Indiana Jones And The Kingdon Of The Crystal Skull

To be sure, the film is worth the trip to the theatre even with the feeling of having experienced a mugging after purchasing tickets and snacks. The wife and I enjoyed the added bonus by taking a vacation day to have a relaxed lunch prior and the benefit of the fruits of an early matinee. There is nothing like having a clean, pristine totally empty theatre. Tends to enhance the viewing pleasure.

However, the movie has a few shortcomings. First, the Muguffin, that of the Crystal Skull is weak. Yeah, sure, they are alien in origin but possessing some power after the aliens are dead? I don’t know, it was confusing to understand without more context. Perhaps a believer in the skulls or someone with more knowledge of the lore surrounding them might better comprehend.

Secondly, the addition of the British friend/comrade-in-arms was puzzling. Why was he there? His presence added little to the story that could not have been handled with any of the other character. His only purpose seemed to be as a representative of the “gold hunters” who searched for the skulls or city of gold. Eliminating him would have freed up some screen and story time for the more interesting characters. I have the feeling the character was in the early drafts and no one thought to expunge him when he became superfluous.

Thirdly, the villainess is perfect for the story with the exception of the sword. Who, in 1957, would carry around a sword? I’m just saying, yes I can turn off my reality button long enough to enjoy the story but, a sword? Surely a better vehicle could have been found to give Henry Jones III his moment in the spotlight with the evil villainess.

Those and a few other small quirks could not distract from the adventure the movie produced. And isn’t that why we go to the theatre, for the adventure? Note to Hollywood when you want to preach to us instead of entertain. Anyway, the film was packed with action, adventure and those twists and turns we have come to appreciate with an Indiana Jones film. Lucas and Spielberg pay homage to their past pictures. An ardent fan of the series will have reason to purchase the DVD is for nothing else but to look for the numerous references to the first three. Much like Alfred Hitchcock fans search for his appearances.

The movie never forgets that its goal is adventure, which is why the weakness of the Magoffin is hardly an issue. Our hero and his associates run from one impossible situation to another with hardly a letup until the dramatic conclusion. As well, it does manage to tie up all of the loose ends of Indiana Jones as a character. We learn what happened during the lost years between #3 and #4? We discover why he didn’t marry Marian after #1. And we know the fate of Marcus and Henry Jones Sr. As a bonus, we have the introduction of a son with intelligence and quirks and the hint, possibly, of a continuation of the series in the same way Star Trek was passed on to new characters.

If nothing else, the movie did not tarnish the brand. From a marketing perspective, we can assume to see special editions of the complete set by Christmas, a fairly safe gift for just about anyone on your Christmas list. Hopefully, they will include commentaries from Spielberg and Lucas if not also from Harrison Ford. The four films will easily find their place in any serious collection for years to come.