Thus far, movies like "Ice Age", "Life Of Pi", "Alien", "Predator" and "Night At The Museum" have been confirmed for the 20th Century Fox theme park. |
In 2016, Malaysia will have its very own movie based theme park and this exciting venture between major American film studio 20th Century Fox and Genting Malaysia Berhad has already delivered its first lineup of rides and attractions for the RM400 million park. They are; "Ice Age", "Life Of Pi", "Alien", Predator" and "Night At The Museum".
So, with 25 movie attractions planned altogether and five already spoken for, there are 20 more slots available and the possibilities are endless! After a grueling session of picking a handful of 20th Century Fox movies which would make for a good theme park addition, we present to you, Cinema Online's 20th Century Fox theme park wish list! Let's see if any of them eventually makes the cut for the studio's first ever theme park.
Hopefully the big wigs are listening and we'll get to experience some of these rides for real!
The Simpsons
The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Orlando opened in 2008, and it fast became the park's most popular ride. Come on, 20 plus years and still going strong on TV? Who doesn't love "The Simpsons"? Imagine a fully costume suited Homer Simpson running after Bart shouting his famous catchphrase, "Why you little..!" How cool will it be to have all the other characters on board as well? We're thinking a Krusty the Clown arcade or even Apu's Kwik-E-Mart!
Family Guy
If the residents of Springfield don't tickle your fancy, then what about that other obnoxious family in "Family Guy". Apart from regular character appearances by Peter Griffin and his bumbling family at the park, it will be exciting if there was a ride based on little Stewie's plan to doom the world, eh?
Planet Of The Apes
Having released seven "Planet Of The Apes" films and with another ape film; "Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes" set for release in 2014, wouldn't it be great to have a section dedicated to the franchise? Especially since Genting Highlands has all the trees and foggy ambience to add to it? Malaysia is after all native to the extant Orangutans, so why not make a "Planet Of The Apes" themed museum or an educational ride to raise social awareness towards the preservation of our fellow apes? If the combo of 'educational' and 'theme park' sounds just wrong to you, then what about a laser tag arena instead?
Star Wars
As the pioneer of popular Sci-Fi movies, there is an undying fan base for "Star Wars" all over the world. Imagine a "Star Wars" land in a galaxy far far away, where Jedis and Siths roam about, engaging in lightsaber battle shows. Climb aboard the Millennium Falcon in a 3D Dark Ride experience similar to the "Transformers: The Ride" at Universal Studios Singapore. There is currently a "Star Wars" section dedicated to Legoland in Johor Malaysia and in Walt Disney World, Florida. Yes, we know that the "Star Wars" franchise now belongs to Disney, but there is always a possibility of a joint venture, fingers crossed!
Die Hard/Assassin's Creed
In this third person stealth game, we're all for a "Die Hard" or upcoming film, "Assassins's Creed" action game. You can either be Officer John McClane or Desmond Miles as you complete a mission. Imagine a simulated reality gaming experience with motion detectors (similar to playing Nintendo Wii) emphasised with a life-size screen and virtual weapon allowing you to seek and destroy the baddies. Depending on the movie this action attraction goes with, imagine your 'mission' being aided by narration provided by the respective film's leads, Bruce Willis or Michael Fassbender!
The Maze Runner
If you have read the trilogy by James Dashner, then you know the upcoming Dystopian flick; "The Maze Runner" is the next big "Hunger Games". Only in this case, it's easier to transfer to a theme park experience as the first book is mainly set in maze, where grisly things await those who want to escape its sinister bends and corners. This could be another laser tag experience set in a high walled maze, or, it could work as one of those interactive 3D Dark Rides. Either way, it's going to be heart stopping!
Wolverine/X-Men
How would you like to meet the "X-Men"; Wolverine, Storm, Professor X, Magneto and the rest while visiting the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning as part of your mutant initiation programme? Learn what it's like to try out different super powers in different rooms at the X-Mansion, and before the end of the tour, be sure to catch a glimpse of as many "X-Men" as you can!
Titanic
The tragedy of "Titanic" did so well on screen as seen in the 1997 feature that it had to have a 3D re-release in 2012. As a theme park attraction, there could be a replica of the RMS Titanic (not to scale of course) and in the ship itself, visitors could experience a 4D Motion Master which will help reenact the sinking of the ship in front of a large screen, whilst spraying ice cold water to enhance the brevity of the disaster.
The Day After Tomorrow/Independence Day 1 & 2
Since Fox has dabbled with two of Roland Emmerich's disaster flicks with another following close, why not let visitors experience what it is like to be on an actual disaster movie set? A cityscape with explosions and tidal waves set in a controlled main sound stage environment would be great. If you've been to Steven Spielberg's Lights! Camera! Action! attraction, then you know how brilliant is it to see movie special effects taking place right before your very eyes!
Moulin Rouge
Be prepared to be razzled and dazzled in this live musical show at the Moulin Rouge theatre. Inspired by the movie "Moulin Rouge" this could be a 15-minute show set at regular intervals at the park, featuring live vocalists and dancers to bring the grandeur of the Baz Luhrmann's film and contemporary hits to fans of all ages!
Monkeybone
This quirkly dark yet fun movie could definitely be a hit for all ages if it was turned into an attraction. This cult film prominently features Down Town, a colourful carnival like place where cartoonist Brandon Fraser's mind goes to as he is guided by his comic's naughty monkey character, Monkeybone, when he slips into coma.
What other movies do you think would make for a great theme park attraction? Who knows, 20th Century Fox might just take your suggestion into consideration!
Cinema Online, 30 July 2013