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Revisiting ‘Land of the Lost’: Is the Will Ferrell Comedy Worth Streaming on Max?
Back in 2009, a high-budget Will Ferrell comedy clashed with a smaller, more resourceful underdog at the summer box office. Land of the Lost was decisively defeated by The Hangover, which went on to become a franchise, the very outcome Universal Pictures executives likely envisioned for Ferrell’s adaptation of the classic Saturday morning series. Now, years later, Land of the Lost has resurfaced, appearing in Max’s Top 10 most-streamed films. But does this sci-fi comedy deserve a second look, or should viewers stick with rewatching The Hangover? This review assesses the merits of the much-debated Land of the Lost movie.
Synopsis: A Prehistoric Adventure Reimagined
The premise itself is unconventional: transforming a live-action Saturday morning program about a family lost in a primeval dimension into a large-scale, big-budget movie, while omitting the family element. Instead of the original Rick Marshall, his son, and daughter, Land of the Lost centers on ridiculed scientist Rick (Will Ferrell), ambitious doctoral candidate Holly (Anna Friel), and laid-back local, Will (Danny McBride). This trio is propelled through a space-time anomaly, landing them in an alternate reality – a disparate realm populated by dinosaurs and bizarre creatures. As they navigate this strange land of the lost, Rick and Holly develop a romantic connection, Rick and Will experience a comical, accidental hallucinogenic episode, and Rick engages in a cartoon-like feud with a Tyrannosaurus Rex. They also encounter Chaka (Jorma Taccone), a primate-like being, and find themselves in a series of absurd and comical scenarios.
Similarities to Other Comedies
Ferrell’s portrayal of Rick showcases an insecure, immature protagonist, echoing his roles in earlier successful comedies such as Step Brothers and The Other Guys. The movie’s combination of imaginative visual effects and witty dialogue from comedic actors, creating entertainment suitable for younger audiences despite its PG-13 rating, bears resemblance to films like Ghostbusters. While not on the same critical level as the latter, Land of the Lost achieves a similar blend of Saturday Night Live-esque humor with a Saturday morning aesthetic.
Performance Standouts
The core cast – Ferrell, Friel, McBride, and Taccone – are all entertaining, with McBride arguably making the most memorable impression. However, Friel’s relative absence from major film roles since might make her performance particularly noteworthy.
Content Considerations: Sex and Sensuality
In terms of suggestive content, the film maintains a relatively restrained approach.
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Quotable Lines
Ferrell delivers numerous humorous outbursts, but a standout is his absurd mini-speech where, facing dwindling supplies, he proposes potentially eating Chaka, followed by pondering the optimal cooking methods.
Film Assessment: Is ‘Land of the Lost’ Underrated?
Ultimately, The Hangover, directed by Todd Phillips, emerged victorious in the summer of 2009 comedy showdown. It significantly out-grossed Land of the Lost, led to sequels, boosted careers, and oddly enough, paved the way for Phillips’ later Academy Award nomination. Conversely, Land of the Lost became a notable box office disappointment for Ferrell, and effectively curtailed director Brad Siberling’s big-studio career. However, considering comedic value and creative visuals, Land of the Lost arguably surpasses its more successful competitor, despite its less prestigious origins. Even the initial Hangover installment can leave a somewhat unpleasant impression, stemming from Phillips’ apparent discomfort in directing comedies. Ferrell, on the other hand, exhibits an engaging enthusiasm and genuine comedic spirit.
Special Effects and Humor Blend
A common issue with large-scale special-effects comedies aiming to recapture the magic of Ghostbusters is the challenge of harmonizing the spontaneity of comedic improvisation with the meticulous planning required for complex visual effects sequences. Land of the Lost, surprisingly, manages this balance effectively. The sets and CGI creatures possess a distinctive, quirky charm that successfully translates the original show’s aesthetic to a grander scale, while still allowing Ferrell and McBride room for improvisational comedy. In a post-Jurassic Park cinematic landscape, it’s refreshing to see a creature feature where a formidable dinosaur is presented as a comedic adversary rather than a purely menacing force of nature. While lacking the overt satire found in Ferrell’s collaborations with Adam McKay or the ensemble of comedic heavyweights that elevate even minor dialogue exchanges into comedic gems, Land of the Lost stands alongside Elf and Blades of Glory as one of Ferrell’s more amusing performances of the 2000s. Indeed, many of his starring roles since 2010 have not surpassed this movie. Despite seeming counterintuitive to remove the most child-friendly aspects of the original series, slightly older children – such as tweens who enjoy similar effects-driven comedy like Minecraft – might appreciate the movie as an accessible PG-13 entry point into SNL-style humor, much like Ghostbusters was in its time!
Final Verdict: Should You Stream ‘Land of the Lost’?
If you are a fan of Ferrell, McBride, or the concept of whimsical dinosaurs and eccentric lizard people clad in tunics, then there’s no reason to hesitate. Stream Land of the Lost on Max now for a dose of absurdist comedy.
Stream Land of the Lost on Max