Quite a Surprise ***½

It's odd when you see a film that you expect to be pretty ordinary and it turns out to be quite a enjoyable experience. It doesn't happen often, as you can pretty much gather whether a film will be your "cup of tea" by its preview, but when it does happen it certainly increases your opinion of that film ten-fold. The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas is certainly one film that exceeds expectations.

This follow-up to 1995's The Flintstones is a total hoot from beginning to end, combining spectacular visuals with a fun and witty script and some wonderful performances from its cast. Most importantly, the film does not try to be anything other than good, harmless fun and the result is a charming film that will is very easy to enjoy.

The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas is a prequel to the original and takes us back to where the Flintstones began. Fred Flintstone has just passed his exam at Slates' construction company and all he needs now is to find that someone special to share his joy with.

Of course, that someone special comes in the form of Wilma Slaghoople, a disenchanted heiress who longs to leave behind her highly materialistic world and a new life in the "real world".  The pair's road to love is decidedly rocky as Wilma's ex-boyfriend, Chip Rockefeller, is hell-bent on winning the affections of Wilma and, therefore, securing her enormous fortune.

It is a simple, yet effective, premise and it is interesting to see a take on how the Flintstones came to be (They may have done something similar during the cartoon series but I, for one, did not see it).

Carrying the story is a cast that looks particularly comfortable in their roles, not an easy thing to do when you are portraying some of the most-loved characters ever created. Mark Addy (Fred), Kristen Johnston (Wilma) and Jane Krakowski (Betty) are all excellent, although Addy does occasionally let his British accent work its way into his Fred Flintstone impersonation.

The biggest surprise from this film, however, has to be the performance of Stephen Baldwin as Fred's best friend Barney Rubble. I certainly raised an eyebrow when it was announced that Baldwin would be playing the role but he definitely nails the dim-witted, yet loyal personality of Rubble. It would have been so easy for Baldwin to over-do the role but he shows that he can play more than just "tough guy" roles by delivering an admirable comedic performance.

Throw in some excellent (and funny) computer generated characters, namely Dino and the Great Gazoo, and what you get is an excellent family film that has enough laughs to keep  everyone entertained.  This sequel does, at times, throw in some very "adult" humour that the kids will not get but they will be to occupied by the fantastic look of the film.

Come to think of it, so was I.

- Adam Matthews