Friday, July 3, 2009

MOVIE REVIEW
LAND OF THE LOST
Saturday morning TV in the 1970's were owned by two companies. Where Hanna-Barbera handled the cartoon side with Scooby Do, Sid and Marty Krofft specialised in wacky live action antics. Creators of the colourful classic H.R. Pufnstuf to the infamous Brady Bunch Variety Hour, their garish taste proved immensely popular. Based on their 1974 series, Land of the Lost's pre-historic setting updates the concept only a huge budget would allow. Sadly the end result is a clunker making one wish H.R. Pufnstuf's wicked witch Witchiepoo would cast it away with one of her psychedelic spells. Scientist Dr Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) is a fearless believer in his own amazing studies. When he champions a theory regarding outer dimensional portals, his reputation is ruined by his fellow eminent brethren. One still having faith is student Holly (Anna Friel) who insists he attempt to put his ideas into practice. This he does to startling affect as they, along with helper Will (Danny McBride), are transported to another world. Filled with dinosaurs and other weird creatures, this land of the peculiar becomes a place of peril from which the intrepid trio attempt to escape. Part homage and part parody, Land of the Lost eventually becomes all travesty. Like many remakes it makes the mistake in thinking audiences want to see a mega-buck spectacle version of a beloved TV show. In this case the opposite is true as the original series was great because of its cheapness. The smaller budget forced the creators to craft spellbinding stories allowing for more creativity in engaging the viewer's imagination. There's nothing funnier than seeing an alien made out of tinsel and string than the CGI beasties here. Having taken away this fun element, the actors are forced to do the heavy lifting, unfortunately coming to nothing due to an atrocious script. Will Ferrell can be amusing, although occasionally succeeding in his arrogantly self-aware role, even he seems confused by its uneven tone. This is clearly apparent in its use of endless sexual innuendo at the expense of any exciting adventures, going against the spirit of its forebear. This is a lazy way in concocting a story where imagination is sacrificed for cheap jokes. Ultimately its chief crime is that it isn't very funny in spite of some potentially hilarious moments, losing its way towards a rambling conclusion. Films like Land of the Lost should have a 'beware' sign attached for those of an age wanting to relive childhood memories. This is an appalling desecration of a charming children's show which, in its efforts to be edgy and hip, falls hopelessly flat. Hopefully no more Krofft cross-overs from small to big screen occurs, as any more disasters like this would be too much to take for their trippy fanbase. Movie Review Rating 1 / 10 Movie Review by Patrick Moore Official Land of the Lost Homepage Click here If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Land of the Lost Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

No comments:

Post a Comment