Chris_Billings's Full Review: The Goonies: 7" Scale Series 1 - Sloth
If you grew up in the 1980’s, you probably list The Goonies as one of your favorite films of all time. The Goonies is Steven Spielberg and Richard Donner’s (now classic) film about a bunch of kids in Astoria, Oregon on their last adventure together before developers foreclose on their families houses so they can build a golf course. I loved the film. What kid during the 80’s didn’t like it?
Anyway, I was really upset growing up because their was no action figure or toy line released for the film. There were other items released to promote the film. Even a few years after the release of the film there was a NES video game by Konami, titled The Goonies II.
Last year I was doing some shopping around Christmas time, and I happened to stop by the local F.Y.E. store located in the same mall I work in. I was wandering through when I saw a display of movie action figures. I was surprised to see, after 20+ years, an action figure line commemorating one of my favorite films.
At first, the style of packaging led me to believe that these action figures were made by McFarlane Toys. It resembled the “clam style” plastic packaging used in the Spawn action figure line for many years. And the incredible detail of the action figure as well threw-me off. But I was surprised to see that the action figures were being made by Mezco Toyz, who specialize in making cult favorites such as Hellboy, Scarface, and Edward Scissorhands.
I decided to pick up one of these figures. I was immediately drawn to the character Sloth. The action figure is a nice representation of the character portrayed by John Matuszak in the film. In the movie, Sloth is the oldest of the three “Fratelli Bros.” who is locked up and chained in the basement. He’s locked up because his face is super deformed. He’s also very strong, so Ma’ Fratelli keeps him locked up. Well if you’ve seen the film, you’d remember the kids stumbling onto him. Thinking he’s a monster. They only get a glimpse of him and his chains, and they hear him yelling, etc. Well an unfortunate event leaves one of the kids behind. He get’s caught and locked up with the “monster”. After spending some time locked up with Sloth, he realizes that he isn’t a monster. Sloth is just a big loveable guy, who happens to be deformed.
Well, anyway I don’t want to talk anymore about the film. You have to see it to understand the characters in the action figure line. The kids stumble onto the Fratelli’s (who just helped one of the Brothers escape form jail), they are on a quest to find the treasure of famed pirate “One Eyed Willy”, etc.
FIGURE DEISGN & ARTICULATON
The figure features Sloth in his T-shirt, Suspenders, and torn jeans from a scene in the film taking place on board a pirate ship. In the scene Sloth makes his “entrance” wearing a pirate hat and carrying a sword. The action figure includes a removable pirate hat and pirate sword. The figure is accurately produced down to the slightest detail. Holes in the knees of his jeans and other wrinkles and folds in the clothing are all rendered nicely in the figures sculpting. In the movie, Sloth rips off his jacket to reveal his Superman Logo t-shirt. Since this figure is licensed by Warner Bros. Studios, who also owns the rights to the Superman films, I would have thought Mezco Toys would have obtained further rights from Warner Bros. to add the logo to Sloth’s shirt. Instead we are left with just a plain blue t-shirt. Minor complaint, but it would have added to the nostalgia of the figure and it’s reproduction of the film scene.
Also included in the package is a candy bar, partially opened. Those who have seen the movie, remember the scene in the basement when Chunk (one of the kids) is locked up with Sloth. They share a candy bar, watch an old Erryl Flynn pirate film, and become friends. The candy bar (and pirate sword) fit nicely in the left hand of the action figure.
The pirate hat fits well on Sloth’s head or can be placed in either hand as well, but fits better in the right hand. The classic black pirate hat is complemented by a red, white, and blue head sash. Just like the one in the film.
The figure is not only highly detailed, but it is nicely articulated. The arms move fairly well, as do the legs. The head turns right and left. I would have liked to see the head be able to look up and down as well (maybe in further versions and variants the figure will have that feature) These figures are meant to be displayed and collected, more than being played with. So it’s not as articulated as a Star Wars action figure…but it’s not bad either.
PACKAGING & PRESENTATION
First off, the clam shell packaging is made of a fairly heavy duty plastic. So if you decide to not take the figure out of the packaging, it should protect it for years. There are no stickers covering the main section of the package containing the figure and it’s accessories. Other than the lower section around the feet of the figure is a small insert showing the name of the figure, etc.
The figure is officially licensed by Warner Bros., so the official “The Goonies” logo, copper skull key, and map are used as the graphics for the packaging. Very nice presentation if you decide to put your action figure on your bedroom (or office) wall. The figure is fairly heavy, and the placement of the figure is located in the right section of the package, so it can become lopsided and lean while hanging on the wall. I use a second, clear pin that can’t be seen to steady the package on the wall. The package hangs on one pin by the same way it would hang on a shelf at the store, and the second pin on the right (or left) of the package depending on which way it wants to sway. And it requires no altering or damaging of the figure and it’s package.
Something that should have been included though is a base or stand of some sort. Just in case you decided to cut open the package, or you want a second figure out of the package to display as well.
I would recommend buying at least two of these action figures. One to play with (if you really want to) and another to display. The figure was pretty spending for an action figure. I recall paying about $19.99 for the action figure. I can’t wait for Series 2 to be released. Nothing has been announced yet, but from what I have seen and heard…this line was pretty popular. F.Y.E. is always selling out every time I go in. There are several other figures in Series 1. Mikey, Mouth, Chunk, Data, and of course Sloth make up this particular series. Hope to see Ma’ Fratelli and her two other sons, and maybe a One-Eyed Willy figure as well.
Pirate hat Pirate sword Candy bar Comes brand new in packaging Great for display or play!, Recommended age group: 5 - NaN years, Manufacturer: MezcoMore at Amazon Marketplace
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