So when I heard about the new Smurfs movie just out in theaters, I was really excited I could use my kids as an excuse to go see it (I didn’t think “Girls Night Out at ‘The Smurfs’ would go over so big). While there was some trepidation about the possibility that the flick would stink – how many times has a fabulous book or TV show totally tanked on the big screen? – I figured a hearty dose of childhood nostalgia made it worth the risk.

When I asked my three-year-old, Yonah, who he wanted to take with him to the movie, he didn’t have to think twice: “Atara”. Atara is my best friend Chani’s eldest daughter, and is a gorgeous sprite of eight years. Yonah also happens to have a major crush on her. So, with a quick phone call, we made a date.

We got to see The Smurfs in 3D, with groovy glasses and all, and with the first strains of that old familiar theme song, I was hooked. The movie itself turned out to be delightful, as was the film’s star, my other 80’s favorite, Neil Patrick Harris (the now grown-up Doogie Howser). The most exciting scene was at FAO Schwarz in Manhattan, where if you watch closely, you’ll see the ALEX Toys boutique!

All in all, it was definitely a first date to remember.

Did you take your kids to see The Smurfs? What did you think?

You can see pictures from The Smurfs movie premiere at the ALEX Facebook page.

Growing up in Los Angeles and not having been to a movie premiere yet, I thought it was about time! Having been a long time Smurf fan made it all the more Smurf-tastic. Alex the monkey was free that evening as well. It was a date!

We arrived at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City nice and early to see the action.  Outside the prestigious theater was a GIANT blue Smurf and a throng of fans hoping to sneak a peak at celebrities. The stars that night walked down, not the red, but the blue carpet – very nice touch.

We rode up the escalators and saw the lobby bedecked with rows and rows of drinks and bags of popcorn – Smurf-alicious! We grabbed our snacks and 3D glasses, found our seats and the movie began. We had heard that there was a big scene in the movie that took place in FAO Schwarz, which happened to be only a few blocks away from the theater. Alex and I kept our eyes glued to the screen hoping to see if we could steal a glance at one of our toys. Have no fear, we were NOT going to miss it!

 ALEX toys took center stage in the big action sequence at the mega toy store. The Smurfs ran into FAO to get a toy sized “stargazer”. Gargamel chased after them with a leaf blower all over the store, trying to vacuum them up. The crescendo of the whirlwind action ended up right inside the ALEX boutique at FAO! The Smurfs ran back and forth through aisles of ALEX toys! I saw our Swirl O-Disk and remembered when we were picking out the colors for the stripes. Seems like it was only yesterday and now look, Swirl O-Disk is famous! Super Smurf-tacular!

We thoroughly enjoyed the movie – it had lots of spectacular action, it was really funny for kids and adults alike and it was really cool to see the Smurf village in 3D.

After the movie was over, we lingered in the lobby and were able to see some twinkling stars. We saw Brooke Shields, who came to see the movie with her children (she is really tall!); Alan Cumming, who was the voice of Gutsy Smurf and Oh My Smurf; and Katy Perry, the voice of Smurfette, who was surrounded by a thick mob teen girls with braces.  We were able to rub elbows with another star: Hank Azaria, the comic genius who plays Gargamel! Hank Azaria is probably most well known for doing literally dozens and dozens of voices for The Simpsons. He was so nice! It was Smurf-eriffic!

ALEX and I went home with big Smurfy grins – what a night!

Have you seen The Smurfs movie? See if you can spot the ALEX toys in the FAO Schwarz scene!

You can see more pictures from The Smurfs movie premiere at the ALEX Facebook page.

You can view the movie trailer here.

Highlights of the new line include Talk of the Farm, an exciting interactive toy which comes to life as a child moves a truck on a magical talking mat; Foil Bead Maker and Cap It Off jewelry craft kits; and Ready, Set, Go! Trike, a 3-in-1 tricycle that grows as your child does.

In addition, the booth featured a model of an ALEX store-within-a-store which is currently in many Learning Express stores and numerous other specialty stores worldwide.

The American International Toy Fair ran February 14-17 at New York City’s Javits Center.

View the full set of pictures by visiting the Toy Fair 2010 NYC Flickr Photos.

http://www.alextoys.com/product/132737/71W/_/Giant_Pipe_Cleaner_Party

Enjoy the video below.

Beirut, Lebanon: Opened in August 2009

Mexico City, Mexico: Grand Opening in December 2009

Vivo City, Singapore: Opened in November 2009

To date, ALEX stores are also located in Guatemala, Peru and Jordan. Watch for news on the opening of Peru’s 4th location in December.

ALEX stand-alone stores are owned and operated independently outside of the U.S.  The ALEX design team is involved with the development, planning, design, product selection and merchandising of these stores.