Neo (The Matrix) - Action Figure Reviews

Series: The Matrix, 1

Craftsmanship: 8.0 out of 10

- Wonderful in-action bullet-time sculpt

- Lovingly detailed to perfection...

- ... except for Keanu's face

Playability: 0.0 out of 10

- Collectors Display Piece

- Thus, it doesn't do anything

Related Links:

Action Figure: Trinity (The Matrix)

Action Figure: Sentinel (The Matrix)

Action Figure: Trinity 2 (The Matrix)

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Neo (The Matrix) by McFarlane Toys

neo the matrix

Following up last week's Trinity is Neo, another figure from McFarlane Toys' popular Matrix series of action figures. This line includes figures from the original Matrix film, including both Neo (reviewed here) and Trinity in poses direct from the

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infamous lobby scene, then figures from sequel The Matrix Reloaded, including Morpheus and the Twins fighting in the underground car park, and a deluxe boxed set of Neo fighting in the Chateau.

These figures have become another money-making hit for McFarlane, despite being display pieces rather than playable toys, in contrast to the "ultra-action figures" tagline. Still, there was

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hope for the second series: a slim possibility that we might be blessed with some articulated figures to make up for the statues from this series - alas, that hope is seemingly lost, with reports speculating the upcoming series, in time for the new film, will mostly be more of the same; the only difference being the figures based on the third film, The Matrix Revolutions.

Getting back to the review, Neo is preposed in action from the Lobby scene - vertical handplant, firing at enemies with an assault rifle he previous picked up during a cartwheel. Like Trinity, Neo is essentially a three part mini-diorama, including the main figure, the concrete base and a breaking-apart column. Neo himself is sculpted very nicely, adorned with realistic leather clothing and boots complete with excellent detailing and paint aps. He has one issue, the same thing that plagued Trinity - his facial sculpt. For a straightforward man with glasses, I'm surprised McToys can't get these faces right. When posed on the base, it's less noticeable, but looking up close you can see that they haven't quite got the face right, losing some Craftsmanship points.

The concrete base and column is the highlight for me - I love how they've done these and made them look so good, so authentic. The base is simply sculpted, just concrete floor and walls, but demolished, covered in cracks and bullet holes and rubble. There are even clouds of dust coming off the walls, semi-clear plastic pieces which are plugged into the walls for nice effect. These are also featured on the column, which is also being slowly demolished.

All put together, the dioramic effect is very nice - Neo fits into the base by a metal rod which runs down his arm, staying vertical in the in-action pose returning fire at the security force. His coat and general pose looks realistic, closely based on the movements from the movie, no doubt for authenticity by the talented McToy sculptors. With this in mind, the display value on this toy is excellent, but the playability is completely non-existant. Neo is articulated at the legs, shoulders, waist and neck, but because he's preposed it doesn't do anything. He also includes a few weapons as accessories, which are also useless. This is completely for display and it ain't going anywhere.

Overall, collectors who want this piece for display will love it. Those after a fun playable Neo will be disappointed. As to when we'll have a super-posable Neo, I don't think we should hold our collective breath.

- Shocka
(July 6, 2003)