For those that don’t know “Land of the Lost” is based on an old Tv series from back in 1974. It was originally created by Sid and Marty Krofft, who were the most popular children’s show producers from the 70’s and 80’s. They created other shows like the “Brady Bunch hour”, “Donnie & Marie”, “H.R Pufnstuf” and “Sidmund and the Sea Monsters”.
The 1974 show only did 46 episodes before being cancelled but it did become a big cult favorite, enough which in 1991 it was rebooted as a TV series again. That one only lasted 26 episodes though, maybe because it was a bit different from the original series, but it was still targeted towards children.
Now the newest version of “Land of the Lost” which is hitting the big screen is more of a comedy parody of the original show. This was similar of how the movie “Starky and Hutch” was a comedy parody of the original show. In 2005 Universal wanted to begin production by first by hiring director Adam McKay (Anchorman), but then it was offered to Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids), but he passed on it. Finally in 2007 they got Brad Silbering who had done “Casper”, “City of Angels”, and “Lemony Snickets”
The plot for this one has, Dr. Rick Marshall (Ferrell) being sucked into a space-time vortex alongside his research assistant (Friel) and a redneck survivalist (McBride). In this alternate universe, the trio make friends with a primate named Chaka (Taccone), their only ally in a world full of dinosaurs and other fantastic creatures. Makes you wonder if they all make it back to our world alive
The names almost stayed the same. In the original the main characters names where Rick Marshall, Will Marshall, and Holly Marshall. In the movie adaptation the Characters are Dr Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell), Will Stanton (Danny McBride) and Holly Cantrell (Anna Friel.) All them are not related at all in this film.
I felt that the character Will Ferrell brought to this film was basically the same character he brought for “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy”. It kind of makes you wonder if he is still funny anymore and if all his characters are going to be the same one.
I really didn't like this one like it that much. I was kind of disappointed by it. I was a fan of the original series and the rebooted one. That’s why I really wanted to give this one a chance. What I’m saying is that they shouldn’t really try to make old TV shows in to comedy parodies. Some will work and some won’t.
Overall I give this movie 2 of 5. I believe that they tried a bit too hard to make it funny.
A fun trivia about Will Ferrell and this film, back in 2001’s “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” he played a character name Federal Wildlife Marshal Willenholly, whose name was a reference and homage to the characters in the original Land Of The Lost TV series (Marshall, Will, and Holly.)