Brian Levant’s live-action adaptation of the beloved Hanna-Barbera cartoon, The Flintstones, released on May 27, 1994, is a vibrant and often hilarious journey back to the Stone Age. The film successfully captures the whimsical spirit and enduring appeal of Bedrock, delivering a fun-filled adventure for fans old and new.
The story brings to life the working-class prehistoric world of Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) and Barney Rubble (Rick Moranis). Fred, a lovable oaf, unwittingly gets promoted to an executive position at the Slate Rock and Gravel Company, thanks to a scheme orchestrated by the conniving vice president, Cliff Vandercave.
This newfound wealth and status quickly go to Fred’s head, straining his relationship with his long-suffering wife Wilma (Elizabeth Perkins) and his best friend Barney, who selflessly gave Fred money for the executive aptitude test. As Fred navigates the complexities of corporate life and the temptations of riches, he soon discovers Vandercave’s true intentions, forcing him to rely on his true friends and family to save Bedrock from a prehistoric corporate takeover.
Goodman is absolutely perfectly cast as Fred Flintstone, embodying the character’s bluster, heart, and iconic laugh with uncanny accuracy. He is Fred.
Moranis brings his signature earnestness and gentle humor to Barney Rubble, making him the ideal loyal sidekick.
Their chemistry as best friends is a highlight of the film.
Perkins captures Wilma’s exasperated yet loving nature, while Rosie O’Donnell delivers a wonderfully boisterous and sweet Betty Rubble.
The film also features a fantastic supporting cast: Halle Berry is dazzling as Sharon Stone, Cliff Vandercave’s seductive secretary; Elizabeth Taylor makes a memorable cameo as Fred’s disapproving mother-in-law, Pearl Slaghoople; Kyle MacLachlan is delightfully smarmy as the villainous Cliff Vandercave; and Harvey Korman lends his distinctive voice as the dictaphone.
Levant, a long-time fan of the original series, clearly poured his affection for the source material into every frame. The production design is a marvel, meticulously recreating Bedrock with its dinosaur-powered appliances and stone-age innovations. The visual gags are plentiful and clever, paying homage to the cartoon’s classic humor.
While the plot takes a more structured, corporate-thriller turn than a typical cartoon episode, it still maintains the lighthearted, family-friendly tone. The film’s humor is broad, appealing to both children and adults who grew up with the original show.
Halle Berry in The Flintstones (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for The Flintstones
The Flintstones grossed $37.2 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, ahead of Maverick ($18.6 million) and Beverly Hills Cop III ($15.3 million).
The film would $341.6 million worldwide and No. 5 for the year domestically trailing The Lion King, Forrest Gump, True Lies and The Santa Clause.
Legacy
The Flintstones is a joyous and nostalgic trip to a simpler, stone-age time. It’s a film that succeeds in bringing beloved animated characters to life with charm, humor, and a genuine respect for its origins. With its pitch-perfect casting, impressive visuals, and a story that reminds us of the importance of friendship and family, it remains a delightful live-action adaptation that truly captures the spirit of Bedrock.
