Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Indiana Jones...or Indiana Drone?

NEW MOVIE REVIEW:
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Released: May 22, 2008
Jenna Avery-Lawyer

Yesterday, I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, or as I like to call it, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of what the hell is going on? Oh look, there's Shia, maybe I'll just hit mute."  Too wordy for a title? Hmm. No wonder they never called me back.

I have to say, albeit begrudgingly, it was a bit of a disappointment. I am extremely biased towards the "Indiana Jones" movies, so that's saying something. It just seemed too little, too late. Putting the plot aside, I'd like to focus on the acting chops of Harrison Ford, which I'm sorry to say, were severely lacking. Maybe it's his age. Is he just too old and tired to put forth the effort into his work anymore?  His half assed delivered lines could have been the result of the lines themselves, which sounded tired and cliché, much like Mr. Ford himself. I'm being a hard ass, but only because I expected something monumental. I guess high expectations always make the fall harder and faster. I'm depressed that I feel such things for an Indiana Jones movie.

On the bright side, it wasn't all bad. I would even see it again. The shining star of the film, Shia Lebouf, made that movie possible. His charismatic presence, along with his newly developed and much appreciated biceps, kept me alert. I can see him following an acting career much like Will Smith's. He's already a great action star with the skills for drama, and the comedic timing of a pro. Kate Blanchett, too, did not disappoint. She took her role as the deadly and obsessive Ukrainian, to heart. I found her disturbing and amusing.

The re-appearance of old characters, and occasional amusing references to old "Indiana" movies, were a nice treat to die hard fans, but felt forced. It made the film seem kitchy, and not in a good way. Since I don't do spoilers, I won't delve into the subtext of the film. I will say that it could have been better, but it will do. As I said before, I'd see it again, but not in theaters.

Feel free to check out the trailer:

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2 comments:

lindSAY said...

hahaha i love this review. but i still want to see the film regardless.

The Red Banana said...

I know! I'd even see it again with you, but only you. I guess I really am a glutton for punishment. This is why I kept dodging your questions about what i thought of the film. i knew you were excited, and i didn't want to crush your soul. that is all. no it's not. You'll still like it. I did, regardless of what i wrote.

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