The FLINTSTONES

1994, Universal Pictures

Live action

Rating: PG

Approx. 91 mins.

THE STORY:

Prehistoric family patriarch Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) has things pretty good: a supportive wife (Elizabeth Perkins), a beautiful daughter, a job he is good at and a loyal best friend (Rick Moranis). When he is unexpectedly and unjustifiably promoted to a management position, things seem to all be going his way. But before long his life and relationships are all thrown out of balance due to the machinations of an evil company executive (Kyle MacLachlan).Ultimately, however, Fred wakes up, reestablishes his priorities and manages, with the help of his friends and family, to restore everything to the way it should be.

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• damn
• stupid
• idiot

VIOLENCE:

• none

TEACHING POINTS:

• importance of loyalty to friends
• importance of staying true to oneself

THE UPSHOT:

The film walks the fine line between homage and parody, and manages not to trip. Those old enough to remember the TV series will appreciate the faithfulness of this live action version, and the plentiful humourous references planted for adults. The kids in the room will like the simple story and slapstick. Just as the depiction of the Flintstones' lifestyle (mammoth shower, crab-like lawn mower, etc.) will bring back memories for the adults in the room, it will amuse the non-adults in the room. 

The acting is good, the script snappy, and the special effects not bad considering the age of the film. On the con side, the bad girl receptionist with a heart of gold (Halle Berry) is highly sexualized with every scene involving her dripping with innuendo and bared flesh.   

4/5