Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - possible spoilers now....

Started by KingIsaacLinksr, May 22, 2008, 03:11:03 AM

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KingIsaacLinksr

So I just got back from the midnight showing of the Indiana Jones movie.  In my opinion:

8.5 out of 10 stars.  A great movie overall.  Although it was a little quirky in some areas and the plotline was weak towards the end, it was an overall enjoyable experience.  Harrison Ford was great, Kate was, in my opinion, probably one of her better performances, and Shia LaBeof was also very on-par with his acting. 

But overall, this movie didn't feel like Harrison was a tired old man beyond what the script demanded.  I was very surprised to see stuff in that movie that I did, although its probably a stunt-double.  Oh well. 

Despite what people may say that I'm "blinded" by the fact that we haven't seen an Indie film in some time now, I still found it to be a rich experience.  Say what you will, I still found it to be a good movie.  :)

And there is my short movie review. 

King
A Paladin Without A Crusade Blog... www.kingisaaclinksr.wordpress.com
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saunders

I thought it was a good movie, but it wasn't a great movie.  After waiting 20 years and being a huge Indy fan I wanted great!  It's probably my least favorite of the series.  There are a lot of nice nods to the other films, and a lot of places that you have to grin at just watching Indy do his thing and hearing that music.  There is also a lot of goofy stuff.  The opening where the Paramount logo turns into the scene from the film is lame as is the Tarzan homage.  Some of the action scenes rely a little to much on CGI and looks kind of fake.   It was very cool to see Karen Allen back in the movie, but they really didn't use her much.  She had some dialogue when they first introduce her and then she just kind of tags along with Indy and the rest of the group.  It was not the same relationship they had in "Raiders".  Harrison Ford, looking great for a 65 year old guy, doesn't move as slick through those action scenes like he used to.  He's good, but to me he seemed maybe to lack a little of the agression he had in the previous movies.  I guess you have to expect that.  I wish these guys would've made a few more of these in the last 20 years while he was younger.  His performance was good, but it also seemed to lack the energy that he used to have.  I assume that's probably related to his age as well (rather than him being bored with the role).  I don't want to give the impression that it's bad, because it's not.  It's good.  It's just not the knockout that I wanted to see.  I might even enjoy it more on a 2nd viewing because my expectations would be a little less.  I don't think this is a spoiler, but there is a nice "Star Wars" nod where Indy says "I've got a bad feeling about this".

KingIsaacLinksr

Quote from: saunders on May 22, 2008, 07:52:27 AMThe opening where the Paramount logo turns into the scene from the film is lame as is the Tarzan homage. 

Umm, you realize they did the same thing in Raiders of the Lost Ark.  I thought it was kinda nice they did that. 

Otherwise....opinions. *shrug*

King
A Paladin Without A Crusade Blog... www.kingisaaclinksr.wordpress.com
My Review of Treks In Sci-Fi Podcast: http://wp.me/pQq2J-zs
Let's Play: Videogames YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/kingisaaclinksr

Trekkygeek

Quote from: Kinglinksr on May 22, 2008, 11:22:18 AM
Quote from: saunders on May 22, 2008, 07:52:27 AMThe opening where the Paramount logo turns into the scene from the film is lame as is the Tarzan homage. 

Umm, you realize they did the same thing in Raiders of the Lost Ark.  I thought it was kinda nice they did that. 

Otherwise....opinions. *shrug*

King

They actually used that trick in all the previous Indy movies. I think Saunders was aware of this and perhaps he meant that this film used it in the weakest way.  :)
You could learn something from Mr Spock Doctor..... Stop thinking with your glands"

KingIsaacLinksr

A Paladin Without A Crusade Blog... www.kingisaaclinksr.wordpress.com
My Review of Treks In Sci-Fi Podcast: http://wp.me/pQq2J-zs
Let's Play: Videogames YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/kingisaaclinksr

saunders

Yeah, I know they did that in all the movies.  I was looking forward to seeing what they'd come up with in this one and rolled my eyes when I saw it because it was kind of goofy.

Meds

#6
Just come back from the cinema. Well i am a huge Jones fan, i own a fedora that was made by Steven Delks (he made the ones used in this movie) and cost me quite a few pounds.
All in all i really enjoyed it. Ford was brilliant and he played it exactly as i hoped he would. Great wise cracks, seriously enjoyable opening and of course just seeing the ark made me smile.
Ray Winstone was great, the man can do no wrong in my opinion. Karen Allen did well, always good to see a familiar face although i feel she didn't really have much to do in the film. Cate Blanchett made a good villain in that 50's style comic style way (which is of course what the Jones adventures are all about).
I really enjoyed Shia LaBeouf's performance. I had my reservations about his character (not the actor) but all in all he pulled it off very well. The ending of the film is the weakest point, i mean come on knock it off.
So should there be another film, the nod with the hat at the end indicates Shia taking over but I'm not keen on that idea. Not because of Shia i just think Indiana Jones is Ford. Great film 8 out of 10 for and I'll be off to see it again.

Jobydrone

#7
I just got back from the theater myself, and all I can say is...AWESOME.  I loved every minute of it, it had everything I could possibly want in a sequel to Raiders, it was easily as great and enjoyable as TOD or Last Crusade.  I liked that they didn't bang you over the head with the "Indy is old" stuff, one or two jokes referring to it near the beginning then thats all.  The scenes with Karen Allen were sweet and wonderful, so glad she was brought back for this movie.  I managed to totally avoid spoilers for this movie before I went to see it and it really makes a big difference for the overall enjoyment. If you haven't seen this yet, what are you waiting for?  It's wonderful nostalgia, and funny, and exciting and an all around terrific experience.
"I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal."  -Groucho Marx

Rico

Saw it last night with my younger son and Mark from here on the forum.  Really, really enjoyed it.  I have watched most of the films Harrison Ford has made in the last 20 years after Indy (actually maybe all of them) and his performance here easily topped all of those combined.  It's obvious he loves playing Indy and it really showed.  He had a lot of energy and a twinkle in his eye through the whole film.  In my opinion he did the action scenes without missing a beat.  While watching I had no doubts that Indy was back.  A little older, a little more seasoned, but still the Indy we all love and care about.  I liked how he played his scenes with Shia a lot.  Kind of took him under his wing.  Seeing Karen Allen back as Marion was perfect.  I was extremely happy with all of the performances.  Now the story - yeah maybe could of been a bit better, but mostly it didn't bother me.  I can see why they spent so long looking for the right story and script.

So as I left the movie theater with my fedora on my head and leather jacket on I found I had a big grin on my face that hadn't been there in a long time.  Great movie!

sheldor

Yes - Indy is back.  I enjoyed the parts when Det. Jones.  Figuring out the clues and life discussions with Mud (Shia), catching up with Marion.  That was great.  The first words out of her mouth were lifted from Raiders :D   The action scenes were right up there with the other films.  I now hate: ants, scorpions and snakes - gophers are ok :).  I watched the Crystal Skull special on sci-fi and the film makes reference to the real-life explorers.   They gave Shia a Brando-On-The-Waterfront look.  Wow - that kid is definitely going places.  First, Transformers and now Indy 4.  He has a movie - Eagle Eye - coming out later this year.


Meds

Any one catch the line "I've got a bad feeling about this" ah bit of class.

Jobydrone

Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on May 23, 2008, 07:39:22 AM
Any one catch the line "I've got a bad feeling about this" ah bit of class.

I know, I spent much of my time during the movie scanning the hieroglyphics for representations of R2-D2 and C-3PO.  There were lots of little references thrown in there to the other films, but you just know there's a hidden treat somewhere that some eagle eyed fan is going to catch.
"I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal."  -Groucho Marx

Meds

Oh yeah and thats what makes indy films so much fun. The little details. Going to have to watch it again to find them.

jedijeff

I got back from seeing this, and I really enjoyed it. The movie was a lot of fun, and I think I had a smile on my face the whole way through. I really liked the Chemistry between Indy and Mutt(Shia), they made a great duo. I liked the Mac character as well, it was fin watching him, and I liked how they handled his character. I was telling my wife when we left the theatre, that I will go see this again. This is fantastic, if they make another, I am all for it.

Rico

I'm with you Jeff.  I had a smile the whole time.  Going again tomorrow and taking Lynn and my older son who is home for the long weekend.