Directed by Steven Spielberg
Paramount Pictures
As we've all noticed by now, the summer blockbuster season has officially begun. We eagerly await this time of year the way three-year-olds, and some guys I've dated, watch the calendar for Christmas. There's nothing better than a slate of movies you absolutely just can't wait to see and this summer is no different. Thank goodness there's no schoolwork hanging over our heads when we trek to the nearest cinema to partake in some of Hollywood's greatest visual pleasures on a late Thursday night to be the first to see the greatest adventure since...well, last weekend. Most of these movies are highly anticipated (and marketed) to ensure a huge opening weekend. This year, while yes, we do have a new Batman installment (July 18), a refreshed look at the Hulk (June 13), and a new-to-some hero in the form of Robert Downey, Jr. (see review below), an old favorite has returned to the silver screen with hair to match there under his iconic fedora.
In March, Andrew posted a preview of the film in trepidation. Titled "Say NO to #4," the review is clearly representative of his feelings that a fourth should not have been made. Many, many of us felt the same. There are far too many brilliant franchises that have been revived, re-awakened, and re-visited, and there are many more on the way. However, this installment was not at all disappointing. Spielberg and George Lucas return to the old Indy with grace and cinematic style - Spielberg even going so far as to have the new cinematographer, Janusz Kaminski, study the work of retired Douglas Slocombe from the previous films to get the look of the adventures just perfect.
Even though it's been 19 years since The Last Crusade, Indy (Harrison Ford) falls back into his old patterns easily. Set in 1957, Kingdom begins with the hostile takeover of a military warehouse out in the desert. The Russians have some interest in a mysterious case in the warehouse and Dr. Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) requires Dr. Jones's help to find it. Still the ever-wise-cracking and clever archaeologist, Indy causes trouble as only Indy can and the movie is off and running with action, wonderful stunt work, and laughter. Keep an eye out for a cameo by a favorite relic!
While traveling by rail one afternoon, Indy is lured off the train by a young greaser named Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf) who brings him disturbing letters sent by an old friend, Prof. Oxley. Indy learns Ox is obsessed with a crystal skull and he leads Mutt on a chase after Ox and a search for an ancient land where others worshipped the skull and its great powers. Along the way, the Russians intercept them and try to force Indy to help them once again. Indy, Mutt, the Russians, and we, the viewers, partake in an adventure that brings us to many beautiful lands and all kinds of creepy caverns and burial grounds - just as an Indiana Jones movie should.
The movie is ripe with adventure made all the more exciting with minimal CGI. While some franchise installments make the viewers pine for the good ol' days, Kingdom has all the feel of the Indys of old - sarcastic remarks made by our hero, cinematography that puts you right into the film, puzzles and mysteries galore, excting, high-paced action sequences, and creepy-crawlies to make our hero (and the audience) squrim...and squirm I did. Ick.
The casting in the film is superb - Blanchett plays Spalko masterfully and wields her rapier with determination and grace. She may not be a Nazi, but she's got strength and discipline. She is a force to be reckoned with in the jungle during a particularly exciting action sequence and it's clear she's taken her place in the echelon of Indy villians. LaBeouf's Mutt Williams is entertaining and clever - his motorcycle and switchblade skills help him out as much as his wit. Lately, LaBeouf is everywhere it seems, and it's no wonder. This actor has staying power, realism in his back pocket, and a delivery that makes you root for him. He's not going anywhere soon - perhaps the Tom Hanks of the new generation? He's likable, talented, and he can deliver drama and comedy simulatneously. We'll see.
One of the more interesting scenes is the return of Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) to Indy's world. She is also up to her old tricks, causing trouble and grinning that winning smile all the way. Sparks fly between these old co-stars and it's as if no time has passed at all since we last saw our favorite shot-throwing gal in Raiders. Though both return with some wear -wrinkles and all - some fires never go out completely and this one still has heart.
The skull itself and the mystery it carries are fascinating pieces of movie magic. They are also the main sources of contention with some moviegoers. You may love it or you may absolutely hate it. I think I fall somewhere in the middle. It's the one item that brings my rating down from perfect, due to the fact that I was so caught up in the visuals that I have yet to make up my mind. What any viewer will be unable to deny, however, is how brilliantly the story is told and how simple it is to be swept away by new adventure and scenery.
The mysterious crystal skull carries with it more than an ancient tribal power. It has the ability to bring us back almost 20 years to one of the most beloved adventure heroes ever - as if we never left. Granted, we're all older, but Indy is still the wiser, and perhaps so are Lucas and Spielberg. Personally, I wasn't a fan of the "new" Star Wars trilogy - I still feel it was best left alone at Jedi. Some think Lucas went off his rocker here again and may have ruined the classic Indiana Jones trilogy, which none can argue would have survived just fine as it was. While I agree the original three were spectacular, my feeling is that Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull fits in as the piece we didn't know we had room for.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is now playing in theaters.
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1 comment:
As we previously discussed, the line between the science fiction of Spielberg’s other efforts such as the war of the worlds, ET, ai, films and the eye candy adventures of jones' past should not be crossed. I enjoyed this film until the last 10 minutes when my 2 hours of denial was realized. I felt that the movie didn't center around jones as it should have. Instead it was a bad mixture of "getting to old for this" and the quest for the origins of a skull that’s true meaning is never really discussed. That said, it was Indiana Jones, a franchise that I grew up watching but was too young to actually see in the theater. I didn't go to the theater that night looking for a vast plot or deeper meaning; I just wanted to feel like a kid at the movies. Instead, much like the democrats this year, the film makers decided to get cute on a sure thing.
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