Let me preface this by saying that I really did enjoy my time at Universal Studios Hollywood today, the press event was very nice, and I had a fantastic time at the park, as always. Now, that being said, I have few kind things to say about their latest show, that has a flimsy script, generally weak song lyrics and a story that just makes me wonder what they were thinking.

Upon first entering the re-themed auditorium (formerly home to Fear Factor: Live) you notice the new decor almost immediately. Vines on the walls, and a very “murky/aquatic” look that is really pulled off well. This, along with the great special effects are my biggest thumbs ups to Universal. But where the props and special effects succeed, the story fails miserably.

Once you take your seat, and wait for the rest of the crowd to enter there are various on screen graphics that keep you entertained, which I also found to be very well done. Fake postcards would flash on the screen with graphics of the Black Lagoon with phrases such as “Having A Bloody Good Time” on top of the cards. There were also small bits spoken by the creature, giving safety information with a sharp wisecrack thrown in for good measure. At this point, I was feeling great about the experience, and even after the first song which I thought was executed quite well I couldn’t understand the negative reviews I had read regarding the show.

Then it started to fall apart. The duet between Gill and Kaye did not feel at all genuine and was littered with, quite frankly, unfunny sexual innuendos (Actually, that was pretty much the whole show). This “unlikely romance” just didn’t work, by no fault of the actors who were excellent, but by the writing that focused too much on “humor” and not enough on plot.

I won’t spoil the finale, but I will say this, it still has me scratching my head.

So my consensus is this: The Creature From The Black Lagoon features one good song, great performances and fantastic special effects. However, the script was childish and the story made little sense. I give it a two out of five, merely on the merit of the actors and the special effects.

Once again, I would like to thank Universal Studios Hollywood for the opportunity to attend this press event, and for giving me an otherwise great day at the park.