An adult comedy set against the backdrop of a sci-fi fantasy, Land of the Lost succeeds (barely), due to the mischievous comedic stylings of Will Ferrell, and the key visual eye of director Brad Silberling.

Based upon the famous 1970s children’s television series, Land of the Lost stars Will Ferrell as Dr. Rick Marshall, a scientist whose out there theories regarding time travel and parallel universes sees him ostracised by the scientific community, and made a laughing stock amongst the public after a disastrous on air interview with Matt Laurer (a spoof of Tom Cruise’s infamous interview with the media personality.)

Afterwards, a Cambridge graduate (Anna Friel) urges Marshall to put his hypothesis to the test with an expedition/science experiment involving a time warp amplifier. Joined by a redneck survivalist (Danny McBride), the trio unexpectedly find themselves sucked into a time vortex, which leads to a quasi-prehistoric world. There, they make allies with a rambunctious primate (Jorma Taccone) while trying to find a way home.

Land of the Lost is a comedy which is light on plot and character development, yet appeals visually, moving from one eye catching backdrop to another while filling in the cracks with entertaining action sequences.

Silberling takes advantage of the stories multiple prehistoric creatures and their surroundings, using a fine team of behind the scenes talent, including: cinematographer Dion Bebbie; visual effects supervisor Bill Westenhoffer; and creature and makeup effects house Spectral Motion’s Mike Elizalde, who also worked on Hellboy II and Pan’s Labyrinth.

A surprising aspect to Land of the Lost is also the most glaring: its choice of comedy. While its concept screams family adventure –ala Journey to the Centre of the Earth – what is presented is something of a first: a sci-fi/monster movie/adult comedy mash up, led by comedy genius – or dud, depending on who you ask – Will Ferrell.

Playing to his strengths, Ferrell delivers a mostly amusing turn, even though his penchant for taking a joke too far can irritate. Unfortunately, his co-stars do not fare as well. Anna Friel is adequate in the role of the straight lady/eye candy, yet Danny McBride’s fireworks loving redneck is nothing more than a retread of his Tropic Thunder character. In fact, after 8 years of Bush Jr., the redneck shtick itself has grown tiresome.

The only person who matched up to Ferrell’s overpowering humour was Jorma Taccone’s cheeky primate. Yet one tit grope later and the joke has been played out.

Land of the Lost does contain memorable moments: a hallucination influenced bonding session is a treat; and a running gag between Ferrell and a spiteful T-Rex works regardless of its absurdity. Yet as an overall product, Land of the Lost just barely passes the grade. Fans of the original series will be left wanting; fans of Ferrell, and Silberling’s work in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, will find it enjoyable enough.