REVIEW: TRON – Flynn TCF | Plastic and Plush

Background

In 1982, the Walt Disney Company released a revolutionary film that garnered positive reviews, but also a cult following. TRON starred Jeff Bridges as computer programmer/hacker Kevin Flynn. Flynn, who is attempting to find proof that several video games he designed were stolen, is digitized into the ENCOM mainframe. That's where the amazing computer-world of TRON comes to life.

With the recent release of TRON: Legacy, folks are comparing the sequel (28 years later) to the original film. And while CGI has made unthinkable things in 1982 possible in 2010, there's nothing like the original.

So...it was nice to see that Tonner Doll Company has released a Kevin Flynn Tonner Character Figure based on Jeff Bridges from the original TRON movie. While there's been a mad rush of licensed TRON: Legacy figures hitting the market, this one harkens back to the 80's.

The Facts  

Flynn
Series: TRON
Manufacturer: Tonner Doll Company
Authorized Likeness: Jeff Bridges
Material: Tonner's Matt Oneill body with light brunette rooted hair
Dimensions: 17” tall
Points of Articulation: 14 points
Outfit: White knit bodysuit with custom blue circuit board design; White tunic; Faux leather armbands; Removable circuit board helmet; Faux leather boots
Accessories: Identity Disk; Two sets of hands – white and flesh; Display stand
Edition Size: 500 pieces

Packaging

Tonner has packaged the Flynn figure in their normal rectangular box, with all of the protections inside. The top is all black with the (Disney) Tron logo and the artwork from the original movie poster (Reaching For Light).

Our Opinion

The first thing everyone will say is...”that doesn't look like Jeff Bridges”. I'd have to agree with them. But, to be honest, Jeff Bridges seems to be a difficult actor to sculpt. Just look at Hot Toys, often recognized as the top sculptor out there. The initial shots of the aged Flynn from TRON: Legacy look slightly off. Actually, I have yet to see a toy with a good Bridges sculpt.

That being said, I have two complaints about Tonner's Flynn figure. The first is the hair. With a helmet, I don't think there was any need for styled, rooted hair. Secondly, the helmet isn't film accurate. In TRON, Flynn's helmet has cutouts for his ears to show through. There's also a little bit of sloppy paint application (it could have used another coat) on the helmet.

I'm now going to tell you why I love this figure. It's a 17” tall figure from TRON. The character could have been Flynn, TRON, RAM, the fat TRON guy you see at Comic Con...it doesn't really matter. The outfit looks amazing and this is an articulated figure based on the original TRON film.

The Flynn TCF is able to hold that nostalgic look of an 80's doll. The helmet, while I mentioned - not completely screen accurate, does have a handmade and hand-painted look to it. The simple white and sky blue outfit includes several vinyl armbands and wristbands. And the figure includes two sets of hands – white or flesh tone. I prefer the white pair, since it goes better with Flynn's outfit. And, of course, there's his Identity Disk, which is secured to his back by a pair of elastic bands.

OVERALL: Like I said...the sculpting doesn't scream Jeff Bridges to me. But you're going to be hard-pressed to find a better quality figure based on the original 1982 TRON film. So if you're a hardcore TRON fan, this needs to be in your collection. And with only 500 of them produced, I'm guessing that your time is running out to pick one up.