I have to get something off my chest, and I'm not talking about my man boobs. It has to do with Will Ferrell. See, I like Will as an actor. He had some fine roles on Saturday Night Live and has proven himself a qualified movie actor. Some of his roles have even revolved around television show remakes. Unfortunately, those remakes tend to, um, not make fans of the original shows very happy.
Despite all of the cheese that oozed out of that classic Saturday morning show, it was still taken pretty seriously. Yes, there was humor sprinkled throughout, but it was mostly a show about survival in an unknown world and, in a Kroftt tradition, a quest to get back home. If you really wanted to inflate the show's ego, you could say that it was actually an inspiration for current ABC hit Lost. Minus the Sleestacks, of course.
This doesn't seem the case for the movie version of this show. It looks like most of the original plot is being thrown down the underground waterfall in favor of broader comedy and flashy special effects. Should I really blame Ferrell for this? Probably not; however, since he's the first name on the marquee, I'm directing my anger towards him. While I understand he has a certain reputation to maintain, not everything he does needs to be filled with slapstick and strutting around half-naked. Yet, this movie version of Land of the Lost looks to be filled with that type of material.
I could be jaded about the whole thing because a childhood favorite is being torn asunder in my eyes, and that's why I'm interested in your opinion. Take a look at the trailer and let me know if you think I'm right or wrong. Do this quickly, please, before Will decides to take a dramatic turn at Far Out Space Nuts.
The TV Squad Podcast: Linda Purl talks about The Office, we talk spoilers, and more
Ask TV Squad: Ghost Whisperer and more!
The TV Squad Podcast: Bill Scheft of The Late Show, Cake Boss, Mad Men and more
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-19-2009 @ 2:05PM
Rick said...
I couldn't agree more I heard they were remaking this and I got excited, then I heard Ferrell was doing it and instantly had no desire to see it. Not that he isn't funny, I enjoy his movies but this is not a Will Ferrell Comedy this is LAND OF THE FREAKIN LOST Man.
Reply
2-19-2009 @ 2:12PM
Modwild said...
Hollywood seems hell bent on trashing my childhood. I'm sure I'll catch this in some form or another, but it is NOT Land of the Lost. Just ain't.
Reply
2-19-2009 @ 2:34PM
robert said...
no need to get bent out of shape, your childhood memories remain intact. this movie doesn't change your memories in any way, and if you avoid seeing it you won't have to create new memories involving it.
Reply
2-19-2009 @ 4:28PM
John Howard said...
Exactly. I can understand how some fans of the show might rather have a different kind of movie, but that would be the case no matter how the movie gets made. If you don't like this particular take on it, then don't watch it, and you're no worse off than you were before.
And let's face it, Land of the Lost is not a good show. The only reason any of us watched it is because we were little kids and to stupid to know better. So I don't really see anything they could do to it that would be disrespectful in any way. Fans of the show should be happy anyone cares enough about it to make a movie at all, regardless of what type of movie it is.
2-19-2009 @ 2:38PM
0megapart!cle said...
I agree. Although, strangely, as a Will Ferrell hater, this seems better than most of his movies. For Will Ferrell, it seems funny, and down to earth. No Sarcasm intended. If it gets decent reviews, it might just be the first Will Ferrell movie I see since Stranger than Fiction(I do like most of his SNL appearances)
Reply
2-19-2009 @ 2:46PM
Scott said...
Feel free to blame Will Ferrell completely. I do. I don't like him. I've never found him funny in anything. And now he's raping the memory of a show that was much beloved by kids in its day, now adults. I don't think anyone felt genuine admiration or awe about the "Bewitched" show, as pleasant as it was. "Land of the Lost" was a different animal completely. And now he's cheapening it and turning it into yet another commodity for the silly noisy "laugh" factory that is his career. And a whole generation of people will think that it's as stupid as "Gilligan's Island" and deserves to be used as fodder this way. Ugh.
Reply
2-19-2009 @ 3:06PM
RetUSMCGunny said...
Will Who? Look, that guy isn't funny in the least, just like SNL. Yes, I'm a Will Farrell hater, and in my opinion, being LOUD and OBNOXIOUS doesn't classify one as "funny."
I'm really getting sick of Hollywood doing these lame remakes of beloved classic shows. Don't any of the writers have any ORIGINAL thoughts on a new movie?
Reply
2-19-2009 @ 3:33PM
Pingles said...
Ever since "Stranger than Fiction" I have loved Will Ferrell although I wish he'd stick to the comedy-dramas.
That being said my little brother and I watched "Land of the Lost" every week as a kid and I can't IMAGINE anyone thinking they could take a remake seriously.
Even as little kids we laughed at that ridiculous show even though we enjoyed watching it.
My biggest complaint is the fact that they seem intent on remaking EVERYTHING rather than sticking to original content.
So I have no problems with Mr. Ferrell. Just please stop remaking old TV shows!!!!
Reply
2-19-2009 @ 7:37PM
Galley said...
We need more films like "Stranger Than Fiction", and less friggin' remakes!
Reply
2-19-2009 @ 8:47PM
R.H. Golem said...
Wait - the 'Bewitched' movie was OK?
Reply
2-19-2009 @ 10:07PM
pumpkinhead said...
I was a huge fan of Land of the Lost as a child, but I think I'm okay with this.
If Will Ferrell appears in Friday the 13th: the series: the movie, then I'll be upset.
Reply
2-20-2009 @ 10:40AM
Han Solo said...
I would think this movie would need the "Curious George" Will Farrel.....not the SNL/Blades Of Glory Will Farrel.
*sigh*
One dimensional actors....pfttt.
Reply
2-23-2009 @ 2:36PM
rob said...
Personally I can't wait to see it. I don't care, I just want to see the sleestacks! That's why I created a bit of a fan page for it all at http://www.squidoo.com/sleestack
Reply