The Flintstones - It's Not THAT Bad - The Crazy Story Behind the Movie

[@roberttreacy8271]

I wish John Goodman and Rick Moranis did another movie together because they had such great chemistry.

[@jonothanthrace1530]

There's still time!

[@walker1984]

​@jonothanthrace1530 especially with Rick returning to occasional acting

[@toidIllorTAmI]

If I'm not mistaken, Rick was taking care of his wife and kids. I'd love it if this channel talks about him.

[@supermetroid009]

i think he briefly mentioned it in one of his reviews, and i hope he gets to Little shop of horrors sometime :)@@toidIllorTAmI

[@AlexReynard]

Sweet Jesus, can you imagine John's character from Arachnophobia going into the weed-killing business, and him and Rick team up to defeat an army of Audrey IIs?

[@bobafettjr85]

It really speaks volumes of John Goodman that even when he doesn't care about the project, he still knocks it out of the park.

[@IsmailofeRegime]

There might be another factor: he got flak for his portrayal of Babe Ruth just 2 or 3 years prior (and has gone on record agreeing that he didn't do a good job), so it's possible that was still on his mind, making him especially concerned with not giving another lackluster performance in such a big Hollywood production.

[@CleverGirlAAH]

@@IsmailofeRegime Very insightful!

[@supersentaiguy]

Do your best job, even if you hate it and the work will speak for itself.

[@notoriousbastards11]

I never understood why John Goodman always seemed so critical of his movies. He always does a great job

[@supersentaiguy]

@@notoriousbastards11 artists are always their worst critics.

[@chazzmccloud36]

"You could've married John Firestone, the man who invented the wheel. Instead you married Fred Flintstone, the man who invented the excuse!" One of many great lines that I still chuckle at, 20+ years after seeing the movie.

[@neilrunyon3391]

She had such a blast on this film. After so many years of serious roles, she wanted to do something fun. She got this and it was perfect. You could tell she was having a blast with this role.

[@rapmastac1362]

Fred: I've got half of mind... Pearl: Oh, don't flatter yourself. Fred: That's it! Where's my club, Wilma?!

[@CJODell12]

you mean Elliott Firestone

[@bostonrailfan2427]

@@neilrunyon3391she barely had to do anything for the role, the hardest part for her was getting into wardrobe. she pretty much played herself and enjoyed not needing to do anything more than not laugh at their reactions to the lines

[@t.c.v.t.]

I actually didn't like it as a kid but watched it as a adult and was blown away by how immersed in the world I was. The sets, costumes, props and practical effects were crazy.

[@goclunker]

exactly! As a kid, it was just another movie. JP was my jam. As an adult, I LOVE the Flintstones and rock vegas for the exact same reasons, the immersion and the chemistry on screen

[@torstenscholz6243]

So true. The set designs, special effects and costumes were amazing, and they were all real. If the film got made today, it would all be done in CGI.

[@MEGVTRON]

ok

[@strange4change_6]

I think it being a cartoon the actual message on the original show was for older viewers, being that it was an evening show.

[@LLusion]

somehow i never knew this movie existed, and just 1 minute into this video i’m blown away at how fantastic this movie looks. especially from the early 90s

[@vanessa12903]

it has a sequel as well!

[@worthybutter2004]

@@vanessa12903 No, a prequel. And not a particularly good one.

[@nampyeon635]

Practical effects from the 90's look better than movies made today.

[@Parker--]

I would definitely argue it looks this good _because_ it's from the early 90's. If it was made any later, it would be with horrible CGI and though it narrowly avoided a grittier, more realistic look as stated in the video, there's no guarantee it would have gotten funding later on without it if made a decade later.

[@alexwells6876]

I hope that soon, practical effects and real sets will return. It's been a constant advancement since the early 90s to the point that it's now realistic. Things always come back around, surely filmmakers willl get bored of CG and photorealism, which will pave the way for more impressionistic visuals coming back. As useful as it is, CG has reached it's limit and has been exhausted. It should be used as a tool, not just for convenience. Creativity and convenience shouldn't go hand in hand

[@davidriley8316]

My late grandpa loved this movie and he was in his 80s when it was released. I'm glad I saw it 3 times with him. RIP, Ray. You are remembered after all these years.

[@PennywiseThedancingclown-ws1lh]

Sorry for your loss glad you have those good memories

[@davidriley8316]

@@PennywiseThedancingclown-ws1lh Thank you. He died 1997. But he was a great man and taught me how to be a man.

[@edwardhannah8507]

I had a similar experience watching it with my grandpa too. I still remember him laughing when Fred says to Barney "Now, get me a clean spoon." lol

[@M0j0J0j0]

That's what it's all about ❤😎👍

[@sebastiandelucas6437]

Long live Ray, sorry for your loss but happy you had a great grandpa!

[@willamsandell1082]

Unbelievable behind the scenes footage , wonderful ! i was the Production Designer on the film and it’s the most fun an Art Dept. can have

[@PastaSauce.]

The movie shines in terms of practical sets and artistry. You all did a wonderful Job. Now it would be mostly green screen :/

[@charliekelly735]

That's awesome! Do you remember any fun stories or anecdotes from the set?

[@realwitchdoctor]

@williamsandell1082 if that's really you, then thank you for doing such an amazing job

[@swisserty]

I recall ripping me thong to the side on that set, I always sneered in the production designers!! Got em! ‘90s we’re a better time

[@THambrough]

That is amazing and it was definitely one of those movies that helped shape my childhood into some truly fond memories so thank you for all the hard work you and the entire cast and crew put into the production. I don't know what critics were smoking back then but I understood it just fine at 6 years old and will always cherish this movie.

[@Magicghost23]

It’s probably the most accurate live action adaptation of a cartoon at the time.

[@avalond1193]

Not really .. 1980 Popeye by robin Williams was 100% faithful. And that 1970s live action superman with Christopher Reeves also did great job

[@MillRunner]

Does speed racer count?

[@deadhardy]

those suck tho@@avalond1193

[@elijahblechman8633]

​@@MillRunner Was about to bring that up.

[@tonymata8070]

​@MillRunner Oh, most definitely. I felt accurate to the anime and the frenetic nature of it, and that includes the very shitty American version. I grew up watching the Latino version, and when I finally saw the live action adaptation, the filmmakers nailed it imo.

[@JamesLawner]

This movie should’ve gotten an Oscar for Best Production Design.

[@MovieEggman]

I can’t believe just how faithful and accurate the costume and set design is to the cartoon.

[@bensneb360]

John Goodman as Fred Flintstone & Rick Moranis as Barney are two of the most perfect casting choices of all time

[@MickSG.]

Agreed, but it always made me wonder why they cast Rosie O'Donnell as Betty. I think she acted well, but I always wished they got someone else.

[@TheLostWorldFanChann]

Who the heck cast Betty?

[@McDuffin]

Wilma was a good choice too. They completely blew it with Betty rubble, though. I don’t think Rosie did horrible, I just didn’t buy it. Even at 10 or 11 years old.

[@socaljarhead7670]

Somebody who she still be in jail, that’s who.

[@bossmanham]

It's too bad he had such a negative attitude about his involvement. He could have really embraced the role, as he did such a good job. I wonder if he'd feel differently about it today looking back. A lot of actors embrace older roles as nostalgia sets in.

[@GameSomniac]

The Flintstones is awesome, the practical set design, animatronics, their ability to encapsulate the rules and logic of a cartoon world in a live setting was great. I always loved this movie as a kid and even now

[@nahor88]

Particularly when you look at today's adaptations, this was WAY ahead of it's time. The way Fred jumps into the air and levitates, there's no way today's productions crews would think to try and implement that in live action, fearing how stupid it'll look. It does look silly, but in a good way.

[@PastaSauce.]

Glad somebody mentioned the practical sets! Today it would have mostly green screen. Will never get a movie like that again.

[@alexwells6876]

I hope that soon, practical effects and real sets will return. It's been a constant advancement since the early 90s to the point that it's now realistic. Things always come back around, surely filmmakers willl get bored of CG and photorealism, which will pave the way for more impressionistic visuals coming back. As useful as it is, CG has reached it's limit and has been exhausted. It should be used as a tool, not just for convenience. Creativity and convenience shouldn't go hand in hand

[@Super165i]

A lot of people thought Rosie O’Donell was miscasted as Betty Rubble, but at least she can do the whole Betty Rubble laugh well

[@torstenscholz6243]

So true. They just don't make em like this anymore - it's really amazing how much effort they put into the set designs and costumes. They looked so real and stayed loyal to the design of the original TV show, while also keeping a good balance between looking realistically and cartoony. Today, it would all be done in lazy CGI.

[@misanthropos6211]

I love the Roger Ebert assessment - I was 8-years-old when this movie came out and I loved it...I was never once confused or disinterested by the plot. At a certain age we must forget what it was like being a kid and just assume we were ignorant of everything - never underestimate how savvy an 8-year-old can be.

[@brandonpage7087]

Not to mention, Ebert & Siskel, apparently weren't aware that the Flintstones originally was not a kids show & often dealt with adult themes.

[@christianali5431]

​@@brandonpage7087yeah. It's no one's fault that adult sitcoms weren't ready to talk about deep themes at the time.

[@DirtyFrigginHarry]

Ebert had some infamously bad takes. It's astounding to me how he became THE movie critic when there are so many genres and concepts he couldn't wrap his head around.

[@thepolloelectrico1117]

I totally got the plot too, I was like 9 or 10 when I watched it.

[@jimmymelendez1836]

I was a teenager back then and I knew what was going on.

[@HRHooChicken]

Who said it was bad? It’s a classic 90s staple. Perfect for Saturday afternoons

[@cadethumann8605]

The Nostalgia Critic, for one! However, now as a grown adult, I don't take him seriously, let alone take his opinion as gospel.

[@MegaHunter90210]

My wife and I rewatched he’d this movie last year. It’s been since we were kids since watched it. Damn we fell in love with it even more as adults. I still remember when my parents took me to see the movie since I really loved the flintstones. Very good times

[@tobasco_jones6160]

I actually restored the Flintstones movie pinball machine at my job! It was a fun machine to work on.

[@jacobscarberry4799]

Classic Pinball Board!

[@TensaZangetsu1200]

Read it as restoned

[@jacobscarberry4799]

@@TensaZangetsu1200 That is correct.

[@quinnzykir]

I NEED IT

[@toongrowner1]

I'm far away from being a handyman or technical guy but that does still sound like a great day time activity. :)

[@Olibubb]

It’s kind of sad that Goodman was so worried about this role defining him and not wanting to do any more of it since here we are 30 years later and it’s such a small blip in his career, the fears were totally unfounded at least for this film

[@JoeChillton]

I would be a bit concerned on paper but he has nothing to be ashamed about at all, he made it work. He was the only one who could have done this and played it straight, funny and even added weight with him and the drama. He's too hard on himself but i suppose that happens when art is on display, and i understand.

[@Luschan]

True, but things could have turned out differently for him if he had continued the role. It really could have defined him or limited future prospects.

[@cathoderayguns]

And he just kills it, too. It's sad to know that he didn't have a great time working on it.

[@nohrianscum9791]

It's not an unfounded fear, as an actor he would be all too familiar with other actors who got stuck with a particular role or typecast for the rest of their careers. Just look at Adam West.

[@kanesmith8271]

@@nohrianscum9791Ryan Gosling doesn’t mind it 😂

[@ianstratton]

Can't wait for the inevitable "Forgotten Failures: Viva Rock Vegas" episode.

[@vinnym5607]

Are you sure it's "Forgotten Failure"? JK. It is.

[@nickrustyson8124]

Or a episode of the podcast

[@weston407]

I loved Viva Rock Vegas; in a lot of ways I thought it was superior to this movie

[@protips__]

It's a shame they didn't use that script for this film's cast and budget. Would be much more fondly remembered.

[@hemiglos]

Jane Krakowski was a much better Betty than was Ms O'Donnell.

[@christopherdean1326]

I was 32 when this came out, after a lifetime of loving the cartoon, I thought the live action movie was just about perfect! There's not a single aspect of it I would change. Possibly the best live action update of a cartoon there has ever been,

[@JulioCNY]

Indeed 💯. You were 32, and now you are in your early 60s, age 62. Time flies real fast for all of us. I was 4 years old when this movie came out in 1994. and now, 30 years later, in the year 2024, I'm 34.

[@christopherdean1326]

@@JulioCNY 61 actually, birthday in November...

[@JulioCNY]

@@christopherdean1326 👍 awesome. My birthday is in September.

[@VITAS874]

Yes, and guys who create good games and rpgs is now 50...

[@JulioCNY]

@@christopherdean1326 Happy Early Birthday 🎂

[@rubysuncle]

Funny personal factoid, a friend of mine recently told me that she was actually in the running to play Pebbles, but didn’t get the role because she was a stubborn kid and refused to smile when directed. Also, to this day, Rosie O’Donnell was by far away the most confounding casting choice for that film. So, unlike the age range you threw out video, I was almost 17 when this came out. A buddy of mine and I went to see it out of idle curiosity to see how the classic series was adapted into live action. We were also fans of SFX in all its forms and production design for film. It’s a perfectly fine adaption of the animated series. A lot of work goes into lots of films, but it doesn’t mean that they’re good. It was just barely adequate enough to sit through. I remember The Flintstones came out the week after the film adaption of Maverick. After my buddy and I left The Flintstones with a shrug, he and I theater jumped to see Maverick. Out of the two films released that weekend based off of older TV series, the latter was definitely more satisfactory to sit through than the former.

[@markhunt575]

I loved the Flintstones as a kid. When I saw Rosie O'Donnell as Betty I decided not to watch it, my daughter was a year away from going to movies so I still haven't watched it.

[@Dewani90]

@@markhunt575 So you would only watch a movie if you like the actors?, sheesh, then go see pictures instead, there is no place for you among people who actually like movies despite who appears on them.

[@markhunt575]

@@Dewani90 I haven't paid for a movie since 2000, so if you've exiled me from the movie watching community of those who watch movies despite who's in them, au revoir.

[@TheNaturalPatHarris]

Flintstones is one of my favorite movies ever. I adored it as a kid and still enjoy it as a adult. John Goodman as Fred was one example of Perfect casting

[@spicymemes7458]

Rick Moranis, too. I totally bought them as Fred and Barney

[@tgiacin435]

It was perfect casting for all except one. That being Betty. Everyone else fitted their roles perfectly. But with Betty, I only see Rosie O’Donnell, which is a shame

[@davidcoombsbestmegadethalb9780]

I agree with you why they cast Rosie O Donnell as Betty I never know @@tgiacin435

[@taffysaur]

@@tgiacin435 Betty Rubble is famously a very attractive woman, to the point where in the movie Clueless they call hot chicks “Betties” (and unattractive men “Barnies”; according to director Amy Heckerling this was authentic ‘90s slang). I’m not saying Rosie O’Donnell is ugly, but she isn’t exactly a classic beauty. Rick Moranis’ line, “she should have played Fred” is a bit harsh, but it isn’t totally off-base.

[@JrunkJesus]

I LOVED THIS WHEN I WAS A KID!!!!

[@brianfinlay756]

There was also the fact that the B52s did a version of the theme tune under the name BC52s. It's their second most successful single after love shack

[@shinyagumon7015]

People say this movie is bad? I always really liked it.

[@KairuHakubi]

Yeah that shocked me too Siskel and Ebert are weird because half the time, they're saying like "Mask of the Phantasm is great, it doesn't talk down to kids, why did we sleep on this?" and then they're going into this as if the Flintstones was ever anything but an primetime situation comedy for adults. They sold cigarettes for chrissakes. Kids didn't smoke back then.

[@ScrambledAndBenedict]

@@KairuHakubi Something I've noticed about critics, is they watch something, like or don't like it, and then search for "objective" reasons to justify why they liked or didn't like it rather than just admitting their opinions are 100% subjective and aren't actually set-in-stone fact. Because let's be real: if there was an objectively "good" way to make a movie, and an objectively "bad" way to make a movie, every movie would be a masterpiece beloved by all; two different people can have wildly different opinions of a movie because they have entirely different tastes.

[@tonymata8070]

You're not alone, I absolutely loved this movie when I was a kid. Hell, I compare both movies to a certain era of The Flintstones. - The first one is very accurate to the early seasons of the show with minor stuff from the seasons in which Pebbles and Bam-Bam were introduced. - The prequel feels like the much more sillier and family friendly seasons in which many greatly dislike, especially since it introduced The Great Gazoo in live action.

[@KairuHakubi]

@@ScrambledAndBenedict I suppose it is rather like modern 'science' too. Come to your conclusion first, then do your research.

[@calebmarmon1310]

@@ScrambledAndBenedict Ideally critics look for objective reasons why they like or don’t like a given movie. Their experience is always subjective, but the goal is to understand why one is having a particular reaction. And hopefully there are others watching that might share the same sensibilities. I think where S&E get in trouble is not couching their language with room to disagree. Which I think reflects the times and that they were the first of this kind of review show.

[@rsienicki]

WHAT!? I loved that movie as a child, and I still think it was pretty awesome with mostly spot on casting. And now you're telling me people hates it and Goodman despised playing that role!? WHAT THE HECK

[@montanajackson3713]

This will always be one of my favorite movies. It’s great to know that the cast and crew had fun making it, truly a high budget fan film.

[@DeanTheLaughingMann]

I never got the hate for this movie as a kid, and not even as an adult. Everything about the movie had the spirit of the cartoon, and that is exactly what I wanted for a movie like this.

[@andrewdevine3920]

They made Betty Rubble fat.

[@ConroyMatheson]

​@@andrewdevine3920 so Rosie o donnel is the entire reason you didn't like it? Wow dude weird set of priorities.

[@thegladve]

@@ConroyMatheson honestly I'm not behind Rosie O'Donnell as Betty either, not because of the fat thing mind you but because I'm sure my all time favorite comedienne actress Sally Field would've done a better job of the material simple as that.

[@kerry-j4m]

Those Mcdonald's commercials brings back nostalgia so hard,I remember them. I watched the movie on dvd. I only viewed it-ONCE. LOL. Good behind the scene video tho,I enjoyed it.

[@andrewdevine3920]

@@ConroyMatheson I didn't say I didn't like the movie. Just stating a fact.

[@elijahvincent985]

I personally loved it. John Goodman's charm is radiating in this movies. Is it the best? No. But, there's a lot of things that are enjoyable. I thought it was one of John Goodman's best performances. Also, Fred imagining his mother-in-law being devoured by a dinosaur and giggling was HILARIOUS! The adult content was fairly well-placed and handled in a way clean enough for children to watch the film.

[@Louie_The_Dago]

she was a BLABBERMOUTH!

[@Nick-ty9us]

One thing I really do appreciate is that they did use Mel Blanc recordings for Dino because he is an awesome voice actor doing the voice of nearly every Looney Tunes character

[@CleverGirlAAH]

I mean... what else could be done? Hahaha Anything else would have been sacrilegious. 😂

[@1zymn1]

He also played Rick Moranis' dad in Strange Brew!

[@Nick-ty9us]

@@1zymn1 he did that because Rick Moranis suggested that

[@KenLieck]

Trivia: The reason the original cartoons didn't use an Art Carney imitator for Barney is because H-B had already stolen that voice for Yogi Bear!

[@pablocasas5906]

That kind of reminds that for the Neutral Spanish dub of the movie, people from Universal contact Fred and Barney voice actors from the cartoon to reprised their roles, which says a since the movie was dubbed in Los Angeles while The Flintstones cartoon was dubbed in Mexico, so they flew Arturo Mercado (Fred/Pedro) and Francisco Colmenero (Barney/Pablo) to Los Angeles Though I have to specify that they were the characters' second voices, Barney original VA, Julio Lucena, passed away before the movie was made and I suppose the producers weren't aware that Fred's Mexican VA, José "El Tata" Arvizu was still active. The Viva Rock Vegas movie was dubbed entirely in Mexico and Francisco returned as Barney/Pablo, but Fred/Pedro was voiced by Jesse Conde, while Arturo Mercado voiced Gazoo

[@MsLeenite]

Thanks, Joe. I was around for the original cartoon series back in the 60's, and enjoyed the way this movie played up the whole "made out of rocks" ambience. Watching it, I felt like Bedrock was a real place. And the actors' commitment to their roles added greatly to the charm. Basically, the movie was a lot of fun. I thought it worked better than a lot of other live-action movies adapted from tv shows.

[@stephanieraebel8160]

This was a great movie......watched it so many times on rainy weekends that I lost count how many times...,the critics didn't use their money to make it but it is still an all time favorite.

[@itsjayden8002]

The Hanna-Barbera live action remakes always have scarily good casting and set design. I love that you put *RocDonald’s* in the thumbnail. As a certified Flintstones enthusiast(meaning I’ve seen all the classic episodes at least 4 times over the past year)I can say that this movie is the best theatrically released Flintstones project to ever exist.

[@michaelstrong5383]

I remember having a childhood crush on Halle Berry in this movie. The only casting choice I wasn't crazy about was Rosie O'Donnell as Betty, but everyone else was perfect for their roles, especially John Goodman as Fred. This is a far better Flintstones movie than Viva Rock Vegas.

[@vitorafmonteiro]

When Joe said ""I guarantee something about it still stands out in your memory" I immediately thought that to me it always was Halle Berry, even at the youngest age I recall watching this.

[@KairuHakubi]

Yeah she was foxy . though as a kid I was confused since her character's name was Sharon Stone. It's a good gag, but I was only vaguely aware of different sexy actress names, so I thought that was her name and it was more of a cameo. You know, like they might have thrown Rock Hudson in as a joke, if he'd been alive. On accounta his name is Rock.

[@Eidlones]

Looks wise, maybe not for Rosie to play Betty, but she got the personality and the laugh down

[@KairuHakubi]

@@Eidlones indeed. plus Betty was always shorter with a fatter head, so it kinda translates.

[@kumajin3621]

it was the laugh, it was too good

[@Luschan]

It’s easy to forget that even though Goodman was middle aged, he was still just hitting household name success outside of Roseanne. So his anxieties about image and career were reasonable, it was a crucial juncture for him where further success wasn’t guaranteed unless he made smart commitments of his time and growing name.

[@RichterPhallos]

You knock it out of the park with every video of yours I watch. Great job, man.

[@Missymlk]

My husband and I just re-watched this movie last month! I had totally forgotten about it and the whole time I was so impressed and fascinated with the set designs and puppetry... In my opinion this movie is truly a work of art!

[@dannydonnelly8345]

My brother Keith Donnelly played a bowling team member. I got a chance to see the set. It was absolutely amazing!

[@alexwells6876]

Would love to know where a lot of those props are today, maybe some have ended up on eBay.

[@missylissy200]

This is one of my favourite childhood movies! I never thought it was bad, I think they did a great job at bringing the whole Flintstone vibe to life. John Goodman is absolutely perfect as Fred, so great casting too!

[@ArnhemPictures]

ALWAYS loved this movie, you didn't touch on one of my favorite parts, THE SCORE. David Newman did such an amazing job filling the film with memorable melodies and a sweeping score. And who could forget the B-52's cameo music tie-in? I'll always champion this film as a fan.

[@TheDidymusBrush]

Good vid! The one thing you didn't talk about though (somehow!) is the soundtrack, which is just brilliant from start to finish. The B-52's temporarily renaming themselves The B.C.52's and taking the theme tune into the charts was one thing.... Getting everything from Weird Al to My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult on there was a genius move. Shakespeares Sister dropping a mad banger feat Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, Green Jelly covering Anarchy in the UK, and even Big Audio Dynamite covering Tommy Steele's Rock with the Caveman... It's an album I have heard way more times than I've seen the movie.

[@Xeranxies]

I only just realised that a building in the background was "Toy. S. Aurus".

[@sephiroth900000]

I really loved this movie a lot. This movie's set design is so amazing and the creatures were top tier for the 90s. Thank you for covering a childhood movie i love. Also John Goodman and Rick Moranis were really good.

[@travisbrown6598]

Still today, I love the 1994 Flintstones film and how much work they put into making Bedrock come to life is still amazing to see. I feel sorry for John Goodman but he and all of the cast did a great job with the characters. In fact, the TV version of the 1994 Flintstones film has scenes that were not in the theatrical version and maybe consider to be a "lost version" of the film

[@melissataylor2209]

A McDonald’s combo meal was $3.99. I miss those days

[@seed.meditation]

Truly

[@jameskuhn432]

I'm 43 now. I recently rewatched it for the first time since when it released. I think I had more fun watching it now! It's still great fun. I ended up buying the double DVD with this movie and its straight to DVD sequel. Both were lots of fun!

[@DigiRangerScott]

Spielberg got involved? Just as Tiny Toons began? Well that makes total sense!

[@piscesempress1978]

back in 1990 or so when John was on Roseanne, my mom saw an episode where he was bowling, she told me mark my words that right there is Fred Flintstone, he will play him in something and about 3 and half years later,yep it happened!! I was 16 when the movie came out, loved it then and still love it at 45!

[@parkivich]

I haven't seen this movie in ages, but all those clips just ooze charm. Time for those of us who grew up with this movie to give it its moment in the sun!

[@nahor88]

This is definitely one of those movies you watch as a kid, and rewatch as an adult, and appreciate it both ways. You love the silly, whimsical elements as a child, as an adult you realize holy shit... there are actually some real life, mature elements going on here. I still remember watching it on VHS, growing up on the cartoon, and my parents walk into the room and see Halle Berry's outfit and think "wait, this is a kid's movie?" LOL.

[@IceSlushi]

I appreciate the quality of this video. The first Flintstones movie will always be one of my favourites.

[@metallicoustic6733]

18:46 John Goodman trying so hard to hide that he wants to wring that interviewer out like a dirty rag 😂

[@briang7307]

I have it on digital. It still holds up to me. I had no problems with it seeing it in the theater opening day as a 9 yr old kid and I dont have problems with it as an 39 yr old adult. The chemistry between John Goodman and Rick Moranis as the these 2 iconic best friends, makes the movie hold up today.

[@toast_busters]

I just watched this with my kids and it unlocked a great core memory of seeing this at the drive-in with my family as a kid. You know we forget what a huge cultural impact the Flintstones had as a franchise. I would say up until the '90s it was something people watched all the time on TV. Besides things like fruity pebbles which you can still get today, I remember getting Flintstones push pops, having Flintstones toys, wearing Flintstones pajamas, taking the Flintstones vitamins, and then all the build up and hype for this movie. I wonder what happened between now and the mid '90s that kind of killed Flintstones fever. I mean there used to be a Flintstones theme park, and now it's just sort of this relic of the Boomer/Gen X era? Occasionally you might see Fred Flintstone pop up in a Cartoon Network short or make a cameo? But it's pretty much unknown to kids today, and I think that's weird

[@Andres33AU]

I too am curious what happened to the Flintstones as well, because other IPs like Looney Tunes and Tom & Jerry are still popular with younger generations. Also, looking back, there were quite a few dinosaur movies in the early-mid 90s, mainly Jurassic Park, the Super Mario Bros movie (yep, that one, lol) and The Flintstones movie. The Land Before Time was also popular with its sequels, though my favourite is still the original.

[@toast_busters]

@@Andres33AU there was a podcast I used to listen to about retro games and there's one guy on the podcast who would always refer to the early '90s as "cave mania." Because there's more than just you mentioned! Some other things that come to mind right away are Encino Man, Theodore Rex, and the Land of the Lost reboot. Then outside of TV or movies, you have tons of video games like Mario World again, Joe and Mac, or Bonk, and then it was also seeping into other things like those dinosaurs from hell trading cards, that dinosaur egg oatmeal that only 90s kids probably remember, or the crazy amount of completely unique dinosaur toys that were coming out around that time. We were nuts for dinosaurs in the early '90s/late '80s. It was just the thing that they latched onto for kids!

[@rufusblue8044]

I use to love the drive-in as a kid. Great times

[@egill624]

The only thing the Flintstones is known for these days is appearing on children's vitamins

[@8shroomfairy8]

Fruity Pebbles!! ​@@egill624

[@WHATISUTUBE]

All these clips made me realize this movie is absolutely hilarious. Some of the humor flew past me as a kid but it totally nails The Flintstones

[@2FRESH-4U]

I saw this movie in the theaters in Beaver Utah with my grandparents. I am so glad that I went to see that movie with them. I still love this movie so much and when I had a kid, I made sure to show it to her and it’s always gonna be one of her favorite movies too. What a great movie. I grew up in Lancaster California so we were able to watch it being filmed in Vasquez rocks as we drove by on the freeway very cool memories

[@ashwinnmyburgh9364]

I adored this movie, and still do. For me, it is one of the best adaptations of a cartoon into a live action movie.

[@dandwyer5491]

The production design of this movie is really unparalleled.

[@katherinealvarez9216]

True

[@sjmhadsock4586]

I loved John Goodman he was Fred flintstone

[@nsasupporter7557]

Yeah, John Goodman is actually an incredible talent despite him only being a B list actor. Throughout his whole career he’s done both movies and tv shows… he’s primarily known for the sitcom Rosanne and being in a lot of movies

[@Boom12]

As a child, this movie was simply amazing! It felt like I really was seeing Fred, Wilma, Betty and Barney brought to life. In my 30s, I still love this film, has a special place in my heart. Not Viva Rock Vegas though...that's another story.

[@kerry-j4m]

I haven't seen Viva Rock Vegas,it's that bad ???? I was considering watching it.

[@MickSG.]

@@kerry-j4m Don't do it, trust us.

[@matthewa11]

@@kerry-j4m i'm almost tempted to. Somebody talk me out of it. I gave *Velma* a chance and I still get bullied for actually enjoying it when I never enjoyed any version of that show before that point.

[@kerry-j4m]

@@matthewa11 I'm gonna watch it,gonna see how much amazon is selling the dvd for.And what's Velma ??? A tv show ???

[@matthewa11]

@@kerry-j4m That's a show about an Indian-American teenage girl who solves mysteries. And also, there's something about a dog in it at some point.

[@machineofadream]

I was born in 81, so I remember this vividly. The Flintstones was a show our parents watched. It wasn't the hip new thing that kids were all into at the time. It had lasting appeal with baby boomers who passed some of that onto their kids, but it's like passing a love of Star Wars onto your kids today. It's not their generation's thing. It's that thing your dad watched, you know? Outside of my parents, I was familiar with it because of various TV specials, and I believe it was on syndication, but not at a time I would normally watch. Anyway, why wouldn't they include some adult plot lines in the film? Half the appeal was baby boomer nostalgia. My mom certainly explained to me about how it was geared towards both kids and adults. I don't know why critics would've expected it to be a simple plot for little kids.

[@halfbakedmedia]

1:43 What? The original was about office politics, the friendship of an ADULT cast, etc. I think I recall some mother-in-law problems as well. I'd argue the Flintstones was never made specifically for kids. The plots were always made to be relatable to adults. Same with the Jetsons, though a little less so since in the Flintstones the kids were basically props.

[@kidchameleon9572]

I just like how they had 33 screenwriters, and only credited 3 of them. One of the writers of die hard even made contributions.

[@80schick1967]

I was an adult in my 30s with 2 children when the film came out. While not a masterpiece (not every film needs to be) I thought the art and costume design and the casting was superb! Not to mention the animatronics. Such a fun film, I have it on DVD.

[@spicymemes7458]

Im still reeling from the "Sharon Stone" pun 30 years later

[@Mr4thahaters]

Critiques that the themes are too mature for children is ludicrous. I watched this movie no less than ten times throughout my childhood and it was one of my favorites because it didn’t dumb itself down and I completely understood the plot.

[@TheClownfight]

I appreciate the sincerity of this piece, it's beautiful. It's too easy to be condescending and patronizing. But your take is 'lighten up, take it for what it is, and you'll really appreciate it'. Keep up the great work, nice to see folks building things up, not tearing them down to make themselves bigger.

[@Randomark3087]

I'm 36 and I STILL love this movie. It's truly aspiring how much time and effort went into the sets, props, etc.

[@BugsyFoga]

One of the few cartoon adaptations at the time that stayed pretty close to the source material.

[@taionalmeida5337]

Did a way better job, visually, than the Disney live actions ... In 1994 ... How amazing is this ...

[@elijahblechman8633]

If you want another 60s cartoon turned I must recommend speed racer. It's legitimately one of my favorite movies ever made.

[@BugsyFoga]

@@elijahblechman8633 Saw that one in the theaters, definitely one of my favorites

[@thewkovacs316]

@@elijahblechman8633 that movie gives me a headache. and if they had wanted to do it right, they wouldve adapted the japanese version...not the cleaned up and edited version that we americans got to see

[@ironmaster6496]

​@@elijahblechman8633It's an interesting movie, I don't like it and it's not really that faithful to its source material (specially with its worldbuilding), but it IS an interesting movie

[@Agropio]

As a kid, my whole world was Hanna-Barbera (and maybe Ninja Turtles). Then I got to see this on the big screen when it came out, and it felt like a dream come true. I can still remember the feeling. I was ecstatic. And, to be honest, I still feel it today. Nostalgia aside, this is a damn fine comedy, not to mention an extremely loving adaptation. I only recently found out it was considered a bad movie. Also, watching this, I'm blown away by Goodman's professionalism. I never would have guessed he wasn't thrilled to be there, he really gave it 110%. Wonderful video as always. Thank you so much for the work you do.

[@joshintheflesh848]

Great video. I'm so happy It showed up in my feed. I forgot about this movie, and how good it is. Totally watching it tonight. And subbing

[@SilentNinja87]

I never understood why this movie was hated. Even as a kid I thought it was pretty accurate to the cartoon and I understood the plot ( for the most part). Now as an adult I appreciate the movie even more. I think it’s great with impressive production and the plot not being dumbed down or filled with fart jokes to appeal to kids. Plus the cast nailed their respective characters.

[@joshuawaltz9484]

I loved this movie as a kid. I've always been a fan of John Goodman and Rick Moranis.

[@Squishy876]

I loved this movie as a kid. You always pick some great gems I had totally forgotten about!

[@theseanwardshow]

Elizabeth Perkins oochie wa wa

[@OneTyler2Many]

I didn't know they made a prequel, but I'm sure glad I missed it.

[@sergeantsapient]

I never thought this was a bad movie. If anything it's probably one of the better cartoon to live action adaptations to come out. Now Viva Rock Vegas on the other hand...

[@TomWDW1]

In terms of production design, the closest I've seen in recent memory is the entire Barbie Land they built for the Barbie movie. Those were actual sets. Even the transition scenes of them traveling to and from the real world were all done with practical effects and very little CGI. This reminds me a lot of that.

[@MandVersusNature]

I came here to say this!

[@clowwwwwwwn]

lot more cgi than you think but yeah there was some practical stuff. most of the backgrounds are cgi versions of miniatures or just full CGI.

[@TomWDW1]

@@clowwwwwwwn I didn't say there was no CGI. Watch the BTS stuff.

[@clowwwwwwwn]

​@@TomWDW1 i had just finished watching the corridor digital video breaking it down when I replied..

[@medalion1390]

@@clowwwwwwwnYeah I just watched the video too, there’s always more cgi than you realise.

[@skullingtonturtle8080]

As a 6yo in 1994, even though I weirdly liked Roseanne as a kid (almost exclusively because of John Goodman), I haaaated not just The Flintstones and The Jetsons but this movie in particular. I never saw it, and at 35yo I still had no intent to see it until this video. Dude, your channel is amazing. As an example of your power to compel people into taking second looks- I loved John Candy (like anyone else) before I found your channel, but since discovering your content, I’ve watched EVERY John Candy movie now

[@katsmith6075]

So now that you watched it, what did you think? We're about the same age. I loved the movie since it came out but The Flintstones and The Jetsons were some of my favorite cartoons.

[@NeilDeal2023]

I saw this movie in the theatre as a 30 year old and remember being blown away by it. Watching your video and seeing the clips from it brings back that same sense of awe and amazement. Thanks for re-memories! 🦴

[@Pozorrogo]

This movie holds a special place in my heart, you could just tell by the set pieces and little details there was a LOT of passion to put this to screen. I think they did a great job for all the practical effects and puppetry.

[@MrEmperorApples]

I agree with Moranis’ take on the casting of Betty

[@willmistretta]

A lot of critics seemed to be reacting to the idea rather than the execution. I can totally understand not *wanting* a Flintstones movie. There are countless ways this one could have been worse, though.

[@KairuHakubi]

reminds me of the Lego Movie. i was rolling my eyes hard at that, but it turned out to be good. They somehow pulled it off, and in 2014 no less. it worked both within their universe AND on a meta level, that's insane.

[@HOTD108_]

Defending a movie by saying "it could have been worse" isn't really a defence. You could say that about anything really, stuff could always be worse.

[@TheYetixOUTx]

​@@HOTD108_except for when it turns out good. The commentary on tlou2 makes me think it couldve been worse. But what we got was still terrible.

[@KairuHakubi]

@@HOTD108_ That's not really the point here though. Disliking it purely because the idea is bad means that you are judging it for how bad a theoretical movie would be.

[@ironmaster6496]

​@@KairuHakubiit's really stupid like i used to think that lego batman was a really terrible idea and that it would be at best a teen titans go esque kids movie......after watching it though not only i regret thinking that but i consider it one of the best Batman movies period. And that's a mentality we all should have like be really critic of the idea but still giving it a chance, not just instantly call it bad without even watching it

[@courtlandmiles6798]

So serendipitous, I just rewatched this movie last week since it’s now on Netflix. My sister still has the ticket stub from when we went to see it as kids in the theaters back in 1994. Subscribed, I love your videos!

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

One of the best adaptations ever! I can tell that the entire crew had fun making the movie.

[@apezilla83]

I took a sitcom writing class with Brian Levant at UNM. He was a silly old guy, and it's crazy to see his younger self in this. He didn't like to talk about this movie, he was much more proud of his time writing on Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley

[@megamix5403]

Didn't he also do Jingle All the Way? How did he feel about that film? Also, when was this?

[@YmustTh3w0rldG0r0und]

Everyone was perfect in their roles. I love John Goodmen as Fred Flintstone, who else could have done it?

[@jmorlar2852]

I do really miss Rick Moranis! He’s such a terrific actor, gave a great amount of laughter. It’s sad not to see him arond, however I find heartwarming he chose family over career. That makes him a good man too.

[@nsasupporter7557]

I agree, however he’s only known for playing a “loser” type character in all of his movies. In Ghostbusters he was the nerdy neighbor who was the key master, in Little Giants he was the overshadowed younger loser brother of Ed O’Neils character, in the Flintstones he plays Barney who gets overlooked for the promotion

[@jmorlar2852]

@@nsasupporter7557 well, he's that kind of face XD... However, I'd rather not regard his take on Barney Rubble as a "looser" character. He doesn't get overlooked for the promotion, he switches his test with Fred's knowing how much his friend longed to be somebody. Then Fred becomes an A-grade a-hole, but throughout the movie Barney keeps up his moral integrity.

[@nsasupporter7557]

@@jmorlar2852 Barney was trying to return the favor to Fred

[@jmorlar2852]

@@nsasupporter7557 Indeed, so good winner after all ;)

[@nsasupporter7557]

@@jmorlar2852 but unfortunately it blew up in his face

[@NightAtTheOpera3]

Man, I had no idea John Goodman was so resentful of the role. Dude NAILED it and is one of the best things about it aside from the stunning production design.

[@whatever1661]

totally agree brother. I was shocked when i saw the RT audience score

[@michaelbarbarelli3764]

Right? Seemed so strange, almost as if he considered himself above it. Nonetheless, he clearly took his job seriously and knocked it out of the park anyway.

[@MoneyManHolmes]

I hope as an old man he is able to realize he made a lot of kids happy with that role, and maybe even embrace it. I wish he would have done a sequel. Back then, part 2’s had a tendency to be the high points of movie franchises.

[@91MoonKnight]

I had no idea the movie was hated. I loved the movie as a kid and even I could understand the plot and what was happening. I feel like it was a true adaptation of the Flinstones

[@KairuHakubi]

hell when I was a kid I saw it as a massive improvement over the show.

[@metalspinda9594]

Casting Rosie O'Donnell to play Betty Rubble, one of MANY boomers and Gen x' first cartoon crushes MAY have had a hand in derailing the movie. "Plus size" models weren't a thing BACK THEN either!

[@CleverGirlAAH]

@@KairuHakubi 1000% The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo, I could never wrap my head around being "entertaining". (*Especially* Scooby)

[@CleverGirlAAH]

@@metalspinda9594 I'm no Rosie fan, but she played a good "Mom" version of Betty. She reminded me of other moms at school and church. She had the personality down, and the voice. She wasn't exactly grotesque at the time. But certainly no hourglass figure. And lastly, she had some star power after a League of their Own, and Sleepless in Seattle for mom's in the theater. It was a smart cast.

[@KairuHakubi]

@@CleverGirlAAH yep those were not my jam. but i get it, kids in the 60s, they had a lot less to watch. just like when I was a kid I might watch boring stuff like little house on the prairie or something, because it was on. and we didn't always have cable.

[@redeoghan]

Remember loving this movie as a child, really appreciated how it didn't talk down to me and of course John Goodman is absolutely amazing in it. Also having Paul from Dune as the villain was very amusing to me as that was another of my childhood favourite films.

[@matthewa11]

Kyle MacLachlan's bare arms... more, please!

[@emperortrevornorton3119]

Rick Moranis and John Goodman are perfect casting for Barny and Fred

[@HoldenHardman]

I acknowledge I have bias because I watched this MANY times as a kid, but I absolutely and unapologetically love it.

[@jamesa.romano8500]

I had a huge crush on Halle Berry from watching this movie as a kid. Fun Fact: Halle Berry felt getting cast in Flintstones was a career triumph because it was the first time she would be playing a character originally meant to be played by a white actress (Sharon Stone was meant to be played by THE Sharon Stone but negotiations fell through). But she though it would make sense because Bedrock WOULD have been integrated

[@MoneyManHolmes]

I would insert a Rock Hard joke about Berry right here, but KZbin would probably ban me.

[@machoman1016]

Didn't Sharon Stone and Halle Berry later do a movie together (Catwoman I think).

[@nicoolio_gp]

This is genuinely one of my favourite films of all time, I can’t fathom the hate for it. I wasn’t aware of how miserable John Goodman was making it though, which is a shame because he’s PERFECT. Does such a great job. And you can clearly tell how much love and appreciation for the original cartoon was put into the film.

[@matthewa11]

I didn't hate it when it come out, but I haven't seen it in years. My perception of John Goodman and Rosie O'Donnell is different now than it was 30 years ago.

[@biscuitsalive]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how hard it was to make that giant front wheel turn left and right with that accurate car/prop they made.

[@brandonpage7087]

Thanks Joe, man!!! I literally haven't watched the Flintstones movie, since the '90s, & now you have seriously got me wanting to watch it again. I can't believe that so many people, who loved it as kids, have now turned against it!! I'm certainly not one of those. I loved this movie, as a kid, & only haven't watched it in years, cause i kinda forgot about it, & don't own it on home video, but i think i will rectify that soon, after watching this video. We had those RocDonald's mugs, but i have no idea where they are now. I certainly appreciate all the hard work & attention to detail to bring the Flintstones world to life! LMFAO at Siskel & Ebert asking who this movie was made for, because i guess those morons forgot or didn't know, that the Flintstones were NOT created for kids, as stated in this video. Kids just ended up watching & loving it. That's why they had adult themes, in the movie, like embezzlement. The cartoon would also often have adult storylines. John Goodman may as well own it & embrace it, that he was the perfect Fred Flintstone, & nobody else could've pulled that role off, but him, lol.

[@matthewa11]

The movie is an adaptation of the Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm years. The most based parts were before they were born. I re-watched some of those recently after years and years and I could understand what Seth MacFarlane wanted to go back to with the first five or so years of *Family Guy.*

[@lizzietizzy]

Great analysis of an old time favorite! Loved watching this movie growing up - loved learning the new things about it!

[@WTFG78]

I knew we were in for a treat when the “Univer-shell” logo appeared at the drive-in with the old Revue Studios music. I remember seeing that at the theatre, and 14-year-old me thought “Okay… they did their movie logo homework. Let’s do this.”

[@WTFG78]

Also, the movie’s score is a wonderful orchestral arrangement of the TV show’s incidental music.

[@bigduke5902]

You, at 14 years old in the mid 1990s, wryly quipped over the use of what you knew was called the Revue Studios music?

[@WTFG78]

@@bigduke5902 At the time, I knew it an older version of the Universal/MCA theme, yes. I didn’t know it was specifically from Revue until later. What can I say… I was a weird kid. ;)

[@bigduke5902]

@@WTFG78 We shoulda been friends.

[@azraelle6232]

I always love when the movie plays with the studio logo.

[@juanvillanueva-mt4he]

I never watched it in the movie theaters when I was a kid but I still loved it to this day. This is one of the reasons why I love movies like this the puppets and the heart and soul that goes into to these movies. The set design are awesome. I say this is an underrated movie that deserves more recognition and more love.

[@rotallyPumpered]

Poor John Goodman. He's a terrific actor with great warmth and range, and he seems like a thoroughly decent guy with great insight and sincerity. It's clear he was afraid of getting typecast for this, but he took it on the chin and gave his all to the performance.

[@vaccumsealed]

Four dollars for a McDonalds COMBO?!?! This HAD to have been in the stone age

[@koilamaoh4238]

That was actually prety expensive back then too! cause min wage was way below slave standards lol :( hence the stone age.

[@gabe_s_videos]

I was between the ages of 2 and 10 in 1994 (I was 3), I didn't see this movie until I was in my late teens. The movie I watched more than any other at that age was probably Beauty & The Beast.