Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13)

It’s Midnight. There are hundreds of people lined up for the midnight showing of the new Indiana Jones movie. You’re only staying awake because of the excitement you feel about seeing your favorite fedora wearing, whip wielding archaeologist in yet another crazy predicament: This time involving the Russians. Will it live up to the previous movies? Will Mr. Lebeouf live up to the standard of other sidekicks like short-round? Will Harrison Ford need a walker? The doors open and it’s a mad dash to find a seat. The lights dim, and that familiar theme song begins: “Da da dun daaaa! Dun Da Da....”
Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has all the elements of the first three movies. Someone gets kidnapped, a love interest emerges and a trusty sidekick is there all the way. This time, Indy is fighting the Russians, who are looking for the Crystal Skull, which is said to have immense Psychic powers: Powers that can control the minds of every last person. The story takes place in the 50’s; a time when nuclear testing is prolific and fears run high. Indy is still teaching, but a twist throws everything topsy turvey and the next quest, a quest to South America, begins. There is danger, mystery, riddles and fighting: All the key elements that make for not only an “Indy” flick, but a great movie. One small detail that I feel could have been left alone was that there are constant references to Ford being “old”. I mean, the guy is 66. We know he’s old already. We don’t have to be
reminded of it every five minutes. He is still lookin’ good though...wink wink.

There are a few twists with this movie, but I will leave those for you to find out on your own. No Spoilers here! The difference between the fourth installment versus the other three movies is the special effects. Thanks to the improvements in CGI (Industrial Light & Magic) The effects are at their best. However, I find that the older movies hold a special place in my heart. CGI was so new and not yet developed in the 1980s that more filming was done with “real” items and places instead of in
front of a green screen. What can I say? I’m a sucker for nostalgia. The fourth movie is once again written by George Lucas and directed by Steven Spielberg: An always unstoppable force.
So, without giving too much away, go see the movie already! What are you waiting for?

It’s Indiana Jones! You can’t lose!