelwald's growing legion of followers.

Here is a bit of a spoiler. The Noble Collection has released a movie prop replica of Fantastic Beasts Gellert Grindelwald Wand. It is the Elder Wand as seen in the Harry Potter movies! We are absolutely going to have a wand showdown at some point in the Fantastic Beasts movies. Who else is geeked to see what happens in Fantastic Beasts 3?!

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To view the whole collection of wands and other movie replica props from Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter, head over to noblecollection.com

MAGICAL MOTHERS DAY GIFT IDEAS

Mothers Day will be upon us within a few weeks. Do you have a special lady in your life who is a fan of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world? If so, The Noble Collection has a great selection of jewelry that are authentic prop replicas of items worn in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies that would make magical Mothers Day gifts.

Gellert Grindelwald Pendant

What are the mystical properties of this pendant seen worn by the villainous rogue wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts films? This lovely item of jewelry is silver plated and full of intricate details. The pendant is approximately 3" inches tall and includes a 26" inch long chain.

Hermiones Yule Ball Earrings

Wear the same earrings that Emma Watson wore during the Yule Ball scenes of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. These flower shaped pieces are crafted in sterling silver and set with pink crystals. 

Hermione Red Crystal Necklace

As seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, this necklace worn by Hermione is crafted in sterling silver and set with crystals, faceted glass, and freshwater pearls. The chain is approximately 18" inches long.

Deathly Hallows Necklace

As seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, worn by Xenphilius Lovegood as he recounts Beedle the Bard's "The Tale of the Three Brothers." This necklace features the symbol of the Deathly Hallows with a rotating center. It includes a 22" inch adjustable chain and collector box.

Narcissa Malfoy Spider Earrings

The earring worn by the Slytherin Death Eater in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. These sterling silver shaped spiders are complimented with freshwater pearls. 

Time-Turner Necklace

This necklace allows Hermione Granger to move back and forth through time in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The necklace's pendant features a working hourglass surrounded by rotating rings. The necklace is plated in 24 karat gold and has a chain that measures 18" inches long.

These officially licensed, screen accurate jewelry replicas from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movie are fantastic. Check out the whole collection of Wizarding World movie prop replicas that are available at noblecollection.com.

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LEGO Dimensions: Hermione Granger Fun Pack

**A Geek Daddy received the featured product for free to review**

My daughter has been having a magical time playing as her favorite character from the HARRY POTTER novels and movies in the newly released Hermione Granger Fun Pack for the LEGO Dimensions video game.  Like many kids, and adults too, she loves J.K. Rowling's fantasy stories and is thrilled with this addition to LEGO Dimensions.  The Fun Pack comes with a LEGO mini-figure of the heroine from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry along with a buildable Buckbeak sidekick that can be created from LEGO bricks.  Place either toy figure on the video game's LEGO Toy Pad to incorporate the characters into your LEGO Dimensions experience.

The Hermione Granger LEGO mini-figure provides you the ability to use two two magic spells while playing the game.  Wingadium Leviosa allows players to levitate objects and Lumos can be used to light up dark places.  Buckbeak can be ridden by other characters in the game plus has a Stomp Attack for smashing LEGO bricks.  The griffin can also be rebuilt into either a Giant Owl or a Fierce Falcon which each also have unique in-game abilities.

Hermione can be incorporated into the game's master story or any of its story or level pack additions.  Plus her LEGO mini-figure can be used to unlock a Wizarding World of Harry Potter adventure area where players can explore locations such as Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and Diagon Alley.  There is also a Hogwarts' quidditch pitch themed Battle Arena that Hermione can access where you can compete with up the three other players in four different capture the flag type competitions.



Team up Hermione with Harry Potter and have them combat Lord Voldemort in the games adventure worlds and battle arenas when you also purchase the Harry Potter Team Pack.  This expansion pack to LEGO Dimensions includes mini-figures of Harry and Voldemort as well as buildable vehicles of the Enchanted Car and Hogwarts Express.   Or team up Hermione with the characters from J.K. Rowling's new wizarding adventure Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them when you purchase the LEGO Dimensions storypack based upon the movie.

Join Newt Scamander find his escaped magical creatures in New York City as you make your way through 6 action packed levels of gameplay.  This storypack also unlocks a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Adventure World and Battle Arena as well.  How do you think Newt would fare teamed up with Hermione?  What is great about LEGO Dimensions is you can recreate your favorite scenes from these wizarding world movies or you can create brand new adventures to embark upon.

While my son and daughter get a lot of enjoyment from playing LEGO Dimensions, my wife and I really like playing it too.  The LEGO Dimensions video game provides is great for spending some family time together having fun.  Hey you guuuys if you're are a fan of HARRY POTTER you definitely aren't going to want to miss out on adding the fun, team and story expansion pack to your gaming experience.  Plus for those of you who grew up in the '80s and love The Goonies, LEGO Dimensions also has a storypack based upon that classic children's movie that is a great way to share its story and characters with your kids.

For more information about the video game and its expansion packs, please visit lego.com/en-us/dimensions

A New Wave of Characters, Levels & Vehicles Expanding LEGO Dimensions Has Arrived

** A Geek Daddy received the featured products for free to review**

A new wave of expansion packs for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's popular LEGO Dimensions video game are now on store shelves.  Players can now expand their game playing experience by incorporating new characters and vehicles from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Sonic the Hedgehog, Gremlins, E.T. -- The Extra-Terrestrial and Adventure Time into their LEGO Dimensions adventures.

In addition to adding new characters, vehicles and locals to LEGO Dimensions, all the expansion packs in this latest wave feature Battle Arenas with competitive split-screen local gameplay for up to four players. LEGO minifigures included in the expansion packs also come with special golden Toy Tags which unlock a free play Adventure World of the corresponding entertainment brand, as well as a battle arena that can be reached through Vorton. Players can explore Adventure Worlds for Gremlins, and also play four exciting gameplay modes within the battle arenas, including Capture the Flag, Objective, Base Bash, and Tick, Tag, Boom!. Each arena comes with its own traps, defenses, and special powers that make every Battle Arena unique. Battles can be played competitively or cooperatively in multiple player configurations including 2 vs 2, 3 vs 1, and individually against the system AI to create fun for the whole family.

The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Story Pack provides a complete movie-based gameplay experience that is full of secrets and surprises. It includes six action-packed levels and new LEGO Gateway bricks to build atop the LEGO Toy Pad.  Players can build the Newt Scamander LEGO minifigure and help him find his escaped magical creatures in New York City using a variety of spells, including and The pack will also come with the Niffler, which can be rebuilt into the Sinister Scorpion and Vicious Vulture. The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Story Pack will be the exclusive LEGO construction toy offering this holiday for the exciting expansion of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

Fans of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world can also add the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Fun Pack with a Tina Goldstein LEGO minifigure to their LEGO Dimensions collection. She can cast to help solve puzzles and to keep her safe from enemies. Players in need of rescue can build the Swooping Evil which can be rebuilt into the Brutal Bloom and Crawling Creeper.

Additionally a Sonic the Hedgehog Level Pack is now available where players can join Sonic and his friends in an epic battle against Eggman and Chaos. Spin into action speeding through iconic locations including Green Hill, Emerald Coast, and Labyrinth to collect all the Chaos Emeralds. Players can have the Sonic the Hedgehog LEGO minifigure use his Acrobat ability to swing off poles and avoid the Badniks, then use his famous grind rails move to make a quick escape.  The pack also includes a 3-in-1 Sonic Speedster which can be rebuilt into Blue Typhoon and Motobug, and a 3-in-1 The Tornado which can be rebuilt into Crabmeat and Eggcatcher.



The Gremlins Team Pack includes popular rivals Gizmo and Stripe LEGO minifigures. Each will unlock the Adventure World, where players can explore the Cinema, Clamp Industries, the High School, and so much more. Gizmo’s Combat Roll and Dash Attack abilities can be used to get him out of sticky situations and Stripe uses his claws with his Vine Cut ability. Players can rebuild the 3-in-1 R.C. Racer vehicle into the Gadget-o-matic and Scarlet Scorpion and the 3-in-1 Flash ‘n’ Finish into a Rampage Record Player and Stripe's Throne.

Phone home with the E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Fun Pack! It includes an E.T. LEGO minifigure with Illumination and Fix-It abilities, as well as special Stealth and Telekinesis skills to make his way around the LEGO multiverse.  Players can build E.T.’s iconic Phone Home device, then rebuild it into the Mobile Uplink and Super-Charged Satellite for additional in-game abilities. With the corresponding Adventure World, players can build new experiences at Elliot’s house and in the suburbs, throughout the park and the forest, on the BMX trail, and even in E.T.’s spaceship.

An additional Adventure Time Fun Pack is being added to LEGO Dimensions in this new wave of expansion packs as well featuring a Marceline the Vampire Queen LEGO minifigure. Players can activate her Sonar Smash and Bolt Deflector abilities using the Marceline Axe Guitar to solve puzzles and battle enemies. They can also build and use Marceline’s Lunatic Amp to make some noise, and then rebuild it into the Shadow Scorpion and Heavy Metal Monster for extra in-game powers. This fun pack is being released as a Toys R Us exclusive in North America.

These additions are the seventh wave of expansion pack to enhance the game play experience since the video game was introduced. LEGO Dimensions can be played on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and the Wii U system.  For more information, please visit lego.com/en-us/dimensions

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Giveaway

I've conjured up a great giveaway to enhance the excitement about the newest movie to delve into the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will whisk fans of Harry Potter back to that magical realm when the movie arrives at theaters across the United States on November 18, 2016, and I've partnered with The Hopping Bloggers to craft a very special giveaway! It is valued at $70 and includes the following:

• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Hardcover Book
• Harry Potter Coloring Book
• Collectible Quidditch Set
• Mischief Managed Cold Cup with Straw
• Golden Snitch Necklace

The year is 1926, and Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident, were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt's fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

Enter to win the Fantastic Beasts Prize Pack using the form below. GOOD LUCK!

Entry-Form

Items in prize pack are subject to availability. If no longer available, they will be replaced with something of equal or greater value.

Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them

Who else is looking forward to returning to the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling when Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them arrives at theaters across the United States on November 18, 2016?  Fan of the Harry Potter books and movies will find themselves transported back to this magical realm, but this time are visiting it decades before the birth of the famous boy wizard who became a world phenomenon within the Muggle --  people who lack any sort of magical ability -- community.  Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them was referred to as a Hogwarts School of Witchery & Wizardry text book in the Harry Potter book series and is the inspiration for this original movie which was scripted by J.K. Rowling and is her screenwriting debut.  To help get A Geek Daddy in the mood to go see Fantastic Beasts, Warner Brothers Pictures kindly provided me authentic recreations of the scarf and wand associated with the main character in the film, Newt Scamander.  I'm all ready now to conjure up a good time by going to see this film when it appears at movie theaters -- Accio Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them!

Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them takes place in 1926, and Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident, were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt's fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.




For more information about the film, please visit fantasticbeasts.com