It is tempting to describe "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" using some of its own terms (such as calling it a "Yabba-dabba-dud!" or worse, "Yabba-dabba-doo-doo!")

But all you really need to know is that it's an idea that should never have been tried once, much less twice. Given the fact that the first movie wound up becoming only a modest hit in 1994, it's hard to believe any studio would even want to bankroll another pricey dud.

Given that this is Hollywood we're talking about, there's always the option to do things cheaper the second time, though. In the case of this even-flatter-footed follow-up, that means doing things on a shoestring budget and using cheaper replacements for the original cast members.

As a result, the special effects and whole production look shoddy. If that wasn't bad enough, the script was written by committee, and there's a troubling lack of energy.

Then there's the bigger problem: The film's just not that funny, and all too often it relies on bad slapstick and crudity (and yes, there are dinosaur flatulence gags) in a desperate attempt to mine laughs from the already infertile foundation.

This prequel looks at Fred Flintstone (Mark Addy, from "The Full Monty") and his best pal Barney Rubble (Stephen Baldwin), just after their graduation from the Bronto Crane Academy.

Life is good for the two chums, who have just landed jobs at the rock quarry. But there's still something missing, namely that special someone.

Enter the Great Gazoo (Alan Cumming), an interstellar pest who's been sent to Earth to observe the planet's mating rituals. The impatient imp is expecting Fred and Barney to find their respective mates quickly so he can go home.

They may have found them in carhop Betty O'Shale (Jane Krakowski, from TV's "Ally McBeal") and her roommate Wilma Slaghoople (Kristen Johnston, from TV's "Third Rock from the Sun").

But there's a secret Wilma's hiding from Fred and the others: namely, that she's a rich debutante whose mother (Joan Collins) wants her to marry Rock Vegas casino developer Chip Rockefeller (Thomas Gibson, from TV's "Dharma and Greg").

Will Chip be able to derail Fred and Wilma's romance and get his hands on Wilma's fortune? Will Barney be able to win Betty back from rock star Mick Jagged (Cumming, in a dual role)? Frankly, who cares?

With director Brian Levant (who also directed the first movie) in charge, nearly all of the jokes fall flat and the cast seems uninspired, especially Addy, who does try valiantly to mask his British accent.

Of the bunch, only Krakowski manages to impress — though it's largely because she's better cast in the role than Rosie O'Donnell. Too bad she's paired with Baldwin, who somehow makes Barney seem too stupid.

"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" is rated PG for slapstick violence, as well as some crude humor (double-entendres and bodily function gags). Running time: 90 minutes.

You can reach Jeff Vice by e-mail at jeff@desnews.com