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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Posted: May 22, 2008 in Movies
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So, you're all dying to answer the big questions about "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."
How is Indy (Harrison Ford), growing more geriatric by the day, holding up? A few lines around the face enough to stop Indy? Not even.
What's the deal with that Shia guy? Does he ruin the movie or what? No. He's actually one of the bright points.
What is the Crystal Skull, and what is it for? It all centers around a…c'mon, you didn't think I'd give everything away, did you?
"Kingdom" starts up in 1957, and a post-World War II Dr. Jones, who served in World War II and finally vanquished the Nazis, is now battling the Soviets, led by the villainous Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett).
Spalko and her red comrades are seeking the mythic crystal skull, which is rumored to have certain mystic powers that the Russkies believe will end the Cold War just as it's getting fired up.
Events pass that call Indy's political affiliations into doubt, and he's blacklisted and decides to leave the country.
Not so fast, though, as young greaser Mutt Williams (Shia LeBeouf) tells him he has to help find an old mutual friend, who, along with Mutt's mom (who is also acquainted with Dr. Jones), has been kidnapped by Spalko.
From there it's your typical Indy action, your everyday car chases and fistfights and swordfights atop military vehicles racing through the jungle.
In short, breathtaking adventure of the highest order.
So why is it the weakest of the four films? Equal parts legacy, technology and heart.
First, the original three are so darn good, living up to the legend is going to be tough.
Computer effects are no substitute for practical effects, doubly so when Indy is involved.
The script, written by David Koepp of "Spider-Man," is a bit lackluster, and the ultimate plot, while appropriate given the time period, diverges from Indy's usual spirituality-versus-science debates. The climax especially comes off as a bit silly, and the second act drags in spots.
One wonders how Frank Darabont's script (which Steven Spielberg raved over but George Lucas nixed) would have fared in its place.
Still, "Kingdom" is a superior summer movie, packed full with as much action, adventure and romance as a 60-something leading man can muster.
So the last question: how fast are you running to the box office for a ticket?
Well, technically this franchise could last forever since Indy (and his father) drank from the Holy Grail in the third one. According to that film they would live forever, so Indy should be around for a really long time.
Actually, once the Joneses past the Great Seal in the temple, the effects of immortality bestowed upon them from drinking from the Grail were broken as they both escaped from the temple as it was collapsing (at the same time sealing the Grail inside). The only person who still may be alive is that old knight from the first Crusade, who stayed behind. =)
I was not a big fan of this movie..I hate to say it, but I've seen better.
The legend of the Indiana Jones has grown to such proportions that theatres seem to be selling out everywhere. Certainly the movie does not match up to or display the originality and believability of Raiders of the Lost Ark or The Last Crusade, but it finally gives us what is probably a fairwell from Harrison Ford (one never knows). Apparently everyone will see this movie so there is little use to discuss why the movie does not stand up to the previous ones.
There are alot of cliches even the actors, but it supplies many of us with closure, until we of course get the new versions maybe twenty years from today.
The legend of the Indiana Jones has grown to such proportions that theatres seem to ...
Thanks for the comments! I want to address this part of your comment, though:
"Apparently everyone will see this movie so there is little use to discuss why the movie does not stand up to the previous ones."
Your comment suggests that discussing the movie is pointless when it's going to be widely seen. I say it's films like this that so many people will see and is such a mainstream kind of film (that critics and those of their ilk like as well) that makes for the best discussion since everyone can join in on the conversation. The discussion isn't a means to an end (the "end" being to convince someone whether or not to see a movie).
This is really where the conversation should start!
Thanks again for commenting!
I just wanted to point that out, and to say thanks again!
I loved it! My whole Archaeological Crew and I went out to see it, there were only two things that were hard to swallow, but really, it was no worse than the Ark melting people or ripping the hearts out of people who live afterwards. It was a lot of fun and truly deserves a place in the Indy Universe.
Possible Spoiler Alert
You knew with Spielberg and Lucas that aliens were going to come in the mix eventually. I really like the beginning and the Area 51 scenes, cool idea for a background story, but the more they started to show actual aliens the less I liked it...and I'm a huge fan of movies about aliens. It just seemed a little over the top and out of place in this flick. No less believable than any of the other Indiana Jones films though...the scene that made me laugh was the vine scene....that was just a horrible scene. Overall, I liked it...great summer flick indeed.
Actually, once the Joneses past the Great Seal in the temple, the effects of immortality ...
Actually, once the Joneses past the Great Seal in the temple
Ahhh, you are right I forgot about the specifics
Possible Spoiler Alert You knew with Spielberg and Lucas that aliens were going to come ...
You very much said it for me. I'm ready to suspend disbelief for an Indiana Jones movie, but we still have that expectation that we are suspending disbelief somewhere in the realm of spirituality and religion. For the times (the 1950s) it works if you want to make Indy a symbol of the time he occupies, but in terms of the established Indy universe it's a bit jarring.
I was disappointed in this film. When I left the theatre, I thought it wasn't bad. Now that I've had time to reflect, well, my opinion has changed.
This one was way too over the top for my taste. Space aliens?! Oh please. He's Indiana Jones, not Carl Sagan.
I DO NOT like Shia LeBeouf. He is not a suitable replacement for Harrison Ford. Where did they pick up this loser? And who in the make-up department forgot to give him Brylcreem for his hair? You can't be a greaser without the grease.
I really felt Harrison Ford didn't put much effort in this film. I just didn't feel the excitement.
Maybe I should have stopped after the first film.
Agreed Jet, this movie was very disappointing, even that pic that Joe posted up there ^^ it just looked faked, the whole thing, and Harrisons' voice overs were awful, didn't sound like him, the whole movie just felt forced.
I read somewhere that Harrison, Steven and Lucas all said no to doing this movie, but the fans kept screaming they wanted it so they did it and this is the end result, so basically they are all just laughing on their way to the bank.
Regarding that last statement, not sure if I believe that or not since the fans have been screaming at Lucas for years to show the original Star Wars as they remembered seeing it in 77' not with these "enhancements." However the quality of this last Indy Jones movie I am leaning towards them not wanting to do it so they did it half-a$$ed.