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Danny McBride apologizes if Land of the Lost messes with your childhood memories
Danny McBride, who plays Will in Land of the Lost, told reporters that he apologizes to fans of the original 1970s children's TV show on which the movie is based, but defended the new take as something that will work for audiences.
The new Land of the Lost updates the trippy Sid and Marty Krofft series with state-of-the art visual effects and characters who are now full-grown, unrelated adults: Marshall (Will Ferrell), Will and Holly (Anna Friel). Oh, and the movie is kind of smart-alecky.
"There are the purists, who I always read about, that are like, 'I can't believe you're raping my childhood,'" McBride said in a group interview last week in Hollywood. "If Land of the Lost is your childhood, and we're raping it, I apologize. I think the show is awesome, and I think [screenwriters] Chris Henchy and Dennis McNicholas keep the mythology intact without taking it too seriously. If it was taken too seriously, it's just Jurassic Park. We've seen that movie before. This is a more interesting take on that tone."
The following Q&A features edited excerpts of McBride's interview. Land of the Lost opens Friday. (Possible spoilers ahead!)
Did you know Land of the Lost before?
McBride: I did know it. I don't think it was in the first run, but when I was a kid, I had definitely seen this show and was definitely freaked out by it, but found myself watching it whenever I could.
What freaked you out?
McBride: Chaka's brow freaked me out a little bit, and the Sleestaks. It's funny, because I had forgotten about the Sleestaks, which is like, "How could you forget about them?" When I first came to the set and all those Sleestaks were there, seeing them brought back all these primitive fears in me that I had when I was a kid. I was like, "Oh, I hated these guys, and now I have to act with them."
You were freaked out by Chaka, and it's come full circle to where you 69 him.
Mcbride: I 69 him. You face your fears, as an actor, head on.
How did that scene evolve?
McBride: In the script, it said, "Will 69s Chaka, and they wake up by a pool," and I was like, "All right, we'll see how that works."
Were those giant crabs actually edible?
McBride: I didn't know we were going to be really eating it. They just handed us those crab legs, and it was stuffed with turkey. They were like, "Yeah, you can eat this," and we were like, "OK."
What would Kenny Powers, your character from HBO's Eastbound & Down, think of this film?
McBride: He'd probably watch it. I think he would like it. He's not a real person. He's a character.
Did you tease Anna Friel about being British?
McBride: I did. She was one of the first real British people I've ever met before. I thought they just existed in history books, but, no, they're real [laughs]. They walk amongst us. It wasn't like They Live. I didn't have to put sunglasses on to see her or anything. She was just there, all the time.
Was there anything you were surprised to learn about British people?
McBride: She introduced Will and I to all these weird things, like Ribena, this weird little red thing that she would put into her water. No, I had met British people before, just none as beautiful as Anna Friel. I'm laying it on thick.
How fun was it to do the wirework?
McBride: It wasn't that much fun, to tell you the truth. I suffered a casualty, doing that. I lost a mole on my stomach, from the wire. It was a good mole. He had been with me since I was a kid, and I lost him on this film. It was terrible. ...
Where do you think your character would go if Land of the Lost got a sequel?
McBride: I feel like they would come back to him, and he would be like [Colonel] Kurtz in Apocalypse Now. It would be crazy.
By infotrace at 7:46 AM ON 06/05/09
That headline is pathetic and attention seeking. I used to like scifiwire. It's just become an uncomfortable and juvenile site since the relaunch
By dc2at28352 at 8:12 AM ON 06/05/09
It seems that there is too much "pre explaining" about the movie....as if they are more than aware of the upfront negative feedback that is being thrown at them. It's almost as if they are apologizing for screwing around with the originality of the series.......
You know I made this comment a few days ago when the Will Farrell story was posted. We've always heard that there's no such thing as bad publicity. Seems there may be after all. For their sake, the folks like me had better be wrong.
By awfdsf at 8:49 AM ON 06/05/09
omg he said "rape" how hip (soon to be "hyp" so it can be trademarked) and edgy.
Seriously, syfo. If you're going to shill for this garbage at least make it sound like something someone who can read would want to see. The illiterate crowd you seem to be targeting can't use websites with words.
By AngryJonny at 9:01 AM ON 06/05/09
The headline says IF it rapes your childhood, not that it definitely does. Jeez, don't be so sensitive when it comes to potentially childhood-raping movies. Did the new Star Trek movie, which, like Land of the Lost, is based on a '70s show, rape anyone's childhood? No, and if it did, it doesn't matter because the movie was awesome (Star Trek, I mean; haven't seen LotL yet, but I plan to because I loved the show as a kid and the cast is terrific).
By Shaun at 9:02 AM ON 06/05/09
"Remove the word, 'rape' from the title, please?"
i agree. this is no violent sexual act directed at another person. it is altering a television show many of us enjoyed as children. not in the same league.
By Walt at 9:23 AM ON 06/05/09
He should apologize for trying to make so many bad jokes.
By DarkHawke at 9:38 AM ON 06/05/09
Dunno, guys. Maybe my standards have been brought down by the "new tone" of the site, but I LOLed when i saw the title. C'mon, who here hasn't thought that some re-make or (shudder) re-imagining had raped a treasured memory of a childhood fave show? It's in the fanboy lexicon; get over it.
By Dave at 9:42 AM ON 06/05/09
"SyFy original movie 'Yeti Hunters vs Locust-Sharks' will murder your family and violate your grandmother! Only on SyFy!"
By Tempus13 at 10:54 AM ON 06/05/09
Every article I see posted here about this movie makes me less and less inclined to see it. I think the only way I would see this movie now is if I was dragged against my will by a group of friends.
Is that the reaction they were hoping for?
By NightMan at 10:58 AM ON 06/05/09
I'm with DarkHawke, seriously, lighten up people. I saw the headline and had a good laugh. It's a joke, fans of scifi should be smart enough to understand that.
By Thogar at 11:50 AM ON 06/05/09
We know who's going to see this movie just by the ones who laughed at the title. They're the die-hard Will Ferrell fans who buy enough tickets to keep that un-funny idiot on the screen. I suppose somebody has to make movies that appeal to viewers with the emoitonal maturity of an 8th grader, but that doesn't mean the rest of us have to like it.
You want to go see the movie? Fine, go see it, but don't tell the rest of us to "lighten up" because we don't find inappropriateness for the sake of a laugh acceptable.
By photoguyRyan at 12:26 PM ON 06/05/09
2 things.
First, scifi .com and and the channel, for the most part suck. Too much hype, too little true substance. The website is middle grade tabloid level info. Have you sci-fi'ers in programming actually seen any of those origianal movies you squirt into the lineup as filler and weekend time killer? Come on. Cant find something decent to put on? Open the purse strings. I bet the owners of space 1999, babylon 5, etc...., would be happy to sell you some some rights to broadcast. How many times do you expect people to watch enterprise or next generation?
And what kind of server do you have that it takes 3 minutes to submit comments here??
Second, this "movie" is exactly whats wrong with hollywood.
A) Will Ferrell.
B) Reboots/remakes living off the rep and name of an established show or storyline, that leaves some form of expectaion, and never lives up to the expectation.
Its like the recent Star Trek movie. It wasnt a bad show on its own merit, but it wasnt trek. It should have been given its own characters to develope, and a whole new branding. None of this alternate eality BS to make everything fit. SG-1 messed up on this in "continuum."
Sci fi is in bad shape, in hollywwod, and this TV/Website scifi, isnt any better off.
Use some of that potential.
By rkf at 1:22 PM ON 06/05/09
Jeez, sf fans have become the biggest bunch of humorless bi+chers and moaners I've ever seen. Personally, I'm not much of a Will Ferrell fan, but it's only entertainment; it doesn't make any pretensions to be great art. If you don't like it (or Ferrell) don't go see the movie!!! (Same advice as with the new Trek movie.) I have no plans to see it. You are the ones ultimately in control of what you do. If enough people really hate it, it will do poorly at the box office. That's how these things work, generally.
And, yes, Thogar, lighten the f*** up.
(Although on a side note, I'm totally with everybody on being frustrated by the stupid captcha system.)
By tati at 1:33 PM ON 06/05/09
Thank you, Fred, or whomever :)
I haven't been a Will Ferrell fan. Not sure why but I've never gone to see any of his movies, although the kind of comedy he seems to do usually appeals to me .
Nonetheless, from the reviews I've read of this film, it will be on DVD very soon. It also probably needs a new title because it seems barely related to the original LotL TV series!
By Cliffjxn at 1:35 PM ON 06/05/09
You know rkf, sometimes people like to vent their frustration with direction things are heading in. Just like you did in your post. If that sounds like whining to you I suggest you look in the mirror.
By smegforbrain at 2:15 PM ON 06/05/09
They should be apologizing for what looks like a terrible movie.
By AngryJonny at 2:31 PM ON 06/05/09
Thogar, inappropriateness is the basis for laughter. Look at every sitcom ever made. And some people have a higher threshold than others.
By Bob at 2:42 PM ON 06/05/09
My guess - males didn't mind rape joke so much, eh guys?
By pscard at 2:45 PM ON 06/05/09
I saw the movie today. While they did have many references to the original, which I thought was nice, there were some scenes that stretched out too long that didn't help to advance the story. I can understand making a few updates, but I'm bothered that they managed slip in the 'F-Bomb' in the dialog. For Pete's sake, when did they start using that in PG-13 films? Use of that word always gave a film an immediate R-rating. I felt sorry for the parents brought their little children to see this film.
By tati at 2:58 PM ON 06/05/09
The article quotes McBride directly, hence the use of the word, 'rape,' in the article. I would not expect that to be censored.
However, its use in the title wasn't necessary. People read this blog (or whatever it is) because they are interested in the the subjects it covers. If someone is interested in Ferrell, LotL, or whatever, then they would have read this article, even titled as it is now.
By AngryJonny at 3:22 PM ON 06/05/09
Thought just occurred to me (first one today!): No one had a problem with the use of '69' in the article? Its use just surprised me since I think that's a first for a SciFi Wire article. Personally, I have no problem with 69. I mean, its use... well, and... okay... I'll just stop there.
By joesocwork at 3:28 PM ON 06/05/09
RFLOL!!! So does McBride actually reads the boards on this website, or was he reacting to a SciFi/SyFy interviewer, or was he reacting to his perception of the public at large? His response was hilarious regardless of who was responding to! And frankly, I think it suggests that he doesn't expect things to go that well.
I do disagree though with the premise that a serious Lot L was another form of Jurassic Park. It wasn't just about dinosaurs, I think it was closer to The Swiss Family Robinson or The Mysterious Island; it was about an ordinary family solving a sci/fi mystery and coming to grips with loss, loneliness, and survival in a strange land. But maybe I did take too it seriously as a kid unawares. I can't believe that I actually cared enough to comment in 3-4 threads on SciFi forums about it.
By bard28 at 4:51 PM ON 06/05/09
I'm a purist. I'd love to see the movie though.
By rkf at 5:27 PM ON 06/05/09
Cliffjxn, I suppose you have a point...Looking in the mirror right now.
HOWEVER, I think if anyone with enough free time were to do a comparison, they would probably find that the number of negative (and I mean relentlessly, angry, sometimes tantrum-like, negative) outnumber the positive, neutral, or even reasonably negative, combined by a large factor. Though, to be fair, that ratio may have been influenced by the recent, vicious Trek-squabble.
Just sayin'.
xoxo
By Thogar at 8:57 PM ON 06/05/09
AngryJonny said, "Thogar, inappropriateness is the basis for laughter. Look at every sitcom ever made."
WRONG! Inappropriateness can be a big part of humor, but like all Ferrell movies this one won't demonstrate an appropriate and relevant level of absurdity. Rather, it will have inappropriateness for inappropriateness' sake and for shock value. And while those 2 reasons are good enough for naughty middle-schoolers (whether they be literally or emotionally in that age bracket) that doesn't mean it's funny when judged by a wider-encompassing standard, the likes of which would be needed to make it a success.
So, Jonny, if we were to try and pin the basis of humor on any one thing, it would most definitely be absurdity, not inappropriateness. If it were the other way around, torturing helpless animals would be hilarious. Thankfully, it's not. At least not in the minds of most people.
@ScyFiy Wyre - One thing all commenters agree upon is: Your Captcha system is operating at less than optimal efficiency.
By AngryJonny at 11:20 PM ON 06/05/09
Thogar, wow, well-said and excellent points about absurdity. I stand enlightened. :)
By Aeolius at 11:46 PM ON 06/05/09
It's too bad about the PG-13 rating and inappropriate language. Apparently I cannot take my own children to a movie adaptation of a TV show I watched when I myself was a child. No $100 spent at the theater (I have 7 kids) and no iTunes purchase. i.e. if I can't take my kids to a movie, I tend not to go myself.
What's next? Electra Woman and Dyna Girl as strippers? Dr Shrinker seeking a cure for E.D.? Wonder Bug with a Neo-Nazi agenda? Sigmund the Sea Monster as a....wait... they already made Humanoids from the Deep.
By Bobanort at 5:29 AM ON 06/06/09
I have some new suggestions for Hollywood for movies to re-imagine/re-boot/re-invent (whatever). My friends and I would like to see "The Robot Monster" remade. Or "The Head That Would Not Die". Lastly we'd like to see "Cannibal Holocaust", which has nothing to do with SciFi but neither does wrestling for that matter.
On Aeolius's comment about Electra Woman and Dyna-Girl being strippers . . .All I can say is "SHOCKING!!!". I wanted to take my nephew to see LotL, but with the adult themes and language I won't.
By DarkHawke at 6:47 AM ON 06/06/09
For the record, the closest I've come to seeing a "Will Ferrell" movie was the first Austin Powers, in which he co-starred in a small role (don't even remember seeing him). Don't hate him, don't necessarily love him either. A funny line is a funny line. Again: deal.
Re: the "ratings" system--it's always been oddly arbitrary. Anyone see Beastmaster? PG rated in 1982. With a luscious Tanya Roberts featured topless in one scene. Go figure that one.
And am I the only one who's figured out the captcha system? Took a bit of trial and error, but if I type out my reply, turn off Adblock, reload the page and THEN enter in the refreshed captcha, works like a charm. I'm using Firefox, natch, and perhaps it's also the Session Saver add-on that keeps my reply from being deleted during the reload, so copy your text before reloading just to be sure. Still wish we could just log in like a normal web site.
By Andrew at 9:11 AM ON 06/06/09
Jesus, I had no idea that hardcore sci-fi were so humorless. If you must hate all comedies and Will Ferrell then cross me off the list. I have no problem with Will Ferrell or Danny McBride. They are good at what they do. Lowbrow goofy comedy. Rent a movie called Stranger then Fiction which allows Will Ferrell to act less dopey and show some acting skills. With the kind of attitude we see on this board no wonder true sci-fi is going extinct. I teach middle school and all the kids hate science fiction movie, Star Trek, and Star Wars. But they would kill their own mother to watch a Will Ferrell or Danny McBride movie.
By smegforbrain at 1:33 PM ON 06/06/09
"With the kind of attitude we see on this board no wonder true sci-fi is going extinct"
So, demanding good movies is a bad thing? Huh, guess you learn something new every day.
Btw, The Hangover was great. Highly recommended... a far better movie to give your money to than pathetic attempts at comedies like Land of the Lost.
By Andrew at 1:57 PM ON 06/06/09
You haven't even seen the movie yet. Just like the average teenager judges Star Trek and Star Wars to be nerdy and dorky. You judge this movie just because you don't find Will Ferrell funny. The movie could still suck but I bet it'll be solid summer entertainment. I grew up with the tv show and don't see anything wrong with a remake. It's not sacred or anything.
By Lucky13 at 1:58 PM ON 06/06/09
i watched it, and i was expecting to enjoy. i wasnt expecting to really enjoy it. i like pretty much all of will ferrels movies. i find that sort of humor to be funny. much like the old title of this post when "messes" was "raped", much funnier.
By thanatos at 10:17 PM ON 06/06/09
LotL (1974) writers include: Ben Bova, D.C. Fontana, David Gerrold, Larry Niven & Theodore Sturgeon
LotL (2009) writers are Chris Henchy ('I'm With Her') & Dennis McNicholas (SNL, 'The Ladies' Man').
The mind boggles.
By smegforbrain at 12:44 PM ON 06/07/09
"You haven't even seen the movie yet."
Trailers are there for a reason, and we judge movies by their trailers every day. LotL looks like crap, and judging by the box office estimates, the general public agrees.
Budget - $100 million. Opening weekend estimate - $20 million.
Bombs away at another pathetic remake!
By Shaun at 12:56 PM ON 06/07/09
"My guess - males didn't mind rape joke so much, eh guys?"
wrong! i found it to be highly disgusting!
By Bobanort at 9:20 PM ON 06/07/09
Andrew said: "You judge this movie just because you don't find Will Ferrell funny." and "If you must hate all comedies and Will Ferrell then cross me off the list."
It's more a matter of asking the question, "Why should I pay $20 to see the same dull humor that is a trademark of Will Ferrell." It isn't that we hate all comedies, but watching new Will Ferrell films is like watching the same movie over and over and over. It's the same schtick (sure the story may be different, but its the same unintelligent banter in every film he makes.
I guess that if demanding a better and original product from Hollywood makes me a "humorless bi+chers and moaners". It's hard to believe but nearly a hundred years ago someone wanted to close the US patent office because they truly believed that we had invented everything we would ever invent. Now Hollywood is trying to tell us the same thing. "We've had all the original ideas we're ever going to have so let's rehash the old stuff."
By TheDocToRx at 2:51 PM ON 06/08/09
Anyone that thinks WF is not funny has no sence of humor, plain and simple. The guy is funny! So here it is, If you like WF see the movie, if you dont like WF dont see the movie, SIMPLE! Get over it people, its just a movie, if it raped your childhood, Im glad I didnt grow up in your F-ed up house!!
By Norman619 at 9:50 PM ON 06/08/09
I don't think Will Ferrel is a comedic genius. He's probably one of the most unfunny and irritating comics I have seen in a long time. His movies, which tend to be labeled comedic genius by the tragically hip, I find boring and pretty stupid. Of all the films he's done I actually like only one film.
Anyway, I was going to take my to this film since he loved watching the Land Of The Lost marathin on SciFi. He was totally excited about this movie. After reading the reviews of this film I decided NOT to take him and made it up to him with a trip to Toys R Us. Saved from wasting good money on a crapfest of a film. WOOT!
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Norman619:
I don't think Will Ferrel is a comedic genius. He's probably one of the most unfunny and irritating comics I have ...More »