Okay, this version is everything most of the viewers have mentioned: decidedly trite and shallow script devoid of any real substance, wooden performances from a group of talented actors notwithstanding(for the most part), legions of clichés, some of the weakest, poorest, limited special effects seen for a movie of this caliber(what should have been shot that is), and the list could go on and on. I have no problem with almost any of that. So much could have been done with this film and the talents involved, but so little was done in terms of execution. The ho-nus of the blame must therefore go to Mr. Allen who I would never describe as a great filmmaker but who is certainly capable of better than this. Lets start with the script. It follows the pattern of all the Lost World films as a party leaves England for a hidden plateau in the Amazon region. Each person is to be a character in and of himself/herself. Claude Rains plays the fiery Professor Challenger with some conviction at times and is at the very least always a pleasant thick slice of ham. But Michael Rennie as the big game hunter Roxton, another good actor, doesn't fare nearly as well as he just looks too haggard for the role. What about David Hedison as the newspaperman along because his editor footed the bill - bland, boring, and unconvincing. Fernando Lamas - need I say more? That brings us to 2 actors - one whose performance adds immeasurably to the film because of wit and fine character acting skills and another who knows how to fill out a snug pink form-fitting pair of stretch pants and wear a low-cut blouse throughout the prehistoric jungle but has all the concern and fear of someone riding a subway. Richard Haydn gives the film's best performance playing a stereotype of a snooty professor constantly challenging Challenger with vigor and intelligence. I have always felt he was a fine character actor that just did not get the press and consideration he should have. Jill St. John plays the walking pink stretch pants and as an actress is just not convincing at all - but boy, can those pants move gracefully and with the utmost conviction! Irwin Allen's Lost World is not a horrible film or, for me, even a boring one. It is popcorn entertainment at best and will be sheer disappointment to those looking for prehistoric fun and something truly fantastical. It just doesn't have it. Just what do you get: maybe 3 lizards with horns applied to their heads somehow, a few natives that look un-native, and some big pink flower-like venus flytraps that shoot up and down like crepe paper. That is really about it. There is very little action for a film that should have been loaded with it. I am partial to the film for the actors involved(pink pants and all), the hokey, campy quality of the film, and the nostalgic sense it creates, but that will and should mean very little to most others. Bottom line, it is okay but you would do far better seeing the newer mini-series with Bob Hoskins as Challenger or, better yet, the silent version with the awesome, ground-breaking effects of Willis O'Brien.
Review of The Lost World
