Rating of
3/4
A Good Return
chiggles - wrote on 05/31/08
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of The Crystal Skull is the 4th film in the famous Jones trilogy. With 3 films before this one, all spanning from early to the late 80's, Crystal Skull is neither the best nor the worst film in the trilogy. It does continue on the magic and fun that the first 3 films had accomplished, and it also continues the work of both George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg working together. The movie was funny, action packed, adventerous and overall fun. It is a great way to spend 2 hours in a movie theatre on a thursday night.
Harrison Ford is I believe now in his 60's, early or late I do not know but he is, and always will be Indiana Jones. These movies would not be as funny or as great as they are without the effort put in by Harrison. Now that he is growing farther into age, he is now in use of a stun double. It is easily seen that he is not performing a large chunk of the stunts in the movie. But, he still keeps the movie funny and classical at the same time. I didnt really agree when I saw Shia Lebouf's name appear in the casting list but now, I kind of feel different about it. I am kind of happy he is in here because he is sort of a comic relief and his character fits him good.
Indiana Jones is always known for the sometimes over the top and goofy action scenes the films contain. Now that Stephen is in the 21st century, he is able to use CGI and everything to create a better movie. I am not saying the movie is better with them, because it's not. The film wouldve succeeded better if it was kept within the boundaries of reality a little bit. I do understand that now the film is pointed towards a few younger ages and it needs a little fun, but some of the stunts pulled off were way too far fetched for me to really like. There is a car chase towards the end though which really gets your adrenaline going and it is certainly the highlight scene of the movie.
Not only is this franchise in the action zone, but it's very high in mystery and adventure. As now the film brings us to Peru, we go from water falls to caves and into a face imprinted on a large rock. For most of the time, the adventure keeps you guessing and trying to figure out the end before the character does, and the movie does a good job with this. It is always changing the plot line and character ties around. Sometimes though, it got a little boring.
I do not like stating the bad things about this film because I tried really hard to enjoy it to its full potential, but it seems that the effects got a little too much involved into it. Plus, the movie is a little bit dragged in the middle.
Overall, Indiana Jones is a great 4th film in the trilogy, keeping the fun and excitement which we all remember from the original films. Good job!
