Review: Movie Masters: The Dark Knight Two-Face
Sure, Ledger's performance as the Joker was fantastic, but, in some ways, the character of Two-Face was even better realized. My opinion of the movie as a whole was somewhat mixed: I really like it, but I disagree with the overall design and direction. My opinion of Eckhart's Two-Face is far less ambiguous: this is best version of the character I've ever seen.
I'm really hoping he comes back in the sequel. And don't try to tell me he's dead: did you really think Gordon was gone when they did HIS funeral service?
Anyway, it took a few years, but Mattel finally got around to releasing a Two-Face. Actually, they released this on Matty Collector several months ago, but I wasn't about to pay $28 for something I could pick up at Toys R Us eventually.
In addition to this version, there's an unscarred Harvey Dent figure and a new Joker out, as well. I'll consider these if they ever get cheap, but I was willing to dish out the cash for this one, so I could put him beside the Batman and Joker figures I already have.
Incidentally, if you missed those reviews, you can find the Batman one here, the Joker here (one of my first reviews), and, if you're so inclined, you can even read my thoughts on the mediocre Gotham City Thug here.
I'm really hoping he comes back in the sequel. And don't try to tell me he's dead: did you really think Gordon was gone when they did HIS funeral service?
Anyway, it took a few years, but Mattel finally got around to releasing a Two-Face. Actually, they released this on Matty Collector several months ago, but I wasn't about to pay $28 for something I could pick up at Toys R Us eventually.
In addition to this version, there's an unscarred Harvey Dent figure and a new Joker out, as well. I'll consider these if they ever get cheap, but I was willing to dish out the cash for this one, so I could put him beside the Batman and Joker figures I already have.
Incidentally, if you missed those reviews, you can find the Batman one here, the Joker here (one of my first reviews), and, if you're so inclined, you can even read my thoughts on the mediocre Gotham City Thug here.
Appearance and Construction:
Scarred Side: 8/10
Unscarred Side: 6/10
For this scale, the head sculpt is pretty spectacular, both on the Dent side and the scarred side. Unfortunately, the paint isn't quite as even: the scarred half looks fantastic, while the other side looks like plastic. I should mention that the scars aren't a perfect match to their on-screen equivalent, but they look great regardless.
The body looks fine: beyond the burned suit, we've seen these pieces before. I know a lot of reviewers penalize for reuse, but I could care less so long as it works.
The paint on the back of his neck looks a little silly from some angles, but it's not a huge problem. In addition, his hands look a bit oversized, but I'd rather that than have him unable to pick up a gun. Not that he comes with one... something I'll discuss in the next section....
Unscarred Side: 6/10
For this scale, the head sculpt is pretty spectacular, both on the Dent side and the scarred side. Unfortunately, the paint isn't quite as even: the scarred half looks fantastic, while the other side looks like plastic. I should mention that the scars aren't a perfect match to their on-screen equivalent, but they look great regardless.
The body looks fine: beyond the burned suit, we've seen these pieces before. I know a lot of reviewers penalize for reuse, but I could care less so long as it works.
The paint on the back of his neck looks a little silly from some angles, but it's not a huge problem. In addition, his hands look a bit oversized, but I'd rather that than have him unable to pick up a gun. Not that he comes with one... something I'll discuss in the next section....
Packaging and Extras:
Scarred Side: +1
Unscarred Side: -1
The packaging is basically the same we saw with the last versions that come out. On one hand, it's nice to get something consistent; on the other, would it kill Mattel to redesign once in a while?
Unscarred Side: -1
The packaging is basically the same we saw with the last versions that come out. On one hand, it's nice to get something consistent; on the other, would it kill Mattel to redesign once in a while?
Two face comes with one accessory: his scarred coin. In the package, I was pretty sure this would be worthless. But, when I got it home, I was pleasantly surprised. Well, halfway so.
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The unscarred side of the coin looks like a cheap plastic reproduction: I got a good look at that in the Harvey Dent version of the figure sitting on the peg at Toys R Us.
Imagine my surprise to discover that, despite appearances, the coin was made of metal. I assume the reason the unscarred half looks so unrealistic is to ensure it doesn't get mistaken for actual currency: it certainly feels like a real coin. Thanks to the weathering, the scarred side looks AND feels like it should. Actually, it's really close to how the coin looked in the movie... until you turn it over. |
I should mention the coin's size: it's kind of huge. I'm not sure I've ever seen a Liberty dollar in person, so I can't say whether it should be large. I fast-forwarded to a few scenes in the movie, though, and it looks about the same as the one on screen (though I have no idea whether that one was oversized or not).
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Either way, this is actually a really good replica of the movie prop... from one side. As long as you display it scarred side up, this is an amazing extra. Unfortunately, should you flip it over, you're stuck with what looks like an accessory to a preschool change drawer.
The larger disappointment is that the toy comes with nothing else. There's no gun, no toy-sized coin, nothing. I don't mind that they left out those ridiculous "Gotham PD Evidence Bags", but even that's gone. At the very least, you should get a gun with this. Fortunately, unless you're new to the hobby, you've probably got a few extras. If you are new, hit the toy soldiers section in the toy store or check the toy aisle of your nearest dollar store, and you'll find something cheap. |
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Still, the lack of a gun costs both of Harvey's personalities, dragging down his scores in this department.
Play and Display:
Scarred Side: +1
Unscarred Side: +1
There are no surprised here, I'm afraid: If you've been collecting any of Mattel's six inch figures, you know exactly what you're getting.
Harvey has ball jointed shoulders, a ball jointed neck that mostly just turns, pins on his elbows, knees, and ankles (good luck getting any motion out of the ankles this time, though), cut wrists and waist, cut biceps and upper legs that don't work well with the sculpt, a midsection hinge, and Mattel's famous hip joints that look like pins but work like ball joints.
All things considered, he balances pretty well and looks good in a variety of poses. There are plenty of places where his articulation and sculpt clash, but that's pretty much to be expected whenever a figure is wearing a suit.
Several years ago, Mattel designed a great body for this scale, and I'm still waiting for Hasbro to catch up. In the meantime, I'm continuing my tradition of handing out bonus points.
Unscarred Side: +1
There are no surprised here, I'm afraid: If you've been collecting any of Mattel's six inch figures, you know exactly what you're getting.
Harvey has ball jointed shoulders, a ball jointed neck that mostly just turns, pins on his elbows, knees, and ankles (good luck getting any motion out of the ankles this time, though), cut wrists and waist, cut biceps and upper legs that don't work well with the sculpt, a midsection hinge, and Mattel's famous hip joints that look like pins but work like ball joints.
All things considered, he balances pretty well and looks good in a variety of poses. There are plenty of places where his articulation and sculpt clash, but that's pretty much to be expected whenever a figure is wearing a suit.
Several years ago, Mattel designed a great body for this scale, and I'm still waiting for Hasbro to catch up. In the meantime, I'm continuing my tradition of handing out bonus points.
Price Tag and Final Analysis:
Scarred Side: 10/10
Unscarred Side: 6/10
I found Two-Face in Toys R Us, which was charging fifteen bucks for him. It may not be the most frugal purchase I've ever made, but I really like the toy, despite his faults.
That said... fifteen bucks for a six-inch action figure with no base, no build a figure parts, and no weapons? He does have the coin, which is a lot cooler than I'd expected, but... still. My philosophy degree demands objective reason from time to time, and that's kind of ridiculous.
Of course, keep in mind I paid that expecting the coin to be much worse. In the end, this isn't an objective hobby but a subjective one. And I wanted him in my collection whether he was worth it or not.
Last time, The Dark Knight figures got dirt cheap before they disappeared (what am I saying? You still see those Gotham City Thugs floating around). Will history repeat itself? Hard to say. I don't think Mattel made anywhere as many of these, but it's not like the movie just came out, either. I'd be surprised if some of the Harvey Dent figures didn't show up on clearance, but I'm less sure about the Two-Face ones. Personally, I decided it wasn't worth the risk and dropped fifteen bucks.
Unscarred Side: 6/10
I found Two-Face in Toys R Us, which was charging fifteen bucks for him. It may not be the most frugal purchase I've ever made, but I really like the toy, despite his faults.
That said... fifteen bucks for a six-inch action figure with no base, no build a figure parts, and no weapons? He does have the coin, which is a lot cooler than I'd expected, but... still. My philosophy degree demands objective reason from time to time, and that's kind of ridiculous.
Of course, keep in mind I paid that expecting the coin to be much worse. In the end, this isn't an objective hobby but a subjective one. And I wanted him in my collection whether he was worth it or not.
Last time, The Dark Knight figures got dirt cheap before they disappeared (what am I saying? You still see those Gotham City Thugs floating around). Will history repeat itself? Hard to say. I don't think Mattel made anywhere as many of these, but it's not like the movie just came out, either. I'd be surprised if some of the Harvey Dent figures didn't show up on clearance, but I'm less sure about the Two-Face ones. Personally, I decided it wasn't worth the risk and dropped fifteen bucks.
Like the review? Well, I've got plenty more where that came from. Alternatively, I also review movies over at The Middle Room. Or, if you're more in the mood for a story, I've got some options along those lines as well.
