JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) – Trailer Included
May 23rd 2008 00:01
The Crystals of Fond Memories Skeleton
Thank you to the wonderful people at Paramount Pictures who were nice enough to send me a red carpet ticket to the premiere. Seeing Cate Blanchett and Jack Thompson was a fun bonus
Indiana Jones 4 is here
Director:Steven Spielberg
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone, Jim Broadbent, John Hurt
“This isn’t going to be easy” - Mac
It’s been 19 years since Indy rode off into the sunset at the end of The Last Crusade and now the hero returns. This installment is a tongue in cheek and foot in mouth comic book film that whizzes along at the pace we expect from the adventures of Dr Jones.
Set in the 1950’s, Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog blares over the opening credits as a supped up hotrod toys with a convoy of military vehicles. On board the trucks as prisoners are the “obtainer of rare antiquities” himself (Harrison Ford) and an old pal named Mac (Ray Winstone).
"I have a bad feeling about this" - Indiana Jones
“Quicker than you can say Dr Jones you have a telegram from Cairo” the bullwhip is out and the fists are flying. Escaping the deadly clutches of a band of Cold War stereotype Russians led by Irano Spalko (Cate Blanchett) the intrepid archaeologist is intercepted by a tenacious Brando wannabe named Mutt. (Shia LaBeouf)
What the kid has is enough information to launch this latest roller coaster ride towards clues that will see them embark on the journey of discovering towards the legendary Crystal Skulls of the Ancient Incans.
"Legend says that a crystal skull was stolen from a mythical lost city in the Amazon, supposedly built out of solid gold, guarded by the living dead. Whoever returns the skull to the city temple will be given control over its power." - Indiana Jones
Age shall not weary them...
John Doe says:
Before JD begins the review I think its important to put some perspective on what kind of fan boy walked into the land that hides the Crystal Skull. Raiders of the Lost Ark and its sequels rank right alongside George Lucas’ other mythic tales in the Star Wars trilogy as the two most influential films of young Johnny’s life. Indiana Jones and Han Solo, the greatest characters that a twelve year old boy could ever hope to worship.
Aware of the inherit danger of hyped up expectations Mr Doe managed to breath through the excitement. Realising it would take a real radical error to quash the nostalgic appeal, the sentimental attraction.
He was partly right, what John D received was an uneven experience that had as many dips, turns and jumps as an out of control mine cart. In the appropriately fast paced story there were moments of magic, some impressive action set pieces and varied success with gags.
Sinking to the level of its imitators (Eg: The Mummy, Tomb Raider) this doesn't feel like an authentic Indiana Jones adventure, it was familiarity that saved it from being a monumental disappointment. There is something sadly generic, or is that geriatric about this chapter of the saga. If it were a stand alone film with no history attached it may have been viewed as a wasted opportunity that slips into parody.
Stuffed with references to both the preceding trilogy and Star Wars this is a movie that tries very hard to please everyone. The in jokes are laid on thick and fast in an attempt to please geek boy fans. Some work others are just clumsy. It is strange that all the witty lines in the trailer worked, but when they were in the context of the scenes they seemed to mostly fall flat.
Steven Spielberg (Emperor of The Sun, Jaws) is in his element here, doing what he does best escapist entertainment. Credit has to go to the restraint used that tapers glaring CGI FX, the camera is always in movement and technically is brilliant. Still embracing modern cinema technology and exploiting it to its full visual potential, by doing so though, the film has an uneasy aura that doesn’t quite sync with the earlier films.
George Lucas (THX 1138)has said that this film is like a “a B Science Fiction film from the 1950’s”, you can see what he is talking about and it succeeds sporadically. Other times its just to silly. The ludicrous conceits pile on way to swiftly. Sure all the series had its impossible achievements, (Eg: Indy swimming to the sub in Raiders, Jumping out of a plane with an inflatable raft in Temple of Doom etc) but here there is little effort to achieve suspension of disbelief.
Lucas’ influence is also felt with an American Graffiti era opening 15 minutes that over sells giving the audience a sense of time and place. What should come naturally is punctuated to early and a haphazard similarity to the preceding films often feels forced and changes the whole tone.
The script does its best to acknowledge Indy’s age and hence passes a lot of the more daring-do to Shia LaBeouf. Unfortunately, Harrison Ford does look like a man in his 60’s and so his ability to get in down and dirty fist fights with men much younger or perform some unbelievable physical stunt contradicts what we are seeing in downtime. Effectively replacing any excitement with a farcical air, it felt like a pair of aging cinema lords decided to try and be new millennium hip.
Harrison Ford (Witness, Mosquito Coast, Frantic) does manage to retain his dignity despite the unintentional mocking, but his delivery is so lethargic and wooden that he fails to capture the characters essence. The body language is different too, when not evading commie scum or plummeting down ridiculously large waterfalls we suddenly see the old man of action disappear.
Part of the problem with the film not fully engaging is the part of the villain as played by Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There, Lord of the Rings, Coffee and Cigarettes). Rightfully she apologised for her lousy Russian Accent that drifts into a British and Aussie twang repeatedly, but this is not a fatal flaw. There is a crucial element to her portrayal that is missing, she carries absolutely no threat or menace. There is never any question of danger, she seems inferior and never makes the audience quiver like Major Arnold Toht or Mola Ram. Worse still one second she realises she is in a cheesy actioner, then blinks into taking it all deadly serious, its like a lesson in flaky character continuity.
It takes a real skill to remove all of Ray Winstone’s (Sexy Beast, Scum, The Proposition, The War Zone) frightening testosterone soaked teeth, but that’s exactly what happens. Miscast, its like they have removed his spleen and replaced it with crazy putty, his character should have been a Peter Lorre type, what we get is more akin to Tom Hanks. (That’s a bad thing by the way)
Thank god for Karen Allen (Animal House, The Wanderers, Cruisin) as Marion Ravenwood. Everytime she smiles you see the same dame from 20 year earlier, just not drinking men under the table anymore. Though the screenplay does its best to remove her independence and take away her spark, vying to make her a romantic damsel Allen still manages to let you know its their in her eyes.
John Hurt (Elephant Man, Ten Rillington Place) too is his usual splendid self, eccentric and unfettered by ego he happily plays along as a brain wiped professor. Of all the cast he is the one who seems the happiest to be there. Unlike Shia LeBeouf (A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Holes)who didn’t exude the giddy thrills you know he had off camera.
Writing this review has been very painful for John Doe, it isn’t unlike writing an essay on “Why My Mother is a Slut”. Such is his attachment to this fictional universe that just like The Phantom Menace in time he hopes to appreciate it for its nostalgic positives, rather than try and compare it to what he perceived as the celluloid Holy Grail when he was a much younger movie lover.
If you haven't already seen it - The mighty teaser trailer for Indiana Jones 4
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Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
what are some examples of witty jokes? Remember any?
How about that vine-swinging in the jungle? Did you like that?
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Most of the lines I liked were in the trailer (eg: "Not as easy as it used to be", "Your a teacher/ Part time" and "whats he going to do/I don't think he plans that far ahead.") Most of the script lacked any spark though.
The Tarzan salute with the vine swinging didn't work for me because of the heavy CG but I can appreciate that in the 1950's the lord of the apes was a huge part of the cultural lexicon. I just think it was clumsy and not needed, plus had so many contradictions.
Overall I think we are both on the same page with this one, a sequel that may tarnish the memory of the original.
Comment by Jason King
Salty Popcorn
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I was surprised at how uninterested Harry Ford seemed for the most part and the Indy gang seldom showed any fear at all for their lives..
I'm hit and miss with Cate she can be good (eg: Coffee and Cigarettes) but sometimes grates on me ( Little Fish) too.
I thought she was amusing in the film and loved the haircut, outfit and makeup but she was very inconsistent with the character.
I had tickets booked before I knew I was attending the Premiere so I get to see it again tomorrow in Gold Class at Bondi....maybe my opinion will improve upon a second viewing.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, its fun when cinematic fresh meat can be picked apart.
Comment by mohen naorem
Celebrity Styles
Comment by Jason King
Salty Popcorn
OK - I agree, no one was scared. I actually thought at one stage when Indy and the Gang escaped that hulking Russian guy that she should have put her sword through him to show she meant business and would kill her own if it was not achieved. Show a bit more insanity to her part.
I do love Cate though and I hope she gives an evil person another go, I still think she could make an awesome evil b&^ch.
That bob was her suggestion for the film.
Hope you find a bit more joy in it the 2nd time. I watched it twice in 2 days and wished I had a bit more time between the viewings. If going to Gold Class order the chocolate sundae for 2 (for yourself). It is the best thing in the world, you get to sit a fish bowl on your lap and indulge in pure fat joy!! LOL
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Thank you for your kind words. I have visited your site occasionally and like what you do to. So you like the Hollywood celebrities, who are your favourites?
I appreciate your visiting.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I just may do that Chocolate Sundae shuffle today! Thanks for the suggestion.
Cate could be a good villain, maybe an evil stepsister in Cinderella type.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Age shall not weary them, but it sounds like it sure changes them?
I haven;t seen it yet, but look forward to it next Friday... I will whoop and roar along with the best of them, although I get where you are coming from here... there was a "..lack of re-discovery here." ... perhaps re-discovery that still could have existed despite his age?
I won't know until next week... then I'll chime in my two-bobs worth, okay?
Lilla ...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
It's not an atrocity of cinema or anything like that but the "rediscovery" is certainly absent and it may only be my nostagia for the characters that makes me view this as a lackluster effort.
Cib asked a great question on his site, "What do you think 10 year olds today would think of it?"...I couldn't answer because I shudder at where the answer may lie.
Can't wait to read your thoughts on the film.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Re-release Raiders I say.
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Comment by Wayne F
Bucket Movies
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
What can I say?
I LOVED IT!!!
From the opening scene and sounds of Hound Dog, where Indy's defiance gets him in even deeper hot water, to the closing credits and his cheek ... I loved it all and laughed through so much of it... what a thrill ride! Who wouldn;t love all those chases and action scenes...
Hahaha ... it falls in three places ....
At first I thought Kate Blanchet wouldn't dissapoint with the accent and role, but she improved once I placed my bias aside... let's face it its not an easy accent for the best actors, and whilst she wasn't as good as Daniel Radcliffe's Australian one, it twasn't bad at that.
Oh gosh, I loved it all and the theory put forward in the story-line, perhaps most of all. How totally plausible, and probably spot on ... I'm too eclectic in my beliefs not to have lapped that one up as a possible explanantion.
...and I did feel a sense of rediscovery. He's older, slower and not as sharp... values have changed a little, the edges are a little more blurred. I certainly could relate to that. Perhaps he was even more thrilling because at one point (when peering at the skull) I felt that he only did it becuase he was older, with less to loose perhaps. What I liked was that he didn't try to act young or still be "cute," he let his age show and that appealed more.
I loved the re-introduction of his old flame ... wow, I thought Lucas tied away the loss of old characters and introduced new ones with seamless, plausible effort... it was so easy to feel the changes that had taken place in the world since the 'golden days' of Europe in his youth. Overun now by the threat of the Nuclear family. How much paranoia the propaganda machine of the cold war had achieved and and just how many liberties the constant 'threat' of such "enemies" allowed the ruling forces to control the masses. (de ja vous alright!)
Hangar 51 (to me) was a masterful tie-in of the past, present and future... oh and those ants, man ... wild!
I think the FBI scenes of suspicion at the start brilliant in their accuracy of exactly where Indy would have ended up, had he continued fighting the good fight between 1946 and 1957 in artifacts of power from the past.
CGI was a must to tell this story, and I didn't feel it was overdone? I can remember thinking that given another 20-30 years, when the quadrology is watched end to end in living rooms across the planet, I felt that this one will perhaps end up the wildest ride of all.
I agree that as a stand alone for today's desensitised, ever thrill-seeking youngster, it doesn't stand much of a look in... but I look forard to when Indy's son takes 'it' in years to come ... through the remainder of the Century? Perhaps dragged out of retirement by his progency later, like he did with Sean Connery? I noticed the similarities when he was on the back of the motorcycle to when Sean was on the back of his all those years ago. (that chase was awesom and I couldn;t stop laughing all the way to the library!)
Awesome and one any Indy Fan would truly relish... and I think a lovely way to end his legacy.
I must say too, I really liked the look of the shorts for Run Jimmy, Run ? woohoo
Lilla ...
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
Not the best of the Indy films, but I don't necessarily think the worst either (there's really only one contender, I'll let you work it out
I felt the unholy hand of George Lucas in bad writing (Obviously this means this, and obvisouly this represents this, obviously obviously obviously). Obviously George needs someone to temper his silliness. He still managed to get Indy blown up in an atomic bomb blast - WTF?! No point to that at all. It wasn't even funny.
But for all it's flaws, I think there were enough nice moments. Quite frankly, with the orginal Indy films surpassing even Star Wars now for me as some of my all-time faves, it's VERY hard for me not to be seduced by Indy in whatever shape the film takes. I simply can't look objectively at this movie.
And as for references to the previous 3 films, weren't the other two sequels riddled with references to what came before?
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
I just noticed last night, in Temple of Doom, that the name of the Restaurant at the begining was Obi Wan *LOL* Cool ...
As for the Refrigerator scene in No 4 HAhahaha it was too funny, *giggle* I wonder if Myth Busters will try to prove that one is possible?
cheers
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Didn't strike as the sort of film you would dig...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Stupid fridge in an atomic blast sequence, sad its not the only misstep...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Great that you enjoyed it, I'm jealous of the pleasure you gleaned.
I liked the idea of going into 50s B grade sci fi with hangar 51 etc, but it just felt farcical throughout, without the thoughful weight so easily shading in most stories of this kind.
There was definitely a vibe of Harrison channeling the older Jones, but it was all to self conscious and worse inconsistent for my taste.
I saw it again a second time because I had pre booked tickets and found the whole thing very flat second time round.
Glad that Lucas/Spielberg pleased you and thanks for sharing the thoughts, loved reading your subjective observations.