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"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" could be
the surprise Hollywood hit of the year. When news first leaked that the
triumvirate of Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas were planning
another Indiana Jones movies, lot of people just didn't think there was
any need to.
The production from the beginning was plagued, especially with the
script. The filmmakers had to wait a long time for the right script,
and though not as quite as good, the script, actors, action and direction
come together just enough to make this a satisfactory movie. More than
anything else, it is a pleasant surprise.
Spielberg smartly preserves the essence of the first three “Indiana
Jones” movies and repackages them with enough freshness for today's
world. The formula, which made the Indiana Jones movies popular, is
tried and tested and this movie could have crushed by its own weight.
Spielberg also avoids the trap of loading the movies with computer-generated
effects. Some of the most thrilling moments in the film are pared down
action sequences filmed employing traditional film making methods.
The 65-five-year-old Ford doing all his stunts here puts in a credible
performance. His aged face is not made to look any younger than he is.
Ford still manages to pull off that arrogant scowl with just enough
sprinkling of charm. The action sequences will seem even more impressive
when considered that Ford did his own stunts.
The weakest part of the movie is the script and its almost comical
story line. It's best not to make too much sense of such things as the
crystal skull in question and what it means and why it is such a big
deal. This is an action adventure movie and it strives to deliver along
that line.
The movie is set in 1957 and the Soviets want to find the crystal skull,
which supposedly holds the secrets of the universe. They are led by
Irina Spalko (Blanchett). Jones (Ford) is taken captive by Spalko but
he escapes. He returns to his teaching job but has to leave since the
Federal Bureau of Investigation is on his trail.
Just before he leaves, he is stopped by Mutt (Shia Lebouf) who insists
Jones has to help him find a man he thinks of as a father figure. This
takes them to Peru and eventually they have to ward off the Soviets
as they all seek the realm of the crystal skull.
The movie is well-paced and Spielberg at those places where he could
have splurged on the computer generated effects takes a more bare bones
approach. One of the more thrilling action sequences involves a chase
through the Amazon forest as they fight for possession of the crystal
skull. When it does slow down, the movie feels flat.
The humour isn't spiky enough and the reunion between Jones and Mary,
who we meet in "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark"
fails to enthral. It seems thrown in at the last minute to add some
sense of nostalgia.
The actors all give credible performances. Blanchette is proving to
be one of the most reliable actresses and she shines here as usual.
Ray Winstone's part of Mac is woefully underdeveloped and a fine actor
is clearly wasted here.
Spielberg is already an institution and after having made some heavy
serious films he feels no pressure to prove himself a genuine filmmaker.
With this movie he seems to have fun and that clearly shows. It is a
fun movie with just enough charm, action and adventure to satisfy.
