Review: Wall-E: Gopher
Two of the first figures I reviewed were U-Repair Wall-E and Search and Protect Eve. There aren't a lot of toys I like better than those two, either: they're exceptional figures that I simply love. Those count as "Deluxe" action figures. Well, in addition to the Deluxe figures, Thinkway Toys also made a series of "Basic" figures. There are some great toys as part of that set, including several very nice versions of Wall-E and Eve. I never picked those up, though, because I'm already happy with the versions of those characters I have. I do have a MO basic figure I'm partial to - there's a picture of him at the very bottom.
Along with the good basic figures, there are a few that, well... just aren't up to par. Chief among these is Gopher, a minor character whose toys just don't seem to be selling. In fact, they're selling so poorly that Toys R Us is letting them go for next to nothing in some cases.
And next to nothing is a price I'm willing to shell out.
If it's been a while since you've seen Wall-E, Gopher is Auto's henchman. Besides some sentries, I'm pretty sure he's the only robot who dies during the movie. He gets his at the end, when he misses the pool by... that much. It's a rough end, but then again this guy did sit idly by while his boss tazed Wall-E. So good riddance.
Along with the good basic figures, there are a few that, well... just aren't up to par. Chief among these is Gopher, a minor character whose toys just don't seem to be selling. In fact, they're selling so poorly that Toys R Us is letting them go for next to nothing in some cases.
And next to nothing is a price I'm willing to shell out.
If it's been a while since you've seen Wall-E, Gopher is Auto's henchman. Besides some sentries, I'm pretty sure he's the only robot who dies during the movie. He gets his at the end, when he misses the pool by... that much. It's a rough end, but then again this guy did sit idly by while his boss tazed Wall-E. So good riddance.
Appearance and Construction: 6/10
Gopher is a good likeness to his onscreen counterpart, but there are some subtle differences. First of all, there should be a visible line going down the front of his body. In addition, while the "arm" markings are close, they're not quite exact in terms of size and placement. There should also be very small orange or red marks on the tips that are missing.
The chest unit is good, but there should really be a black outline around it. In all fairness, it does look different from scene to scene, as does the bottom of the robot. Personally, I'd have preferred a black bottom rather than an orange, but that's a matter of preference: both appear on film.
What's less acceptable is the headpiece. The clear plastic cover is fine, but the simple white peg makes this look like it came in a Happy Meal. In addition, I'm disappointed Thinkway allowed "Disney/Pixar, Thinkway Toys, Made in China" to be inscribed on the figure's back. While it's hard to see in person, it's really unacceptable on a toy this simple. There are two bases that could have gone on.
In addition, the paint work on the arms is sloppy. Again, it's not a big deal unless you're up close, but, given how simple the design is, there's just no excuse for these be anything less than perfect.
I'm also less than thrilled with the look of the plastic. In the movie, Gopher is the same crisp, white color as Eve. Here, he's sort of a dull, off white. Add in the mold lines, and you've got quite a few issues.
A six may seem harsh for a figure this close to model, but I think it's called for. The problem here is really one of materials and contruction: a toy this small and streamlined needs to be absolutely perfect. This is a hollow figure with a large number of (admittedly) small issues. But they add up and pull down the overall score.
The chest unit is good, but there should really be a black outline around it. In all fairness, it does look different from scene to scene, as does the bottom of the robot. Personally, I'd have preferred a black bottom rather than an orange, but that's a matter of preference: both appear on film.
What's less acceptable is the headpiece. The clear plastic cover is fine, but the simple white peg makes this look like it came in a Happy Meal. In addition, I'm disappointed Thinkway allowed "Disney/Pixar, Thinkway Toys, Made in China" to be inscribed on the figure's back. While it's hard to see in person, it's really unacceptable on a toy this simple. There are two bases that could have gone on.
In addition, the paint work on the arms is sloppy. Again, it's not a big deal unless you're up close, but, given how simple the design is, there's just no excuse for these be anything less than perfect.
I'm also less than thrilled with the look of the plastic. In the movie, Gopher is the same crisp, white color as Eve. Here, he's sort of a dull, off white. Add in the mold lines, and you've got quite a few issues.
A six may seem harsh for a figure this close to model, but I think it's called for. The problem here is really one of materials and contruction: a toy this small and streamlined needs to be absolutely perfect. This is a hollow figure with a large number of (admittedly) small issues. But they add up and pull down the overall score.
Packaging and Extras: -1
First of all, I want to say that I love the packaging. What makes it stand out is the use of Wall-E's head sculpted into the plastic. It's a great touch that makes the packaging fun and interesting until you throw it away.
Gopher comes with not one, but two bases, a fact that saves him from a more severe penalty. I'll cover that in a minute, but first lets take a look at those stands.
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First of all, there's a clear, plastic stand. It's nothing spectacular, but it does the job.
Secondly, there's a more impressive Buy-N-Large rolling base. This one's more visually interesting, even though it doesn't really work with the character: Eve might have been transported on something similar to this when she was in pod form, but Gopher shouldn't need one. |
I should mention that both of these bases also came with MO. While the bases are all right, they're certainly nothing exceptional. Given how simple Gopher is, I'd expect a base with some sort of articulation so he can bend forward or side to side.
I said at the top of the section that the extra base saved him from a more severe penalty, and here's why: at the original price, given how simplistic Gopher is, a couple stands just aren't enough.
In fact, it's not a question of accessories anymore: Gopher should have come with a second figure.
I said at the top of the section that the extra base saved him from a more severe penalty, and here's why: at the original price, given how simplistic Gopher is, a couple stands just aren't enough.
In fact, it's not a question of accessories anymore: Gopher should have come with a second figure.
Play and Display: -2
This section represents yet another missed opportunity to salvage some value from this toy. In the movie, Gopher has very little articulation, but he has a little: his shoulder pieces pop out on bendable poles and move around. This would have been hard to do, but they should have made an effort.
Now for the big one.
Given how tiny this figure is, the head should contain a light-up feature. It's not that expensive a feature: you can find dollar store merchandise that lights up and flashes. There's plenty of space in Gopher's hollow chest for a light that could have shined into his head and even through his chest panel.
As it is, the closest you get to articulation or features is the rolling base. Not good enough.
Now for the big one.
Given how tiny this figure is, the head should contain a light-up feature. It's not that expensive a feature: you can find dollar store merchandise that lights up and flashes. There's plenty of space in Gopher's hollow chest for a light that could have shined into his head and even through his chest panel.
As it is, the closest you get to articulation or features is the rolling base. Not good enough.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 3/10
It isn't that Gopher looks bad on a shelf: he's actually passable as a miniature collectible, as is reflected in his initial score of six. These toys started around five or six bucks, which, at the time, was still in the same ballpark as a two pack of Superhero Squad figures, which are larger, more articulated, and better made.
But it gets worse. The Wall-E action figures have been gradually increasing in price over the last year. I've seen these going for as much as eight bucks (the deluxe figures have climbed to over seventeen in some places). That's simply absurd.
The MO figure, shown below, is worth maybe three or four bucks at a stretch. he's got the same extras, far better paint and decals, and some cool, effective articulation.
I bought Gopher on clearance for a total of seventy-eight cents AFTER tax. I don't feel like I got ripped off, but even at that price I don't think I got a bargain. This isn't better than what I'd expect to get from a vending machine for fifty cents. I suppose the stands make up for the difference.
But it gets worse. The Wall-E action figures have been gradually increasing in price over the last year. I've seen these going for as much as eight bucks (the deluxe figures have climbed to over seventeen in some places). That's simply absurd.
The MO figure, shown below, is worth maybe three or four bucks at a stretch. he's got the same extras, far better paint and decals, and some cool, effective articulation.
I bought Gopher on clearance for a total of seventy-eight cents AFTER tax. I don't feel like I got ripped off, but even at that price I don't think I got a bargain. This isn't better than what I'd expect to get from a vending machine for fifty cents. I suppose the stands make up for the difference.
Along time ago, on a blog far, far away, I reviewed Wall-E. I still think it's the best movie to come out last year.
