Packaging - *1/2
Homer comes in a standard window box. Nothing exciting, and very
minimal graphics and descriptions.
Sculpting - **1/2
The sculpting isn't too bad, but the lower jaw is hinged so that it moves as
he speaks some lines. This means that at certain times the jaw
position looks better than at other times. Depending on when you catch
his look, he could look great or terrible.
Paint - *1/2
Unfortunately, this is a case where a decent sculpt is obliterated by a bad
paint job. While the face sculpt looks decent, a sloppy job on the
eyes and mouth end up making Homer look pretty weak. On my figure (and
all the ones I saw) his right pupil is off to one side, while the right
pupil was fairly well lined up. It ends up giving Homer a really dopey
look - more dopey than usual.
Articulation - **1/2
Normally I wouldn't give an articulation rating for a toy like this, but
because they jointed his jaw for movement, and jointed his arms so they can
be positioned in different ways, I thought he was well deserving of a few
stars here.
Besides, he's got a wicked
pelvis wiggle.
Boogie/voice feature -
***1/2
Here's the part you're going to really like - watching Homer swing his
hips, move his arms up and down, and turn his head from side to side with
the two songs (Rapper's Delight and Shake Your Bootie) is going to make you
laugh. Really. You won't be able to help yourself, even if the
overall figures isn't the best in the world.
The quality of the movement
feature is pretty good, although Homer's mouth doesn't move with every line
or phrase. The hip swing is very similar to the Santa Claus, but
something about Homer doing it just fits so well.
The arms hold their position
well, and I don't think you'll break him too easily. The figure can be
operated by pressing the button on the base, or with a motion detector.
There's also an AC attachment for a power cord if you don't want to suck up
the batteries.
Value - **
The suggested retail on this is $40, and at that price it's a pretty poor
value. Let's face it, it really is just an oversized dancing
hamster. However, if you can pick it up for $25 or less, you're at
least getting a passing value..
Overall - **
The dancing and singing here is the main feature and best feature of this
toy. Don't go in expecting the greatest sculpt or paint job, and just
enjoy the hilarious gyrations. I wish the price wasn't so high - at
$15 or so it would be a much better item. Aren't those damn hamster
ten bucks though? With Homer being so much larger and complicated, I
suppose I shouldn't be surprised at the price point.
Where to Buy -
I picked mine up on sale this week at JC Penny's (Father's Day Sale!) for
$24.99. You can also find it on-line:
- Incredible
Gifts has it for $28.99 plus shipping.
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