LEGO 21319 LEGO Ideas Central Perk

Product Information

Gunther serves customers from behind an angular counter. This is ingeniously assembled using 1x2 slopes which form each corner and I love the trans-clear 1x2 tiles that represent shelves. Sand green angled plates are used across the countertop. They look superb but dark green or dark tan may have been more faithful to the source material, potentially replicating its marbled texture.

Unusually, this structure includes two studio lights which reflect how the television series was actually filmed. They are supported using ball joints and 2x2x10 lattice tower elements so look great, although these can easily be removed if you prefer. Several interesting details decorate the model, including an attractive menu board that has been simplified in relation to the series but includes realistic icons.

What's in the box

This LEGO® Ideas set includes 7 new-for-September-2019 minifigures: Ross Geller, Rachel Green, Chandler Bing, Monica Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Phoebe Buffay and Gunther.

While action is generally focused within an apartment or Central Perk, the exterior of the coffee shop sometimes appears as well. The designer has accordingly afforded detail to this section of the model, most notably including red and white striped awnings. The light bluish grey pavement is exceptionally narrow but does provide just enough space for a minifigure to stand outside.

Minifigures

My favorite LEGO element is “1x2 Masonry (98283)”, which I discovered in The Big Bang Theory™ set. I find it essential in the realization of buildings, houses, castles and my CENTRAL PERK, of course. In fact at every stage there are so many wonderful techniques on display. The 2×2 tiles placed at right angles to create the three seater bench, the clever design of the coffee counter using 1×2 slopes to create interesting angles around the base and even the way the 1×4 printed panel menu is framed make this a great set to construct. Even better, it acts as an indispensable learning tool for fans of free building too. An advertisement for Phoebe's next musical performance of Smelly Cat is displayed between some flowers and an umbrella stand. The walls along this section of the model are individually angled and therefore correspond precisely with the series. The designer has also included a red hard hat above some umbrellas, taking inspiration from Central Perk on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. For a successful LEGO Ideas project, you have to believe in yourself, be patient and not hesitate to ask for help in case of difficulties, because there are many qualified and helpful people.

I’ve played with LEGO products from a very young age and collected many sets. My collection is still evolving and I am particularly interested in the Minifigures series. Interviews with Aymeric Fievet, Milan Madge and Crystal Fontan, the fan designer, product designer and graphic designer respectively, are included too. Their shared passion for Friends is undoubtedly apparent and I was especially interested to read Milan's comments about the unusually angled walls which adhere to the original television studio. Joey Tribbiani features an outstanding head, demonstrating his overwhelming confidence on either side. Furthermore, the red shirt includes some realistic creasing and this textured hair piece appears faithful to the onscreen character in my opinion. However, my favourite aspect of this minifigure is his reddish brown bag, presumably making reference to Joey's penchant for bags that becomes apparent during The One With Joey's Bag!

Box and Contents

Each minifigure includes appropriate accessories, making reference to their occupations or character from the television series. Rachel, for instance, features a pearl silver shield that represents a serving tray while Joey carries a printed pizza box with a slice of pizza. Phoebe's guitar and Chandler's laptop are provided as well, along with several colourful mugs and food accessories. Despite celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary during 2019, Friends exerts sustained influence upon modern television and the series remains hugely popular. 21319 Central Perk looks great and should therefore prove similarly appealing given its apparent authenticity. This Friends-themed gift toy measures over 4" (11cm) high, 11" (29cm) wide and 8" (22cm) deep and will make an eye-catching centerpiece in any room. What I like about LEGO Ideas is that it gives you the opportunity to really use your imagination and if successful, see your name associated with your favorite brand! Moreover, it is playful and easy to use. It’s always a pleasure to discover new creations every day. This is a set that provides an intricate build with perfect little details. If it were a regular LEGO set it would be pretty amazing, but the fact it is based on such a popular television series makes it something really special. Fans of the show will be left shouting out ‘oh my God’ at all of the little references while more casual fans will be enthralled by the techniques on display.

Central Perk has inspired frequent comparison with 21302 The Big Bang Theory which seems reasonable given their equivalent source materials. However, this model includes much greater detail than its predecessor and is substantially larger as well, measuring almost 30cm wide and 21cm deep. The construction techniques are also more elaborate, particularly concerning the angled walls. LEGO Friends 21319 Central Perk cannot come more highly recommended – this is the one fans buy on opening day.

I oriented my project around one of my favorite series: Friends™. The challenge was to visualize passages of the series to allow me to recreate the furniture and the characters in as much detail as possible. Central Perk frequently provides the setting for discussion between characters, hence this interesting model focuses upon an orange couch, an armchair, two patterned chairs and the central table. These items appear consistently throughout the series, although one chair typically remains against the wall because four characters can sit on the settee. This rendition only provides enough room for three but looks marvellous. Other accessory elements in this café playset include a newspaper, 15 coffee cups and a 'Reserved' sign, plus 3 vases and buildable flowers.