Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
(2008)
Rated PG-13 for adventure violence and scary images
**** out of ****
With Harrison Ford, now in his sixties, still at the top of his game, and Shia Labeouf as his new side-kick, get ready for an action-packed adventure film that leaves other recent knock-offs in the dust.
The film begins with Jones' kidnapping and subsequent escape from KGB officers. From this point forward, the film barely lets up. Even with the unavoidable kitsch, somehow this whole endeavor comes off as both credible and oddly endearing. Without revealing much of the plot, it's of note that this film takes the series in a whole new direction, with possibly one of the most breath-taking endings this reviewer has witnesses in quite awhile. For those thinking that Spielberg may be losing his touch, the climax of this film will effortlessly shut them up.
While a mainly visceral experience, one cannot accuse Kingdom of the Crystal Skull of lacking in plot. Keeping up became difficult at times due to the sheer oddness of the storyline, but this only served to make the film even more enjoyable. In the midst of countless stunt sequences, the unfolding events are enough to make one's brain hurt if he or she gave it too much thought. Aside from the heady plot, who could possibly dislike an adventure film full of crazed KGB officials, psychic powers, snakes, giant killer ants, and crazed island inhabitants?
That brings us to one of this film's highlights: the amazing special effects! From stunning locations and amazing stunts to state of the art CGI, this film couldn't have looked any better. If the Oscar for effects doesn't go to this film, I may just quit watching. (Not a chance, just sounded good.)
In short, if one had to choose one movie to watch for the entire year, Indiana Jones (so far) wins hands-down. Do yourself a favor and go see this movie!
