CRM is actually a reoccurring in-joke in many of Kubrick's works. The drug that Alex receives in "A Clockwork Orange" is Serum (CRM) 114. The message decoder in "Dr. Strangelove" is CRM 114. The room that Tom Cruise visits the dead hooker in "Eyes Wide Shut" is RM. 114, Wing C. CRM Toys to date has made two characters from Stanley Kubrick films. I'll do a review of the Crime Cure "Alex" next. Here's to holding out for a talking HAL toy or Private Joker/Animal Mother 2-pack. So, onto the review.

Packaging - ****
The packaging on all the CRM figures is great, especially for us that don't care about packaging. The image of the figure is painted on the front of the box to look like it came right from the film, with some lines from the movie itself. But what's really great is how easy the figure removes from the box. You just slice the little sticker where the flap goes into the box, open it up, and slide the figure out. No twisty-ties or tape to deal with because the figure is not meant to be positioned in the box so it can be displayed within. I think this is brilliant. When you buy a figure like this, you're not paying for the package. The Japanese seem to be more concerned with ease of access than, say, having the figure look good in a window box. I also like the basic aesthetic of the design. Nothing flashy and easy to open. Plus, an opened-boxed figure really is never not-mint-all you did was slit the sticker.

Sculpt - ****
Wowee-wowee-wow-wow-wow. This is really where the figure shines. The sculpting of Jack Nicholson's face is amazing and a dead on likeness! Go crazy? Don't mind if I do! The psychotic intensity in his eyes, the furrowed brow, and sinister smile all just come together the moment where Jack Torrance goes over the edge. The guy just looks possessed! I own a lot of scary figures, but this guy is just eerie.

Paint - ****
And the paint is just as great as the sculpting, so it's hard not talk about both together. The time was taken to get the shading right on Nicholson's face and forehead. The eyes have a tinge of red in them and the mouth is slightly agate. A few beads of sweat appear lightly on his head and the scruff is just enough to add the effect of a 5 o'clock shadow. The figure really just gives you the willies. When I opened the box, you could smell the acrylic paint, when you usually just smell PVC glue. From what I know about CRM is that they paint each figure by hand, so that's one reason the price tag is so high. It really makes you wonder where the art stops and the toy begins. If I could give the paint and sculpt five stars, I would.

Articulation - ****
It's your typical Dragon or Medicom 1/6 body and I have no problem with that. I like the articulated fingers, so I think that's always a bonus. The wire armature for them seems stronger then most too. The clothes are not as restrictive as the look, but they did add padding to the waist to fatten up the body under the suit, but it really doesn't limit the articulation. The joints are tight and I have never felt uncomfortable really moving the figure around.

Accessories - ***1/2
It's hard to give this figure anything less than 4 stars for anything, but this is the only spot where they could have stepped it up a little. All Mr. Torrance has is the ax, but the ax head is metal and the handle wooden, which is very impressive. I'm not real sure what else they could have gave him-a typewriter, a tennis ball, those creepy twins, an elevator door that shoots out blood?

Outfit - ****
Totally accurate down to every stitch, but the painstaking details are where you are blown away. The denim jeans don't bunch up because the material is thin enough. And there is a functional 5th pocket! The corduroy jacket really nicely done-it's lining is stitched inside and, again, the material is correct to scale, show it doesn't bunch up in the wrong places. The leather belt is a nice touch and the working buckle is the cherry on the sundae. The slight complaint I have (which doesn't even warrant a point deduction) is that the snaps on the flannel shirt are the normal metal kind and a little obtrusive and large, especially the top one.

Fun Factor - ****
The toy really just demands respect on the shelf. It's the piece that EVERYONE is drawn to when they see it. There is just nothing out there like it. Simply amazing! I've also had a few people just shiver when they inspect the figure closer, which speaks volumes about the craftsmanship. You really can't have a decent 1/6 scale horror shelf without this guy. Jack would go ax-to-ax with Jason any day.

Value - ****
Besides having a crazy Jack Nicholson on your shelf, the fact is that the toy is a piece of art. Hand-painted, hand-stitched, and released in low numbers (less than 100), this figure is something that will just make money the longer it sits on your shelf. Go ahead, look for it on eBay. It's looong gone. I paid a little over $300 w/ S&H a couple years back, but I'd expect to pay more at this point. Honestly, worth every penny, especially to us die-hard Stanley Kubrick fans.

Overall - ****
(really, five if it was possible)

Things to watch out for -
I've had no problems with any of the CRM Toys figures I've purchased. Keep watch for the possibility of a re-release though, considering CRM Toys did this for their "Alex" Crime Cure figure.

Score Recap:
Packaging - ****
Sculpt - ****
Paint - ****
Articulation - ****
Accessories - ***1/2
Outfit - ****
Fun Factor - ****
Value - ****
Overall - ****

Where to Buy - 
Keep watch for Mr. Torrance on eBay and your typical import stores, like Popsalute or ABC Express. You might wanna plan a trip to the Far East, but don't hold your breath. Jack went balmy a long time ago and now he's frozen out in the snow somewhere.