Review: Movie Masters: Avatar Jake Sully
A lot of geeks have already written off Avatar, but I haven't given up hope. It's not that what I've seen in the trailers has been incredible, but it occurs to me that Cameron has yet to put a movie that has let me down. Yeah, we're all fans of the first two Terminators and Aliens, but I personally consider The Abyss to be one of the greatly underrated SF flicks in recent history.
Then there's Titanic. Well, I haven't seen it since it was in the theaters (I was still in high school at the time), but... I remember liking it. Quite a bit, to be honest. I know it's one of the most despised movies of all time in some circles, but that's more a backlash against the popularity of the movie than the movie itself.
Of course, all these movies have something in common: they're more than a decade old. James Cameron hasn't been doing much directing lately, which begs the question, "Does he still have it in him?" We won't have an answer for a few more months, but I'm cautiously optimistic.
Today, I'm looking at an action figure from his upcoming project. These are made by Mattel and are part of their "Movie Masters" line, so they're kind of related to the Dark Knight figures I reviewed here, here and here. Avatar figures have started showing up just about everywhere. I found this one in Jack's World for much less than I would have expected.
This is the alien avatar of Jake Sully, who looks to be the main character in this movie. At a glance, it's pretty obvious that these aliens are peaceful space Indians: if there was any doubt, Cameron more or less agreed that Avatar is basically Dances with Wolves in space.
There's another version of Sully out there where he's wearing a coat and carrying a gun, and there are plenty of other figures in this line. Honestly, I went with this version because it was cheap.
Then there's Titanic. Well, I haven't seen it since it was in the theaters (I was still in high school at the time), but... I remember liking it. Quite a bit, to be honest. I know it's one of the most despised movies of all time in some circles, but that's more a backlash against the popularity of the movie than the movie itself.
Of course, all these movies have something in common: they're more than a decade old. James Cameron hasn't been doing much directing lately, which begs the question, "Does he still have it in him?" We won't have an answer for a few more months, but I'm cautiously optimistic.
Today, I'm looking at an action figure from his upcoming project. These are made by Mattel and are part of their "Movie Masters" line, so they're kind of related to the Dark Knight figures I reviewed here, here and here. Avatar figures have started showing up just about everywhere. I found this one in Jack's World for much less than I would have expected.
This is the alien avatar of Jake Sully, who looks to be the main character in this movie. At a glance, it's pretty obvious that these aliens are peaceful space Indians: if there was any doubt, Cameron more or less agreed that Avatar is basically Dances with Wolves in space.
There's another version of Sully out there where he's wearing a coat and carrying a gun, and there are plenty of other figures in this line. Honestly, I went with this version because it was cheap.
Appearance and Construction: 7/10
Mattel's figures have a tendency to walk a thin line between collectibles and toys. While there's some solid work here, this is a case where a lack of paint knocks the figure into the realm of toys.
The head sculpt is surprisingly intricate, though it doesn't quite match up with the character's photo on the back. The decoration on the face is well done, and the eyes look good. In addition, the braided hair and tail are impressive, and the feet are cool.
The sculpted bands and bracer look good, though the loin cloth is a bit dull. I like that they worked out how the loin cloth would have to wrap around the tail, though: nice attention to bizarre detail.
The real problem is with the body. When toys are sculpted in colored plastic, the result looks like, well... plastic. When the character's blue, it doesn't help matters. The design works against the figure here, as well, as the thin figure winds up looking more all the more toyish. The stripes are fine, but it's not enough. Also, the hands are a bit underwhelming, not to mention undersized.
There are no construction or material issues here, other than the obvious: it's a thin, scrawny toy. That's not really Mattel's fault though, it's how the species was designed.
Sully does look good; just not great.
The head sculpt is surprisingly intricate, though it doesn't quite match up with the character's photo on the back. The decoration on the face is well done, and the eyes look good. In addition, the braided hair and tail are impressive, and the feet are cool.
The sculpted bands and bracer look good, though the loin cloth is a bit dull. I like that they worked out how the loin cloth would have to wrap around the tail, though: nice attention to bizarre detail.
The real problem is with the body. When toys are sculpted in colored plastic, the result looks like, well... plastic. When the character's blue, it doesn't help matters. The design works against the figure here, as well, as the thin figure winds up looking more all the more toyish. The stripes are fine, but it's not enough. Also, the hands are a bit underwhelming, not to mention undersized.
There are no construction or material issues here, other than the obvious: it's a thin, scrawny toy. That's not really Mattel's fault though, it's how the species was designed.
Sully does look good; just not great.
Packaging and Extras: ----
Personally, I like the packaging, though it does seem absurdly wasteful:
Everything except the tube is unnecessary, since that's where the figure and accessories reside. I find the look of the packaging intriguing, though there's no practical purpose for this design.
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For a figure that starts out light, there's not a lot of extras to pad it out. However, what is here is at least interesting.
Interesting can be a good thing, as is the case with Sully's spear. While nothing exceptional, it's minimalism done right. There's just enough paint and detail to let it stand out. I really like what look like feathers on the top: the color really makes it stand out. Unfortunately, interesting can also be bad. Let's talk about the "stand" Sully comes with. The quotations are necessary here, because he can't actually stand ON his stand. In fact, I had an easier time getting him to stand without it: the peg just isn't long enough to work, so the figure keeps toppling over. To be fair, this is only partially a stand: it has another purpose we'll get to in a minute under Play and Display. Finally, Sully's also wearing something that resembles a leather strap. I'm not sure what this is supposed to be, but it'll probably become apparent when the movie opens. At any rate, it looks like you could probably remove it if you wanted to, but I didn't want to risk stretching it. If the stand had worked - at all - I'd have handed over a bonus point, even though it's a cheap, ugly base with a sticker on the top. Since it doesn't do this, I just can't justify a bonus. |
Play and Display: +1
This figure has some great articulation, though there are a few joints that either don't work as well as I'd like or are missing entirely. First, the good: this is basically the same articulation you'd get with their DC Universe Classics line.
That means you get a ball jointed head and shoulders, pin jointed elbows, knees, and ankles, cut biceps, waist and legs, a hinge joint on the midsection, and the same compound-joint hips we've come to know and love.
The ankles could really have used a cut (or a double pin), there was a missed opportunity on the tail, and the neck, while technically ball jointed, really functions more like a cut. All minor issues.
The joints are sturdy, and considering his size, the figure has great balance. Of course, a strong breeze or vibration will knock him over, but that's how it is with thin figures.
The toy doesn't have an action feature, but the base has a digital one. Follow the included directions, and you'll find yourself at a website. You'll have to download some free software, but once you do you'll find an amusing - if short - diversion. Hold the base up to your webcam, and the fun begins. You see yourself holding the base, but now there's a three-dimensional holographic construct on top. You can tilt this, turn it, and move it, and the image reacts in real time. Apparently, more elaborate toys come with images that include controls: press "buttons" on the base, and the image reacts. With Sully, all you get is an "information" button that's pretty dull. Even so, my wife and I were mildly amused for about ten minutes. Then we were distracted by a shiny penny.
The digital feature is entertaining, but it's certainly not bonus worthy. The extra point is for the articulation and balance. If they'd included a few more joints and improved the head, I might have been able to justify two.
That means you get a ball jointed head and shoulders, pin jointed elbows, knees, and ankles, cut biceps, waist and legs, a hinge joint on the midsection, and the same compound-joint hips we've come to know and love.
The ankles could really have used a cut (or a double pin), there was a missed opportunity on the tail, and the neck, while technically ball jointed, really functions more like a cut. All minor issues.
The joints are sturdy, and considering his size, the figure has great balance. Of course, a strong breeze or vibration will knock him over, but that's how it is with thin figures.
The toy doesn't have an action feature, but the base has a digital one. Follow the included directions, and you'll find yourself at a website. You'll have to download some free software, but once you do you'll find an amusing - if short - diversion. Hold the base up to your webcam, and the fun begins. You see yourself holding the base, but now there's a three-dimensional holographic construct on top. You can tilt this, turn it, and move it, and the image reacts in real time. Apparently, more elaborate toys come with images that include controls: press "buttons" on the base, and the image reacts. With Sully, all you get is an "information" button that's pretty dull. Even so, my wife and I were mildly amused for about ten minutes. Then we were distracted by a shiny penny.
The digital feature is entertaining, but it's certainly not bonus worthy. The extra point is for the articulation and balance. If they'd included a few more joints and improved the head, I might have been able to justify two.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 8/10
I've seen these figures - or ones like them - at Toys R Us going for more than ten bucks. But I'm happy to report I stumbled across this one at Jack's World for the far more reasonable price of $5.99. While this isn't an amazing toy, it's certainly worth that.
Hopefully, the movie will exceed expectations, and I'll be proud to display this on my SF shelf... assuming I can make some room. Otherwise, I'll be left with a descent, generic alien. Either way, it's worth the six bucks.
Despite being in the same line, I don't really see these as being equal to the Dark Knight figures. Sully may be a good toy, but he's not going to pass for something aimed at collectors. Even ignoring the silly online aspect aimed at kids, the light paint and relatively simple design are reminiscent of toys from fifteen years ago, even if the articulation is far more evolved.
That's not necessarily a bad thing: if I thought there was something wrong with toys, I'd have a different hobby. The thing is, these are being packaged and, in some cases, priced as if they're in a different league. This is really an eight dollar toy that's going for fifteen in some places.
Hopefully, the movie will exceed expectations, and I'll be proud to display this on my SF shelf... assuming I can make some room. Otherwise, I'll be left with a descent, generic alien. Either way, it's worth the six bucks.
Despite being in the same line, I don't really see these as being equal to the Dark Knight figures. Sully may be a good toy, but he's not going to pass for something aimed at collectors. Even ignoring the silly online aspect aimed at kids, the light paint and relatively simple design are reminiscent of toys from fifteen years ago, even if the articulation is far more evolved.
That's not necessarily a bad thing: if I thought there was something wrong with toys, I'd have a different hobby. The thing is, these are being packaged and, in some cases, priced as if they're in a different league. This is really an eight dollar toy that's going for fifteen in some places.
You see that? That's as close as Mattel has come to making a Martian Manhunter figure in this scale. He's not even green! If you get that joke, then you'll love my blog. Otherwise, run for the hills. But, before you go, here are a few more pictures:
