The Happening

The Happening is a movie about a deadly pandemic that spreads across the eastern states of the United States of America. The storyline of the movie isn't that bad, but much of the acting is absolutely horrid. Zooey Deschanel gives a terribly weak and uninspiring performance as the girlfriend of Elliot Moore, a science teacher, played by Mark Wahlberg. While the storyline is OK, the main chase scene consists of Wahlberg, Deschanel and a bunch of other "survivors" being chased by the wind. That's right, the wind.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

This series has really gone downhill. It's not even about Egyptian mummies anymore. It's about a kung fu style, Jet Li mummy. That's a serious alteration to the normal storyline of "The Mummy" franchise. The new Rachel, no longer played by Rachel Weisz, is absolutely terrible in this movie, and the whole storyline just seems like something a 5 year old could have written. The only good part about this movie is Brendan Fraser, he'll be cool for the rest of eternity.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Why, oh why? Why did Spielberg think it would be a good idea for George Lucas to write the script for this movie? Sure, the first 3 Star Wars movies were great, but he can not write a movie without aliens appearing in it. Indiana Jones may never have had the most believable storylines, but they never ventured as far as aliens based on Earth, who had skulls made of Crystal. This movie was just horrible, and it had the potential to be so good if it had of just followed on from the original three movies.

• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Producer: Frank Marshall
• Screenwriter: David Koepp
• Stars: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent
• MPAA Rating: PG-13

Indy is older at 65, and his attempt at another fully-fledged action fling is noteworthy. With the film set in the 1950s to reflect his age, the Soviets are introduced as the chief protagonists. The opening sequence doesn't mess about, with captured Indy and his not so reliable sidekick Mac leading the Soviets and Irina Spalko towards a mysterious item within a top-secret military destination in the Nevada desert. After it transpires that Mac is in fact a Soviet spy, Indy pulls off a quite dramatic escape from his captors. Alas, being dropped off within a nuclear testing ground, he hides within a lead fridge and gets blown out of the nuclear mushroom cloud - but is safely concealed within the fridge unit. In many respects, this type of typically unrealistic survival scenario crops up a few times within the film.

His association with Mac leads the FBI to suspect him as a Russian spy. Indy is sacked from his teaching role and only then begins his journey towards the Crystal Skull when he meets his unknown son. During this time, the film dwells a little on previous films with Indy reflecting on his late father and Marcus. This nostalgia is reflected when Mutt accidentally rides a bike into the Marcus statue while escaping the KGB, much to Indy's disapproval.

Alas, the film then follows the usual archaeology route, with Indy and Mutt making the long trip to Mexico to find the mysterious artefact. Once found, it turns out the skull is supremely crafted beyond anything Indy has seen. Once again rumbled by Mac, Indy is captured and brought back to the Soviets with the skull.

And so, the cycle repeats with another great escape. But with further Indy nostalgia revived by the introduction of Raider's of the Lost Arc heroin, Anna Maria. Indy now becomes aware that Mutt is his son, and as such further continuity from The Last Crusade reveals itself. This time, however, Indy is the father. An obvious pitfall is that Mutt is actually not much alike to Indy in terms of appearance, or indeed a great archaeology boffin like his father. In truth, you would not have guessed he was related.

Still, when the action heats up the audience is treated to an enthralling car chase through the jungle with Indy and his associates intent on escaping from the Soviets and taking the skull to the gold temple. Great fun this is, typically unrealistic, with a host of army ants awaiting both parties. Likewise Indy's ride off a cliff into three big waterfalls that leaves not one of five people drowned, or indeed close to drowning, is unrealistically miraculous.

By now, I got the feeling I knew where the film was going. Like the Last Crusade, Indy would discover the temple and unwittingly lead the Soviets to it at the same time. The Crystal Skull, linked in with Nevada opening scene, seemed to be pointing towards what they might uncover. Like other previous Indy films, his pursuers would get themselves killed, and good old Mac would be the fallen betrayer.

I could not help but feel that what was to follow was more like an ending to the X-files than an Indy film. Although outstanding artefacts were uncovered, it seemed a little out-of character. Aside from that, the atmosphere of previous Indy films was well captured: same music, same whip along with the terrible old snakes and crawlers. With continuity, and reference to previous characters along the way.

So in many respects, this followed the traditional formula. Some great action scenes combined with archaeological expedition, and a race to uncover some untold secrets. Not necessarily for the worse, although it seemed a tad predictable towards the end.

Harrison Ford did well enough in bringing a more mature Indy back to life. But Irina Spalko, very cold, lacked any charm. Maria Ann actually did not do much in the adventure, aside from reveal to Indy that Mutt was his son. Alas, as has been mentioned, Mutt was not so much alike to Indy in any respect. In many respects, unlike Crusade with Connery, the supporting cast lacked anybody up to the same calibre as Ford.

Still, for what its worth, this instalment has a fair bit to offer any fan of the Indy franchise. Those hoping for something a little fresher, will probably be a touch disappointed. I would have preferred something a little more realistic and less predictable, without the most impossible escapes. But it is still Indy, entertaining enough with thrills and spills - a worthy addition to the series, but not the best. I rate it 3/5.