Background
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a 2010 movie based on the video game of the same name. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan, Gemma Arterton as Princess Tamina, Ben Kingsley as Nizam, and Alfred Molina as Sheik Amar. It has grossed over $335 Million worldwide, becoming the highest grossing video game adaptation ever.
Tonner has released their Tonner Character Figures based on two of the main characters – Dastan and Tamina. For this review, we're going to take a look at the Tamina TCF. Tamina is the young ruler of the sacred city of Alamut. She accompanies Dastan on his journey to clear his name from the King's murder.
The Facts
Tamina
Series: Prince of Persia
Manufacturer: Tonner Doll Co.
Authorized Likeness: Gemma Arterton
Material: Hard plastic articulated body with rotocast head and rooted saran hair
Dimensions: 16" Tyler BW Convertible Body
Points of Articulation: 17 (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, chest, waist, hips, knees, ankles, feet)
Outfit: White brocade tunic; White harem pants; Gold slippers; Belt with buckle.
Accessories: Amulet of Time necklace
Edition Size: 500 pieces
Packaging
Tonner has designed new packaging for their Prince of Persia line. The rectangular box features the Prince of Persia logo. The Tamina figure is secured in the box using ribbons and Styrofoam. The shoes and necklace are individually bagged.
Our Opinion
Video games rarely make a successful jump from the console to the big screen. The first example that comes to mind is Super Mario Bros. featuring Bob Hoskins as Mario and John Leguizamo as Luigi. I guess the Tomb Raider films did well at the box office, but video game films seem to pale in comparison to comic book movies. While Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time ended up grossing more than its budget, the film received mixed reviews.
Tonner Doll Company released two character figures from the film – Dastan and Tamina. Gemma Arterton, who plays Tamina, isn't really a household name. Although, she previously did have roles in Quantum of Solace and Clash of the Titans. It's always difficult comparing non-recognizable actors or actresses to action figure facial sculpts.
But the more I look at movie stills of Arterton and the TCF, the more I like the facial sculpt. And it does appear that she – like Jake Gyllenhaal - tanned heavily for the role.
I was able to find a still image of Tamina that appears to be the basis of Tonner's outfit choice. This is one area that the company usually nails. And while nothing about the attire jumps out at you (go look at their Mad Hatter), Tamina's outfit looks like a great replica of the source.
The price point - $179.99 – seems a little high for me, considering there's not a lot of accessories and the outfit doesn't seem overly complex. I would have pinned Tamina around $159.99, considering that the Zoe (Firefly) TCF is the same edition size, more detailed and selling for $169.99.
OVERALL: Fans of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time will find slim pickings when it comes to collectibles based on the Tamina character. (Prince Dastan is another story) But Tonner has filled that void with a solid Tonner Character Figure, capturing the look of Gemma Arteron.
You can pick one up at the following:
Tonner Direct: $179.99
Tamina Grades
Figure Quality: 9/10
Sculpt: 9/10
Paint: 9/10
Accessories/Outfit: 7/10
Packaging: 7/10
Durability: 8/10
Fun Factor: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Overall: 8.8/10
