It wasn’t until the Star Wars Episode III that I felt George Lucas’ decision to make a prequel trilogy about the life and times of a younger but way emo Darth Vader, was vindicated.
But when it comes to making movies about icons that have aged, I think both George Lucas and Steven Spielberg should just stay clear. Case in point, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. In a nut shell, it’s a movie by old men about old men.
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull kicks off with Indy and an (old friend) commie-bashing sidekick, Mac being forcefully co-erced to retrieve some remains for a paranormal-obsessed Soviet psychic Dr. Irina Spalko (played by Cate Blanchett). The ensuing adventure involving returning a crystal skull to its rightful resting place (oopz, spoiler) introduces, yet again, old colleagues, old friends and even an old flame.
Harrison Ford is really showing his age in this movie. There’s an obvious paunch, and while the punch-out at the ant-field kinda bring back images of a younger Indy (I’m trying to avoid saying, the Indy of old), watching him getting his butt kicked is a rather unpleasant experience.
The only fresh face is probably Shia LeBeouf, who plays Indy’s son, Mutt, a.k.a Henry Jones III. Having the same name with the father is like a dead giveaway for subsequent sequels with the same title character and perhaps without Jones Sr this time.
Overall, the movie feels a little underwhelming compared to modern day adventure films, which is probably due to the two old men making a throwback to how Indiana Jones was like in the 1980s, which is probably indulgence on their part.
2-and-a-half stars (out of five) and probably for people who never watched an Indiana Jones movie their entire lives.
I’m planning to watch Indy this coming Tues. Now after reading your reviews, have second thoughts. But then, I think I will go anyway cos I need to see for myself if Harrison Ford can still make it as Indy.
@Foong: He does make a good, albeit old, Indy. Sean Connery would cut a more dashing figure.