I did not see this theaters, but just saw on DVD. Before seeing it I have heard all the negative things about it. I think they are mostly wrong. The original movies are all based on "B" movies of the 1930's. This more modern Indy is based on the "B" movies of the 1950's. It has everything, Indy fighting Russian spies, shots of F-86 fights, giant ants, nuclear tests, rebels without a cause, drag racing, the red scare, and more. All this is great, and it is all in the first half of the movie. Tieing up the Indy loose end are great as well. Bringing back Karen Allan as Marion is a master stroke. However, not enough it explained about the greater mystery. Who are the beings with the crystal skulls. In most "B" movies of the 1950's they were aliens trying to take over the Earth. Some were comments on the Red Scare like the thing. We know that Indy Jones thinks the aliens might be alien Indys. It would have been nice he was able to use that knowledge to save everyone or gain some insight. Also Indy does not really find the temple. He just knows how to follow his crazy friend played by John Hurt. Indiana Jones in the other movies is not just a thug. He solves mysteries. He just does not stand on the work of crazy friends. The critics who say this movie is not as realistic as the earlier one, clearly do not remember them very well. The creatures coming out of the Arc, pulling beating hearts out of people with just your hand, 800 year old knights, these are all in the more realistic Indy movies. But this movie takes you to another place, and it is fun. Maybe not as much fun as some of the earlier movies, but it is fun. Therefore it succeeds.
