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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Reviews - Movies

Written by John Delia

Thursday, 22 May 2008

Rated: PG-13

The newest Indiana Jones production has all the action, adventure and laughter as its three predecessors, but with a stretch-of-the-imagination kicker ending. I liked the film, and if my estimations are correct, the box office will be huge.

This adventure opens in 1957. It has been many years since we saw Indiana Jones (Ford) chasing down the Ark of the Covenant, retrieving sacred stones from ancient Indians or on a quest for the Holy Grail. Crystal Skull opens where we find Indy in the hands Irina Spalko (Blanchett), a bizarre Russian scientist who has taken him prisoner to get to a crate in Area 51 where the US Government keeps all of it's secret findings.
Barely escaping the Soviets and returning to his classroom at Marshall College, Indy finds out that the FBI is following him, and has caused his dismissal from the school.

After coming in contact with Mutt (LeBeouf), a young man who delivers Indy some revealing letters on the whereabouts of a powerful crystal skull, the reasons become clear as to why the Russians kidnapped him and where the trail will take him.

The sequel does the Indiana Jones series justice with a lot of action, interesting, yet far-fetched plot, comical dialogue, harrowing situations and amazing special effects. Although it may be implausible at times, it's what the Indy adventures are all about. George Lucas includes some great take-offs from not only the previous three Indiana Jones installments, but some of Spielberg's previous films as well. He does a truly entertaining writing job with Crystal Skull and Spielberg hasn't lost his fine touch for directing either. I loved the soda shop scene when the nerds face off against the leather jackets. It was slightly reminiscent of West Side Story.

Ford does his usual outstanding job of playing the now much older and weary Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones. He's back in true form with all the crazy stunts, but with some very funny age-related comedy. In support, LeBeouf makes a great sidekick who shares Indy's quest to obtain the crystal skull. As Mutt you can see the strong likeness in the Indy of old, yet more of a rebel. When he first shows up in the film he's dressed like Marlon Brando when he did The Wild One; leather jacket, leather hat...riding a Harley.

I enjoyed seeing Karen Allen's return to the screen, and although she has also aged a bit, she still has the spunk and delightful screen presence that made her a charmer in the Raiders of the Lost Ark.

There are some gruesome scenes in the film, especially one when they battle some South American army ants, so beware when bringing very young tag-alongs...or if you're eating Goobers or Raisinettes...

FINAL ANALYSIS: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a thrill ride that thoroughly entertains.

Starring: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, and Shia LaBeouf

This Reviewer's Rating: 4 / 5