The Good: Great sculpt, Collectibility, Decent sound clip, Good balance
The Bad: Light on coloring details
The Basics: This year's Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 ornament captures Groot fairly well, even if the coloring is not as precise as it could be.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a major genre powerhouse, the merchandising has followed in a predictable way. This year, Hallmark is betting big on the studio's two predictable blockbusters, with ornaments from Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 and Thor: Ragnarok holiday ornaments. For the already-released film, Hallmark released the Groovin' Groot ornament!
For those unfamiliar with the concept, “Groovin' Groot” is a holiday ornament that features the dancing baby incarnation of Groot from the opening credit scene of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (reviewed here!). In the opening credit scene, Baby Groot begins rocking out while the rest of the team fights an interdimensional monster that has appeared to menace a planet. The Groovin' Groot ornament is made entirely of plastic and is an amazing sculpt, even if the coloring is not as precise as the character in the film.
Basics
“Groovin' Groot” recreates Groot in his baby from Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 as he rocks out on the platform from the film. The ornament, released in 2017, is an impressive ornament that is perfect in the sculpted details, but not its coloring. Groovin' Groot in this incarnation looks just like the CG version of Baby Groot with the Groovin' Groot with impressive detailing for the arms, soil and platform segment, but not the coloring. Measuring four and a half inches tall, three and a half inches wide and two and three-quarters inches deep, this “Groovin' Groot” seems to be one of the more popular Marvel Comics ornaments at the original issue price of $17.95.
The Hallmark “Groovin' Groot” ornament is made of a durable plastic, with fine veining for his rootlike legs and fingers. He is cast in a simple brown and metallic gray plastic. The proportions are all wonderful and this Groovin' Groot sculpt looks like it may have come from a digital model of the character, save on the coloring front. The “Groovin' Groot” ornament has no visible seams and the platform base he is cast on looks amazing.
Unfortunately, while the Groovin' Groot has glossy orange and black eyes and that looks accurate, the coloring on the bulk of the character is nowhere near as rich or realistic. The platform Groot is dancing on looks impressive with its worn metallic sheen. Beyond that, though, the Groot lacks the depth and shading - or even much in the way of green accents - to completely sell the character's realistic look from the film.
Features
As a Hallmark Keepsake ornament, “Groovin' Groot” could have a function like a sound chip or light effect, but it only has a sound clip. Pressing a very noticeable button on the top of the platform base begins playing a thirty second clip of the Parliament song "Flash Light" from a speaker embedded on the bottom. The sound clip is loud and powered by two watch batteries that are included. The sound clip is an awesome touch that enhances the value of this ornament and is very cool, even if the musical cue from the film is nowhere near as distinctive as the one from the first film.
Balance
As with all ornaments, the intent of the Hallmark Keepsake “Groovin' Groot” ornament is to be hung on a Christmas Tree. And for those creating the ultimate superhero Christmas Tree, the “Groovin' Groot” ornament is a good ornament for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2. The ornament has a brass hook loop that comes out of the top, back, center of Groovin' Groot’s head. Fortunately, from that position, the Groovin' Groot ornament hangs perfectly level.
Collectibility
Hallmark Keepsake began delving into the collectibles market in 1991 with Star Trek when it introduced the exceptionally limited edition original U.S.S. Enterprise ornament (reviewed here!). Since then, they have delved into virtually every other collectible franchise in an attempt to cash in on every major license. Given how popular Groot is and how well the first Hallmark ornament sold, it is likely that this ornament will hold its value and probably appreciate in value.
Overview
The Groovin' Groot ornament might not have all the richest coloring detailing to it, but it is still an impressive Hallmark ornament for genre fans!
For other Marvel Hallmark ornaments, please check out my reviews of:
2014 War Machine Iron Man 3 ornament
2014 Hulk Smash! ornament
2014 Captain America from Captain America: The Winter Soldier
2014 Web-Slinging Wonder The Amazing Spider-Man 2
2013 Iron Patriot Iron Man 3 ornament
2012 Captain America The Avengers ornament
2012 Iron Man The Avengers ornament
2012 Thor The Avengers ornament
2012 The Amazing Spider-Man ornament
2011 Spider-Man ornament
2011 Thor ornament
2010 Defender Of Justice Iron Man 2 ornament
8/10
For other ornament reviews, please check out my Ornament Review Index Page!
© 2017 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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