The Pullbox

INDIANA JONES AND THE
KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL

Written by: David Koepp
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Story By: George Lucas & Jeff Nathanson

Yes, I know I’m way late on this. Everyone’s seen it or at least heard all about it. I was holding out on watching it until I could watch it with my dad. So I just watched this movie for the first time ever, and I have to tell you, my review may surprise some of you.

This movie tends to fall on one of two sides with the general audience. They either like it, or hate it completely, considering it a raping of the original series. Most people have a problem with the sci-fi element and the lack of a religious or supernatural end to the quest. Then there’s all the Shia LeBouf haters. A lot of people like this movie, most dislike it strongly, and very few actually claim to love it. In fact, I haven’t heard a single person say they loved it.

After the jump, find out what I think of it…

- SPOILER ALERT -

So what did I think?

I LOVED IT! Seriously, I totally loved it. It was Indiana Jones! He’s back! The story was fun, the adventure was epic, the action was exciting, the comedy was hilarious, and the acting was so Indiana Jones! In my opinion, Crystal Skull fit in perfectly with the other three films in the series. There’s a lot of people out there that say different. So allow me to take the parts of the film most people have trouble with, and give you my spin on them.

First up…

“SHIA LEBOUF – HE’S EVERYWHERE!”

Alright. I get the Shia haters. People hate him. Is it because he typically plays very similar characters? Or is it because he’s managed to make it into some of the biggest geekfest movies in recent years? First Constantine, then I Robot, Transformers and now Indiana Jones.

I, for one, like LaBouf. I’ve enjoyed his movies and can’t say I always thought I would. Getting his start on Even Stevens I never thought he’d turn out such great films in the future. And while I’ll admit a lot of his characters are very similar, you can check him out in Tru Confessions, and now in Indy Jones and see that this kid has some serious range. And even if he didn’t, take a look at Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, and even Nicholas Cage. All extremely successful actors who have some range but the bulk of their careers were spent playing the same character over and over.

None of that is really the point. I’m just rambling. The point is: Shia did a great job in this movie. If you watch the special features, Spielberg reveals he told Shia to play the character as a “man-boy.” A character who’s not quite matured yet, but likes to pretend he has. Put on a touch exterior while inside he’s just a kid.

He rocked the sword fights. He pulled off the greaser act. And after the reveal that he’s Indy’s son, his adventurous personality and attitude makes perfect sense. Especially since he’s raised by Marion.

I really enjoyed Shia in this movie. He gave a great performance and helped make the movie what it was.

“SPECIAL EFFECTS: LUCAS RUINED INDY!”

Okay, people need to chill out with this. There wasn’t nearly as much CG in this film as people are acting like there is. It was nowhere near as over-the-top as the Star Wars Prequels were. The charming thing about the effects in this movie is that the times the characters were in vehicles in motion, the background effects looked old school. Like back when the first Indy movies were done. The entire film LOOKED like Indiana Jones. At no point (other than the Groundhog/Prairie Dog thing) did I think to myself that the effects were too much or out of place. As much as I love those movies, I can’t say the same about the Star Wars Prequels.

Even when the boat/car went over the cliff, onto the tree, and lowered into the river, I still just let out a “Wow, That was awesome!” rather than a “ugh. that was rough.” The imperfection of some of the effects only made them more Indiana Jones-esque and gave the over all film a real sense of history and a classic vibe.

“ALIENS IN INDIANA JONES?! *GASP!*”

Here it is. The Hot Topic on all Indy Fans’ minds. Why are aliens in Indiana Jones? What happened to the classic religious artifact quest?

Well, look here. I never thought of the Indy Jones movies as being specifically about religious artifacts. They’re about hunting down a rare historical item. They’re about crazy stunts, thrills, excitement, humor, accidental success, whips, guns, and the occasional ridiculous car chase. This was an Indiana Jones movie through, and through; aliens or no.

Get over the alien thing! Its not that far fetched. Lots of Indy fans are not religious. There are fans that don’t believe in God. And if you don’t believe in God, how come you don’t have a problem with the Arc of the Covenant in Raiders of the Lost Arc? Or the Holy Grail in The Last Crusade? Are these objects and story-lines more unbelievable that beings from other planets? I don’t think so. I was raised a Christian. My Father and I are both fans of the religious angle to the original trilogy because it does these holy stories justice. At the same time, he and I both believe in life on other planets. And we were equally pleased with the alien element in this film. You have to just sit back and enjoy a good film for what it is. If you really want the Indy films to be done a specific way, get off your ass, become a film maker, and make your own!

Okay, maybe that’s harsh. But seriously. This was a fun Indy film. And they eased you into the Alien thing. From the very beginning they take you to Area 51, they show you an alien arm, the Crystal Skull is clearly an alien’s skull… You have plenty of time to get used to the idea of the aliens before you actually encounter them at the end of the film. There was no need to feel overwhelmed or whip-lashed by the Aliens’ reveal at the climax of the movie.

Honestly, I can’t quite figure out what the big deal is.

WRAP UP

Again, I loved it. Thoroughly. I consider it a brilliant film and a great addition to the Indiana Jones Series. I may even go so far as to say it ties The Last Crusade as my favorite Indiana Jones films.

Marion’s return was great. The Arc made a cameo at the beginning. There was a huge snake Indy had to grab. There was a fun sword fight. Kate Blanchett was a great villain. Harrison Ford returned and he hasn’t missed a step. I especially like the fact that when the movie opens, Indy’s already on an adventure. He’s always on an adventure. Always will be. He’s Doctor Jones. You can’t slow him down. Even old age can’t slow him down!

The A-Train’s “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” Rating: 5 out of 5 Whips!