The much anticipated Toy Story 3 (in 3D, no less) made it’s cinematic debut this summer with all the trappings and trimmings worthy of it’s accomplishments in film and storytelling. Basically that means there are tons of licensed toys, games, costumes, books and other merchandise filling the toy store aisles. It may be hard to discern, amid the brightly colored boxes and flashing lights, what toy will really hold it’s own in your child’s playroom.

I was recently sent, to review, a set of Toy Story 3 Action Links from Mattel. To be quite honest, I had no idea what this toy was supposed to do when I was contacted but I figured why not give it a try? And I’m here to tell you that I’m very glad that I did! On the surface, the toy didn’t didn’t seem like much. But in the hands of an eager five-year old, it came to life in ways I could not have imagined.

The idea behind the Action Links is that of a Rube Goldberg machine, where one action leads to another and to another and so on until a final result is achieved. And the great thing about the links is that they can be set-up in any configuration your child’s mind can imagine. All the parts are interchangeable. I’m sure than my son found every single set-up possible between the two sets that were sent to us.

Here’s a brief (seriously, don’t blink, you’ll miss it) video of our Action Links in, well, action! Voiced soundtrack as well!

Kids can build their very own “Toy Story” universe by snapping together the “linkable” ACTION LINKS™ stunt sets for an interactive adventure of action sequences from the movie.

There are five sets in all, which could make for hours of entertainment! My son will definitely be getting a couple more sets for his upcoming birthday! And, I’ll just throw this out there…only 115 shopping days until Christmas!

Two Toy Story 3 Action Links sets were provided to me for the purposes of review. The opinion expressed are my own.