Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, The MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: +1

The original FLINTSTONES movie, released in 1994, featured long time pals Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble with their wives, Wilma and Betty, in a comical stone-age story. This second FLINTSTONES comedy tells how Fred (Mark Addy) and Barney (Stephen Baldwin) meet and marry Wilma (Kristen Johnston) and Betty (Jane Krakowski). Hard workers at the local rock quarry, Fred and Barney are startled when an small alien from outer space appears and informs them he has come to earth to observe the mating rituals of humans. He tags along with Fred and Barney to the town of Bedrock where they meet Betty and Wilma, waitresses at the Bronto King restaurant. Barney and Betty hit it off from the very beginning and Fred is attracted to Wilma, but he isnt aware that she comes from a very wealthy family. Fred soon finds out when he accompanies Wilma to a party at her swank home. The two couples then take off on a gala excursion to Rock Vegas and a plush casino where Fred is determined to win enough money to buy Wilma a big ring. Their comical escapades are enhanced by colorful, prehistoric animals, carnivals and musical numbers. The original FLINTSTONES comedy was a big hit and this one is likely to do well also.

To baby-boomers, the FLINTSTONES are favorite cartoon memories they can now share with their children. In spite of its PG rating, the audience for this latest comedy will probably be nostalgic adults and children ages 4 to 12 years. So, it is disappointing that the theme features an alien coming to earth to observe mating rituals, even though that theme is rather subdued. And there are no graphic conversations or scenes showing sexual mating rituals. However, mating rituals and sex are referred to on a few occasions in a naive, comical manner. One young couple is even encouraged to "go to it" and another comical scene implies that Barney and Fred are attracted to each other. Thankfully, no sexual activity spoils the film. Still, skimpy costumes and low cut dresses worn by some of the women are mildly suggestive. Comical, slapstick mishaps occur occasionally, including a man being hit by a boulder and another man knocked down with a club. The loyal friendship shared by Barney and Fred is commendable, as is the message that gambling can be disastrous. While crude behavior and language are virtually non-existent, mildly suggestive content makes THE FLINTSTONES IN VIVA ROCK VEGAS inappropriate for very young children.

[Ed. note: While some may note that dating and marriage are "mating rituals," the initial image is one of sexual union and therefore that interpretation is used in this review]

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Universal Pictures, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608