The success of “The Flintstones Movie” encouraged Universal Pictures to develop a prequel film about how Fred & Barney met their future wives Wilma & Betty. It wasn’t until six years that this movie was finally greenlighted with filmmaker, Brian Levant (also directed Beethoven, Jingle All The Way, Snow Dogs, Are We There Yet?) once again returning to direct since the original he filmed six years ago.
Replacing the cast from the original film are Mark Addy, (A Knight’s Tale, Game Of Thrones) as Fred, Stephen Baldwin, (The Usual Suspects, Bio-Dome) as Barney, Kristen Johnson, (3rd Rock From The Sun) & Jane Krakowski, (30 Rock) as Betty. Alan Cumming (Goldeneye, X2, Spy Kids series) portrays The Great Gazoo which is also the character’s first cinematic debut, and Harvey Korman, (Blazzing Saddles, The Flintstones) who was the original actor for Gazoo but this time he plays Wilma’s father.
The Flintstones In Viva Rock Vegas was released in 2000. (same year Gladiator came out) Viva Rock Vegas earned negative reviews from critics and failed to make a profit at the box office.
This article contains SPOILERS. If you’re somewhat interested in this movie, read at your own risk.
Yabba Dabba Do & Dino Feces Qualities
Yabba Dabba Do: The Main Cast such as Mark Addy, Stephen Baldwin & Alan Cumming all did a good job for their respective performances.
I’m gonna come clean, The Great Gazoo is my favorite Flintstones character. I don’t understand why he’s hated in the cartoon. He was interesting and had a backstory that was yet to be seen. I finally got my wish. Gazoo doesn’t deserve all the hate along with Scrappy Doo. I admit fellas, Scrappy is my favorite cartoon character for all time.
Funny Moments like a brontosaurus farting out loud, a crying scene with Fred, Barney and Gazoo & Barney asking “What’s a shoe?”
Once again, the Set Pieces resemble an attraction from an amusement park made by hand.
A wanted poster featuring Fred & Barney’s appearance from the cartoon, rather than Mark Addy & Stephen Baldwin’s likeness. Why can’t I see an animated cinematic film about The Flintstones?
Rosie O’Donnell (in a small cameo) finally has a part in the movie she was born to play, a taking octopus. Must’ve been a response to the negative feedback on her portrayal as Betty.
John Cho has a small role as a parking valet.
Dino Feces: The C.G.I. is ugly along with a blue screen effect. For example, Gazoo floating around Fred & Barney. This was way before C.G.I. advanced well.
Gazoo tells Fred & Barney to do their mating ritual. This is a kids movie not “Fifty Shades Of Rubble!” Ew! I don’t wanna picture Fred & Barney humping!
The chemistry between Fred/Wilma, Barney/Betty felt rushed in the first act, rather than flowing realistically until the end of the whole movie or a passage of time.
Like the previous entry, terrible rock based puns are present again. They’re not funny, it’s Mr. Freeze’s ice puns from “Batman And Robin” bad.
The villain in the prequel felt like the same one from the original all over again. Because he’s a corrupt businessman with a sexy secretary. In nearly every family film, an evil tycoon lacks redeeming qualities and he/she wants to gain more power.
Product Placement brands are featured including Burger King & Coca-Cola. I’ll give this a pass because I could not find any brand to shove down my throat. You win this round Rock Vegas!
Two scenes features Fred, showing him as a very tiny person when he feels embarrassed by Wilma’s friends as a construction worker & he looses all of his casino chips. When did he developed powers from “Ant-Man?” If so, I demand an explanation! It doesn’t make any gosh darn sense at all!
Kristen Stewart (Bella Swan from The Twilight Saga) appears as an extra as a girl throwing a ring. Not kidding, look it up on her filmography on IMDB.
Gazoo violated his one rule, not to use his powers. He yelled out ACHOO, causing a guard to get knocked out. Was he playing too much “The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim” by shouting out a shockwave? By the way, Skyrim is one of my favorite video games developed by Bethesda.
The Third Act turns into Martin Scorsese’s “Casino.” Kids won’t get the mobster subplot. “Shark Tale” made a much better mob film in an animated kids movie.
The ridiculous outfit Fred wears while he sings to Wilma, looks like Liberace mixed with Lady Gaga’s weird looking costumes. Gaga if you are reading this, don’t even think about wearing something like that. You’ll make a fool out of yourself. You already wore a meat dress at The MTV Music Awards.
Fred’s singing ability sounds rubbish. Russell Crowe in “Les Misérables” can sing better than King Baratheon!
Final Verdict: F, FOR FAKER!
Alright dudes I confess! The prequel is much worse than the original! No wonder it bombed at the box office! As a reminder on my previous review of The Flintstones Movie, I strongly recommend you to buy the complete collection on DVD or Blu-Ray, you’ll get a lot of value out of your allowance. I want to see a Gazoo spin-off, he’s my favorite character of The Flintstones and deserves recognition.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 