There are certain advantages to having JoshVision. I can always tell just before a waitress is about to spill a beer on me. I can also sense when someone is uncomfortable at a party. And on occasion—and this is the rarest of occasions—I get a glimpse into the future.
Tonight I used this power for the good of humanity and witnessed an advanced screening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The following is my spoiler free review. (Editor’s note: Josh entered a local contest with the following Indiana Jones photo of himself. See also the big winner and the runner up at the end of this entry. These are probably the property of someone else, so I’d like to give that person credit.)
First though I have to preface it with something. Raiders of the Lost Ark is my a
ll-time favorite movie. I just watched it again this past weekend to get back in the Indy mood and it still amazes me. So needless to say I was both pretty damned excited and slightly apprehensive to see this flick. Why apprehensive? Because I’ve seen what George Lucas can do to a movie, to his own movie franchises and thus to the bits of my childhood that I still relish. I mean, we all saw the Star Wars Prequels, right? Would Lucas do the same to Indy that he did to Vader? Or would Spielberg be able to reign him in and replicate the awesomeness of Raiders, Crusade, and to a lesser extent, Temple of Doom?
The answer, my friends, is a sad one. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull pales in comparison to its predecessors in almost every way. Since this is a spoiler free review, I can’t really tell you why it was so disappointing, though. Let’s just say there’s a major part of the plot that simply has no business in an Indiana Jones movie. Absolutely no business. It’s really a shame because I sort of liked the movie other than this one thing. The action scenes are great. Harrison is just as cool as he’s always been in that hat. Indy’s charm and wit still shine.
Unfortunately for me and my continually fleeting childhood, that single plot element remains. You’ll know what I mean when you see the movie. It’s a VERY big deal. And I hated it.
Don’t take my word for it. Go see this movie on Thursday with the rest of the common folk and judge for yourself. Maybe you’ll like it. If you don’t, my childhood and I will be here waiting. We can all weep softly together.
JoshVision was so kind to take me into the future with him for this advanced Indy screening last night. Perhaps I was so lucky to accompany him because I was the one that not only informed him of the contest but was the one behind the camera taking that awesome “Indiana Covington” picture that scored us the tickets. In reality he probably took me because he knew if he hadn’t that I’d have put him through one hell of a guilt trip on his birthday. This is all beside the point though since I managed to see Indy in action on the big screen days before you can. (Not to rub it in.)
I have to respond though – spoiler free – that Indiana Covington may have been a little harsh in his review. Don’t get me wrong, he’s exactly correct about the rather huge plot piece that left me walking out of the theatre a bit dissatisfied. Josh and I spent the car ride home trying to justify the reasoning for this twist and I’m coming to terms. My point being, it might not have fulfilled your childhood nostalgia needs but it did keep true to Indy charm. I in fact found myself laughing on a number of occasions and never once did I lose interest. It might not be my favorite of the Indy series but don’t start weeping. I’m not sure it really calls for tears.
Kendall
I just saw Indy today and I have to agree with Kendall. I was thoroughly satisfied with the latest installment (something that I thought would be impossible given how excited I was about it). I thought the movie was funny and the action was great. About mid-way through I thought to myself “maybe this can be my favorite Indy movie.” By the end of the film it did not surpass Crusade, but its almost as good as Raiders.
I agree that the plot was a little weird and I wish it hadn’t gone quite that far out on the limb, but definitely no tears from me. Great movie, even if it is the “third best Indy movie,” thats still pretty great.