Review - McFarlane Movie Maniacs Chucky

McFarlane's Movie Maniacs - a sorta all encompassing, kinda well done series of almost high-end collectors figures, lining the soot skinned shelves of comic book stores and flea market booths everywhere. From 1998 to 2004, the large series covered just about every horror icon relevant to your average turn of the century FYE shopper; from Ghostface, to the Terminator, to... y'know, Chucky - who's just hitched incarnation I've covered before, released with his betrothed as a two-pack alongside tonight's subject of torture; y'know, Chucky.

Based on his appearance in Child's Play 2, this sculpt goes for the sinister, snarling Chucky seen throughout the original Child's Play trilogy; compare his evil grin to that seen on the included poster display, and you'll see what I mean. They're almost one-to-one - really impressive. Kevin Yagher Production's original Chuckys share a pretty consistent design; between their lifelike skin, piggish face and piercing blue stare, it's absolutely the scariest and most impressive the character has looked onscreen, to this day. Many a horrorhead will fondly, or frightfully, remember this particular look, and while I'm more of a Frankensteined Chucky kind of guy (also designed by Yagher, in it's fist appearance), in his own words, a true classic never goes out of style. 

On one hand, the figure's a little chubby; looks like a chibi Chris Farley with a side of Ham Porter - however, on the other, he's pretty damn accurate to the aforementioned earlier Chucky designs, give or take a few details. I think it's all a matter of lighting; and, as an extension, paint applications. The figure's incredible in some settings... but, a bit ugly, from all but most. From one angle, his furrowed, twisted expression just leaps off the screen; from another, he's channeled that monstrous six hundred pound emo girl you vaguely remember from High School. I think stronger, more defining highlights around the eyes, larger pupils, and a warmer complexion could've helped support the strengths of his likeness; make no mistake, the look is there, it just doesn't completely stick the landing. 

Speaking of looks, Chucky's got a badass Bob to beat even the most vicious of Karens. Hide your coupons, get your managers - ech, I've made myself sick. This snazzy little strangler's ginger mop, while certainly darling, ought to be a lot more crazy. While he's always had a thick red mane of manic hair, he definitely never had such a flawlessly carved cut in the original films - hell, sometimes he had less. Nowadays, it's a different story, so I can't say it's ridiculously offputting or anything - in fact, you might even say it's become on-model - but it just isn't the wild flame of hair seen in Child's Play 2. It even puts Tiffany's lumpy 'fro to shame. That's not to diss the real doll hair, though - at roughly the size of the standard Barbie, he's such a fun novelty of a figure thanks to this feature alone. Really adds to that whole killer doll aesthetic. I think it ultimately came out better on the 12" version, but really, the imperfections caused by the gimmick can be excused seeing as it really is  cool thing to include. Stands out.

Going down, Chucky's body is almost exactly the same as that of the Bride variant; the obvious difference being, this version's lack of battle damage. Having yet to encounter the dreaded gigantic fucking fan which gave him his lovely lacerated look, this Chucky's nice and unassuming - no tell-tale gaping wounds or jagged tears to speak of. 

Then again, the dark layer of dirt covered throughout Chucky's Good Guys garb is a sure sign this doll's seen his fair share of action; the thick, sooty resin wash really brings out his body's sculpt, and gives it that creepy, disused feel. The painted details such as his stripes, buttons and logos vary from good, to good enough, to... well, not bad, but certainly not to today's collectors standards or anything. For example, you can actually see the Good Guys logo emblazoned across Chucky's chest this time, on one hand, but on the other, the cartoony pattern dotting his overalls has been replaced by sort of impressionistic dabs of color. Does it matter? Not really. Honestly, seeing as Movie Maniacs has always aimed just right of true realism, these sort of nitpicks are non-issues - but, they're still something to note, especially if screen accuracy is what you're looking for. No toyetic footprints here, folks. 

With one foot slightly raised, he's sculpted in a sort of imposing half-step; not quite a lurch, more of an... evil stroll. Creepily inviting, as any lecherous, soul-stealing doll should be. It can make him a bit hard to balance in some surfaces, but usually he stands up fine. All sorts of very intricate stitches, seams and folds make his outfit look very nice, with some sections even made from a sort of soft, fabric-like rubber. While he's unfortunately very lacking in articulation, with simple swivel joints in the neck, shoulders, wrists and waist, I think you can get more than a few dynamic poses out of what you're given. He's great to just mess around with. 

Chucky comes with two accessories; a knife, and a poster display. The knife is exactly the same as that of the Bride figure; it's got a sort of retro, hand-made vibe to it, nothing too realistic, but it looks good and fits snugly in his right hand. You can sort of jam it into his left hand, but it seems intended for the shape of the right. The poster display, a staple of the Maniacs series, is... whatever. I really dislike the excessively edgy skeletal nightmare border - feels like... ghetto tattoo shop and meth. It's cool to get a little poster as a memento of the film, I guess, but I would've probably preferred an actual accessory in it's place. A yard stick, a voodoo doll, a glock - guy had all sorts of memorable weapons in those first three movies.  As I said in the Bride review, these poster displays are probably a little more interesting when you've got loads of these figures side by side, but I think as is it's just not appealing. Feels like filler. 

Naturally, Chucky looks wicked beside the Chucky and Tiffany figures; and in the era of Chucky's neigh-endless cult of clones, they make for a pretty dope display. Surprisingly, while the Bride Chucky's torn getup is clearly modified from the clean standard, standard Chucky and Bride Chucky feature completely different base face sculpts; I would've assumed they might've use the same undamaged face to build off of, but on second thought, I suppose that might be closer to something a toy company would do today, in our digital age, rather than the still more traditional turn of the century. 

Y'know, they should've done a non-possessed Good Guy doll. Would've been cool. 

Movie Maniacs is a mixed bag of a line, especially through today's lens. Even some of the best examples from the series feel a little underwhelming as we've gotten so accustomed to crazy articulation, a landfills worth of accessories, and almost excessive eye for detail. Still, say what you will about Movie Maniacs, but I feel there was always a special touch of effort that inspired the very standard for collector's figures we have today. Seeing as many McFarlane alumni went on to create today's collectors lines, I guess we all have to start somewhere.

The Maniacs Chucky variety isnt't what I'd call a must-have, but they're still a pretty solid set of uncomplicated figures. I think nowadays you're better off hunting down NECA's Ultimate sets of these characters, but if you're like me, and love obscure, weird merchandise, these are your perfect friends 'till the end. Or something.

Now, if I had to choose one? I'm going with the Bride pack. You get both main villains, both looking pretty good, and, considering it's obscurity, it's not so bad on the aftermarket. The solo Chucky feels more like the figure you just need to "complete the set" - it's a little less impressive, but at the same time, he's a fun and unique figure in his own right. I know I've spent more time than any adult should, playing with this doll-but-not; frilling his hair, playing with poses - and, he's a natural in front of the camera. Besides all the serial murder, what's not to love?

Review - McFarlane Movie Maniacs Chucky and Tiffany

Bride of Chucky; wicked movie, full of late 90's camp mixed with a healthy amount of earnest creativity and blood drenched fun. I love the colorful direction by Ronny Yu. You can't really knock a movie with onscreen murderdoll intercourse, can you? It was a fucking gigantic film, Chuckys and Tiffanys plastered on everything from temporary tattoos to WWE jumbotrons. They're still crankin' out stuff themed around Bride's branding, though now you're starting to see more from Seed and the TV series. Well, just in time for Season 2, I've decided to break out McFarlane's Movie Maniacs Bride of Chucky two-pack; starring, who else, but Charles Lee Ray and Tiffany Valentine. In doll form. 

It's hard to put on paper exactly why these figures look good, because at face value, they ain't perfect. Sculpt wise, they're more akin to statues than action figures, which was the style at the time in the wild, wild realm of disgusting nerd memorabilia. Nowadays, you got the complete opposite; endless articulation, boatloads of accessories - hell, even the box is worth keeping. Not here; and though it's dated, I've got a soft spot for dinky, simple little toys. Less is more, or whatever.

What's with all the Simpsons references? I don't know, either. 

McFarlane, as usual, rode the line somewhere between screen accuracy and caricature; there's a sort of visibly unreal, maybe even cartoony look to almost all of their retro Maniacs line, and while it can be jarring or even plain off-model, I think it was an interesting way to make toys "art". Their largely predetermined poses might limit what you're able to pull off next to hotshots like NECA or MAFEX, sure, but these perceived limitations do support the series' more unique and dynamic sculpts. Since they didn't have to worry about working in 3,214,820 pin-sized joints, they were able to focus more squarely on the look of the figures themselves - give 'em more intent, very unique on the shelf. An advantage which, I suppose, makes examples like this a bit embarrassing. These are figures that are very of their time - hell, they're older than me - so I think it's important to emphasize what made these elements of their design cool, and not just the downsides one might naturally jump to in this day and age. The technology, industry, and following of collector's items has really changed in 20~ odd years, so  it's nice to look back to where the whole horror-toy-avalanche more or less started.

Chucky's gross. Covered in a grimy brownish wash, his little rubber body has suffered all sorts of abuse; from the metallic skull glinting through the seams of his skin, to the tears and gore strewn across his blood stained outfit. Pretty easy to tell this particular version of the Good Guy's seen his fair share of action. The paint work is really well done, with a good eye for accentuating the small sculpted details McFarlane was so fond of. One thing I especially like is the glossy red used to highlight his chest's jagged scar, really stands out against his matte rubber overalls. I wish his eyes were a little more centered - certain angles give him a sort of walleyed expression - but I'll live. I'll also note the details of his themed overalls aren't good, like, at all, but considering they were most likely given either blurry screenshots or some random press photos, I can't blame 'em for forgoing little tiny hats and hammers for nondescript blobs. I can't imagine many will even notice the difference - for what it's worth, though it's very blended in, the Good Guys insignia is actually there if you squint hard enough. Points for effort.

His sculpt is a little weird at first glance, but honestly, I think it's just that this particular design of Chucky is just really hard to capture; just look as these fucking demon babies. Sometimes it's the head shape, sometimes it's the hair, whatever it is, it's always tricky; especially since he may as well look different shot-to-shot in the first place, what with the whole stapled together thing going on. Really, as I mess around with the figure, I've come to really dig it's look - I can't outright list any inaccuracies, and for all intents and purposes, he's solid. At only four points of articulation, your creativity is pretty limited, but you can get a good handful of convincing poses out of the lil' strangler. His stubby legs are stuck in a foreboding half-step, reminding me of his firey final showdown in Child's Play; unfortunately, the imbalance can make him prone to toppling over, if you aren't careful. 

The most striking part of the figure's likeness is his rusty orange rooted hair, emulating the doll's wild Jack Nicholson do. It's pretty matted out of the box - especially after a few decades - but give it a little fluff and he's lookin' fine. The wild bits held by miniature staples and stitches are particularly sick - they really went all out, all things considered. It's not like any other Maniacs had actual hair. Not counting further members or clones of the Ray family. 

The groom's sole accessory is a crosshatched stabbin' knife, pictured above; fits perfectly in his gripping right hand, so you don't gotta worry about accidentally losing it. I always appreciate that in figures. Could've gone with a couple more little bonus features, such as a gun or the Heart of Damballa amulet, but I suppose a knife about sums him up. 

But where's the bride?! Rockin' a cool shiny faux-leather jacket, miniature cloth fishnets, chain "Tiffany" pendant, and an endearing tit-tatt, Tiffany makes a punky first impression; considering she was exclusive to this two pack, I'm impressed by the amount of detail put into her design. Hiking up her skirt with an evil smile, she's even got a wedding band wrapped around her nasty dolly thigh - I don't think that was even in the movie, far as I've seen, so you gotta appreciate the creativity. The sculpt's certainly captured Tiff's twisted personality, and though it's articulation even more limited in potential than that of her husband, I think her go-to teasing pose works cool anyway. Part of me wishes she were given a more static pose, which might've brought things together a little better and offered more creativity, but I dig the unique pose.  

The wrinkles, folds and decorations of her outfit are very well done; especially her heavy jacket and goth boots, looking almost real with that aforementioned gloss. Her makeup's on point, as the kids say, complete with penciled-in beauty mark. Her tattoo looks a bit crude, though again, I assume it's a matter of what reference material was available to the team - bit of a minute detail, in 1999. That, or y'know... who cares. 

Something is a little off about her head sculpt; I think it's the amount of forehead - couple acres too many, you ask me. Her expression could be better, resting in a sort of vacant downward stare - I can't tell what they were going for with the look, and it ends up giving her no real line of sight. Maybe give her less of a forward slouch, and it could've worked better. Still, it's definitely Tiff, and features the appropriate cues seen in her comparatively uglier Bride design. Tiff's sleek blonde hair is pretty clumped up and frizzy - I'm sure she'd have something to say about that. Being thicker than Chucky's, it's naturally a lot harder to stylize to your liking; you could form it to a fitting shape if you used a rubber band to hold down her 'fro a while, but that's only if you're really after movie accuracy; the general impression is certainly there, so it's no big issue. 

Tiff came with two accessories; however, in reality, we'll make that one, because the other is what I refer to as "bullshit". It's a itty-bitty plastic cigarette, meant to be held in her gesturing left hand; thing is, it's so comically miniscule I didn't even realize it was in the box when I first opened these - so by the time I noticed, that thing had already hit the landfill weeks earlier. Oh well - smoking's bad, anyways, all that. Her other accessory is a big bottle of wine; used by Barbie herself to smash a gigantic ceiling mirror, dicing the Vegas victims gyrating beneath. What a bitch! The detail is pretty sub-par, but it's no deal breaker. Should've given her a heaping plate of cookies, too, or the Voodoo For Dummies manual. Me likey useless pack-ins.

The newlyweds, as with every Maniacs figure, came with a film appropriate poster; this one, of course, being Bridc of Chucky's memorable poster. Apparently it's a parody of Scream 2, but I'd bet the Chucky version's become much more recognizable. The poster itself is printed on very cardstock, attached to it's skeletal base via hot glue dabs. It's pretty low end, to the point of feeling extraneous, and the base itself is way too Tortured Souls for my taste. Blech. I would've preferred less of a branded display for the poster, or at least, one that somehow tied into the Bride motif. I guess it makes for a neat display, though, and I bet if you've got lots of these the posters look pretty neat next to each other. 

These guys are really sweet, simple figures - and though they may be lacking in some departments, as Tiff would be sure to point out, they're cool for big fans and casuals alike. I really wish they made the lovely couple's creepy little semi-son, Glen, who's only actual action figure is... atrocious; sadly, the line itself came to close the same year as Glen's debut, meaning no nonbinary nightmares. There is, however, a standard Chucky themed around Child's Play 2 who came out more or less at the same time as this set. I recently scooped him up, and he's on the way, so I might just do a review to round off the company's Chucky gallery - not counting their 12" variation, because I enjoy having money.

'Till next time, folks... we belong dead.

Review - Spirit Halloween Good Guy Doll (Chucky)

 

The Lakeshore Strangler awakens...

I've been on a major Chucky binge the past few months - it started when I rented the entire series from the Family Video at which I worked (rest in peace), and I haven't been able to shake it since. It's like a horrible, orange-haired chimp clung to my banana wielding psyche. Or something. 

Just recently, I snatched up this wicked little guy - er, Good Guy. Spirit Halloween's newest model of the titular terror, complete with replica box! 

Chucky's looked pretty different from film, to film - to TV show, nowadays. Just like Godzilla's ever-changing appearance, Chucky's design depends on everything from plot, to creative direction, to budget - making for plenty of variety between incarnations.

This particular edition seems to aim for a sort of generalized take on the character, though I think it looks most like the "disguised" Chucky as seen in Curse of Chucky. It's the buck teeth and heavy, sunken eyes. Admittedly, the face sculpt could use a bit of work - I'm not sure what it is, but something about the eyes and forehead seems pretty off when you're looking through the eyes of an over-scrutinizing fan. It isn't enough to completely throw off the likeness, but it certainly isn't what I'd call one-to-one. More like... three-and-a-half-to-one.

However, that aside, it should be noted this doll isn't particularly dedicated to onscreen accuracy, beyond some neat little details such as the patterns on the soles of his bright red shoes, or the open, sort of pointing sculpt on his hands. I'd venture to guess any semblance it has to one particular version or another is pure lucky coincidence - it's definitely a Good Guy doll, and that's all it needs to be.

At the end of the day, calling this a poor representation of the character by any stretch of the word just isn't fair. This is most definitely Barbie mode Chucky, at his glazed, glassy-eyed best. If you're looking for a Good Guy that leaps off the screen, you'll have to go a bit higher end.

 Something I'm a bit less receptive toward, as far as accuracy goes, is the box; the most glaring of which is the "Chucky" tagline across it's face, which was never there in any of the movies. It's one of those things where I understand why it's there - I just wish it wasn't.

The packaging is designed to be very reminiscent of it's onscreen counterpart - and, make no mistake, it gets the job done - but, choices such as the entirely new art of the Good Guys, or the self-referential additional taglines, sadly null any real accuracy the box could've had. 

Still, will I lose any sleep over the box being less than perfect? Of course not - it looks cool regardless, especially with the Chuckster sealed away inside. The colors are right on, and at about 31 inches, it looks just as tall and imposing as it did lining the warehouse shelves seen in the memorable climax of Child's Play 2.

Holding NECA's Ultimate Chucky

Chucky stands - that's right, stands! - about an inch shorter, making him quite a bit taller than most budget Chucky dolls. His head can turn, albeit very tightly, and both arms have been fitted with a bendable wire allowing for some simple posing. Allowing him to stand is very dense stuffing throughout his lower body; meaning, sadly, his legs and torso have almost no poseablity. It's awesome he can stand on his own, but I do wish he could at least sit down. 

To hopefully noone's suprprise, he's more of a decoration than a legitimate doll or action figure; which, to me, is why issues such as it's inaccuracies feel so important to point out. If he's designed for display, I'd think one may as well have aimed for the stars in lieu of the limitations necessary for your average toy.

Cult of Chucky establishes that the Good Guys brand has been reissued and remade ad-nauseum throughout the years, becoming something of an infamous horror icon - not unlike the ever-evolving, ever-trashy Child's Play saga. Maybe this is an example said reissues, what with the somewhat updated package design and, again, self-referential taglines. I could certainly see the demonic Play Pals cashing in on Andy Barclay's raves of killer dolls.

Personally, despite my criticisms, I dig this Chucky! It's not perfect, but then, for a representation of an extremely creepy doll from the 1980's... I'd say he's ticked all the boxes, really. 

Here's hoping I survive the night. 

Update - Messing around with him, I noticed the bendable wire actually does thread down into both legs. Still not very poseable, though - movement starts around the knee. Thought it was worth a mention!