Movie Review - “Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”
**1/2 STARS
It has taken over 20 years for the latest “Indiana Jones” to come to theaters, and except for the entire “buzz” that has surrounded it, “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” just feels like another bloated big budget popcorn flick that is crushed under the weight of all of its own bells and whistles. I love the “Jones” franchise and I wanted this film to live up to the hype, but I couldn’t help but feel that this movie won’t elicite the same compulsive multi-viewings as it’s three predecessor’s do.
It is sad to say that the fuzzy memories, the familar characters and even John Williams familiar score can’t save “The Crystal Skull” from an over explained premise, silly plot drivers and an over the top ending. What this film has going for it is it’s sweet sense of humor and Harrison Ford’s charm. Even at his age, Ford is able to keep up with the non-stop action, making it look seamless. Also, Cate Blanchet was inspired casting as the evil Communist set on finding the crystal skull’s secrets.
There were three key scenes in “Indiana Jones 4″ that had me rolling my eyes and feeling as if Spielberg created blasphemy, but I can’t give these spoilers away on this blog. Let’s just say that the addition of Shia Labeouf may have made this movie just a tad too silly for its own good. The action is superb, it’s the quieter moments that had me cringing.
I walked out of this movie happy to see old friends, but also asking myself “was the whole thing even necessary”? Lastly, the movie was way too long and it felt forced at points in the middle, but the whole nostalgia behind the franchise and character make it worth the viewing experience on the big screen. I’m just afraid that out of all 4, this one will not hold up to the test of time.
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