Seen on: May 22, 2008

The players: Director: Steven Spielberg, Writers: David Koepp, George Lucas, Cast: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, Shia LaBeouf

Facts of interest: It's been 19 years since the release of the last Indy film, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

The plot: Indy (Ford) must fight off the Soviets and find the mystical Crystal Skull before it's too late. 

Our thoughts: While far too many sequels rolling out of Hollywood fail to capture the flair of their predecessors, Steven Spielberg’s “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” successfully retains most of the qualities that made the previous three installments so unique. Indeed, as a sequel to one of the most popular adventure franchises ever released on the silver screen, this overall exciting follow-up deliver the goods. That’s right, Indy’s still got what it takes.

Set during the Cold War in 1957, the film follows Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) on his quest to find the mystical Crystal Skull and return it to a lost city in the Amazon. Also chasing the precious artifact are a group of ruthless Soviets led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), who desires to use the skull’s power to rule the world. In a race against time, Indy teams up with a young slacker (Shia LaBeouf) and travels around the world to outrun the Soviets and save the planet before it’s too late.

Essentially, “Crystal Skull” features all the core elements of a solid “Indiana Jones” flick. There are plenty of exotic and faraway locations, lots if interesting artifacts and riddles, a fair dose of humor, explosive action and nasty villains. Although the script by David Koepp is not as strong as the previous three films, and the plot is not as intense as before, the action sequences in this fourth installment are phenomenal. I just wish they had slammed a few more in there. The film is undoubtedly fast-paced, but I feel the action in the first three flicks was speedier and more dominating. Or let me put it this way: there was less talking.

All in all though, it feels good to have the man with the hat back on the big screen. There’s plenty of material in this adventure for die-hard Indy fans to enjoy, and even those who have never heard of the doctor should enjoy the entertainment and feel motivated to check out the three other installments. As usual, Spielberg’s direction is flawless, and he really succeeded in making the fourth flick look like its predecessors, even if the visual effects look a lot more sophisticated. And of course, you also hear John Williams’ glorious Indy theme throughout the entire film, which is always a pleasure.  

Harrison Ford still delivers in the lead role, and I have no problem whatsoever with any of that age thing. Sure, Ford may have been able to show us even more of himself and Indy if the script had given him a chance to, but he’s certainly in great shape. I also have no problem with LaBeouf serving as the professor’s new helper, although I feel the filmmakers gave him a little too much onscreen presence. I sometimes felt he stole the show, leaving Indy in the background and out of the main action. I specifically missed some of the good old hard action between Indy and the film’s central villains.

Speaking of villains, Cate Blanchett is definitely a mean enemy, although she’s not as evil as Indy’s previous opponents. That leaves me with something that really upset me: the film’s ending. Don’t worry, I won’t reveal any of it, but go judge for yourself. I thought it was completely inappropriate here, and I’m not sure whom to blame, really. As for the global showdown, all I can say is, if you’ve seen previous Spielberg films, you know how he’s capable of surprising audiences with unexpected endings. Whether that’s a good or bad thing, you’ll have to decide for yourself.   

Freaky quote: “Don’t touch anything.” – Harrison Ford

The final word: “Indiana Jones” fans will be glad he’s back, and younger viewers who hadn’t had a chance yet to meet Indy will certainly not walk away disappointed, but to me, this sequel didn’t feel all glorious and great all the time. I found my flaws in the film and certainly stand by them, but I have to admit I was highly entertained and the two hours passed by in a rush. I guess that alone confirms this fourth installment in the legendary series worked for me. I also understand that releasing even more sequels is quite a risky business, but what the heck; if Indy ever returns, I’ll be there!