Where to watch The Flintstones
2 1/2 Stars
The Flintstones and the Rubbles are modern stone-age families. Fred and Barney work at Slate and Company, mining rock. Fred gives Barney some money so he and Betty can adopt a baby. When Fred and Barney take a test to determine who should become the new associate vice president, Barney returns the favor by switching his test answers for Fred’s, whose answers aren’t very good. Fred gets the executive position, but little does he know that he’s being manipulated by his boss to be the fall guy for an embezzlement scheme.
The Flinstones (1994) is a live-action, big-budget movie spectacle that is the best adaptation that could be made from a one-joke cartoon series that mocked domestic traditions and corporate politics in America during the 1950s. John Goodman is perfect in the lead role as Fred Flintstone, a loyal employee at the gravel pit and best friend to his coworker and sidekick Barney Ruble (Moranis). Also well cast are Rosie O’Donnell and Elizabeth Perkins as Wilma and Betty; their impersonations are very amusing. The film is designed to amuse younger audiences, and they are likely to eat it up. The colors are vibrant, the tone is pleasant, and the jokes are smart enough to amuse older audience members as well.
The Flintstones is overloaded with fantastic sets and clever production design; everything looks great, and there was a lot of money spent on the environment. The special effects are low-key in a fun way, and the leads seem to be enjoying themselves. The screenplay is attributed to three writers, and even with a trio of creatives, the story is thin, even at ninety minutes.
Directed by: Brian Levant
Written by: Tom S. Parker, Jim Jennewein, Steven E. de Souza
Starring: John Goodman, Rick Moranis, Rosie O’Donnell