In Hollywood’s attempt to remake every TV show, movie, play or YouTube video, the executives at Universal stumbled upon the 1970’s children’s show “Land of the Lost.” Just write a goofy script, plug in Will Ferrel and bam, there’s your movie. Luckily the movie isn’t quite that simplistic, but it won’t be setting off a new generation of loopy time travelers.
Mad man scientist Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) is in a shameful state after being dissed by Matt Lauer on the Today Show. His wallowing stops when British scientist Holly Cantrell reveals proof that his seemingly insane theories have merit. So the two head to a small theme park in the middle of the desert, where their “guide”, Will, takes them to the spot, which just so happens to be in a haunted water ride. Chaos ensues and the group are transported to the Land of the Lost, an area stuck in between time.
Don’t let the word scientist fool you, because this movie isn’t too smart. Relying almost exclusively on dim humor, “Land of the Lost” keeps it simple stupidly. It’s humor is sometimes funny, but mostly just amusing. It also enjoys being on the edge of going too far in its dim-witted attempts, but never crosses the line. But oh, it gets so close.
There’s a “King Kong” feel to the world, with everything being over-sized. Dinosaurs, mosquitos and even crabs are bigger than their Earthly counterparts. The crab, rather hysterically, gets blown up and eaten by the group while the mosquito sucks a fatal amount of blood out of Ferrel, but without consequence.
Rounding out the cast are British native Anna Friel (from ABC’s “Pushing Daisies”) and Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express”). The group ends up working as a good comedy team. Friel is masked by her natural accent and is generally the meat in cheese in the Ferrel-McBride sandwich. Both of the leading men are goofy, but in different ways. Where Ferrel gets to be, well, Will Ferrel, McBride is a bit more of a lone redneck ranger who doesn’t trust people in tunics.
There isn’t much action to speak of, but there are a handful of chase scenes involving a very sensitive T-Rex. It’s not exactly designed to look perfectly realistic, but then again it is a comedy. The CGI does the trick and looks colorful, but is sure to keep the focus on the comedy.
“Land of the Lost” won’t knock you out like it’s competition this week, “The Hangover”, but it is an enjoyable movie. So if you’re not tired of Will Ferrel movies yet, it might just be worthwhile to check this one out, but being in a goofy mood might help.
Filed under: Review | Tagged: Jeff Mason
