The release of the new “Transformers” movie this week is just the latest offering of Hasbro products up on the big screen. We’re also in line for movies based on some of company’s most popular board games, too. Monopoly and Candy Land coming soon to a theater near you. That’s a testimony to the enduring popularity of certain games. Also our fascination with all things retro. You throw in a bad economy and you’ve got yourself a business model.

Gigi Douban reports now from Birmingham, Ala.