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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

A Review by Cade Antilles

As a youth, growing up in the 80s and 90s, I was drawn to tales of adventure. Possibly the greatest adventure hero in film history, and a definite childhood favorite of mine, is Indiana Jones. In all honesty, it is mostly due to the Indiana Jones franchise that I’d gained such a love of history.

It has been a long time in coming, but the silver screen was finally graced, once again, with that iconic fedora. Harrison Ford reprises his role as the intrepid archaeologist in the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Directed by Steven Spielberg and written by George Lucas, it had the trappings of a perfect union, because it was the golden formula that spawned the original trio. However, the newest addition just couldn’t measure up to the splendor of its predecessors.

This is going to be long, but it needs to be.

Before I tear into the film, I have to say that I think this film should be watched. And watched in the theatres. While I do find faults, it isn’t a horrid movie, and is rather enjoyable. Just be forewarned that it’s not as good as the originals. I will also do my best not to spoil the plot for those who still haven’t seen it.

The plot travels in a direction that is very different from the previous films. While the originals dealt with divine power, it kept things a mystery. The powers of the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, and the Shankara Stones were based on mysticism and fantasy. They were given no explanation except that they were special through divinity. However, the Crystal Skull is grounded in science fiction. It takes an ancient religion and grounds it with an explanation. While this explanation is just as far-fetched as a Knight living 600 years in a little cave just by the power of the Grail, it loses its fantasy feel by being tangible. I don’t know if I can really explain that properly without revealing more, but, ultimately, it detracts from the atmosphere of what defines an Indiana Jones movie. It honestly felt more like a plot for a Tomb Raider film. (not that I have a big problem with those films, they just have a different feel to them)

The flow of the film was choppy. Instead of fluid transitions from location to location (and even scene to scene), what exists is a bumpy road of connected events. Not bad, but not comfortable either.

Characters and their development were weak. I may be the only person in the world to say this, but I liked Shia LeBouf’s character of Mutt Williams. I wish there was more development for him, but there isn’t. Cate Blanchett’s Irina Spalko is too weird to be taken seriously for a villain. Plus, Miss Blanchett needed a better accent coach, ’cause her Russian slipped into an English accent too often (even though she’s Australian). Many of the other supporting characters suffered similar fates, receiving little to no development. John Hurt is excellent, though, and Harrison Ford still makes a great Indiana Jones.

The action goes over the top in many cases. Moments that were too comical or ridiculous, even for Indiana Jones, took away from the film. There are many good, iconic Indiana Jones action moments, but they’re quickly overshadowed by unbelievable moments.

The special effects were very good, but, once more, the reliance on CG made the film less believable. It may be a good cost saving endeavor, but there’s something to be said about a lost art of filmaking. When things are filmed on location, it helps the audience feel like they’re part of the action. If the audience can tell that what they’re looking at is fake, they will feel detached. And that is another reason why this film isn’t as good as the old ones.

Bottom line is: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is still fun. It is entertaining, and I recommend seeing it in the theatre, but be forewarned that, for many reasons, it doesn’t live up to its name.

Grade: B- (80%)

As a frame of reference:

Raiders of the Lost Ark: A (95%)

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: A- (92%)

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: A (94%)