RT score remains at 74% with over 100 verified critic reviews. I watched IGN’s video review (with its FIVE AD BREAKS!), and they gave it an 8/10. Probably the most interesting discussion point was the “It’s a bad movie, but…” angle that has, as it tends to every few years, crop up. Citing films that aren’t necessarily “good”, but remain entertaining and successful (with Mario Galaxy and Mandalorian being strong examples from the past few months). Bob “MovieBob” Chipman gave it a 5/10 (6/10 without a blatent Amazon placement), citing strong issues with the script and tired jokes. He made the comparison to “Batman and Robin”, another film with a campy nature, questionable script, but strong production design and action sequences.
I am eagerly awaiting an afternoon screening tomorrow. I was tempted by the IMAX premiere tonight…but I just couldn’t swing it after 6 straight days working nights. I’m watching the weather to decide between a 2pm standard showing…or a 4:45 IMAX showing.
———-
I’m also going to throw down my guesstimates on the remainder of the Core product line, for fun
. Mattel’s “catalog page” only covers through the end of summer, so I’m convinced we’ll get another batch of product for the holidays and spring (depending on early product Sales and how the film performs). Some characters remain up in the air, but as we’ve seen with Goatman, some might end up in some form of exclusive. I’ve not seen the film and won’t go into leaked spoiler stuff. I’m basing these guess on several factors-
1. Apparent importance to story (most of which are already released or on deck)
2. Marketing prominence. Being featured heavily on the poster or ancillary products points to higher potential support
3. Legacy/“cool factor”. If it’s a legacy character, or a particularly striking design, they are higher up the potential list. Amazon has NOT been shy on showing off their $200 million project and all the practical work done.
Core: I’m certain of two more waves of figures, maybe 3 if the line rolls into spring. Evil-Lynn is confirmed via retailer listings. Skeletor got leaked with the play set, and I was pretty certain of Skeletor and He-Man getting new takes regardless.
Wave 5- Evil-Lynn, Moss Man, He-Man III
Wave 6- Skeletor III, Randor, Man At Arms II
Wave 7- Repaint/refesh wave. Maybe a modified Skel-Knight or Royal Guard (derived from MAA) joined by some early line refreshes like Beast Man and Mekaneck
Feature: I’m only expecting another pair of releases, possibly with refreshes (may or may not be deco changes) to He-Man and Skeletor. I’m placing my bets on Spikor (Flail Smash!) and Fisto (Power Punch!)
In regards to missing characters? Karg is apt to be an exclusive, like GoatMan. Sorceress is a major character…but doesn’t DO much. If she doesn’t become a pack in with the play set, my expectations are low. Some of those above are interchangeable. I waffled whether they’d do a Man At Arms feature figure, or just a refresh in the basic line. Same with Fisto, he has a viable “feature”, but he’s a relatively minor character. Dian is unlikely in the Core line, barring some exclusive set.
The Talon Fighter will probably be a $50-60 big toy offering, but might end up a retailer exclusive. I don’t expect a Core Fright Fighter, I think the Origins version covers both bases. The Talon Fighter might share the same fate, being designed or marketed in the Origins line. Not sure if we’ll get a Collector, but an Origins retool of the vintage version wouldn’t be out of the question, iMO.
he-mania.com
