That's from Star Wars. The phong is something I'm struggling with, and why that test was done. I keep trying to target in on the right curving angle in PoseRay to export with proper obj. & .mtl file for TG2.  I don't want to use the hypernurb because I think your right and it makes it look to plastic.
The knee joint is hypernurb.
The hip joint is not, nor the trans.
So I just need some more testing to get everything like the hip joint and I should be able to move on..

I've been formulating some bodypaint, ideas and strategies in my head, but I'm going to keep mulling them over. In a month or so I'd like to shoot you a pm about them and see what you think.
Your getting closer to your bodypaint work. :)