Bricks and flicks

摘要

KIDS these days do nothing but play mindless video games, leaving no time tor constructive toys like those their grandparents loved. Lego executives must laugh when they hear such sentiments. Films and video games have not demolished the little plastic bricks for which the Danish toymaker is famous. On the contrary, Lego has invaded the virtual world. This month Lego will launch eight building sets inspired by "Pirates of the Caribbean", to coincide with the release of the fourth film in this Disney franchise. The Lego Jack Sparrow is shorter and stiffer than Johnny Depp, but recognisable. And Traveller's Tales, a British software company, will release a video game based on Lego's new Pirates play sets. The idea is that children will see the film and then be inspired to recreate its most swashbuckling scenes with Lego bricks. Then they will play the video game.