19 years have passed since the release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (it's probably my favourite movie from the first three).Until recently,it was considered as the last Indy movie and as it's pointed out it was a nice way to end a successful series.All this time,there was a lot of of talk about a fourth Indiana Jones movie,many rumours about the script,the release,the disagreement between the key people involved in the production (George Lucas,Steven Spielberg,screenwriters).Until 2006,nothing was certain.However,after all these years of waiting,the new Indiana Jones movie is released.
You may have read about the various scripts of Indy 4.The final script was written by David Koepp (Spiderman,Secret Window).He kept what he felt were good ideas from previous scripts (such as Mutt, which he felt was an interesting role reversal from Last Crusade).The crystal skull was already the plot device.The screenwriter aimed to make Indy 4 less dark than Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom yet less comic than Last Crusade, aiming for the balance from the first film.However,in my opinion,the movie is tonally closer to Last Crusade.
19 years after the Last Crusade,in 1957,the era is different:Cold War,McCarthy era.This era is depicted in the movie (from the FBI suspicions,investigation,pursuit of Dr.Jones to the Soviet agents).The opening scene serves serves as a great introduction to the movie,in a place familiar from a previous Indy movie.It's one of the many references to the original trilogy ,which are successfully integrated to the plot and will please Indy fans.Dr.Jones still teaches in college and we learn some things about his activities after the last movie.After a series of events,he's back in action and in pursuit of the crystal skulls.During this time,Mutt Williams (Shia La Beouf) is introduced.You probably know that he is Indy's son.One of the most funny moments,is the reaction of Indy when he learns that Mutt is his son.It's not the only funny moment in KOTCS,there are many of them,many hilarious lines,which don't make the movie a comedy,but they are successfully integrated to the plot.
Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) returns and the chemistry between her and Indy,that we saw in Raiders of the Lost Ark,still exists,although her role here is smaller.At first,the impression about Mutt may be mixed,but he becomes a likable character and he participates in many action scenes.If Shia La Beouf can be the protagonist of a possible fifth Indiana Jones movie,that's another subject.In my opinion,the recent George Lucas statements are not incidental.In KOTCS it is evident,that the writers had in mind this possibility.
Harrison Ford,although he is 66 years old,he's still in shape.He's still Indy,athough a little tired,and he proves it.His perfomance is very good and the script helps him,with smart and funny lines.Cate Blanchett is also very good as the villain,Irina Spalko.She's beautiful,even with that hair.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has a lot of action,many action scenes and many impressive scenes.Although David Koepp,wrote most of the script,a significant part was a combination of elements from previous scripts.And maybe that's one of the movies flaws,the plot.The movie,sometimes,slows down and the alien element is a matter of controversy,which either you'll like or you won't.Initially,i was not negative about that,but with the conclusion of the mystery of the crystal skulls,my feelings were mixed.However,Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a filling movie,with lots of action and with many funny moments.It's a very good,entertaining movie.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Review
Tags:
