On ice

Originally uploaded by georgeaye.

After a hit movie comes out, the usual array of movie tie-in merchandising follows, Happy Meal toys, embroidered sweaters, caps, bags, fruit slushy drinks, sponsored popcorn, bags of chips, cereal etc etc.

Where along that line of thought did someone go, “ok, we’ve got the tv and magazine and radio covered, we’ve hit all the bus and el stations this side of Times Square, we’ve done the Worlds Series and the Superbowl and the NBA championships… if only we could now get that one last elusive and influential, trend setting market sector; the ice show crowd.”

Who the fuck goes to see Ice Shows any way? And why? I get the graceful and balletic nature of figure skating, and the romantic elements of two skaters effortless moving over a ‘frozen lake’ and all that stuff. But somehow, the delicacy and skillful flow of action seem to be lost on me when the skaters are dressed as Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

Why does it make sense to make a smash hit animated movie into a ice driven extravaganza? Is it interesting to somehow ‘reinterpret’ the deeper issues of a child’s recklessness and a parent’s anxieties, as featured in “Finding Nemo”, by ‘taking it on ice’?

The only thing that ever needs to be on ice, is a large Bombay and tonic.

If you must go, then go check your local listings for upcoming events.