Satisfied. If I could only review Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull with one word, that would be my choice. It didn't thrill me like the original, gross me out like the 1st sequel, or humor me like the 2nd sequel. But it successfully integrated familiar elements from all three previous films. All in all, Indy IV was probably as good as a third sequel could possibly be.
The film takes place about 20 years after The Last Crusade. The villains this time around are the Russians, not the Nazis. Cate Blanchett plays their menacing, if underdeveloped leader. They are after the mysterious crystal skull, which legend says will bring power, knowledge, and a gold fortune to . . . . . nevermind. Like the ark of the covenant, the sankara stones, and the holy grail, the supernatural skull is really an excuse to provide the viewer with a series of close-calls, killer creatures, and thrilling chases. Because the enemies are again not quite as competent as our hero, they force Indiana Jones to discover the secrets they cannot. Along the way, Indy is joined by his longtime partner Mac (Ray Winstone), a young hot-head named Mutt (Shia LeBeouf), old flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), and a wise though senile professor who'll prove essential to helping Indy reach his goal.
Dr. Jones is once again played by Harrison Ford, who's as reliable as ever. He doesn't run like a man in his 60s, though the script never fails to take a shot at his age. Still, Ford acts like he's never left and successfully convinces the viewer that even an older Jones is more charasmatic and exciting than 95% of the action hero's out there. Bringing back Allen was a nice touch, and she and Ford recapture a little of the spark that began in Raiders of the Lost Ark all those years ago. LeBeouf adds a fresh face to the proceedings and establishes a strong chemistry with Ford. His character easily could've been annoying, but he keeps Mutt grounded, while giving the film it's attitude. Still, the film does miss Sean Connery as Dr. Jones Sr. His relationship with Indy was the glue that held The Last Crusade together and there is no actor in Crystal Skull to match the presence he brought to that film. We are told he and old pal Marcus Brody have passed on in a scene that made me laugh aloud as a result of the silly picture of Brody on Indiana's work desk. Even better is the scene when a statue of Brody (who put that thing up?) loses it's head, in a chase that doesn't quite make as much as sense as it probably should.
Far better executed is the film's action centerpiece, a multi-vehicle chase through the jungle featuring sword play, monkeys, guns, giant red ants, and a monstrous waterfall. This extended chase is easily the most thrilling action sequence since last summer's Bourne Ultimatum. There's still a few mysteries to solve afterward, and though the solution is a little preposterous, it generally falls in line with the mythic mumbo-jumbo conclusions to the other films. Unfortunately, we don't really hate the Russian baddies in Crystal Skull. They're portrayed as more of a collective nuisance than truly despicable beings like the Nazis were, which hinders the effectiveness of the ending. Although there's a nice touch at the end when Indy takes the hat that's rightfully his out of Mutt's eager hands.
So what are we left with in the end? A winner, if not an overwhelming one. The script contains enough genuinely funny moments and exciting action to please fans of the series, and the pacing is stellar, which should be expected of any Steven Spielberg directed action film (War of the Worlds aside). The opening scenes in the Nevada desert probably go on too long, but once Mutt introduces the real storyline to both Indy and the audience, the film accelerates. John Williams' score is terrific, while Ford shows he can still provide a stable presence to balance the world of chaos around him. The film has flaws and at times gets a little too cute, but overall it does far more things right than wrong. When all is said in done, I don't imagine too many summer films being more fun than this one.
Unlike George Lucas' embarassing Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull deserves mention in the same breath as the three adventures that preceeded it. It's about as good at Temple of Doom, which for me is more of a compliment than a criticism. When you keep your expectations in check, amazing things can happen.
B+
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