I will not pretend that I am any kind of die-hard Indiana Jones fan. In fact, I've only ever seen Raiders of the Lost Ark and this new installment. However, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull shows from the very first moments that it's going to be somewhat of a disappointment.
We can immediately tell how much time has passed. Gone are the day of amazing live-action special effects; just about every scene featured some very significant and kinda fake-looking CGI work. Apparently relishing the 'freedom' these new computer capabilities give, Spielberg has delivered an Indiana full of huge and ridiculous action sequences that very quickly make the movie lose any credibility. Of course, credibility was never a strong point anyway because of the weak story that reveals itself from the very start. Even for an action-driven movie like this one, the plot we are given feels like way too much over-the-top.
Yet in spite of it all, it's still easy to find enjoyment here. The performances are all full of energy, and the cast is clearly having a great time. Ford, LaBeouf, Blanchett, and Allen all somehow manage to keep us along for this silly ride and even manage to keep us amused. And while some scenes will no doubt have you groaning and rolling your eyes (a particular vine-swinging scene comes to mind), if you'll let yourself get washed over in the campy, hokey fun of it all, you can find yourself an enjoyable romp. 6/10 stars!
Jay Addison
We can immediately tell how much time has passed. Gone are the day of amazing live-action special effects; just about every scene featured some very significant and kinda fake-looking CGI work. Apparently relishing the 'freedom' these new computer capabilities give, Spielberg has delivered an Indiana full of huge and ridiculous action sequences that very quickly make the movie lose any credibility. Of course, credibility was never a strong point anyway because of the weak story that reveals itself from the very start. Even for an action-driven movie like this one, the plot we are given feels like way too much over-the-top.
Yet in spite of it all, it's still easy to find enjoyment here. The performances are all full of energy, and the cast is clearly having a great time. Ford, LaBeouf, Blanchett, and Allen all somehow manage to keep us along for this silly ride and even manage to keep us amused. And while some scenes will no doubt have you groaning and rolling your eyes (a particular vine-swinging scene comes to mind), if you'll let yourself get washed over in the campy, hokey fun of it all, you can find yourself an enjoyable romp. 6/10 stars!
Jay Addison