You know, years ago I read a very simple comment about the fact that Indiana Jones presence, in Raiders of the Lost Ark, actually changed nothing. His intervention didn't stop the Nazi's opening the ark of the covenant. In fact he assisted them. Now that may be open to debate Still a great adventure, brilliantly done. A classic!
I draw the comparison because of Jennifer Lopez and her inclusion in this film. It adds nothing and detracts from a capable story. As I understand, 20 years later, the director/writer had to change tack making it into a confused and static rom-com. Static because the dialogue just pushes nothing, solves nothing, creates barely any excitement or intrigue. The appearance of Christopher Walken as a veteran cynical cop is a rich cameo that is lost in the relationship building that is totally out of place. All the planned poses of Lopez; smiling, at yoga, pouting etc. Brings any momentum to a shuddering halt. Affleck's awkward ham acting actually helps at times but no one really cares. In the end it's as predictable as it was within the first 15 minutes. It sits rightly in the bargain bin of missed opportunities and studio editing from hell.
Lopez could have been removed from the film and it would have been a good story.
Indiana Jones on the other hand is Raiders of the Lost Ark and drives the whole film. Now imagine if Spielberg had pressure from the Studio to just make it a Rom-Com with Marian and Jones sitting about her bar for half the film. It's not entertaining. Reviewing this in 2023, it's a movie that ironically feels static and shallow.
I draw the comparison because of Jennifer Lopez and her inclusion in this film. It adds nothing and detracts from a capable story. As I understand, 20 years later, the director/writer had to change tack making it into a confused and static rom-com. Static because the dialogue just pushes nothing, solves nothing, creates barely any excitement or intrigue. The appearance of Christopher Walken as a veteran cynical cop is a rich cameo that is lost in the relationship building that is totally out of place. All the planned poses of Lopez; smiling, at yoga, pouting etc. Brings any momentum to a shuddering halt. Affleck's awkward ham acting actually helps at times but no one really cares. In the end it's as predictable as it was within the first 15 minutes. It sits rightly in the bargain bin of missed opportunities and studio editing from hell.
Lopez could have been removed from the film and it would have been a good story.
Indiana Jones on the other hand is Raiders of the Lost Ark and drives the whole film. Now imagine if Spielberg had pressure from the Studio to just make it a Rom-Com with Marian and Jones sitting about her bar for half the film. It's not entertaining. Reviewing this in 2023, it's a movie that ironically feels static and shallow.