They Make Movies In Color? Whoa!
Apparently, there's a movie coming out about some ride at Disneyland. I think it has Johnny Depp in it, maybe. Judging by all the beads, scarves, and billowing shirtcuffs, I think it's about Liberace. I'm not sure. If only there was more advertising, maybe I'd know what's going on...I can't seem to go anywhere on the internet without Johnny Depp's head appearing, often surrounded by flames, which I guess is kind of "piratey." Pirates use fire, right? I know Mr. Depp was the only thing that saved the first "Pirates" movie from just being regular old popcorn summer entertainment, but COME ON! Every McDonald's around town has a big picture of his face on it. For their sake, I hope busty wenches come around with goat-bladders of grog and caffine-free grog (free refills dining room only). I bet they'd get a ton of publicity, although the movie might suffer, since none of the teenage boys of America would be in the theater.
Not content to rest on their laurels as a publicity engine, McDonalds is also getting into the technology market. They're on the bleeding edge, and that edge is: using your phone to send numbers to other numbers! They're running some contest that tells you to send in the tear-off numbers from whatever food isn't selling well and/or has higher profit margins, by usuing your phone to "text" them.
But don't worry if your phone doesn't do that. And I quote, "Still old school? No problem. You can also enter your code at www.playatmcd.com." Boy, technology moves fast. Using the internet? Nice try, GRANDPA. You're not the big market anymore. I can remember my first year in college, when web-browsing was new and instant messaging was called "UNIX Talk." Now, if your phone doesn't alert you when your sports team scores, beep you when your shoes go out of fashion, and serve three kinds of espresso, you're OLD SKOOLZ.
The codes are available on Big Macs, large fries and large sodas. The fine print says, "Limit 7 entries per day." Assuming you're not fishing unused codes out of the trash, I shudder in revulsion of anyone who fills his quota for a single day, let alone several days. Why is America fat again? Oh, right. Because Johnny Depp wants us to win pirate swag.
In all actuality, Pirates of the Carribean is a huge step in the right direction for Disney, regardless of probable over advertising. In this day in age, what isnt over advertised? With this and a whole slew of Narnia movies coming out in the future, a new campaign you will see later this year in regards to Cast Members and Guests, Im actually happy to see Disney getting their act together. It turns out that Johnny Depp really wanted to make a movie that his kids could watch. Many top execs were leery about his performance, but once the reviews came out, they signed him on to make 2 more movies. It should be noted that Disney and McDonalds have a partnership that is actually coming to an end shortly, so you wont have to worry so much about Disney-McDonalds hype for long. However, it should be noted, that any previous Disney/McDonalds merchandise from the past will now be huge collectors items and worth a lot to certain buyers. The ride you were speaking of also appears at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, though a much more toned down version of its sister ride in Disneyland. Still, you cannot miss the insertion of 3 new animatronics featured in the ride, which are based of Depp's character Captain Jack Sparrow. Having been on the ride already, I can say that they did a good job with keeping the original ride in tact and adding in the new charaters flawlessly. FYI Depp and his two other costars were actually in my town over the weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you say that it's something Depp wanted his kids to be able to see, because I think "Captain Jack" has a lot of non-Disney edginess to him. He obviously sleeps around, steals left and right, bribes people, and ends up shooting a man for stealing his ship. I love the character, but one must admit, he's a far cry from "The Absent-minded Professor."
ReplyDeleteThis is why Disney created the "Touchstone" brand, to release pictures that didn't fit in with the Disney label. For example, "Splash", which has nudity, or "Nightmare Before Christmas", which has people threatening to kill Santa Claus.
They're also responsible for producing "Desperate Housewives" because I think "Disney presents Desperate Housewives" wouldn't go over as well. So I'm suprised that this is a Disney film, even though since the ride is in their parks, they can't really hide from the association.
p.s. It should also be noted that Im not sure what the ending terms of the contract between McDonalds and Disney were, so its quite possible that McDonalds may have to honor the future releases of Pirates and Narnia in their advertising, or if anything else, at least Pirates. (finish out the deal, but not add any other advertising beyond Pirates and Narnia) Soooo you may have to live this for a while. Im not sure.
ReplyDeleteI think this is getting a little too serious. So, if one were to go by what you just said, you could say that because Bambi's mother shot to death and Snow White was chased by an ax murderer, that they should be released elsewhere, too? There is a certain element to Disney's story telling to where yes, sometimes they do touch on adult subjects, but they are still made with families in mind, when under the Disney name. Fairy tales as a whole are ALL based off of something that would never make a G rating. I mean, what is a Pirate historically anyway??? If how they really were back then was depticted in todays movie, Disney would be in big trouble. The ride shares the same exact style...selling "the red head" ring a bell? (scene IN the ride where a pirate auctions off a girl) Yet, parents bring their children to the ride every single day. While being overly aware of what Disney produces and what they do not, as well as any advertising in regards to these products, I can assure you that Depp has mentioned his children being a reason on several occasions. AND having based his character off Keith Richards, who also makes an appearance in the third movie, I can tell you that these movies will be appealing to a wider audience. It should also be noted that Disney HAD to release this movie under the Disney name and not one of the other movie studios because this movie is based off a ride featured in many of the parks. It would simply not make sense to release it under any other name. Also provides a perfect tie in for anything at the parks. Furthermore, the kids movies of our day are a far cry from what children see these days, so standards about what should be released where are much different. If I had children, I would take them to see this movie. Funny, because if I had kids, I would not leave them alone with Keith Richards! Having been at the theater this weekend, I can assure you that the line out the door and down the street for the 9:45 showing when it was only 6:00, was quite impressive. Also, having ridden the ride personally, I can also say that these movies have breathed a new life into a once low attended attraction and for the first time EVER, there are lines out the door. Dont even get me started about the new Pirates and Princess parties to be held at the Magic Kingdom in January, the new How to be a Pirate guest experience in the park AND the new pirate section of one of the prominent gift shops. To me, all of these new elements bring such a breath of fresh air to everyting and it creates huge excitement for everyone who comes to the parks. I can debate about this all day, but the truth of the matter is that for something that is my life and my passion, its going to be hard to change my mind on any of it. Nice debating with you, however.
ReplyDeleteI laughed so hard at "nice try, GRANDPA" that I spilled my drink.
ReplyDelete"I'm hip, I'm with it. Taka taka taka taka...."
ReplyDeleteThe little mermaid lived in a big ol penis and I can't help but think that the following charchters were gay or at least expermented: Judge claude Frollo, Gepetto (he built a little boy to play with for cryign out loud) Genie, at least 2 of the dwarfs, the crew of the nautlis (sorry kirk douglas but that shirt please?) and I can go on, not that there is anythng wrong with that...
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