Land of the Lost **1/2

Cast: Will Ferrell, Anna Friel, Danny McBride, Jorma Taccone, John Boylan
Director: Brad Silberling
Running Length: 1:33
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Dr. Rick Marshall (Ferrell) is a quantum paleontologist who has created a device to allow him to travel through time and alternate dimensions. To test it out, he and his assistant Holly (Friel), along with tour guide Will (McBride) enter a cave rich in tachyons, which are needed to make the device work. The machine transports them to a world where dinosaurs roam, and lizard-like Sleestak are being molded into an army to take over multiple dimensions. Rick, Holly, and Will must stop them as well as find a way back to our world.

Based on the somewhat cheesy television show of the 1970’s, “Land of the Lost” retains most of that cheese, while adding the latest in special effects. Will Ferrell is in full Will Ferrell mode here, which is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your feelings toward him. The movie itself is somewhat silly, and generates a fair share of laughs, but doesn’t live up to its full potential. The supporting cast is nothing special here either. This movie is for Will Ferrell fans and fans of the old television show that want a modern look at this crazy world.

Starsky and Hutch ***

Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Juliette Lewis, Snoop Dogg, Chris Penn, Terry Crews, Will Ferrell
Director: Todd Phillips

Starsky & Hutch is the latest 70's television show to receive an upgrade to the movie screen. Was this necessary? Probably not, but the result is a really funny movie. Taking the "Brady Bunch" approach, and placing their tongues firmly in cheek, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson assume the roles made popular on the small screen so many years ago. Ben Stiller is the somewhat anal Starsky and Owen Wilson is the laid back Hutch. And while there is a plot somewhere in there, the movie's focus is the relationship between the two. After being teamed together, they are out to bust a drug dealer, played by Vince Vaughn, who has developed cocain that cannot be detected by narcotics dogs. The plot allows them to go undercover, get some girls, and have some action scenes. I firmly believe that there will be a sequel to this, especially if the film does well (which I think it will). Stiller and Wilson have a comroderie that has worked well in previous movies, and is even more evident here. If you are looking for a laugh, check out Starsky & Hutch.

Elf ***

Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Edward Asner, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen, Daniel Tay
Director: Jon Favreau

Buddy the elf finds out that he isn't really an elf. He was just raised by them at the North Pole after Santa mistakenly brought him back from the adoption home one Christmas Eve. Now, Buddy is determined to meet his real father, a grumpy children's book publisher who barely has time for his wife and other son. Of course this movie has a lot of "fish out of water" moments as Buddy gets acclimated to the real world, but Will Ferrell gives him the heart and innocence that makes you want to root for him. While watching this movie, I found myself thinking about how this will be one of those Christmas movies that you actually want to pull out and watch this time every year.