Like many others, I have my nostalgic moments. My friends and me catch up on our high school memories while we’re having a drink or reunion dinner. But I also found the perfect Netflix documentary to help me relive my youth. The name of this documentary? The Toys That Made Us.
The Toys That Made us on Netflix: what’s it about?
As the title already explains, this documentary is about the toys, that made us. And with us, we’re talking about 30 to 40 years old who were children during the eighties and nineties.
For myself, I grew up during the nineties but I had, thanks to my older sister, several eighties toys. So I understand all the references in this show. But I can imagine that if you grew up during the late nineties, you will not get much of the episodes that talk about the eighties.
The Toys That Made Us interviews the people that made up, marketed and produced the toys. It gives a nice overview of the proces from a good idea to a best selling toy hit. An often repeated case is that several of these interviewed people have different opinions of what really happened. An interesting fact.
Which toys are we talking about?
Several episodes made my heart skip a bit. First of all, I’m mentioning the Power Rangers. Thé kid show I watched (and played) with friends when I was in elementary school. Good memories!
Beside the rangers, The Toys That Made Us also talks about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Barbie, My Little Pony and Star Wars.
The ‘older’ toys that are discussed are for example He-Man, G.I. Joe, Transformers and even Lego.
Trailer: The Toys That Made Us
My review: The Toys That Made Us
So am I only positive about this nostalgic documentary series? Well, I watched all the episodes so I can say I do like it as a short break (each episode is about 45 minutes long).
The only thing that bothers me a bit, is the very fast editing. And the fact that it’s clearly made for the American audience. They show you constantly bits of upcoming interviews, have a very intruisive voice over that’s there for a comic tone and they even put sound effects to underline quotes or mimics.
Conclusion of my review: The Toys That Made Us
So, to conlude my review in short: I like this documentary series “The Toys That Made Us. It’s a real trip down a nice nostalgic lane with interesting interviews and stories. You really relive your youth, seeing all those toys, and often also comics or tv shows, back. And as an extra, I’m sure you will learn something new about your favourite toy.
But be warned, it has a very American look and feel. Which is not bad of course, but you have to like this kind of genre.
There are already 3 seasons of The Toys That Made US on Netflix, and I’m looking forward to seeing new episodes. Hope you also have fun watching it!
