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.

Tropic Thunder ***1/2

Tropic Thunder ***1/2Cast: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Brandon T. Jackson, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte, Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey
Director: Ben Stiller
Running Length: 1:46
MPAA Classification: R

On the set of a Vietnam movie, the start are proving difficult for director Damien (Coogan) to handle. Those stars include: Speedman (Stiller), a one time action star whose better days are behind him; Portnoy (Black), a heroin-addicted funny man whose fame is a result of fart jokes; and Lazarus (Downey Jr.), an Oscar-winning method actor that has received “pigment alteration” to play a black soldier. Damien decides to take the stars to the jungle and shoot the film guerilla style, hoping for realism. A land mine and some drug dealers change the equation, and soon the line between fiction and cold hard reality are blurred.

“Tropic Thunder” is a satiric look at the movie industry on all levels. Director Stiller obviously knows the industry and is not afraid to show the less glamorous side of things. Somewhat surprisingly, of the three leads, the non-comedian Downey gets the biggest laughs. Tom Cruise is also excellent and almost unrecognizable as a studio executive. There is plenty of action here too. This is a really funny movie that gives a non-flattering look at the movie business. I highly recommend this film.