Jurassic World Live
Mohegan Sun Arena - Wilkes Barre, PA
My wife is a huge fan of the Jurassic Park/World universe, so we got tickets to see the Jurassic World Live Tour for their first performance earlier today.
It's appropriate that this show took place on Saturday morning because the experience reminded me of the cartoons based on popular movies that aired on Saturday mornings throughout the 80's and 90's. Animated shows like The Real Ghostbusters, Ewoks, Beetlejuice, and Rambo took elements from the movies that they were based on and presented them in a kid-friendly package, and that's exactly what Jurassic World Live did. The story takes place between the events of Jurassic World and Fallen Kingdom. It's a simple and fun story with dinosaurs, fight scenes, pyrotechnics, and over the top dialogue that makes you feel like you're watching a live action cartoon. If you have children who like Jurassic Park, or you're an adult who still enjoys cartoons once in a while, you'll have a good time for sure.
It's appropriate that this show took place on Saturday morning because the experience reminded me of the cartoons based on popular movies that aired on Saturday mornings throughout the 80's and 90's. Animated shows like The Real Ghostbusters, Ewoks, Beetlejuice, and Rambo took elements from the movies that they were based on and presented them in a kid-friendly package, and that's exactly what Jurassic World Live did. The story takes place between the events of Jurassic World and Fallen Kingdom. It's a simple and fun story with dinosaurs, fight scenes, pyrotechnics, and over the top dialogue that makes you feel like you're watching a live action cartoon. If you have children who like Jurassic Park, or you're an adult who still enjoys cartoons once in a while, you'll have a good time for sure.
There was only one thing about the show that I didn't enjoy, and it was this...
This little toy at the merchandise table may look innocent (other than the price tag which I believe was $30), but it a pretty aggravating little piece of plastic when you happen to sit next to a child whose parents have purchased it for them before the start of the show.
See how long you can stare at this image without getting a wicked headache. Now, imagine it waiving around to your left hand side, about a foot and a half away from your face for about an hour and a half, and you'll have some idea of my experience at Jurassic World Live.
On our way out of the arena, we were each given a free sample of a Green Giant Dino Veggie Tot and a coupon for a free bag of them. They're pretty tasty and a welcome surprise at the end of the show.
This little toy at the merchandise table may look innocent (other than the price tag which I believe was $30), but it a pretty aggravating little piece of plastic when you happen to sit next to a child whose parents have purchased it for them before the start of the show.
Don't believe me? Have a look...
See how long you can stare at this image without getting a wicked headache. Now, imagine it waiving around to your left hand side, about a foot and a half away from your face for about an hour and a half, and you'll have some idea of my experience at Jurassic World Live.
Now, I could have been a jerk and said something to the kid or made a snide remark to their parents, but my philosophy is that when something unpleasant happens, the best thing you can do is to limit the damage. The best case scenario if I would have complained is that the parents would tell the kid to put it away, at which point I've traded an annoying flashing light for an awkward and uncomfortable time sitting next to this family. Worst case scenario is that it turns into a shouting match with angry parents, or a crying child, or any number of other possibilities that are worse than a bright flashing light.
I don't blame the kid. Hell, she couldn't have been more than six years old and she was happily playing with her new toy at the dinosaur show. I don't even blame the parents. While it's true that they could have been a little more aware of their surroundings and that a strobe light to the face isn't the most courteous way to treat your seat neighbor at a show, the reality is that these people don't owe me anything - especially at an event that was clearly geared towards children and families. In fact, I'm pretty sure that my wife and I were the only childless couple in the whole arena. I do, however, blame whoever signed off on this toy being produced and sold at the show in the first place. Out of all of the dollar-store quality crap that they could have come up with to con parents out of more money than they spent on the ticket to the show itself, they settled on a brightly flashing disco ball on a stick. Whoever you are, I hope that your kids get the loudest and most annoying toy in the world as a Christmas present from their aunt this year, and I hope they use it to ensure that you don't get a moment's peace for the rest of their winter break from school.
On our way out of the arena, we were each given a free sample of a Green Giant Dino Veggie Tot and a coupon for a free bag of them. They're pretty tasty and a welcome surprise at the end of the show.
