Caveman

Caveman is a prehistoric-themed, humorous comedy film released in 1981, directed by Carl Gottlieb, the same mind that co-wrote the heartrending Jaws. Far from a Spielberg-style thrill-fest, Caveman offers an amusing interpretation of our evolutionary past with cheeky humor and prehistoric adventures. The movie features a stellar cast, including Ringo Starr, Dennis Quaid, and Shelley Long, who, despite the rudimentary communication in the film, manage to enthrall the audience with their animated performances and physical comedy.

Ringo Starr, the legendary ex-Beatle, stars as Atouk, the protagonist of Caveman. He’s the tribe's guileless underdog, not fitting in with the brutish behavior of his Neanderthal peers, often the target of their scorn and ridicule. He lives in a harsh and unforgiving 'might is right' world, where the strongest and bravest lead, while the weak follow obediently or face severe consequences. This is the dismal scenario that Caveman presents for its protagonist, Atouk, and his misfit companions.

Opposite Atouk as the antagonist is the alpha-male Tonda, an oafish brute deftly played by John Matuszak. As the stereotypical alpha, Tonda leads the tribe, gets the best of food, and to add salt to Atouk's wounds, has the affection of Lana, played by Barbara Bach, on whom Atouk has a secret crush.

The story progresses, becoming quite exciting when Atouk is expelled from the tribe for his attempts to woo Lana. Alone and slipping in his struggle to survive, Atouk begins attracting a group of other misfits and outcasts with his kindness and empathy, including the hilarious Denis Quaid's Lar, a likable simpleton with a knack for getting into trouble.

Shelley Long, known for her role in the sitcom Cheers, makes a remarkable prehistoric debut as Tala, another pivotal character in the narrative. She inevitably forms a bond with Atouk, sparking a love triangle that adds more flavor to the crude caveman setting.

Caveman is a delightful blend of comedy and action with a pinch of romance. Interestingly, there is not a single line of English dialogue throughout the movie. Instead, it's filled with an inventive caveman jargon created for this cinematic experience, but the characters' expressions, actions, and the intuitive "caveman" dialect ensure that the viewer is never lost in translation.

Graphically, for its time, the movie boasts some intriguing special effects. An oversized puppet python, monstrous dinosaurs, and oversized creatures – it has all the trimmings of a Stone Age set from a storybook. The cinematography does a fitting job capturing the primitive landscape delving into the leafy wildernesses, dank caves, and crackling fires that were part of early human life. Those with an adventurous spirit will undoubtedly appreciate the movie's creative settings and pleasing special effects that undeniably add to the movie's overall charm.

The background score and sound effects in the movie are another feature to listen out for. Composed by the infamous Lalo Schifrin, the music's humorous and playful tone is fittingly in sync with every scene. Oogahs and booms resonate through the film as a primitive form of communication, providing hearty laughs while naming things or expressing reactions.

Caveman becomes a parody of the prehistoric epic adventure, offering a satirical take on Darwinian "survival of the fittest". Its central theme orbits around the shunned weaklings rallying together to effectively survive and even thrive, presenting an alternate model of social organization based on mutual respect and cooperation. This parody brings out relevant social issues to the viewer, making it a meaningful watch while also ensuring a round of laughter.

In sum, Caveman strikes an endearing balance between humor and a moviegoer's desire for a pinch of thrill and adventure. It offers an engaging take on caveman life that is sure to amuse and entertain with its ridiculous yet courageous characters, wild adventures, and preposterous encounters with prehistoric creatures. Ringo Starr, Dennis Quaid, and Shelley Long, with their comic timing and dramatic antics, are tremendously entertaining, making this movie a winning choice for a light, fun-filled watch.