It's time for another episode in the series of "Rides I've Never Been On"...
... right, so they aren't exactly rides I haven't EVER been on, nor are they NEW rides, and for that matter, they aren't exactly rides, they're shows, but it seems like as good a time as any to share my thoughts on some of the smaller fare at Universal Studios Orlando, including the new Beetlejuice's Graveyard Review, the Extreme Ghostbusters: The Great Fright Way, and the Horror Make-Up Show.
For the record, I really like Beetlejuice. I like the 1988 movie, I like Tim Burton's style, and I liked Michael Keaton's performance in the film. That being said, the latest reincarnation of Beetlejuice's Graveyard Review is moderate, at best.
The new show debuted in the summer of last year. The original show was cloned from the Hollywood version which no longer exists. Here in Orlando, the stage was an elaborate castle set built outside on a corner of the San Francisco Back Lot, between Earthquake and Kongfrontation. The new show is influenced by the successful Universal Studios Japan version. What's different? The monsters got a costume update and a change of music which now reflect the recent '90s. The theater itself was moved further back and turned into an open air theater, allowing for the show to go on during poor weather. The Phantom of the Opera was also removed from the cast list, only to be replaced by a duo of rapping girls Hip and Hop.
The show is flamboyant and energetic as ever. The characters jump around onstage, dance and sing--it's all very technical, pyrotechnic and loud. Needless to say, some of it is just plain kitsch, but acting for most theme park stage shows is. The first few minutes of the show where it's just Beetlejuice are probably the best--the actor playing the character is generally spot on to Keaton's portrayal, and Beej's ability to ab-lib make for some genuinely funny moments. I have to say I'm rather disappointed the Phantom was removed--I'm not quite certain about the story behind that, but he was one of a my favorite characters. And while Hip and Hop may radiate a certain sex appeal for the male audience, their inclusion is questionable: they aren't monsters--they've never been in a movie (that I know of)--it just kinda throws the formula off balance.
If you saw the original, but haven't seen the new one, I think you should check it out and judge for yourself if it's worth the return trip. I don't think this is one where you could actually call the show a dud, because some folks will enjoy it and some will not. The actors certainly are talented and the show entertains. On a TPI scale of 0-10, I give it a 5-Average... plus or minus a point.
During the summer period when Beetlejuice's Graveyard Review was in rehab, the Ghost With The Most made his appearance over in the New York Back Lot in front of the New York Library facade as a part of the new Extreme Ghostbusters show: The Great Fright Way. I'm also a Ghostbuster fan: I had a proton pack growing up, I own both DVDs and watched the original cartoon and the recent animated series. It's nice to see the Busters represented again at USO (I never had the opportunity to see the first show on the Twister soundstage), but the added mixture of Beej made it a very interesting concept: the best ghost exterminators in the business going head-to-head against the best ghoul of the afterlife. I expected an epic battle and ended up with a mediocre song and dance.
Guests gather at the end of the street to meet the Orlando Unit Ghostbusters (and learn how you too can own your own Extreme Ghostbusters franchise), but before the show even gets started, the Beetleman crashes the party and turns the Busters into a boy band. Awkward singing and dancing ensues, combined with traditional crass jokes that only Beej can offer. The show provides an outlet for nostalgia while serving as mediocre entertainment fodder. While the actors always give it their all, the show just seems burdened and forced. I would've preferred more elaborate story and special effects and props and less singing and dancing. On the TPI scale, the attraction rates a high 3-Weak/low 4-Mediocre. Maybe a 5-Average if you're a huge Ghostbuster/Beetlejuice fan. A few small improvements on set design and script could make the show really worthwhile.
Over in the Hollywood Lot across from Mel's Diner is the Pantages Theater, home of the Horror Make-Up Show. The original show (called the Gory, Gruesome & Grotesque Horror Make-Up Show) injects a lot of comedy into the horror genre as the classic straight-man/funny-man formula is exploited to share the secrets of the biz while having a real fun time doing it. The show was slightly revamped in 2002 with minor changes here and there, but most of the good jokes and gags are the same. The lobby features a number of props from the first two Mummy movies, along with a movie describing some of the special effects. The theater is bathed in red lighting to emphasize the idea of blood (and the fact that portions of the show will be too intense for small children). A myriad prop heads line the walls (including the Universal monsters) along with tubes and cans, decaying body parts, and buckets of blood. Two large monitors are hung from the ceiling and are used to show clips from different horror movies, as well as zoom in on stage for some show highlights.
There's great humor in the show and it helps that the actors get to ab-lib a lot. There's no rushed formula to it, it's a very easy-going production and a nice way to take a break from running around all day. Guests seated in the first row towards the center even have the chance of being picked as a victim--er, volunteer. Naturally the show is not for the youngsters or the squeamish--you'll have to use your best judgment on that--these folks make no excuses for what happens. If there is any real fault, it's that the show focuses a bit too much on humor and not as much on factual information on classic gore, but when you get right down to the bloody, bare bones of it all, this is just plain fun. On the TPI scale, I give it an 8-Commendable.
On another note, the original show climax featured a recreated transformation sequence from The Fly, complete with teleportation tubes. The new version now features a state-of-the-art motion capture robot. Unfortunately, the desired effect has been the cause of an accident reported here on the TPI accident report in 2002. You can read about it here.
That's all the news from me for this week. Remember, if you folks have any questions about Central Florida's theme park offerings, don't hesitate to ask. Until next week, just keep on ridin'!
Anyhow, I think the Horror Make-up Show is extremely underrated. I wish the more convoluted show at USH was half as funny and had much more adlibbing. It sounds like the USF show added the "monster" from the middle of the USH show. If so, that's no improvement on the Fly bit.
Universal Studios Florida - USF
Universal's Islands of Adventure - IOA
Universal Orlando - UO: the entire resort, inclduing hotels and CityWalk
Incidently, it's kinda odd, seeing as it's called Universal Studios Hollywood (city) and not Universal Studios California (state). But I digress. My bad.
But no Hollywood.
SFGAm - Six Flags Great America
SFGAdv - Six Flags Great Adventure
And, if you wanna get technical Disneyland Paris is officially known as Disneyland Park, Paris. But if you look carefully, DCA, DL, DLP, and WDS all use "park" at the end of their names, so its usually just dropped, making Disneyland Park simply DL. So DLP should actually be referred to as "the Disneyland Park in Paris", but, you being Americans, I'm kind enough to let DLP play second fiddle to the happiest place on Earth.
Wow. I haven't had such a pointless rant in ages.
You learn something new every day, don't ya?
