Strange Land Meet a Strange Script

“Land of the Lost” is a film based on the 1974 TV series of the same name. The film is directed by Brad Silberling and stars Will Ferrell (“Step Brothers” and “Semi-Pro” 2008). Also co-starring is Danny R. McBride (“Tropic Thunder” and “Observe and Report” 2008) and Anna Friel (TV show ‘Pushing Daisies”). The film follows a discredited paleontologist, his naïve assistant, and a macho tour guide who find themselves in a strange world inhabited by dinosaurs, monkey-people and scary reptiles called ‘Sleestaks’.

I’m a huge Will Ferrell fan and was really looking forward to seeing the film. What you will like are the dinosaur scenes with Will and there are many. Also his wacky persona as the crazy scientist comes through loud and clear. He is the star here, make no mistake. I highly doubt that this film would have come off as well as it did without him. What you will wonder about is most likely the question I kept asking myself, “Why am I not laughing more?” I kept waiting for funnier jokes. Pouring dinosaur urine (buckets full) over your head so that you will be protected is not my idea of funny. Maybe, I just didn’t get the humor, I’m not sure but I didn’t find much of it funny.

I liked the sets and the strange creatures and all of the amazing dinosaur scenes. Danny McBride was laugh-out-loud hysterical in “Pineapple Express”. His character wore a neck brace through half of the film. I also didn’t understand why the script didn’t play off of his ‘pyrotechnics’ skills as in “Tropic Thunder”. In this film, he is supposed to be a fireworks salesman. It would have been awesome to see some mishaps or scenes where he uses fireworks to solve a problem or simply show-off. He’s ok in the film, but it’s not his best role.

The addition of Holly, the London Cambridge college student was an odd choice. She didn’t really seem to jive with Will’s character and the British accent kept getting in the way. When she began ripping her pant legs and making them into short-shorts half way through the film…that’s when her characters presence became apparent.

Matt Lauer plays himself in the film and appears at the beginning and the end. He and Will argue a bit and those scenes were funny.

The show-tune music from ‘A Chorus Line’ that continually plays on the ‘time machine contraption’ is different and I enjoyed that. I’m not sure how that will play with teen audiences as most probably won’t recognize the songs. But, then again, I’m also not sure I understood the numerous bodily fluid jokes centering on the dinosaurs.  So, I guess you could say the film has a little bit for everyone. The dinosaur action scenes are amazing. We’ve come a long way since “Jurassic Park” and these dinosaurs special effects do not disappoint. Viewing Will Ferrell in another wacky role and mixing it up with dinosaurs is what will draw most to the theater.

My suggestion; just go and enjoy the craziness and simply try not to think too much about any of it. This is not a film with a deep intended message. It’s a remake of a TV show that was rather dull to begin with, starring America’s comedy-golden boy.

Sarah Adamson © 2009