Along with Acklay and Nexu, Reek (not to be confused with Reek) rounds out the three giant beasts that were released into Petranaki Arena with the intent to provide joy to thousands in attendance of the would-be execution of Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padmé.  Reek was the first of the three to be brought out into view, an it was pretty impressive.  Akin to a cross between a triceratops and a rhinoceros, Reek looked to be an angry fellow as he was guided towards Anakin’s prison pillar by his Geonosian handlers.

Anakin used his Jedi skills to evade the charging Reek, and then landed on its back and used the ornery creature’s strength as leverage to break the chain free from the pillar. After some arena hijinks, Anakin seemed to channel a bit of Ezra Bridger’s Doctor Doolittle Jedi powers, and calmed Reek just enough to remount and then take control by using the chains as proper reigns.  Once under his control, Anakin guided Reek into Nexu at full speed, killing (or at least incapacitating) it.  Now freed, the 3 heroes jumped on the Reek together.  Their freedom was short-lived, however, as they were quickly encircled by a group of no-nonsense Droidekas, right at the moment Mace Windu and the Jedi Strike Team arrived. 

Reek was on the loose during the ensuing Arena battle, chasing Mace Windu around and losing a bit of horn to a purple lightsaber swipe in the process. After being trampled like a rag doll, Jango Fett finally ended the whole business with a shot from his shiny blaster.

The toy is a faithful reproduction of the onscreen beast.  It is very well sculpted, and the snarling face really brings out the fearsomeness that we see in the film. The detailing of the skin and face are excellent, and the paint apps, while relatively simple, are effective. Reek has an unfortunately placed button near his, uh, parts.  This is to activate the various electronic roars that Hasbro built in.  In addition to the basic articulation at the shoulders and hips, the left arm has an elbow hinge which can be used to not only activate sounds, but also move the head up and down.  The whole thing is supposed to mimic the bull-ish pre-attack dance that Reek makes prior to charging Jango Fett.

Overall, it’s executed fairly well, and looks great with the other arena participants.  A nice addition to the line.  6/10, just like his two pals.