Netflix is now the home of a Will Ferrell sci-fi movie that performed terribly at the global box office. Best known for his comedy roles in movies, like Anchorman, Elf, and Step Brothers, Will Ferrell’s career as a comedian started slowly when he saw little success in the standup space. Even in the world of acting, Ferrell took his time to find his feet as he took small roles in TV shows like Grace Under Fire and Living Single during his early years.

However, now, after being active in Hollywood for over two decades, Ferrell has several hits under his belt and has even been honored with many accolades and awards. Despite having a blooming career, though, the actor has seen a fair share of extreme lows. One of these lows was a science fiction film that was not only critically panned but also commercially unsuccessful.

Will Ferrell’s Land of the Lost Is Now On Netflix – What The Movie Is About

Land Of The Lost Is A Sci-Fi Adventure Comedy

Directed by Brad Silberling, Land of the Lost is a science fiction comedy movie that first premiered on June 5, 2009. Other than Will Ferrell, it also stars Danny McBride, Anna Friel, and Jorma Taccone. The film is loosely based on a 1970s television series of the same name, which was produced and co-developed by Sid and Marty Krofft. It follows the misadventures of paleontologist Dr. Rick Marshall, who falls into a parallel world with his assistant, Holly, and a survivalist, Will.

In this new-found world, the three encounter some of the most absurd creatures and wildest beings one can imagine. For instance, they run into a race of lizard men called Sleestak and also come face-to-face with a T-Rex. During their expedition in the alternate realm, they also befriend a young Pakuni named Cha-Ka, who is looking for his tribe. Cha-Ka, too, then becomes a part of their bizarre adventure as they encounter everything from a giant crab to a monstrous mosquito.

How Much Land Of The Lost Made At The Box Office & Why It Underperformed

Land Of The Lost’s Significant Shift In Tone From Its Source Weighed It Down

Against a budget of $100 million, Land of the Lost only earned $68.8 million worldwide, making it a box office bomb. One of the biggest reasons behind the film’s failure was its underwhelming critical reception. The movie still holds a disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score of 26%, with critics almost unanimously agreeing that, even though humor and adventure are supposed to be its primary selling points, it delivers neither in its 102-minute runtime. Since Land of the Lost has also been loosely adapted from a TV series of the same name, many could not help but compare it with its source material.

Given how the original Land of the Lost was more of a children’s show, the movie’s absurd PG-13 comedy did not land well with viewers who grew up watching the series in the ’70s. Apart from alienating audiences familiar with the source material, Land of the Lost is also plagued by a non-cohesive narrative and an inconsistent tone. Despite being touted as a sci-fi adventure, the film struggles to commit to one genre throughout its runtime, preventing it from having a clear target audience.

Is Land Of The Lost Still Worth Watching?

Land Of The Lost Offers Mindless Escapism

Despite all the flaws, Land of the Lost is still a lighthearted, time-killing popcorn flick that can be appreciated if one does not take it too seriously. Although many critical reviews may suggest it hardly delivers on the comedy front, the movie does have some memorably funny moments that put Will Farrell’s comic timing and brand of comedy on full display. With a runtime of only 1 hour and 45 minutes, the Will Ferrell movie also does not outstay its welcome, which makes it perfect for streaming on Netflix.