You’d think I’d have learnt my lesson after attempting to watch Toy Story 5 at the cinema with both OddKids. But I had the kids to myself on a Sunday and they both showed an appetite to return to the cinema. This time to watch Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie.
Got to hand it to the Paw Patrol team. They know how to milk a franchise (yes, I see the irony as a MCU fanboy). Take some beloved characters, throw in some dinosaurs, and you have a movie kids will drag their parents to go see.
First things first. This is NOT a review. I wanted to see the Minions movie. Once the OddDaughter had planted the idea of Paw Patrol AND dinosaurs into the OddSon’s head it was a losing battle – so I reluctantly went along.
The movie itself was your average “character doesn’t give up and goes on to save the day” story. Oh – spoiler alert. I mean, what else did you expect? That the Paw Patrol dogs got stuck on an island and were killed off one by one as they were hunted by dinosaurs?
Actually, that’s something I’d definitely go see.
As is always the case, we got to the cinema a little late. But still within the time the trailers would have been showing, so I went on to buy myself the OddKids popcorn and nachos. I learnt my lesson this time… I got a separate tray for the OddSon so he wouldn’t drop all the nachos like he enjoys doing so much.
I hadn’t really considered the logistics of carrying all the popcorn and nacho containers up two sets of escalators. The OddDaughter helped by taking her popcorn and running on ahead.
I went and joined the escalator next with the OddSon following behind me. Only, as I was midway up the escalator I looked back to see the OddSon standing at the bottom refusing to get on.
You ever watch the Gladiators, where they run on a travelator? Well I had a reverse travelator situation where I had to run down against the movement of the escalator. With my hands full with the junk I was carrying.
Yes. I am a Gladiator now.
I managed to just about get there – pulled the OddSon onto the escalator whilst carrying the popcorn container in my mouth. As I turned to catch my breath I saw the cinema staff watching from below, laughing their asses off.
Thanks.
We entered the screen just as the age rating card was displayed. We tried to find our seats. I changed tactics and had the OddSon in front as the OddDaughter followed behind. Then, for whatever reason the screen turned pitch black.
I continued walking down the row to get to the stairs so we could continue up to our seats. I used my voice to tell the OddSon to keep going despite not being able to see him. Why was the screen dark for so long?!
Finally there was some light. I looked ahead. There was no OddSon. Where did the bugger go?
I turned to look back from where we came. There he sat, on a row with another family… helping himself to their popcorn.
I shit you not. I do not make this stuff up. This kid honestly gives me so much content to write about!
We finally got to our seats as the movie began. I realised I had accidentally opted for jalapeños on the nachos so spent the first 20 mins picking them out and eating them. My stomach would be very thankful the next day.
I braced myself for the chaos that would commence with the OddSon refusing to stay seated… But it never came!
He sat there, fixated on the movie, got excited by the dinosaurs and nibbled on his nachos with cheese.
Halfway through the movie I noticed other older kids getting fidgety, standing up, and asking to go home. My two sat there and watched with amazement. Even when the credits rolled they still stayed put.
Bit of a proud dad moment… I think they’re ready for a screening of Jurassic Park…
It wasn’t all rosy at the end. On the way to the car the OddSon decided to safely look down at cars on the carpark level below. Whilst doing so he dropped his Fruit Shoot bottle, with it landing on a parked Range Rover’s windscreen.
I did the right thing… grabbed the kids, and made a dash for it.
