By Guest Blogger Blackskullgreymon

I am what some call a "Casual Collector." And as such, I am always eagerly keeping an eye out for the funnest toys based on my favorite movies. A late 2008 release I am quite pleased about is the Cloverfield Monster toy. The makers of the movie aren't going after the 7-year-old allowance crowd like some toy-makers. Instead, this monster of a toy has a $99 price tag.

Read more from our REEL TALK guest blogger Blackskullgreymon after the jump.

But this toy offers a lot in the details, carrying 70 points of articulation, several parasite minifigures, and even a Statue of Liberty head accessory.

While I am not sure how many of us are going to shell out the dough for this brand, I have to appreciate how they have targeted their audience, the e-crowd who spent hours on the viral site slusho.jp, looking for clues after viewing the trailer.

Now on to "Star Wars" -- and of course, who isn't a fan? The endless army of toys keep coming out, not only with the movie extras each getting their own toy representation, but with new toy types ranging from LEGOs to detailed collector's pieces.

I'm big on their "Unleashed" line, as they not only accurately look like the characters, but the action-styled poses look just fine next to my stylized Anime figures. The issue with these toys is the steep price for a non-posable Star Wars doll, but Hasbro is remedying this with smaller packs of four characters. By the way, everyone needs a Clone Squadron on their desk, you know, just to be safe from evil coworkers

Speaking of LucasArts, it looks as if Indiana Jones may just be the biggest buy of the year. LEGO Jones sets cleverly captures all our favorite scenes from all the movies, including the upcoming "Crystal Skull." And to be perfectly frank, there has never been a LEGO figure as awesome as Indy. Sporting his whip and a gun, he could take down any foe brick-by-brick. But even better for your toy shelves is Taters of the Lost Ark, which was previewed in an earlier REEL TALK article. Mr. Potato Head now has a stylish hat and even a Potato Idol, and he's ready for action.

While it's still early, and with these new additions, I've realized I'm going to need an increase in my toy budget for this year.