Film Review: ''The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas''

WHEN IT appeared in 1960, the Flinstones cartoon strip about a Stone Age family in America, was an instant success.

Cashing in on that success, a television series was launched followed by a live action feature film in 1994. The latest addition is Universal Pictures' ``The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas'', which is the story of one of the most popular Stone Age couples.

This is the romantic story of Fred Flintstone (Mark Addy) and Wilma Slaghoople (Kristen Johnston), a beautiful heiress. Wilma has a domineering, status conscious mother Pearl (Joan Collins), who have mapped out Wilma's life for her, including marriage to the `Princestone' topper, Chip Rockfeller (Thomas Gibson). But Wilma meets and falls for Fred, a ``Bronto crane operator at Bedrock''. Meanwhile, Wilma's friend Betty and Barney, Fred's pal, become inseparable, well, almost, till rock star Mick Jagged comes along!

The foursome (Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty) take a trip to Rock Vegas, where dinosaurs step in for roller coasters and an octopus serves as a masseur! But Chip, who owns a casino in Rock Vegas, has other plans for Fred. Does Fred win Wilma or does Chip get what he wants.

Fred is a loveable character and one does sympathise with him at times. The characters may lack shades, but remember they were cartoons to begin with!

The dialogues do tickle the funny bone, but are often quite on expected lines! And the plot, no points for guessing, ... predictable.

The Stone Age `Rock' Vegas set is worth a mention. The casino, where one loses `clams' instead of notes and where the rock band, Mick `Jagged' and the Stones performs, is a tribute to the original.

The film has its faults, but it is entertaining, funny and most importantly, watchable.

And believe me, most definitely a refreshing change from all that horror, murder and action that the city is often bombarded with!

SAVITHA PADMANABHAN

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Section  : Entertainment
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