Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull - Review Thread

[WriteSimply]

Indy is back, with more wrinkles and grayer than ever. That's what you get for doing the fourth sequel 19 years after the last one. It is an Indy film from start to finish which is to say that it is very entertaining. What it is not is Crusade.

The story is another quest adventure with a mix of archeology and paranormal elements thrown in. David Koepp fills in the details and dialog based on the story ideas of Lucas and Jeff Nathanson. There are two story elements that feel out of character for the film and because of that, it does not rate higher than Raiders and certainly not in the same league as Crusade. It is adequate enough for a movie franchise inspired by Republic serials.

The cast is wonderful, including Blanchett as the tough arch nemesis and Winstone as Jones' ol' pal. Broadbent and Hurt did the best that they could do under the circumstances. What is interesting is LaBeouf as Mutt and Allen returning as Marion. The three of them made the family trinity work. Ford is wonderful as usual.

There are some beautiful cinematography done by Kaminski, which has to follow some big footsteps of Douglas Slocombe. This is Kaminski's first Indy but it's his 11th work with Spielberg. The opening sequence is really outstanding. Great editing job by Michael Kahn but since Speilberg shoots for the edit, it could have been a lot more engaging. Ben Burtt's sound design work is another exemplary effort and so is John William's score.

While the action sequences are old school in nature, Spielberg clearly uses digital technology to his advantage. There are many sequences that can't possibly be done using technology 19 years ago, particularly the jungle chase sequence. There is one earlier chase sequence that allowed Ford to get in close to the action via the benefit of wire removal. It builds the sexagenarian as a still-credible action hero.

Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull will definitely entertain. It has a high replay value and undoubtedly will sell well when it comes out later this year on BD.


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