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Sometimes I really admire Hasbro. They really do their best to put good toys on the shelf. They pack their tiny 3¾" figures with detail, articulation and playability. Though the cost of the Star Wars license keeps the figure prices up, Hasbro tries to give fans the best value they can.
The beautiful Padmé Amidala is a member of the Galactic Senate who strives for a peaceful resolution to the civil strife plaguing the Republic. After narrowly escaping two assassination attempts linked to the expanding Separatist movement, Padme seeks retreat under the protection of Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker. Soon the heroic pair are lured to the heart of the Separatist stronghold, where cataclysmic events propel them into the midst of a deadly battle and the explosive onslaught of war.
In both Star Wars prequels so far, Padmé has demonstrated the sort of ballsy confidence with which her daughter comported herself in the originals. Though she tries to work through diplomatic channels, she gets her best results when she takes charge and acts rather than debating. In Phantom Menace, she led a raid on her own palace and captured the enemy leaders. In Attack of the Clones, she came out of hiding to rescue one of her friends.
This figure is based on the Padme we see on Geonosis. Proving that fashion sense runs in the family, she's wearing the sexiest white outfit seen since Leia fought her way out of the Death Star. Cream-colored boots and belt, silver armbands, and an off-white cape complete the look. Molded to her right thigh is a holster for the tiny blaster included with the figure.
Padmé is intended to be put in a running pose, so she's sculpted very dynamically. She's twisting at the waist, so her shirt and her muscles stretch to the side. She carries her pistol in front of her, not aiming it, and her left arm is behind her.
The likeness on this figure is really one of Hasbro's best yet. She looks a far sight more like Natalie Portman than either of the two previous Amidalas (three if you count the Unleashed version). She's got somewhat of a stern look on her face, and she's calling out. It's not easy to sculpt an open mouth at any scale, let alone one as tiny as this 3¾", but Hasbro did a wonderful job. Her hair is even pulled back in the proper complicated bun.
Padme is quite poseable, with articulation at the boot tops, knees, hips, waist, biceps, shoulders and neck. Her cape is a separate piece, sculpted beautifully. It's got the nappy texture of the real thing, and looks like it's flowing out behind Padmé as she runs.
The figure includes a conveyor belt base, taken from the Battle Droid factory. According to the packaging, the base can plug into the Droid Factory Assembly Line and Arena playsets, giving you more play value for your money.
I would venture to say that this is the best Amidala figure yet: she's got an excellent sculpt, a good pose, decent accessories and plenty of articulation. If George Lucas weren't so in love with lining his own pockets, this figure could easily cost half as much, but Hasbro has tried to provide you with the most they can for your money.
-- 05/19/03
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