Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 
Released: May 2008
On DVD: 14 October 2008
Runtime: 124 minutes
Rated: PG-13 (violence, scary images)Like a fine wine
or a good cheese some things just get better with age and Indiana Jones
(Harrison Ford) in
Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is no exception!
After 19 years away from the big screen, Indiana Jones returns
with the same vigour, tongue-in-cheek humour and, of course, the campy feel of
the old movie serials that most theatre-goers these days probably won't even
remember.
Considering that so many years have passed since the last
instalment of the Indiana Jones Adventures, it is not surprising that the Nazis
have been replaced by the Russians as the protagonists. And the writers,
including George Lucas, ensure the "Indy Formula" that made the first three
movies so popular remains mostly untouched.
Harrison Ford returns as Indy in the fourth instalment of the
Indiana Jones Adventures -
Indiana Jones and the
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
In this fourth edition, Indiana Jones is captured by Russians
(think old-school KGB) in an effort to help them locate a crystal skull they
believe will give them absolute knowledge. Along the way Indy is
accompanied by Mutt Williams (Shia LaBoeuf) as they not only rush to find the
skull before the bad guys do but also to rescue both Williams' mother and mutual
friend, Professor Harold "Ox" Oxley (John Hurt). Jones is also reunited
with one of his old flames, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) who appeared in
1981's
Raiders
of the Lost Ark.
The characters, the right amount of humour and a rollicking
adventure all combine to create a very familiar movie. But that is what
makes it so much fun, at least for those of us that grew up with Indiana Jones
and his first three movies. Just like Mom's meatloaf and good ol' apple
pie, IIndiana
Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull serves up a very
comfortable experience.
But that is not to say that the newer generations won't also
enjoy this movie. Sure there are references here to some of his old movies
- only a few of us in the audience giggled when the "ark" made a very brief
surprise appearance or the return of characters like Marion Ravenwood - but as a
stand-alone movie it still works.
Of course, Executive Producer George Lucas helps capture the
Indy newbies with the introduction of Shia LaBoeuf as the newest Indiana Jones
side-kick. LaBoeuf does a good job holding his own against Ford here but
that is not difficult when you consider some of Indy's earlier sidekicks like
"Shorty" in Temple of Doom.
The re-introduction of Marion Ravenwood, last seen in
Raiders,
is a funny touch although one must look beyond the obvious nature of the various
relationships that are ultimately revealed (we won't go into details here as it
will spoil some of the fun). At least the writers had the good sense to
pick a female lead from the first movies that was the least irritating (who can
forget Kate Capshaw's way-over-the-top screaming performance in Temple of Doom).
The hype around
Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
likes to say that this is edition of the
Indiana Adventures was "nineteen years in the making". We're just thankful
the franchise returned at all and a new generation can meet Indiana Jones and
those of us that grew up with the first three movies can nostalgically look back
but still be entertained.
Let's hope it is not another 19 years before Indy returns to
the big screen. Besides, at 66 in 2008, Ford would probably need a
wheelchair if we had to wait - not the easiest thing to be in when you are
cracking your whip.
