Every now and then, I come across certain TV shows or movies that make me want to pursue a particular type of career. For instance, if I watch Grey’s Anatomy, I feel inspired to become a doctor. In yesterday’s instance, I popped in the DVD for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and my interest in history was rekindled once again. Like the previous Indiana Jones movies, a little bit of history and archaeological adventures go a long way in the movie industry, at least when produced accordingly. In the eyes of a child or adventure seeker, Indiana Jones may even promote a career in archaeology to be seen as “cooool.”

Long story short—Indiana Jones is sent on another adventure trying to return a mysterious crystallized alien skull back to its secret location. Soviets follow Jones and his companions in an attempt to steal the skull away from Jones. The bulk of the movie was pretty entertaining in the appropriate Jones’ fashion, but perhaps the movie appeared better than it really was because of the favorable nostalgia behind the movie series. I think it’s even safe to say that the series is a classic.

If you haven’t seen this movie yet and don’t want to know anything about the ending, this may be the point to stop reading. One thing to note: why do a lot of adventure movies tend to end the movie with something imploding or self-destructing (e.g. temple, pyramid, underground tomb, etc.)? Maybe the directors or story writers are cryptically proving a point—all truth/past will be hidden/reburied. Or maybe, it’s simply an ending fitted for suspenseful scenes. Either way, most people won’t care about the imploding building ending as long as it’s a happy one.

Verdict: 2.5 out of 4 stars

1 star = Mehh  2 stars = Hmm  3 stars = Woohoo!  4 stars = Encore!

I was excited to pick up the latest installment of the Indiana Jones series, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.  The last one was so good that I knew this one had to be.  I guess I made a bad assumption. 

The plot is very unbelievable.  The Russians infiltrate a US military base in Nevada during the 1950’s.  Of course, it is Area 51 and the Russians want what the US recovered at an alien crash at Roswell.  The story leads us to South America and the search for  El Dorado’s City of Gold. Spoiler alert: We learn during this movie that Indiana has a son played by Shia LeBeouf. Of course, Indiana Jones is able to discover the City of Gold and the secret behind our alien visitors.  The story is alright but a little bit out there. 

I just noticed that George Lucas helped to write the story so it all makes sense.  While watching the movie I swore I saw a light saber, just kidding.  If you have not seen it, don’t waste your time.  Enjoy the first three movies and skip this one.  This movie has officially killed the franchise for me. 

Note to Steven Spielberg, do whatever you can to destroy every copy of this movie.  Note to Shia LeBeouf, just keep making Transformers movies.  I can’t wait for Transformers 2.  Note to Harrison Ford, time to move on to a new role.  I liked you in Air Force One and What Lies Beneath, keep those roles coming.

buyrun;
http://frm.illegal-crew.org/indiana_jones_and_the_kingdom_of_the_crystal_skull_2008_dvdrip-t547.0.html

Passi la citazione di Et e passi anche quella di Incontri ravvicinati del terzo tipo. Quella di Stargate sarebbe stato meglio non infilarcela e anche quella di Tarzan si poteva evitare.

Ho avuto un presentimento quando nelle prime scene del film è comparsa una marmottina animata tipo Milka, ma non pensavo che nel corso della storia le tavanate sarebbero state numerose quanto le formiche assassine; non mi aspettavo certo che Indiana Jones e il regno del teschio di cristallo sarebbe stato al livello della trilogia e premetto che non sono allergica alle americanate, però mi è sembrata un’occasione sfruttata male: il nostro Indy meritava di meglio.

Piacevole, da vedere, ma senza troppe aspettative.

Keps*

George Lucas: “This ain’t gonna be easy”
Steven Spielberg: “Not as easy as it used to be”

Lucas and Spielberg are at it again. After the intensely dramatic Munich, Spielberg freaks out and does what he does best – getting people on their feet. I don’t know why he chose Indiana Jones for that. Probably, he didn’t want to bring in aging sharks or senile aliens. Surprisingly (and commendably), he has banked on Harrison Ford once more to deliver. Does Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008) live up to the expectations set by its first three installments? Yes and No.

Spielberg has chosen a very simple plot in order to not distract the audience. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) escapes from of group of commies led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) who are in search of an artifact. Removed from his college for getting involved with the communists, Dr. Jones is called for action by Mutt (ShiaLaBeouf) , the godson of Prof. Oxley (John Hurt), a long time friend. Henry informs him that his mother Mary Williams (Karen Allen) and Prof. Oxley have been kidnapped in South America while in the hunt for a so-called crystal skull. It his up to Jones to hunt for the skull and return it to its proper place. In the journey, he finds that there are others vying for the skull too and discovers his true relationship with his family and friends.

The film promises enough twists and turns required for a franchise such as Indiana Jones till the central act after which the plot takes a back seat and action takes the driver’s (literally!). The last act succumbs to predictability and acts as nothing more than fillers. The characteristic wry wit of Indy is still intact and is charming as ever. There are numerous references to earlier Spielberg films as well. The chaotic party in 1941, the terrorizing truck shots of Duel, shots similar to the massacre the Omaha beach landing in Saving Private Ryan, the famous rear-view shot in Jurassic Park, the best moments of its prequels and even a few beings that look like the grown up versions of E.T. – The Extra Terrestrial!

Expecting a 65-year old Indy to be weaker than his former self is nothing but normal. More of brain work is expected from him during perilous situations. Even Indy expects that early on. But his vulnerability stops there and it seems that no one cares that he is fit to receive pension. Indy seems to go on and on like a 30 year old. Hats off to Harrison Ford for performing those larger than life stunts with the same vigour as he did in the opening installment. Only he could have pulled this off without shattering the audience’s perception of Indiana Jones. Cate Blanchett’s character, Irina Spalko is reminiscent of Yuri of Command & Conquer: Red Alert game. With her cold witch-like eyes, Blanchett is the perfect foil as the megalomaniac Russian scientist. But the character neither has the depth to suit such a performance nor poses any threat to the juggernaut of the protagonist. It was disappointing to see George McHale (Ray Winstone), Indy’s friend, portrayed as a thorough stereotype that one expects only in bottom-of-the-barrel movies such as The Mummy and the like.

Hands down, Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull has the best action sequences filmed in recent times. The stunts and the choreography have quality written all over. The production design has deliberately (and effectively) retained the look and feel of the post-war cold era. Spielberg regular Janusz Kaminski , who gave us a glimpse of hell in Saving Private Ryan sizzles in the action sequences. His cinematography has given the director the best possible output for his effort . A definite Academy Award nomination. The other regulars Michael Kahn and John Williams maintain the pace and excitement to support his work.

In this age of special effects, it seems easy to churn out a high-octane action flick and Steven Spielberg knows it by heart. He has put forth his trump card (Indy, of course) into the game. But has relied on it too much that he has neglected the finer aspects of plot and characterization. It is compensated by the other side of the balance with spectacular action and stunt sequences that characterize Indy. But the bottom line is: ” It’s Indiana Jones and what else do you want? Go to the theaters now“.

Verdict:

奪寶奇兵之水晶骷髏國
Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull
評分：8.3 / 10

夏理遜福在年紀上的確是名副其實福伯，可是，耍起動作起來還是跟20年前一樣的。這套戲的風格和內容也很忠實地傳承了前作，沒有更多，但亦沒有變差，還是一向的奪寶奇兵。

奪寶奇兵一向都是玩古物的，今次反而像衛期理一樣玩Rosewell外星人。故事一貫的緊湊。一開始的引旨也很有趣。我一開始還猜想福伯是在找約櫃，誰知原來是找外星人。後來躲避核爆，看見磨菇雲更差點令人笑出來。

福伯不擅長打架，卻繼續以65歲的高齡跟KGB打架。連在追車的一幕之中Indiana Jones 奪車的動作也一模一樣，充滿懷舊氣息。(你可以說了無新意，但我喜歡就可以了) 之後的探險活動也跟以前一樣，沒有解謎，一味靠運，總之就極像20年前的。最後的結局亦有點一貫的樣子啦，只不過主角由神秘力量變為外星力量。

整套戲雖然毫無驚喜，毫無突破，但是奪寶奇兵的豐富元素和基因猶在。以不斷的高潮和幽默的對白來說，它仍然是我十分喜愛的奪寶奇兵系列。

So the new Indiana Jones movie (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) is out and I’m hearing mixed reviews. I’ve heard everything from it’s the coolest movie of the year, to it’s ok, to it’s horrible. I’m very nervous about going to see it, I mean it’s one of those movies that you gotta go see, but your pretty sure it’s over rated and underwritten, but you gotta go anyway. I’ll probably be going to see sometime this week. So I’d like to hear what you think. Leave me a comment and share you Indi review with me.

So yesterday I went to see Indiana Jones and “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”. The rehash of the great Indiana Jones series. I will first off say that I know the first three movies relied on some unbelievable moments, but this one takes the cake.

We start off seeing that Indy and Mack have been kidnapped by the NazisRussians so he can help them find a lost artifact hidden in a crate in a HUGE storage warehouse. Indy uses his MacGyver like skills to find the crate and inside you find the Ark of the Covenant some sort of magnetic corpse. He escapes the double cross and ends up back at home where he is a professor. His son, though he doesn’t know it, finds him and accompanies him to South America to save his mom (Indy’s ex).

We then follow a supposedly psychic Russian woman, a crazy old colleague of Indy, Indy’s son, Indy’s ex and a bunch of Nazis Russians as they trek through the rain forest looking for the “lost city of Gold.”

That is when everything goes wrong. Going over not one, not two, but THREE waterfalls in a 1950’s era DUKW? Millions of killer ants eating Nazis Russians? Wait, did they say Siafu? I thought we were in South America?? Not AFRICA!!!

Indy and company get through the 5 or 6 booby traps and hidden entrances just narrowly escaping death on numerous occasions and who is there at the end of the trail?? Nazis Russians!? And I won’t give away the huge ending but all I could do was shake my head. Really Stephen? Really George? REALLY?!?!

Overall, the acting is very good with special effects that were awesome and seamless. Humor and action that you would expect from an Indiana Jones movie, but if you actually follow the story your head will explode. It just doesn’t make sense and has plot holes bigger than the rain forest.

I give it 2 out of 5 and would recommend renting it if you are an Indy fan…

Despite some, ahem, varying reviews (New York Times: “I was bored out of my mind”, Empire Magazine: “A slick fun film that by no means sacrificied the fast action beats of the first three.”), Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull still managed to open to $126 million in its opening 4 days, including the midnight screenings on Wednesday night/Thursday morning. With this total, Indy 4 has already become the 3rd highest grossing movie of 2008, behind only Iron Man and Horton Hears A Who.

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian came in 2nd bringing its total up to $96 million, with Iron Man still holding strong in 3rd with a tally of $252 million. Then What Happens In Vegas… with a total of $54.2 million to date, followed by poor Speed Racer, which is limping to the finish line having made only $36.2 million since its release, which is even less than the likes of Baby Mama ($52.1m to date) or Made Of Honour ($39.1m to date).

Next week should see very little in the way of competition for Indy at the top of the charts, with The Strangers, The Foot Fist Way and Savage Grace opening in the States to little or no publicity. Yep. No competition whatsoever. What’s that you say, lady? Sex And The What? Never heard of it……

I was having a discussion about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and I pretty much had this to say.

I’m gonna need your help with this film kid.

Now my nonsense. (which by the way we should really discuss on a recording…even if it is just a one off!)

Firstly I have to say (I only noticed this after I finished watching and let the whole facade sink in) that the formula for this ‘Indy’ flick was nothing like the others. Every story started with a kind of ‘mid-battle’ for some previous adventure that we the audience hadn’t seen all of. This of course was to draw the audience in. Raiders has the Idol scene, Temple has the show-tunes scene and Ark has a young Indy back story. Crystal Skull immediately threw you into the story and didn’t build up any of the suspense to get you set for the rest of the film. It was like ‘hey you, audience…you’ve seen this all before so lets just jump to the chase.’ I was actually wondering at the time of seeing it why I wasn’t appreciating it as much as I thought I should have been.

Having said that, I did really enjoy the opening scene of the film. LOVED the old Paramount logo…pointed it out to Kathryn and then I saw the prairie dogs. One eyebrow cocked I thought…ohhhh shit. The whole warehouse finding the alien corpse etc was probably the best thing in the film. Indy searching for things is usually pretty cool so this paid off pretty well. The ark was obvious but didn’t bother me too much. Didn’t like Winston’s character at this point though…just didn’t sit right with me.

Cate Blanchett points out Harrison’s age to everyone.

Ok so Indy escapes and theres a bit of comedy with him and the ‘fake town’. I actually liked this sequence, kind of like the old man was out of his depth with a whole new ‘cold war’ world dawning on him. And it was Indy in trouble and having to figure shit out again which is what I pay to see. Then the fridge. Well the less I say about that the better but with the ridiculousness of jumping out of an airplane in Temple of Doom in an inflatable raft I was willing to let this one pass.

The film is still pretty ok in my eyes at this point and I’m intrigued as to where they take it. I’ll skip around a bit as I’m trying to remember all the scenes that affected me.

Ok so Indy’s back at the University little hints to Brody all along the way…yeah ok I get it, we love the old films too Steven. The whole scene in the house with Indy talking about his dad and Brody was just a time-filler for me…in fact I almost forgot to mention it because it really had no impact except to explain why certain people weren’t in the film anymore. Why do they have to do that in films??? Can society not handle the fact that someone who was in a previous film not in this one??? And if they are gonna do that…where was Sallah’s explanation. Ok I digress.

The first scene with Indy and Mutt is pretty good and in point of fact they do seem to have a decent chemistry. Probably the only good chemistry in the film cause Indy and Marion was like WHAT THE FUCK??? I’m sorry but she should not have been in that film at all. She was like the extra character that was added to the film just to carry the story along because George ‘DOUCHEBAG’ Lucas couldn’t string scenes together.

You can see this is going to be long. I’m just venting now.

The action scene in the jungle was not as good as the first action sequence but not as bad as what was to follow. I was still entertained by it, and I know when you mention some of the scenes looked so fake but I do believe thats what they were going for. Just set pieces kind of like the old ‘B’ movies I guess. I don’t know…thats what I hope they were doing cause if they thought they looked top notch, they were mistaken.

Indy has the right idea…get off this wreck!

Swinging from the vines…at what point would that EVER have been a good idea? Jesus, I hope Shia was so blinded by the fact he was working with some of the ‘greatest’ has-beens in film history that he didn’t notice he was suddenly playing ‘tarzan’.

The ‘family’ scenes with arguing and shit just didn’t work. No comparison to Sean and Harrison from the third film. None ever.

Going off the rapids/waterfalls was fine if not a little obvious. And then getting to the final set piece. Wow talk about falling completely flat. There was more suspense when they showed that temple in the trailer than in the actual film. Indy was like keep moving go, go, go!! And then they went and then they fell into water. Oh dear. Water. Whatever will Indy do next? He could have used his whip…he could have fallen into snakes, they could have even killed of Winston’s character but no. They fell into water. And lost the skull for two seconds. And found it again. And almost kissed. Jesus.

The Lego Temple promises to be ten times more exciting than the film!

Ok so we all knew it was aliens etc…no biggie whatever. But when it came to crunch time, what the hell did the Russians fucking do??? It was like why couldn’t they have just worked together to do all that. Would have saved them alot of trouble. Then the alien. WHY GOD WHY did they have to show the alien in full flesh? And then he made that fucking face and she died??? Was that meant as a metaphor? Was the alien representing George Lucas and Cate Blanchett the audience who saw Star Wars 1-3? At this point its lost on me…I’m squirming in my seat.

And then…what can only be described as a Wedding finishes off the film. I honestly cannot really start to say what I felt at this stage except pure hatred as this was going to be the final thought for me as I left the cinema. THIS…the moment for all those fans…the moment that was supposed to make me think that Indy was still with us…completely failed on all fronts. The colour scheme the setting the feeling nothing was right.

This has actually made me pissed off again, I’m going to go watch the old films and try to think of happier thoughts!

Sorry this is so long…there are still loads of things I haven’t covered.

- Jason

This film like every other Indy film (Indiana Jones that is) can be summed up in a little hum!

Da Da Dum Dum,

Da Da Da,

Da Da Dum Dum,

Da Da Da Da Dum!

But if that is not a good enough review for you, I will go more into detail!

As those of you who have been around for a while know, I do not like to give away spoilers, so… if you were coming here to read just what the movie is about, you will need to go to another site because, you will not find that here (or at least not in my review).

For any of the film’s info. (i.e. cast, MPAA rating, etc..) please view my previous post titled: 

April/May 2008.

Plot: “Famed archaeologist/adventurer Dr. Henry ‘Indiana’ Jones Jr. is called back into action when he becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.” (Provided by imdb.com).

This movie was HIGHLY anticipated (on my part) but like a good wife I chose to be selfless and let my husband go last night with our friend to see the movie… and of course when my husband returned he HAD to tell me the plot. I was not upset by this (even though he does this EVERY time he goes to the movies without me). I think I actually have gotten so use to it I enjoy it now!

Anyway, his review was “The movie was bad ass”… This is the part that made me mad. Why you ask? Well, because that made me turn into an ugly green monster (no I am not speaking of the Hulk… btw the new movie looks really good) yea you know the green one I speak of, envy. Yep, that’s the one! So immediately, I formed a plan! Ok so I didn’t but I must have had karma on my side (you know for being so selfless) because my mother in-law volunteered to go with me to see it today (which was a shocker) and my husband said yes to staying home to watch the kids so I could go (which was another shocker).  So my plan that I had not planned actually worked out!

I got to the theater and it was already almost packed full but somehow I still managed to get the perfect seat! I ran out, grabbed my consessions (read: expensive feast), and hauled butt back just in time for the previews. There was a cute one for WALL·E, one for Hellboy II; which was not bad, One for Hancock; which was much better than the last one I saw, oh and there was one for a movie called ”The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”; which looked interesting, but besides that nothing else really jumped out at me.

The movie started out how just as you (or any person who has previously watched an Indiana Jones movie) would expect. From there the movie takes off for a great ride. As a movie goer you had better hold on because there is a lot of edge of your seat action! On the trip you will see some familiar faces (both human and beast). If you are careful, you will also be able to get some much needed background information (such as what has been going on from the last Indiana Jones movie until now). Just like each of the other Indy movies it felt very authentic to the time and to the knowledge they were portraying. The movie ends much like many other movies I have seen but it was still a great ending!

I think this movie did the Indiana Jones legacy great justice. I would definitely recommend everyone to go see it in the theater and to buy it (on Blu-ray) when it comes out! Of course I give it 5 stars and if they choose for some reason, to make another Indy movie I would most certainly go see it! Two thumbs up for Steven Spielberg’s directing skills and George Lucas’ writing skills (not that I do not already admire their work) and also a great big pat on the back for the actors/actresses who worked on the movie for a great performance!

A blog that I frequent (no I do not know the blog owner personally) reviewed Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull too so I thought I would put a link to that for those of you (like me) who like more than one opinion. Click here to visit ‘My Strange Blog’ for his review.

He’s faced Nazis, Voodoo Witch Doctors, deadly traps, giant boulders and solved great mythic and biblical mysterious items…what’s next…..an ALIEN!!?

Note: Possible Spoiler – - – don’t read this post if you haven’t seen the movie yet

What really kicks me in the can is the fact that the artifact that they were seeking was of “EXTRA TERESTIAL ORIGIN”. All through out the movie half of my subconscious was screaming inside “say it isn’t so!”

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Despite the fact that all the “Signs” was there from the beginning, from the secret hanger- warehouse inside a military base in the Nevada Desert, with the huge “51” number, it should have been obvious it was actually “AREA 51”. That alone was screaming Aliens, U.F.O, E.T.
Even after the Dr. Jones told feds of his involvement in the Roswell crash cover up —
I was still hoping.

It was only later, that it dawned on me, I should have expected this…
With Steven Spielberg at the helm of this movie, it shouldn’t be hard to figure out that some sort of Extra Terrestrial would be involved. After all he made some of the classical sci-fi suspense and adventure films in the past.

You can’t mention Steven Spielberg with out remembering films like “E.T.” or “Close Encounters of The Third Kind”; it just wouldn’t feel right.

Amazingly or curiously enough when the alien finally regenerate itself by merging with all the other crystal bones and grow some flesh. The alien bare a huge resemblance to the aliens in Spielberg’s “close encounter movie”.

it looked like the big brother of the C.E.3K. Aliens, but definite bigger

I was actually half expecting that E.T. to make some sort of cameo appearance in the movie. In spite of these it was still a treat for me see Harrison fold in that old brown hat. I just love seeing his shadowy silhouette. Like in those classic film-moiré in black and white they act on their own.

I specially liked the part where Dr. Jones was tied to a chair and being interrogated, but he still has the hat. Where he was talking and his shadow was cast against a clear silk drape. You can see Dr. Jones talk but also see his shadow talk with him.

In the end it was not even a surprise to see the huge Alien U.F.O. rise from the ground where the Temple of the crystal skull stood, You already knew there had to be a spaceship in there somewhere. The revelation of the ship was not as good as the “Raiders of the lost Ark” when the spirits came out of the ark. There were no real traps for him to go through like in “the last crusade” only pieces of a riddle which were left by one his friends as clue.

Again I was half expecting Sean Connery to make a surprise appearance in the end. Though he was clearly stated to have passed away prior to this adventure; why not…. The aliens might have brought have him back from the past or revived him, given that they were more than just aliens but extra dimensional travelers.

I was expecting him to show up at the church door. Saying some thing like:

“You did again didn’t you Jr.!!? . . . . You just wont let an old goat die”
or
“Why was I not invited to this Occasion…. Anyway your work is not done yet Indiana!!”

Sadly it never happened.

Compared to a movie like Tomb Raider, This movie for me at least is far better. Indiana Jones has already done a lot . . . faced black magic in the “Temple of Doom” found the Ark and Holy Grail, faced the German army and even mange to get Hitler’s autograph.

The next on my “must see movies” for the week before they are pulled out of the theaters are Speed Racer and Forbidden kingdom. These two are just as cool as Indiana Jones, thats what I’ve heard so far.

De Amerikaanse regisseur Steven Spielberg is door de Franse president Nicolas Sarkozy gedecoreerd als officier in het Légion d’Honneur. En ook zangeres Céline Dion mag zich vanaf donderdag ridder in de Franse nationale orde van het Erelegioen noemen.<
De regisseur dankt zijn lintje niet alleen aan zijn indrukwekkend filmoeuvre, maar ook aan zijn inzet voor de goede zaak. Steven Spielberg is in Frankrijk voor het Filmfestival van Cannes. Zondag stelde hij er zijn vierde “Indiana Jones”-film, “The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull” voor.
Dion zou oorspronkelijk al in 2005 geridderd worden, maar door haar optredens in Las Vegas werd de ceremonie op de lange baan geschoven. Het is de tweede keer dat de Canadese zangeres wordt geridderd. Céline Dion werd eerder al benoemd tot ridder in de kunst en letteren.

I went to see it yesterday, when it came out in Australia.

For anyone who has no idea what I’m talking about, it’s the new Indiana Jones movie, and get your head out of the sand.

Other than the fact that I’m a massive Indiana fan, I also happen to love Shia LaBeouf and savvy Cate Blanchett.

So having that mix meant that I had to see the film. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed.

I thought it was certainly different from the prequels, but wasn’t bad because of it. The concept and plot line was new [compared with other Indiana films], and you’ll get me after you see the movie when I say this; totally George Lucas.

I do have some criticisms though- for starters, the whole family thing was, I felt, slightly lame and kind of forced. I would have been better if they’d developed it a bit better.

As usual, there were cute/corny jokes, but unfortunately in the cinema that I was in, it seems I was the only one who found it funny. So basically, either I have a great sense of humour and everyone else just needs to remove the pole or I need to get a life

Harrison Ford was brilliant, LeBeouf sexy and Blanchett alluring. I know that there were other actors that I should probably focus on, but those three kept my attention throughout.

I wish there could have been some Sean Connery just because he’s darned amazing, but that really wouldn’t have mixed so well I think.

There’s my two cents. If you’re an action fan, go see it. If you’re an Indiana Jones fan, what are you waiting for? And for everyone else, it’s certainly better than most films out.

3.5/5

It’s 3am PST.  I just got home from a midnight showing of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.  I was the only person in the theatre (Rio Theatre by Commercial Drive Station in Vancouver) who actually dressed up as Indy, although, to be fair, even I hedged my bets and went as geriatric Henry Jones Jr. III (replete with walking stick and a bent-over, cantankerous gait).

Quick review before I try to catch a wink.  It’s a goddamn work night, people.

REVIEW FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T SEEN IT YET:

You should see it.  I mean, who goes to see only 2 movies out of a trilogy or only 3 movies out of a quadwhatever.  Brace yourself for a gray Indy with very loose face skin, and brace yourself for “modern” special effects and some pointless CGI, which makes for some scenes where you go “ain’t no way they survived that” or “yeah right, they’re still conscious after that kind of impact.”

Thankfully, though, it’s kept sufficiently on a leash to be able to suspend your disbelief one more time.  For old times’ sake.  And for a good time.  Call on Indy.

REVIEW FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SEEN IT (spoilers!):

It wasn’t as bad as I braced myself for, but could have been better.  I mean, aliens?  Roswell?  51?  Shit that’s “kinda” magnetic, but only sorta?  The Nazca lines were a nice touch, but their mention merely superficial.  The gophers/prairie dogs/rodents were totally pointless and should have been left on the cutting room floor.

Indy is DEFINITELY too old to be doing this, and the special effects just made things worse.  I guess you could say I like things a little more low-tech.  Some of those falls appeared buttery soft, like a splish-splash in a bird bath.  Seriously now.  You don’t just tumble down a Niagara-sized waterfall as if it were a waterslide at some freeway motel.  This movie should have been made a decade ago at the latest so that Harrison Ford would be sprightlier and less saggy, and special effects wouldn’t have to be used so extensively.  Nor would we need a Henry Jones, Jr. IV to divert our attention from Grampa Simpson’s Ravages of Old Age ™.

Still, for all this whining, it’s worth seeing if you’re in any way an Indiana Jones fan.  And who isn’t?  No, I don’t want to know those of you who aren’t.  It’s got some feverish chase scenes, is good-humoured without too many cheesy lines (though there are some, pointlessly stuck in there as if a Shrek writer walked into a room), and has visual appeal to the Machu Picchu set.

It has some overt references to pop culture and itself, like the giant 51 on the warehouse door, or the Ark itself peeking out of a crate freshly busted open during a pursuit of some other relic.  However, more subtle ones are in place also, like the Atomic Café.  Or McCarthyist witch hunts.  Or a drag race on an arid road out in the desert somewhere, while we wait for the first appearance of the actor known as Bob Falfa in one of his prior incarnations.  And that bomb detonation scene kicked ass—which also means that if Indy doesn’t get killed by bullets first, then he’ll most definitely eventually succumb to some kind of radiation exposure-related illness, ridiculous lead-lined fridge ride or no ridiculous lead-lined fridge ride.

All in all, it’s not the best one in the series.  In fact, it might be the worst one.  But, like Isaac Davis’ orgasms, even the worst one is still right on the money.  And to riff off those posters in the office of Murray Hewitt, Deputy Cultural Attaché to NZ, I’d have to sum this one up with: “Don’t expect too much… you won’t be disappointed!”

The movie opens today.  Here is a tribute to the Legendary Dr. Jones accompanied by John Williams’ Raiders March.

I’m really excited about the new Indiana Jones Movie. Here’s the official trailer…

It looks awesome!

Aquí tenemos tres nuevas fotos de ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’, el mayor bombazo taquillero del 2008, y a ser posible, una nueva demostración de que Steven Spielberg es uno de los mejores directores de todos los tiempos pasados, presentes y futuros. Poco se sabe de esta nueva aventura en la que veremos de nuevo a Harrison Ford poniéndose el mítico sombrero, y colgando su mítico látigo.

A Ford le acompañan Ray Winstone (de actualidad gracias a ‘Beowulf’), Karen Allen (regresando en el papel de Marion), Cate Blanchett (como malvada de la función), Shia LaBeouf, John Hurt y Jim Broadbent. La película se estrenará entre nosotros el 22 de mayo del 2008, un fin de semana en el que los cines de todo el mundo estarán repletos de gente. Ya falta menos.

Trailer Indiana Jones – the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull