Alright Boyz!! Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

[Buccaneer]

Early reviews are in as the movie premiered at Cannes today. Indy looks good and lots of references to the early movies (as well as other Spielberg/Lucas movies).

What are your plans to see it and when you do, did you like it?

[daedalus]

i'm looking forward to it, if only for nostalic values. i do intend to wait for at least 2-3 weeks after (general) release, though. my inner bucca, er, curmudgeon really, REALLY, REALLY dislike extraneous noises (i.e., not from the movie itself) at the movies.

[Lathum]

I can't wait.

[oliegirl]

We are planning on going on Thursday afternoon...we were going to go Wednesday night to the midnight showing, but my son is having some friends spend the night - end of school sleepover - so we can't make that. Really looking forward to it though, looks like it was well done and is staying true to the feel of the original movies...

[jeff061]

It's the CGI. I can't get used to it. Indy and CGI just don't work for me. I don't know why, am I the only one?

[Lathum]

i'm looking forward to it, if only for nostalic values. i do intend to wait for at least 2-3 weeks after (general) release, though. my inner bucca, er, curmudgeon really, REALLY, REALLY dislike extraneous noises (i.e., not from the movie itself) at the movies.

I'm the same way.

The theatere by us has 10:00 AM showing that are $5.00 so it is cheep and usually not to crowded

[Johnny93g]

The most anticipated movie of my life. I can't wait. Probably going Thursday afternoon, and again friday night.

[ColtCrazy]

I'll be going at midnight the opening night with some friends and then a week later with my wife. Can't wait for this, Indiana Jones is one of my favorite movies. Contemplated buying the figures...you know..for my son. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm the same way.

The theatere by us has 10:00 AM showing that are $5.00 so it is cheep and usually not to crowded

I'm also the same way. This is the main reason I wanted a media room in my house and why I rarely go the movies unless it is something Mrs. E wants to see in the theater.

[Buccaneer]

Think it could have a $150m weekend (F-S-S) and a $250m 3-day?

[Buccaneer]

I'm also the same way. This is the main reason I wanted a media room in my house and why I rarely go the movies unless it is something Mrs. E wants to see in the theater.

Same here, for a different reason. I get frustrated in theatres and have to wait for the DVD release. :(

[Lathum]

Same here, for a different reason. I get frustrated in theatres and have to wait for the DVD release. :(

frustrated about what?

[stevew]

Think it could have a $150m weekend (F-S-S) and a $250m 3-day?

I dunno, I'm not sure how it tracks with the <25 crowd. Should pull in massive numbers from people between mine and your age though. Hell, I may take my dad, and he NEVER goes to the movies.

[SFL Cat]

Going to see it. Prepared to be dissapointed. Hopefully, I won't be...but after Phantom Menace....

[Buccaneer]

Two of my most memorable theatre experiences were this series. I went to Raiders the second weekend after it opened, with no expectations. I didn't even know what the movie was about. Suffice to say, I left the theatre stunned with a buzz that lasted a long time. Remember, this was before home videos and I must have went to see this movie about 12-15 times that summer and fall all over San Diego. I recall Grossmont theatre (big screen) had this movie for 3 years or something like that.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, my buddy and I went to the opening day of Temple of Doom, standing in line for the early showing. I had never been so disappointed with a movie as that one (considering the high expectations) and to this day, I hate that movie with a passion.

[korme]

I'm going to see it but there are things higher on my list of summer movies

[Buccaneer]

frustrated about what?

Not hearing well or actually, hearing badly. :(

[SFL Cat]

Two of my most memorable theatre experiences were this series. I went to Raiders the second weekend after it opened, with no expectations. I didn't even know what the movie was about. Suffice to say, I left the theatre stunned with a buzz that lasted a long time. Remember, this was before home videos and I must have went to see this movie about 12-15 times that summer and fall all over San Diego. I recall Grossmont theatre (big screen) had this movie for 3 years or something like that.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, my buddy and I went to the opening day of Temple of Doom, standing in line for the early showing. I had never been so disappointed with a movie as that one (considering the high expectations) and to this day, I hate that movie with a passion.

Agree. After a great beginning, Temple of Doom went south quick. Of course, The Last Crusade kind of made up for the previous film's suckiness.

Like I said, I'm going to this one without expectations...well, ok, silently rooting for it not to suck.

[Buccaneer]

Well, to add to the theatre experience, I do have put Crusades up there. My brother and I went to see it in a small theatre on Maui. That was certainly memorable.

[Kodos]

Very much looking forward to seeing this. My most anticipated movie of the year.

[JediKooter]

Taking an extended lunch from work to go see it.

[PadresFan104]

Raiders of the Lost Ark will always be in my top 3 movies of all time, so I really should be looking forward to this one more than I am. I think it's the trailer... Did nothing for me...

[kingfc22]

Going at midnight with my dad. Been looking forward to this movie for a long time.

[stevew]

The trailers have been pretty weak. I understand wanting to keep the plot in secret for awhile, but they give absolutely nothing. Joe Movie Goer is going to need a bigger reason than simply "I'm Indiana Jones, Bitch" to go out and see the flick.

[ISiddiqui]

Joe Movie Goer is going to need a bigger reason than simply "I'm Indiana Jones, Bitch" to go out and see the flick.

Nah... not really.

[Dr. Sak]

I got my hat and whip ready to go...wait we're not talking about sex are we?

I am going this weekend, probably Saturday night. I had to make a deal with the devil to go see this flick so it better be good.

[14ers]

It's the CGI. I can't get used to it. Indy and CGI just don't work for me. I don't know why, am I the only one?
Are they going to CGI Harrison Ford to make him look younger like they did with Arnold in the last terminator movie?

[ISiddiqui]

I find it amusing that someone says Indy and CGI don't work for him. What, did they think the scene when they opened the Lost Ark was done with a bunch of people with high powered sparklers?

[Kodos]

From what I understand, the CGI is minimal by today's standards.

[Warhammer]

Temple of Doom wasn't the terible movie everyone makes it out to be. Granted it wasn't great, but there were some great parts:

The opening scene
The two swordsmen
The rail car chase

Now other than that it did suck.

[Dr. Sak]

Temple of Doom would have been great if it added one thing...Willie's tits.

[rkmsuf]

Temple of Doom would have been great if it added one thing...Willie's tits.

Wait, Willie Ames was in that?

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have no real expectations for this movie. My excitement for it is luke warm. I will probably see it the weekend after it opens.

I am just so not that excited about it.

I feel bad. Indy's great. I don't care how old Harrison Ford is. Cate Blanchett is divine. I like Shia Labouf and Ray Winstone, but there's just something about it...

I reckon it's the Lucas taint. I fear it so. And, like Yoda said, "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. And hate leads to suffering..." My how I've suffered.

[Kodos]

I'm confident that Spielberg cancels out any Lucas taint.

[oliegirl]

It's getting a mediocre review on Yahoo...2 out of 4 stars...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080519/ap_en_re/film_review_indiana_jones

[Karlifornia]

Shia LeBoeuf=fail

[JediKooter]

I'm going dressed as Short Round

[Aylmar]

I have no real expectations for this movie. My excitement for it is luke warm. I will probably see it the weekend after it opens.

I am just so not that excited about it.

I feel bad. Indy's great. I don't care how old Harrison Ford is. Cate Blanchett is divine. I like Shia Labouf and Ray Winstone, but there's just something about it...

I reckon it's the Lucas taint. I fear it so. And, like Yoda said, "Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. And hate leads to suffering..." My how I've suffered.

But Indy films are the perfect Lucas vehicle. He comes up with a story and SOMEONE ELSE actually writes the script and fills in the minor details. Nothing to fear there. No, he can't write dialogue for shit. Yes, he is still a great storyteller.

[Johnny93g]

Shia LeBoeuf=fail

????

explain please. Other then transformers, which is a paycheck movie, his movies have been great the last 2-3 years.

[Honolulu_Blue]

????

explain please. Other then transformers, which is a paycheck movie, his movies have been great the last 2-3 years.

While I have nothing against Shia LeBouf, what movies are you referring to exactly?

"Constantine"? "The Greatest Game Ever Played"? "A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints"? "Bobby"? "Disturbia"? Other than voice work in "Surf's Up", that's his entire catalog of movies over the last 2-3 years.

I heard decent enough things about "Disturbia", I thought "Constantine" was ok (though completely off the source material), I never really heard anyone call any of those other moves "great".

[ISiddiqui]

Lebouf was really good in "The Greatest Game Ever Played".

[Johnny93g]

While I have nothing against Shia LeBouf, what movies are you referring to exactly?

"Constantine"? "The Greatest Game Ever Played"? "A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints"? "Bobby"? "Disturbia"? Other than voice work in "Surf's Up", that's his entire catalog of movies over the last 2-3 years.

I heard decent enough things about "Disturbia", I thought "Constantine" was ok (though completely off the source material), I never really heard anyone call any of those other moves "great".

I guess im refering to:
the Battle of Shakur Heights (good)
Disturbia (very Good)
The Grestest game ever played (great)
A guide to recognize your saints (great)

I think he was fantastic in each of these flicks. I think his career path will patteren Leo DiCaprio.

[Blade6119]

I guess im refering to:
the Battle of Shakur Heights (good)
Disturbia (very Good)
The Grestest game ever played (great)
A guide to recognize your saints (great)

I think he was fantastic in each of these flicks. I think his career path will patteren Leo DiCaprio.

Totally agree, and ill add in that i loved his cameo in I, Robot. I also enjoyed him quite a bit in Bobby, which i found him hysterical in.

[Ironhead]

I'm going dressed as Short Round

You want to feel old all of a sudden? Stop and realize that the actor who played Short Round is 36 now.

[korme]

What is up with people dogging LeBeouf? He's a very young actor and he's already got a hit list to be proud of.

[ColtCrazy]

Guess I'm in a definite minority that I didn't think The Temple of Doom was that bad. There are several good scenes in it even if Short Round is annoying.
Yeah, it's the worst of the 3, but it's a decent movie.
Raiders is the best though.

My wife surprised me yesterday, got all 3 of the updated released for $10 from Target. :) I'll watch them this week to get ready.

I've read some good reviews on Crystal Skull from bbc.com and some other London newspaper sites from the Cannes review. Usually they pan stuff like this, so I am optimistic about it.

[Chief Rum]

Nah... not really.

+1

[Chief Rum]

I guess im refering to:
the Battle of Shakur Heights (good)
Disturbia (very Good)
The Grestest game ever played (great)
A guide to recognize your saints (great)

I think he was fantastic in each of these flicks. I think his career path will patteren Leo DiCaprio.

Heck, I enjoyed "Holes".

[Chief Rum]

I'm going dressed as Short Round

I'm going as Jar Jar Binks.

[kingnebwsu]

hxxp://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/indiana_jones_4/

80% fresh as of 5/20 at 2:15 AM EST. That's pretty darn good. I seriously was expecting a 54%.

I put a lot of faith in Rotten Tomatoes...especially when it comes to mainstream movies.

I think I may have to see this one now...

[MrBug708]

I'm going dressed as Short Round

http://www.dailyastorian.biz/picscw05/6.2CWdatanow.jpg

[Schmidty]

Shia LeBoeuf=fail

He's my favorite "young" actor. I think he's great.

[Schmidty]

Heck, I enjoyed "Holes".

I love that movie.

[MJ4H]

http://www.dailyastorian.biz/picscw05/6.2CWdatanow.jpg

ooo sexy girlfriend

[Kodos]

He's my favorite "young" actor. I think he's great.

Agreed. Short Round is awesome!

[JediKooter]

http://www.dailyastorian.biz/picscw05/6.2CWdatanow.jpg

What the heck has he done since The Goonies?

[BrianD]

ooo sexy girlfriend

Can I call FAIL on this one? Wrong movie, wrong actor.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Can I call FAIL on this one? Wrong movie, wrong actor.

YES

More the latter than the former, however.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yes, he is still a great storyteller.

He is?

[MJ4H]

Can I call FAIL on this one? Wrong movie, wrong actor.

You can, but the idea was that he now looks just like that guy used to look. Of course I know it's not the same guy.

[Aylmar]

He is?

We've had this conversation before...no need to have it again.

[JediKooter]

Just got back from seeing Indy 4. It's a good movie and Chef Lebeau (however you spell his name) did a pretty good job. No complaints other than the lighting was mismatched in the begining scene of the movie.

It's not better than Raiders, I think it's better than Temple of Doom and about equal to or slighty better than Holy Grail.

[Swaggs]

So... Anyone else seen this?

Thoughts?

I'm going to try and catch it on Sunday.

[SFL Cat]

If it's at least as good as Last Crusade, I'll be happy.

Going to see it either tonight (Friday) or tomorrow.

[sachmo71]

I enjoyed this as well. There were some very Indy-esque scenes, particularly the motorcycle chase.

The action is there, and the humor is there as well. There wasn't much tension, but I haven't felt tension in an Indy movie since the first one, so I wasn't expecting it. The story felt a bit out of place and it felt like something was missing, but I still enjoyed it.

[law90026]

didn't quite work for me tbh (i even fell asleep halfway through but part of the reason could be that I worked till 5 am the night before).

If this had been any other movie, I think it would have been panned greatly but the Indiana Jones brandname saves it from that in the eyes of most viewers.

[jonesz]

Just OK for me. I agree that the lighting was a little weird in places (first scene especially). It's pretty faithful to the style/look of the others. I don't remember the others being as completely rediculous in parts as this one is though. Some of the scenes are absolutely absurd and completely require you to suspend reality. There is some trademark Indy lines and humor (especially a scene with a big snake) as well as a gruesome death involving disturbingly large insects. I think the nostalgia that it is Indiana Jones bumps it up a notch for me as I'd give it a B-. I'd give it a C+ if it wasn't Indy.

Best comparison I can give is that it's like Jurassic Park III when compared to the Jurassic Park I.

[MikeVic]

I didn't like this movie. As jonesz said, there are a few ridiculous scenes and that was one of the reasons I didn't like Temple of Doom. The story is OK, but kind of ends weird. If it wasn't Indy, I would think this was trying to be some kind of purposefully cheesy adventure movie. :(

[SFL Cat]

Enjoyed it for the most part. It felt a little long, and the ending was a little too over-the-top for my tastes. I'd rank it above Temple of Doom but below Raiders and Last Crusade

[Buccaneer]

I saw that it did $25m yesterday. I don't know if that's bad or good. In comparing to All-Time Thursdays, it's not up there. Also, at most of the megaplexes, it's only on 4 screens. Narnia is on 5 in most places. But they are still expecting it to beat the All-Time opening held by Spiderman 3.

[JetsIn06]

Loved it.

[SFL Cat]

Don't think it's going to break any records. It'll do alright, though. Paramount doesn't have have to worry about "Crystal Skull" being its version of "Speed Racer."

[Buccaneer]

79% Fresh as of today (when many local reviews hit the paper). That's pretty good.

[Cringer]

Never said anything, oops. Saw this yesterday and I enjoyed it. I didn't read about it before so I don't know what was said about the timeline compared to the other movies, so i was glad to see they actually kept it true to real time for the most part. I also like how they give some idea of what Indiana was doing between movies.

Saw Narnia right after and we were 3 of the 6 people in the theater.

[oliegirl]

We saw it last night, I enjoyed it, but agree that a few scenes are just WAY too over the top/far-fetched. Especially the last scene involving the main plot line, I was rolling my eyes...there were a few others that I could forgive, but that one just totally lost me. After the movie we were talking about other ways they could have ended that storyline and came up with a few good ones, not sure why Lucas and Co decided to go that route, but oh well. Other than that, I thought it was well done, agree that it stayed true to the Indy "legacy", love the last scenes and definitely liked Shia as the "new" Indy.

[Maple Leafs]

I wasn't planning on seeing this, but ended up going yesterday morning with a bunch of guys from work.

I liked it. I really didn't have any expectations going in, and in fact I assumed that the Shia Labouef character would annoy me in that George Lucas sort of way. But I ended up enjoying it. Just a fun summer popcorn movie.

There were some scenes that went beyond any suspension of disbelief (cough, vines, cough) and they could have done the sci-fi theme without going quite as far as they did. But everything else was fun, and the last scene was a great quick fakeout.

[Maple Leafs]

(i even fell asleep halfway through ... ).
If you live in Ottawa and were at a 10:00 a.m. showing... go to a doctor, man, that kind of snoring isn't healthy.

[MrDNA]

There were really only two scenes that I couldn't take...

Mud swinging around like George of the Jungle with his new best friends, the monkeys and them surviving THREE falls down friggin' huge waterfalls. Everything else I could suspend disbelief.

[Ryche]

There were really only two scenes that I couldn't take...

Mud swinging around like George of the Jungle with his new best friends, the monkeys and them surviving THREE falls down friggin' huge waterfalls. Everything else I could suspend disbelief.

Agreed.

Decent movie, a notch below Holy Grail for me, but still fun and worth the money. LeBouf did fine, he played his part well and more than held his own in the action sequences.

[Ryche]

And Blanchett, yum. Beautiful face and all that haircut did was enhance it.

[kingfc22]

There were really only two scenes that I couldn't take...

Mud swinging around like George of the Jungle with his new best friends, the monkeys and them surviving THREE falls down friggin' huge waterfalls. Everything else I could suspend disbelief.

I'd add the refrigerator.

[kcchief19]

From what I understand, the CGI is minimal by today's standards.
There were some scenes that went beyond any suspension of disbelief (cough, vines, cough) and they could have done the sci-fi theme without going quite as far as they did. But everything else was fun, and the last scene was a great quick fakeout.
Pulling these two comments together, unlike other recent Lucas films (Ok, the Star Wars prequels) where the entire film was CGI, the CGI here was used simply as a prop, just as special effects were used in the first three Indiana Jones films. The result was simply that the effects were better and more convincing. Many of Raiders' special effects appear very crude and dated by modern standards.

Related to the scene Sean noted, it didn't bother me from a CGI standpoint because I saw the same scenes in three Spiderman films to a much less convincing effect (I found the CGI in Spiderman to be among the worst CGI I've ever seen). Lesson to moviemakers: ILM is still the best in the business for a reason.

But from a willing suspension of disbelief angle I would say two things: (1) the Indiana Jones films require a willing suspension of disbelief because it will be challenged; and (2) that wasn't even removely the biggest challenge to said suspension of disbelief.

If this had been any other movie, I think it would have been panned greatly but the Indiana Jones brandname saves it from that in the eyes of most viewers.
That goes against conventional wisdom. People are typically much harder on films with a brand name than they are standalone films.

[kcchief19]

That said, I thought it was good romp. I had some issues with the film but it didn't diminish my enjoyment. Much better than ToD, just a notch below Raider and Crusade. I'm one of the few who liked Crusad better than Raiders, mostly because I'm also afraid of snakes.

[Maple Leafs]

Related to the scene Sean noted, it didn't bother me from a CGI standpoint because I saw the same scenes in three Spiderman films to a much less convincing effect (I found the CGI in Spiderman to be among the worst CGI I've ever seen). Lesson to moviemakers: ILM is still the best in the business for a reason.
The CGI was fine. The fact that a guy swinging from vines can apparently outrace a car... not so much.

[Maple Leafs]

And Blanchett, yum. Beautiful face and all that haircut did was enhance it.
Wait, can we get a ruling on this? I think she's in Sarah Jessica Parker territory (i.e. she doesn't look like a typical hot girl so women insist she's hot, and guys grudgingly play along).

[st.cronin]

I can never remember what Cate blanchett looks like, or who she is. I definitely don't think she's remotely hot.

[MikeVic]

I wouldn't qualify Blanchett as hot.

I agree with the fridge crap. And the vine-swinging. And the waterfall drops. I'll add that the end scene of the hat being blown to Indy was just horrible. You could hear groans from the few people around us in the theatre. They don't show how they get in that skull cave thing either. That really looked kinda impossible to do. I know there were more things I didn't like, but I can't seem to remember them.

[BrianD]

I thought this was a typical Indy movie. Plenty of stuff that was unbelievable, but that has always been part of the Indy fun. I hate to say it, but I think some of the people complaining about the movie have just outgrown Indy.

[Tigercat]

Saw it, its basically Temple of Doom all over again, for better and worse. You had to suspend belief more in the action oriented and over the top Temple of Doom, just like in this one.

This movie had more action, more humor, and more backdrop variety than Doom though, so IMO it was a slightly better movie.

I would like to see them do a truly last one for Ford which takes a more serious tone, like Crusade did after Temple of Doom, but I think it would have to be made right away, and I don't see it happening... :(

[ISiddiqui]

Really liked it.

It was good, but not great. Better than "Temple of Doom" (obvious, though). Not as good as the others. Lots of fun action... a somewhat crazy background idea (but one that has conspiracy theories behind it). Probably about a half hour too long, but it was awesome to see Indy again.

And I think it was obvious that this is the last one (part of the long length was wrapping things up a bit).

I thought this was a typical Indy movie. Plenty of stuff that was unbelievable, but that has always been part of the Indy fun. I hate to say it, but I think some of the people complaining about the movie have just outgrown Indy.

I have to agree. The not very believable stuff has always been a part of the series (the entire "Temple of Doom" temple scenes for example).

[Schmidty]

I can never remember what Cate blanchett looks like, or who she is. I definitely don't think she's remotely hot.

She was uber-hot in Lord of the Rings. Her shape isn't my style, but I think her face is beautiful, in a classic way.

[kcchief19]

I stand by my observation earlier. I really question whether anyone faulting the realism of the film based on the vine swinging, fridge and waterfall scenes actually saw the other films. Anyone recall Indy slamming into a stone wall hanging from a rope bridge at about 80mph and walking away from it? Or apparently jumping from a tank going over a cliff and climbing his way back to safe ground?

The waterfall scenes were at least 10% more realistic than when he, Short Round and Willie jumped out of a plane that was out of fuel and crashing into a mountain in the Himalays and survived by riding a raft down to the ground then flying down the mountain on the raft. Frankly, the most unrealistic thing in the movie was the same thing unrealistic in the first films -- that Russians apparently shoot just as badly as Nazis.

Next someone is going to start bashing Bugs Bunny for being unrealistic.

[Neon_Chaos]

I loved it. I mean, we are talking about Indiana Jones here, not like realism is the series' strong point.... unless you consider the holy ark of the covenant wiping away an entire nazi army, or immortal knights guarding Christ's chalice as realistic.

[MikeVic]

The first and third movies were different to me. Nothing really stood out as be saying "oh come on!" Temple of Doom had a few of those dumb things, and the kid and woman were annoying, so I didn't like the movie.

This movie falls much more in the Temple of Doom category. I was talking with my sister earlier today, who just saw the movie last night, and she had almost the exact same feelings as me.

Whatever, I'm not into the whole series a lot; I just didn't think it was a good movie and that's my opinion.

[Schmidty]

I loved it. I mean, we are talking about Indiana Jones here, not like realism is the series' strong point.... unless you consider the holy ark of the covenant wiping away an entire nazi army, or immortal knights guarding Christ's chalice as realistic.

Exactly.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wait, can we get a ruling on this? I think she's in Sarah Jessica Parker territory (i.e. she doesn't look like a typical hot girl so women insist she's hot, and guys grudgingly play along).

She was uber-hot in Lord of the Rings. Her shape isn't my style, but I think her face is beautiful, in a classic way.

I'm with Schmidty. I don't think of Cate Blanchett as "hot", but I think she's strikingly beautiful. I think she's mesmerizing and I could watch her all day.

She's not at all in Sarah Jessice Parker territory. Totally different continent.

[SnowMan]

Worst of the lot IMO, the only redeeming factor was the "coolness" of it being Indy Jones. Too goofy, too much cheese factor.

[Groundhog]

Gets a "meh" rating from me. Enjoyable above-average action movie, but way over the top in a few places.


George in the Jungle vine swinging scene was attrociously bad, the alien stuff was just... not very good, and the final scene was terribly sappy

[Groundhog]

Actually, someone I saw it with raised an interesting question... Could have been that I just wasn't paying attention, but...


At the beginning, the Russians want Indy to locate that item that he found on an earlier dig. Turns out it was the sarcophagus. Indy says he doesn't know anything more about it. But, did it say where the sarcophagus was found? What was in it, an alien body? There weren't any bodies missing from inside the spaceship/temple place, just the skull? Quite possibly it was fully explained, but I can't for the life of me remember...

[MikeVic]

Actually, someone I saw it with raised an interesting question... Could have been that I just wasn't paying attention, but...


At the beginning, the Russians want Indy to locate that item that he found on an earlier dig. Turns out it was the sarcophagus. Indy says he doesn't know anything more about it. But, did it say where the sarcophagus was found? What was in it, an alien body? There weren't any bodies missing from inside the spaceship/temple place, just the skull? Quite possibly it was fully explained, but I can't for the life of me remember...



I don't think they explained it. The alien (?) body in the sarcophagus was kinda twisted or something too? It didn't look all crystal-like.

[ISiddiqui]

Actually, someone I saw it with raised an interesting question... Could have been that I just wasn't paying attention, but...


At the beginning, the Russians want Indy to locate that item that he found on an earlier dig. Turns out it was the sarcophagus. Indy says he doesn't know anything more about it. But, did it say where the sarcophagus was found? What was in it, an alien body? There weren't any bodies missing from inside the spaceship/temple place, just the skull? Quite possibly it was fully explained, but I can't for the life of me remember...



As the Ukranian noted, Jones was part of the team that took it out of the ground in 1947 and Indy says that he was part of a team in a blacked out bus that took it out, but after that didn't see any of it. If you look when they open the crate it says "Roswell 1947" and when they opened it up, it looked like an alien hand. It appears to be the legendary alien crash at Roswell, NM in '47. So more evidence of visitors... I don't think it had anything to do with the Peruvian temple other than it may offer clues about aliens coming to Earth

[Kodos]

Like others, I enjoyed it, but the "oh come on" moments were too frequent. I know the other films stretched belief, but it seemed like it was taken to another level in this one - like I stretched to believe, and then they stretched me again and it was too much.

I can't put my finger on it, but it seemed to me like Ford in the beginning of the movie was trying too hard to be Indy with his voice. It just seemed like bad acting or overacting or something. Later in the movie, he seemed fine. Although the humor seemed a little off at times compared to the older movies. There weren't any great lines like "I've got a lot of fond memories of that dog," or "No tickets."

Anyhow, I enjoyed it, but did feel a little disappointed when I left. Last Crusade was a much stronger end for the series, complete with the riding off into the sunset scene.

My rankings top to bottom:

Last Crusade
Raiders
Crystal Skull
Temple of Doom

[JeffNights]

Are they going to CGI Harrison Ford to make him look younger like they did with Arnold in the last terminator movie?



BLASPHEMY!! HERETIC!!!! DAMN YOU and YOUR LIES!!

De-Arnold was nothing but all natural baby!!!
:D

[Crim]

I stand by my observation earlier. I really question whether anyone faulting the realism of the film based on the vine swinging, fridge and waterfall scenes actually saw the other films. Anyone recall Indy slamming into a stone wall hanging from a rope bridge at about 80mph and walking away from it? Or apparently jumping from a tank going over a cliff and climbing his way back to safe ground?

The waterfall scenes were at least 10% more realistic than when he, Short Round and Willie jumped out of a plane that was out of fuel and crashing into a mountain in the Himalays and survived by riding a raft down to the ground then flying down the mountain on the raft. Frankly, the most unrealistic thing in the movie was the same thing unrealistic in the first films -- that Russians apparently shoot just as badly as Nazis.

Next someone is going to start bashing Bugs Bunny for being unrealistic.


The bolded text represents scenes which did not occur in any Indiana Jones movie. Ever. Lies.

[ISiddiqui]

There weren't any great lines like "I've got a lot of fond memories of that dog," or "No tickets."

You realize both of your lines are from the same movie ;). But, I will say this one DID have some great lines (some not from Indy though):

"Damn, I thought that was closer!"

"Mutt: What's he gonna do now
Marion: I don't think he plans that far ahead"

Spalko:
"You fight like a young man; eager to start and quick to finish."

"Spalko: Any last words, Dr. Jones?
Indy: I like Ike"

[Crim]

Okee. Saw it last night. On a scale of Shite to Roxxors I give it a grade of Meh.

Re: Cate Blanchett, this was the hottest I've seen her. Maybe it was the accent, maybe the form fitting blue suit, Idunno, but it worked for me.

Re: Cringeworthy stretches of realism, yeah, far too many. to me Karen Allen driving off the cliff blind onto the tree that doubled as both elevator and fly swatter was the worst offender.

I was entertained, but not amazed. And for me, that's what the first Indy movie did: There were moments of awe, where you were watching something incredibly important take place on screen, and world-wise Indy was right there with you, unable to believe his own eyes.

That's what the (apocryphal) Temple of Crap movie lacked -- that temple in the middle of nowhere he's accidentally dropped into is no Ark. Nor Grail.

And interdimensional crystal aliens? It was like I was watching a Coast to Coast with Art Bell infomercial. And None of it was awe-inspiring. Okay, the saucer taking off was a great visual effect, but there was nothing visceral about it, we were just watching it, without feeling anything.

[Arles]

Just saw and enjoyed it. I make it a point to never read reviews prior to a movie I know I will see. I would rate it as one of the better action movies I have seen in the past few years. And, add in the Indy theme, and I think you have a winner.

If you like the original Raiders and are like most normal people, go see this and I think you'll be happy you did. If you liked the original Raiders and get terrified by a handful of bad reviews, lighten up and then go see this movie. It's an Indiana Jones movie - no enemy can shoot, very low probability things happen and there's a certain amount of corniness at times. But, the movie entertains, has enough nostalgia to overcome the handful of disbelief scenes and the acting is solid.

[Neon_Chaos]

"Get that greaser!"

[kcchief19]

The bolded text represents scenes which did not occur in any Indiana Jones movie. Ever. Lies.
Is my sarcasm detector faulty? Or are you just ignoring Temple of Doom? Both the scenes you noted were from that film, so I'm assuming you're just a Temple of Doom denier. ;)

[SFL Cat]

That movie (Temple of Doom) was shite. I've never seen a movie with such a great opening turn into such a train wreck. And I think it DID start with the amazing it's a parachute, no it's a bob sled, no it's a life raft scene.

[14ers]

I loved the movie, but then again I can remember seeing the original Indie movies at the theater. I loved the fact that these movies had the same look, the same feel, and the same low tech graphics of the original movies. I was so afraid that they were going to try to update this movie for a new generation, like they did with the Star Wars movies.


For a older Indie Fan like myself, this movie was the perfect sequal to the series.

[rowech]

I'm really still not sure where I come in on this. 50/50 on a lot of stuff.

[kingfc22]

and the same low tech graphics of the original movies

Did you see Mutt hanging out with the monkeys or the giant spaceship take off?

[Neon_Chaos]

I'm not sure how they could've done the the giant space ship taking off and then disappearing into another dimension any different.

Mutt w/ the monkeys, I can live with. Most of the jungle fight scene was CG anyway.

[sachmo71]

I thought the Chariots of the Gods tie-in was an interesting direction to take the series...meaning, after the chalice of the son of god, what earthly artifact can you roll out? At least the story is based on an actual theory, and not just throwing random crap together.

[Buccaneer]

I know I am not kewl enough but I've read that Sex in the City could beat out Indy next weekend. What the hell is the appeal of a made-for-cable TV show that could generate huge box office numbers???

[Chief Rum]

I know I am not kewl enough but I've read that Sex in the City could beat out Indy next weekend. What the hell is the appeal of a made-for-cable TV show that could generate huge box office numbers???

There are more women than men in this world, and whereas men will gladly leave their women at home (a mutual relief) to go see Indy, the women will insist their men go see S&TC with them.

Sucks, huh?

[kcchief19]

I know I am not kewl enough but I've read that Sex in the City could beat out Indy next weekend. What the hell is the appeal of a made-for-cable TV show that could generate huge box office numbers???
I'll be interested to see what happens. I went with my extended family to see Indiana Jones this weekend and Mrs. kcchief19 stayed home. If Sex and the City had opened this weekend too, Mrs. kcchief19 would have joined me and gone to see that. There's a reasonable chance that next weekend she'll want to go Sex and the City and I'll go with and see Indiana Jones again.

Sex and the City has no male appeal and no child appeal. Women will either go see it with their girlfriends or go see it alone while dad takes the kids to another movie. I'm surprised there isn't a family-friendly film opening against Sex and the City for that reason. I'm guessing that will help Indy a bit, which make next weekend a $50-$60 million weekend.

Sex and the City is also apparently on only about 3,100 screens, I'm sure due to the R-rating and the fact the audience will be at least 60% female only. Based on that, it would stun me if Sex and the City cleared $50 million. I would say $35-$40 million would be a great open for that movie.

Women are nutso about that show. You can't understand it. It's best to not even try.

[kcchief19]

There are more women than men in this world, and whereas men will gladly leave their women at home (a mutual relief) to go see Indy, the women will insist their men go see S&TC with them.

Sucks, huh?
She can insist all she wants but it ain't happening. I'll move out before I'll go see that movie. :D But I'm sure Izulde will let us know how it was.

[Buccaneer]

Hmmm. I guess it's a good thing that Mrs. Bucc and I have never had HBO. I don't know if she would have been hooked on that show, she likes L&O, CSI, Food and HGTV type shows instead.

[flere-imsaho]

Sex and the City has no straight male appeal

Fixed.

[Crim]

Women are nutso about that show. You can't understand it. It's best to not even try.

Word. My (otherwise mostly intelligent and rational) wife (who otherwise shares most of my interests, outside of sports) loves the shit out of this show. I tried to watch it, wondering what all the hubbub was about, and can't stand it. At all. And to whomever said Cate Blanchett = SJP (poster's name withheld to protect him), you sir are blind. And have poor taste in women. :p

[Chubby]

Saw it tonight. It was a good Indy movie. Last Crusade is still the best but this wasn't a stinker.

[oliegirl]

Word. My (otherwise mostly intelligent and rational) wife (who otherwise shares most of my interests, outside of sports) loves the shit out of this show. I tried to watch it, wondering what all the hubbub was about, and can't stand it. At all. And to whomever said Cate Blanchett = SJP (poster's name withheld to protect him), you sir are blind. And have poor taste in women. :p

Your wife and I must share a brain or something...I LOVE that show and cannot wait to go see it Friday night. I have the deluxe DVD collection which I watch often, catch it on TBS almost every night, and have been scouring the internet for spoilers/trailers/anything I can find about the movie. It's hands down the move I've been most excited about this year. If you buy her a ticket to Atlanta we'll make a girls weekend of it...see the movie, go shoe shopping, then hit the hot clubs and let amazingly sexy guys buy us Cosmopolitans :D

[kcchief19]

Word. My (otherwise mostly intelligent and rational) wife (who otherwise shares most of my interests, outside of sports) loves the shit out of this show. I tried to watch it, wondering what all the hubbub was about, and can't stand it. At all.
I have unfortunately picked up some stray facts from the show due to osmosis of having the damn show on 24-7 it seems in our house. I don't get it at all. If it were 1987 and the "Mannequin"-era Kim Catrall was running around naked, I might be able to sit through it. But not even the nudity helps, because it's generally bad naked.

I also know two differen people who have named their babies Aiden after some dude on the show that apparently dated SJP's character. I suggest all fathers-to-be run a check on baby names versus the Sex and the City cast just to make sure you're not getting suckered.
And to whomever said Cate Blanchett = SJP (poster's name withheld to protect him), you sir are blind. And have poor taste in women. :p
Cate Blanchett normally does nothing for me but her Cold War look was quite appealing in a Katarina Witt kind of way.

[Maple Leafs]

And to whomever said Cate Blanchett = SJP (poster's name withheld to protect him), you sir are blind. And have poor taste in women. :p

http://socialitelife.celebuzz.com/images/2008/01/cate_blanchett_012708_06.jpg

http://thesuperficial.com/2007/09/0925_sarah_jessica_parker_set_00.jpg

"Hi, Frizzy Haired Big Nosed Ugly Women R Us? Do you still have your two-for-one deal?"

[Chief Rum]

I frankly don't get the appeal for either. SJP's face is God awful, and Cate Blanchett is too pale, icy and refined looking with a boy's body. In fact, I would probably be on SJP before Blanchett simply because I can always put a bag over her head and her body is much better than CB's.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Umm, that was barely ok. Worst of the 4 for me. Not even close to 1 and 3. Way too many stretches of realism. The others had a few, this one had them in every flipping scene, and usually 3 or 4 in each.

I'll skip the obvious ones mentioned, but what about the 2-lane highway that ran through the Amazon for miles on end, with nary a bump or curve, and all AFTER the tree-clearing machine had been destroyed. WTF? This went on for so long, I think I leaned over to my friend and started discussing calculations on how fast they were going to see if we could figure out just how long this interstate was somewhere out in the Amazon. Totally distracting to what should have been a good action scene. I admit I was fully expecting Jar Jar Binks to be one of the aliens at the end.

[ISiddiqui]

Women are nutso about that show. You can't understand it. It's best to not even try.

Something about a show that shows how women really think or whatever.

Then again, I have heard "Entourage" described as a "Sex and the City" for guys and I know guys that rave about that show.

[sterlingice]

I thought this was a typical Indy movie. Plenty of stuff that was unbelievable, but that has always been part of the Indy fun. I hate to say it, but I think some of the people complaining about the movie have just outgrown Indy.

My wife, myself, and a couple of friends did the marathon thing this weekend, watching all 3 and then Crystal Skull yesterday. Maybe this will completely shoot my credibility, but as far as pure "fun" for a movie, the third one is actually best at that and I would put Crystal Skull at 2nd, above Ark. If we're talking about "best", then yes, it goes Ark -> Crusade -> Skull -> Temple but the gap between Crusade and Skull isn't great (nor is the gap between Ark and Crusade).

Yes, there were a couple of over the top scenes- the fridge and monkeys were my two. For me, The key to suspending disbelief, as a director, is to throw the audience a bone, telling the audience you realize you're asking them to take a leap of faith. I was ok with the waterfalls, tho I would have been moreso if they had thrown in some seat belts. The monkeys could have easily been fixed by throwing some food at Cate Blanchett so that Shia LaBeouf didn't look like George of the Jungle. I could have done without the whole fridge scene as it was too Forest Gump and not enough Indiana Jones.

Still, none of these were enough to greatly detract from the movie. They're small potatoes, not major plot points- parts of action sequences. As an aside, I think that's what makes the fridge scene most frustrating to me, of the above three; it has absolutely nothing to do with the plot but it's still there in the movie.

But, I really think there are more than a few people who are bashing the little things because they didn't like the overall premise. I figured the movie's sci fi theme rather than religious would get to more people. The series has handled the religious aspect quite delicately but you can't maintain that feel and do a sci fi movie instead. And, yes, I do think some people who are frustrated with that are taking it out on the movie in other criticisms.

SI

[BrianD]

My wife, myself, and a couple of friends did the marathon thing this weekend, watching all 3 and then Crystal Skull yesterday. Maybe this will completely shoot my credibility, but as far as pure "fun" for a movie, the third one is actually best at that and I would put Crystal Skull at 2nd, above Ark. If we're talking about "best", then yes, it goes Ark -> Crusade -> Skull -> Temple but the gap between Crusade and Skull isn't great (nor is the gap between Ark and Crusade).

I very much agree with this. I have trouble deciding if I like Ark or Crusade more because they are very different styles. Ark is mostly a serious action movie with a few laughs. Crusade was a fun action movie with some seriousness. Totally different goals but good in different ways. Skull was more goofy than any of the other movies, but still fun.

Yes, there were a couple of over the top scenes- the fridge and monkeys were my two. For me, The key to suspending disbelief, as a director, is to throw the audience a bone, telling the audience you realize you're asking them to take a leap of faith. I was ok with the waterfalls, tho I would have been moreso if they had thrown in some seat belts. The monkeys could have easily been fixed by throwing some food at Cate Blanchett so that Shia LaBeouf didn't look like George of the Jungle. I could have done without the whole fridge scene as it was too Forest Gump and not enough Indiana Jones.

I liked the waterfall scene. Everybody knows the mortality probability of an Indy character and this scene seemed to play well with that.

Still, none of these were enough to greatly detract from the movie. They're small potatoes, not major plot points- parts of action sequences. As an aside, I think that's what makes the fridge scene most frustrating to me, of the above three; it has absolutely nothing to do with the plot but it's still there in the movie.

My only thought on this is that the scene could be included to remind us of the power of these weapons so we could be impressed when CB talked about a different weapon that makes this one seem pitiful by comparison. That may be a bit of a stretch, but it is about the only justifiable reason I can think of.

[Kodos]

You realize both of your lines are from the same movie ;). But, I will say this one DID have some great lines (some not from Indy though):

"Mutt: What's he gonna do now
Marion: I don't think he plans that far ahead"



I'll agree that this was a good line. The others you mentioned were just okay.

I'll also throw some kudos to Ford -- he's pretty spry for an old guy.

[ISiddiqui]

I thought the Spalko young man line was brilliant :D.

[Crim]

Oh, meant to mention this before, in response to someone saying this would definitely be the last Indy movie: I disagree fully. I think the whole movie was a set up to make Shia into the "new" "Indy".

My wife said as we were walking out, "So in the next one Harrison Ford is going to be Sean Connery?" Shit like that is why I married her.

[Kodos]

FWIW, I read an interview where Spielberg said he would keep his ear to the ground as far as a 5th Indy movie.

[ISiddiqui]

Oh, meant to mention this before, in response to someone saying this would definitely be the last Indy movie: I disagree fully. I think the whole movie was a set up to make Shia into the "new" "Indy".

Dunno... the final scene where Shia was taking the hat and about to put it on his head and Ford grabs it seemed to indicate to me that there will only be ONE Indy and it's Harrison Ford.

[molson]

I'll also throw some kudos to Ford -- he's pretty spry for an old guy.

When this movie was first announced, the only thing anyone talked about was how ridiculous it would be to have a 65-year old Indiana Jones. But they really pulled that off, both with acknowledging his age, and Ford still looking and acting the part.

[BrianD]

Apparently the plan from the beginning was to have 5 movies. Of course the plan from the beginning of Star Wars was 9. Hard to tell from this movie. All along it seemed like they were grooming the next Indy and the scene with the hat would have cemented that...had it gone differently.

[Hammer755]

Dunno... the final scene where Shia was taking the hat and about to put it on his head and Ford grabs it seemed to indicate to me that there will only be ONE Indy and it's Harrison Ford.

I read it differently - Shia's time to wear the hat is coming (probably soon) ... but for today it's still Indy's.

I was simultaneously pleasantly surprised and disappointed. The reviews had me expecting the worst, but the movie delivered what you would expect for an Indiana Jones sequel.

However, I've been hearing for years that Ford, Lucas & Spielberg were willing to do another Indy movie, but weren't happy enough with any of the scripts they were reading. I can't imagine that this screenplay could have been the one to make them rush out and start filming.

[rkmsuf]

Trying to force feed someone into the role of "new Indy" would be a horrid choice.

Let it go already. Come up with something else.

Although if you are going to make gazillions off of it go for it.

[BrianD]

Trying to force feed someone into the role of "new Indy" would be a horrid choice.

Let it go already. Come up with something else.

Although if you are going to make gazillions off of it go for it.

If they can do it with Bond, why not Indy? I hope they don't do it with Indy, but I could see trying to keep the franchise going.

[sterlingice]

Oh, meant to mention this before, in response to someone saying this would definitely be the last Indy movie: I disagree fully. I think the whole movie was a set up to make Shia into the "new" "Indy".

My wife said as we were walking out, "So in the next one Harrison Ford is going to be Sean Connery?" Shit like that is why I married her.

I agree- with that scene in the end, I just see Shia LaBeouf being worked into the new Indy but not for a while. It's like Spielberg planning for retirement by setting up a movie for 10 years from now.

SI

[stevew]

Thought it was better than most movies, but i think they missed some opportunities with the story, and it was generally underwhelming.
They could have thrown in a better twist w/ Mac actually not turncoating on indy. Hypothetically, what if Marion was still pissed at Indy and Shia was just a scam artist.

I guess it just seemed dissapointing, the whole thing was some movie they easily could have done 8-10 years ago, more or less throw away entertainment. Which has its place, I guess i was just hoping for something more than some aliens and such, especially after they passed on scripts for a long time.

It would have been nice to get Sallah in this one, hopefully he's in the next one if they do it. I'm guessing if there's a 5th one maybe they will go back to a religious type artifact theme(not necessarily Christian).

And is there actually some sort of crystal skull/trans dimensional type mythology out there?

They referenced the adventures of Indy and Mac during the war and I can't help but think I'd rather be watching that story even.

[sachmo71]

And is there actually some sort of crystal skull/trans dimensional type mythology out there?





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chariots_of_the_Gods

[jeff061]

Watched it last night. Not good, not bad. Just kind of exists.

[ISiddiqui]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chariots_of_the_Gods

You could have just linked to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Skull

;)

[14ers]

Did you see Mutt hanging out with the monkeys or the giant spaceship take off?
The whole "big" ending reminded me a lot of the original Raiders of the Lost Ark ending.


I was just scared that Lucas was going to introduce us to a new CGI character and have Harrison Ford standing in front of a Blue Screen for the entire movie.

I miss the Stunt Men of yesterday performing amazing feats, instead of todays actors just standing in front of a blue screen as some Geek in the back room runs a super computer.

[kcchief19]

My wife, myself, and a couple of friends did the marathon thing this weekend, watching all 3 and then Crystal Skull yesterday. Maybe this will completely shoot my credibility, but as far as pure "fun" for a movie, the third one is actually best at that and I would put Crystal Skull at 2nd, above Ark. If we're talking about "best", then yes, it goes Ark -> Crusade -> Skull -> Temple but the gap between Crusade and Skull isn't great (nor is the gap between Ark and Crusade).

I very much agree with this. I have trouble deciding if I like Ark or Crusade more because they are very different styles. Ark is mostly a serious action movie with a few laughs. Crusade was a fun action movie with some seriousness. Totally different goals but good in different ways. Skull was more goofy than any of the other movies, but still fun.

+2

I have seen Crusade far more often than Raiders because it's a more fun movie. I think Raiders is a better "film" but Crusade was more entertaining. I feel the same way about Kingom right now. I think it's more popcorn than Raiders but isn't in the same ballpark cinematically.

I have absolutely no interest in seeing Mutt Jones and the Treasure of Naboo. If River Phoenix were alive I could buy him coming back to make some prequels. But Shia doesn't have Harrison Ford's mystique.

[Kodos]

Yeah. Shia just doesn't seem to be the right man for the job.

[Neon_Chaos]

He will forever be Even Stevens.

[Lathum]

I wasn't very impressed.

Aside from the obvious unrealistic aspects you can expect from an Indy movie, it just dragged.

The begining was to slow and the end seemed like a rip off from the end of The X Files movie, way to sci-fi for me.

Plus the skull looked like some plastic piece of junk from a dollar store.

[Captain2711]

Shouldn't Indiana's father be alive considering he drank from the holy grail?

[sterlingice]

Shouldn't Indiana's father be alive considering he drank from the holy grail?

I was debating this with a couple of friends a few days ago. I think we decided that since he didn't stay within the confines of the grail area (i.e. he went past the seal at the entrance to the cave), that any healing he had gotten would stay but he would not live forever.

SI

[ISiddiqui]

And, if you remember, the knight that left the grail area lived a long time, but succumed to natural causes as well.

[Alan T]

Didn't read anyone else's review of the movie previously as I wanted to avoid spoilers.. but went and saw this last night at a drive in. Thought it was ok, I enjoy Indy movies, and am very easy going as far as movie tolerance goes.

It wasn't as good as any of the other Indy movies though for me, but any time i get to cuddle in the back of my SUV with my wife watching a movie isn't that bad of a time regardless

[Captain2711]

And, if you remember, the knight that left the grail area lived a long time, but succumed to natural causes as well.

True, but it was this statement that made me believe that he would live to "extreme old age" that Indiana spoke of in Crusade.

Regardless, I thought the movie was good except for the end, but you could see it coming

[MrBug708]

SO I saw the movie this week. I generally like most movies I see and very rarely dislike any of them that I see. (I even liked Srgt Bilko) And I thought the movie was cheesy but decent for most of it, but the ending was lame.

[Marc Vaughan]

I saw it earlier today with my youngest son - both of us loved it.

Yeah the ending was a bit 'tacked on' - but then you could have said the same about the 'lost ark' and the action packed nature and fun of the rest of the film meant it was ok by me, a great blast :D

[Lorena]

damn, and the guy's still alive? wtf

[Lorena]

dola,

Harrison Ford did a great job performing his own stunts.. not bad for a 67 year old guy.

[PadresFan104]

I loved the movie, but then again I can remember seeing the original Indie movies at the theater. I loved the fact that these movies had the same look, the same feel, and the same low tech graphics of the original movies. I was so afraid that they were going to try to update this movie for a new generation, like they did with the Star Wars movies.


For a older Indie Fan like myself, this movie was the perfect sequal to the series.

Saw it yesterday and this sums up my feelings exactly. :) I'm turning 40 this year and I have very very few vivid memories of 1981, but Raiders is one of them. I was grinning like a fool throughout the entire movie...

[Buccaneer]

Shia is now speaking out on “Indiana Jones.” As per the actor’s own words, if the film failed to deliver, as compared with previous installments, it was mostly because of him, because he was not able to rise to the challenge and make of it a good “Indiana” pic.

“I feel like I dropped the ball on the legacy that people loved and cherished. You get to monkey-swinging and things like that and you can blame it on the writer and you can blame it on Steven Spielberg, who directed. But the actor’s job is to make it come alive and make it work, and I couldn’t do it. So that’s my fault. Simple,” Shia says of his part of the blame in the most recent film in the long-lived franchise.


He's a punk but Shia is right about his "acting" in Crystal Skull. Along with a stupid plot, he made the movie nearly unwatchable by himself. I would much rather had someone like Justin Long in that role.

[kcchief19]

He's right about his acting ... but at the same time you have to chuckle at how he did it. Another way to reword what he said was: "Spielberg handed me a crappy script with a bunch of monkey swinging and things like that but it's my fault because I should be able to overcome poor writing and bad directing."

Shia needs to make a movie where I don't want to punch him before he can even think about taking shots at somebody like Spielberg.

[Groundhog]

Shia needs to make a movie where I don't want to punch him before he can even think about taking shots at somebody like Spielberg.

Even though Spielberg deserved getting fired at after this horrible movie, I tend to agree with this statement.

[Greyroofoo]

By the way word is Lucas is writing a script for Indy 5.

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

this was on cracked the other day:
what starving artists can learn from george lucas (http://www.cracked.com/funny-2585-george-lucas/)

to summarize, anytime he's had free reign he makes a turd.

one of my favorite quotes is lucas on the set of roj when the original director claimed the script stunk, 'people don't care about story. they want a spectacle.'

[stevew]

Since this was the only appropriate thread I could find....

Does anyone have the new Indiana Jones Blu Ray box?

[JediKooter]

I do.

Haven't opened it yet. Borderlands 2 kind of delayed it.

[gstelmack]

Yup, got mine late last week as well.

[Aylmar]

I don't have the boxed set yet, but I did pay to see Raiders on IMAX. A couple of shots (as you'd expect) that didn't hold up to the screen size, but very very good for the most part.

[General Mike]

I have the DVD box set that came out in 2009 (i think) Anyone know if they added anything for blu ray?

[Barkeep49]

I have the DVD box set that came out in 2009 (i think) Anyone know if they added anything for blu ray?
They cleaned up and improved the image quality of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Having seen the revision, not sure if I'd spend the money.

[stevew]

OK...watched this again on Spike. This movie is basically a horrible piece of shit. While 1 and 3 only get better with time, this is like 6 years old and has not aged well at all.

[Peregrine]

Yeah it was terrible when it came out and I can only assume is worse now.

[PilotMan]

I don't even consider this movie to be part of the series. It's that bad.

[Kodos]

+1

[Dutch]

+2

[Buccaneer]

+3

[kcchief19]

It's bad but it could have been worse. It could have been much better with anyone except Shia Labeouf in the movie. I can't imagine Indiana Jones having a son that douchey.

I loved Raiders for its grittiness, Grail for its humor. But I always though Temple of Doom was incredibly weak and almost as bad as Crystal Skull. The entire movie is Kate Capshaw screaming like a ninny and Short Round yelling, "Doctor Jones! Doctor Jones!" It's horrible.

And yes, I'm reversing myself from my first-watch review in 2008 when I ranked Skull ahead of ToD. The Labeouf thing bothers me more and more. Not crazy about the aliens thing either. I'm putting ToD ahead of Skull, but I still think ToD has massive and serious problems.

[Buccaneer]

It's bad but it could have been worse. It could have been much better with anyone except Shia Labeouf in the movie. I can't imagine Indiana Jones having a son that douchey.

I loved Raiders for its grittiness, Grail for its humor. But I always though Temple of Doom was incredibly weak and almost as bad as Crystal Skull. The entire movie is Kate Capshaw screaming like a ninny and Short Round yelling, "Doctor Jones! Doctor Jones!" It's horrible.

And yes, I'm reversing myself from my first-watch review in 2008 when I ranked Skull ahead of ToD. The Labeouf thing bothers me more and more. Not crazy about the aliens thing either. I'm putting ToD ahead of Skull, but I still think ToD has massive and serious problems.

You have the exact same thought processes that I have been going through. I waffle between ToD and Skull of being worse (and among the worse movies of all time). How does one compare the truly awfulness of Capshaw vs LeBouf and the Aliens? Right now, I'm putting Skull slightly below because if you take out Capshaw and Short Round, what's left is not terrible (both movies have a nuke the fridge scene, so that's a wash). You take out LeBouf and what you have is a weird Blanchett, overacting Allen and of course, aliens. But tomorrow, I may put Skull ahead. Just disappointing that a series with the legendary Raiders and a great Crusades would also have Doom and Skull.

[Kodos]

Indiana Jones 5: Will Harrison Ford be Replaced as the Famous Archaeologist? – Air Herald (http://airherald.com/indiana-jones-5-will-harrison-ford-be-replaced-as-the-famous-archaeologist/11105/)

Relax guys. They may replace Harrison Ford with.... Robert Pattinson.





I could totally see Chris Pratt being a good option.

[stevew]

Pattinson is a good actor. I get that maybe I am the only non-closeted Twilight fan here, but he commands the screen.

[Blackadar]

I'd prefer Michael Fassbender or Matthew McConaughey, depending on the tone of the movie.

I think Sahara is pretty close to an Indy film and McConaughey was pretty good in it. Fassbender would make a good serious Indy Jones.

[Kodos]

I've been forced to watch his movies by the wife. I can't say I agree. And he's not exactly a good match for a physical role like Indiana Jones.

[ISiddiqui]

Folks, he has been in other films than Twilight (this seems like the issue Leonardo DiCaprio had to deal with after Titanic). Watch "Cosmopolis".

[Autumn]

There are some roles that just worked because of the actor. If you want to make an adventure movie similar to Indiana Jones, go ahead and make one, they don't down the patent. But it doesn't make any sense to me to try to cast someone else as Indiana Jones.

[ISiddiqui]

It would if it was akin to a "Young Indy" type of movie.

[NobodyHere]

There are some roles that just worked because of the actor. If you want to make an adventure movie similar to Indiana Jones, go ahead and make one, they don't down the patent. But it doesn't make any sense to me to try to cast someone else as Indiana Jones.

I agree, Harrison Ford IS Indiana Jones.

Make him his son. I'm sure Indy has plenty of illegitimate children around the around the world other than Shia whatshisname.

[Blackadar]

There are some roles that just worked because of the actor. If you want to make an adventure movie similar to Indiana Jones, go ahead and make one, they don't down the patent. But it doesn't make any sense to me to try to cast someone else as Indiana Jones.

Yeah it does, because Harrison Ford is fucking old and can't convincingly play the part of the swashbuckling hero anymore.

Or at least he didn't look good doing it 6 years ago and I don't think he's getting better with age on that kind of role. Even Sean Connery was only 53 in Never Say Never Again. Ford is 72 and he looks like a catcher's mitt that's been left out in the sun for a while.

I'd say that reboots can be done well, but then I remembered that this is George Lucas we're talking about in which case the movie is fucked anyway.

[Kodos]

Folks, he has been in other films than Twilight (this seems like the issue Leonardo DiCaprio had to deal with after Titanic). Watch "Cosmopolis".

I've seen "Remember Me", "Water For Elephants", even "How To Be". He's okay, but doesn't have the charisma to play Indiana Jones.

[Kodos]

I agree, Harrison Ford IS Indiana Jones.

Make him his son. I'm sure Indy has plenty of illegitimate children around the around the world other than Shia whatshisname.

Agreed. Certain characters can't be separated from the actor that played them.