THE FLINTSTONES is the most faithful of all the film recreations of 60s TV shows, but is fidelity to a cartoon knock-off of "The Honeymooners" really a virtue? Rarely has more high-powered movie technology been deployed to achieve such frivolous ends. Kids seem to love it, while
sophisticated viewers may find it enchanting, appalling, or both.
Smarmy executive Cliff Vandercave (Kyle MacLachlan) plans to embezzle big bucks from the Slate Gravel Company by framing a gullible working stiff promoted from the gravel pit. Engagingly oafish Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) fits the bill. He becomes a V.P. and has to fire his pal Barney Rubble
(Rick Moranis), a new adoptive father. Subsequently, he is tricked into laying off all of his former co-workers in the gravel pit. Fred's life falls apart at home and at the office, but we're never worried that it won't all work out for the best.
THE FLINTSTONES is about as good as it could possibly be. The spirit of the TV cartoon sitcom is obsessively recreated with the genuine love of an ardent fan. The silly puns are delivered with conviction; the sets, costumes, and critters look great; and Goodman is a stroke of casting genius. (The
sole innovation here is a PC view of a BC society; this Bedrock is thoroughly integrated.) Not many belly laughs, but constant smiles of recognition for the sympathetically inclined.
