Indiana Jones 4: Seems Like Old Times
I had a silly grin throughout this film, the most anticipated cinematic event of the year. Indiana Jones is back in his fourth movie and very little has changed over the years. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) is still the masterpiece that none of the sequels can match, but this chapter is just as good as the third film. Harrison Ford may be in his 60s, the script may be studded with jokes about his age, and Steven Spielberg may have delivered a film that your dad will appreciate more than you… but this is nevertheless the kind of old-school movie that will make you feel young at heart.
The year is 1957 and many years have passed since we last saw Indiana Jones (Ford). Russian commies have replaced the Nazis as the number one menace, but they’re just as eagerly trying to lay their hands on the hidden, mystical treasures of the world. Indy and his old buddy Mac (Ray Winstone) run into Soviet agents (led by the nefarious Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett)) in Nevada where they are forced to locate a highly magnetic crate for them. Indy manages to escape (and survive an atomic blast no less) and is subsequently confronted by Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf), a young biker, who asks for the legendary archaeologist’s help in locating Professor Oxley (John Hurt), another archaeologist who went missing while trying to find the mysterious Crystal Skull in South America. Indy agrees to try and find him and the adventure reunites him with not only Spalko and her agents but a long-lost love.
Let’s face it. You won’t be watching the movie for the silly, confusing story (that even manages to throw in a climax that looks like it was borrowed from the first X-Files movie). What you’re looking for is crazy natives, murderous ants, aliens, traps and treasures and that’s what you get; the film is borderline overlong, but there’s always another treat to be had. An effort has been made to have real stunt work, but there’s also a lot of CGI of reasonably high quality. As expected, there’s a long, thrilling chase in the middle of the movie, this time in the jungle involving a convoy of trucks where the precious Crystal Skull changes hands between Indy, his friends and the Russians as they all try to eliminate each other. Mr. Ford is in smashing shape, working his old charm, and it’s great to see Ms. Allen again as the love of Indy’s life. Mr. LaBeouf adds youthful vigor as the hot-tempered, knife-wielding kid. Ms. Blanchett plays her villain like a cross between Rosa Klebb and Ninotchka, but isn’t entirely memorable; watching this film makes you feel that something is missing and that could be a genuine sense of awe and excitement. Rekindling the magic of the first film may be too much to ask though, and Mr. Spielberg cleverly tries to keep us too busy to make negative comparisons; it’s a wonder how the characters survive all the dangers without a scratch, even plunging down waterfalls three times.
Recently, there were reports that Spielberg was considering making a fifth movie in the series. This is a film that will satisfy fans and make a lot of money – it’s time to quit while ahead. After this, Mr. Spielberg should move on to new projects and put the fedora to rest. With pride and no regrets.
The YouTube clip shows the trailer.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 2008-U.S. 125 min. Color. Widescreen. Produced by Frank Marshall. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Music: John Williams. Cast: Harrison Ford (Henry “Indiana” Jones), Karen Allen (Marion Ravenwood), Cate Blanchett (Irina Spalko), Shia LaBeouf (Mutt Williams), Ray Winstone, John Hurt… Jim Broadbent.
Trivia: Sean Connery was approached about playing Indy’s father again, but declined.
film movies harrison ford steven spielberg shia labeouf IMDb
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