Alecc B. on "Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull"

So, the film that many movie fans have been waiting for finally came out a few weeks ago. There was an overwhelming amount of anticipation for the latest entry into the Indiana Jones series, and why should there have not been? The series has made it's mark in cinematic history and will be remembered and adored for many, many years to come. Yes, even Temple Of Doom will get some love. 

With all of the anticipation though, did Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull give us the goods. Yes and no.

PLOT

Indy has gotten older. It is now the 50's and our favorite professor/adventurer is still getting himself into trouble. This time, the Russians are forcefully using Indy's skills to find a very special artifact, a crystal skull that is mucho importante! Throw in a subplot that involves a young man named Mutt who comes to Indy seeking help in rescuing his kidnapped mother and we have ourselves an adventure that will live for all eternity! Okay, maybe that was a little too dramatic. The movie-trailer-voice-guy said that in the trailer for the new Mummy film and it made me laugh.

ACTING

Yes, Harrison Ford is considerably older, but he's still very charismatic. Indy has always been a cranky individual, and Ford's age definitely adds onto that crankiness here. Cate Blanchett camps it up and has a good time as the Russian interrogator/psychic Irina Spalko. She looks super sexy with that hairstyle as well. Karen Allen returns as Marion, Indy's love interest from Raiders Of The Lost Ark. It's been quite some time since I've seenAllen on screen, and it shows. She's not as polished as she used to be, but I have to tell you, when she flashes that smile of hers, it's still electrifying.Shia LaBeouf joins the fun as Marion's son Mutt. LaBeouf is going to be a superstar. He's making the right choices when it comes to picking films, and for the most part the general audience likes him. He continues to entertain here. His line delivery is great and the chemistry between him andFord is fun to watch. We're introduced to Ray Winstone's character, Mac, early in the film, and yet he is the least developed. You care nothing for Mac or his actions. John Hurt plays Harold Oxley, an old friend to Indy who has been searching for the crystal skull. Oxley is crazy, and who better to play crazy than Hurt? Besides Christopher Walken.

WRITING & DIRECTING

David Koepp wrote the screenplay for Crystal Skull from a story by George Lucas and Jeff Nathanson. The story itself is not terrible, although I don't think it fits an Indiana Jones film. There is plenty to do with the paranormal here and at times it feels out of place. I'm sure that's all George Lucas' meddling too, always stuck in the sci-fi aspect of things. 

Now, Steven Spielberg still knows how to shoot action. Yes, there are a few scenes in particular that weren't quite impressive (Hints:LaBeouf/monkeys, multiple waterfalls, and Blanchett/spinning room) and I would have been a happy man if they didn't make the final cut. However, the rest of the action sequences were tons of fun, especially everything in the first half of the film. I'd probably have to say that the scene that captured that Indy vibe the best was from the point LaBeouf makes his entrance to the end of the scene where they're being chased while on the motorcycle. That felt like the true Indy-spirit we've all come to love.

Overall, I was a little disappointed, but I don't think that Crystal Skull is the weakest link in the Indy series. Temple Of Doom is still my least favorite. I could have done without the scene of what Indy sees after the climax as well. That was just a little too much. The final scene, though, was great.

If it's any consolation to the fans, Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull is better than all of the Star Wars prequels combined. Yeah, I said it! Do something about it!

Overall Review: **1/2 stars

Best Line:

LaBeouf: What are you like, 80?