Home > Movies > Movie Review > Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

More magical than "Narnia" and more fun than "Iron Man"

By Matt Pais

Metromix
May 19, 2008

Critic's Rating:

• Email
• Print View
• Share
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Google
  • Reddit
  • Mixx
  • Mister Wong
  • Yahoo Buzz
  • Yahoo
• Add To Favorites
• Add to playlist

Nearly two decades after he fought the Nazis, Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones Jr. (Harrison Ford) is up to his old tricks, hunting for a crystal skull that, legend has it, could provide the power to possess infinite knowledge and control people's minds. A young rebel (Shia LaBeouf) also helps Indiana in his attempt to return the skull to its origins and fend off a Soviet baddie (Cate Blanchett).

Big question: Can Indy's escapades still entertain, 19 years since "Last Crusade" and a little more than four years until Ford turns 70?

Catch it: Director Steven Spielberg rediscovers his long-dormant inner child, creating elaborate, seemingly never-ending action sequences like he's binging on Halloween candy. As a result, the adventure genre regains its sense of humor, with jaw-dropping, sometimes hilarious stunts to keep your eyes busy while your brain sorts through extinct languages and the relief that, thank goodness, Ford's still got it.

Skip it: If you think Blanchett ("The Good German," "I'm Not There") and her many accents never have an off day. She seems unclear as to whether or not her character, Irina Spalko, is supposed to be a joke and consequently is neither threatening nor funny.

Bottom line: Mind control's not as enticing as, say, eternal life, and for those keeping score, the highly enjoyable if somewhat unsurprising "Crystal Skull" comes in a notch below "Last Crusade" (and several above "Temple of Doom," with "Raiders," of course, at the top). Yet as an old-fashioned, refreshingly familiar, rip-roaring good time, the new Indy makes you feel as if you've reconnected with an old friend without missing a beat.

Bonus: Indy tells Mutt (LaBeouf) that bites from giant scorpions are less dangerous than bites from small ones. This, I'm sure, will make you feel much better about being attacked by a giant scorpion.

Video: Watch the review of 'Indiana Jones'

What do you think of 'Crystal Skull'? Email me: mpais@tribune.com

You will be prompted to register or log in when posting.

Comment

Please note that by clicking on "Post Comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.