Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

After 19 years, Indiana Jones is back, albeit a little older and grayer. He's still sporting his fedora and bull whip though, and still knows how to get into trouble. This time around, Indy (Harrison Ford) has found a new nemesis in Communist Russians, led by scientist/dominatrix Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). The Russians have stumbled onto some paranormal phenomenon that promises unlimited power (kinda like the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail did), and they need the expertise of Dr. Jones to help them find it. After a grand escape in old-fashioned Indy-style and a number of complex plot contrivances, Jones ends up in South America racing against the Russians to hunt down the artifacts (which do involve a crystal skull). Along the way he picks up a young greaser sidekick, Mutt Williams (Shia LeBeouf); Professor Oxley (John Hurt), the leading expert about the treasure they seek who has been driven insane by his quest; and Indy's old flame from the first film, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen). In keeping with the Indy tradition there are plentiful chases, fights, and grand action spectacles, all leading to a final discovery of the true power and meaning of the centuries-old relics.

The Indiana Jones films are among the most beloved of American films, and as such, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has been one of the most anticipated movies of the last few years, especially after reuniting stars Harrison Ford and Karen Allen, producer George Lucas, and director Steven Spielberg. So does it live up to the almost unreasonable hype? Well, not entirely, but it's far from a total disappointment. Ford easily slips back into the Indiana Jones role, incorporating his sly wit, humor, and intelligence; and even at 65 is credible as an action hero. He still has plenty of chemistry with Allen, who brings a spark of energy as the feisty Marion. Spielberg, who essentially invented the summer blockbuster trend, is still an expert at staging action sequences, capped off with a thrilling chase sequence in the rain forest that involves parallel Jeeps, a series of waterfalls, giant killer ants, and a bunch of monkeys. The problem is really in the central story, which is unnecessarily convoluted and even silly at times. It exists mostly as a tent pole for the action scenes, and as a result, Crystal Skull lacks the emotional resonance of Raiders of the Lost Ark or Last Crusade. It's more in line with Temple of Doom, which was well-made, over-the-top entertainment with little connection to the characters. Crystal Skull will likely be viewed in the same way. It doesn't quite live up to the impossible expectations, but it's a fun, old-fashioned, entertaining ride. A lesser Spielberg film is still better than most.