Wide Angle Lenz [beta]

SPOILER ALERT

“Really? They’re making another Indiana Jones film? Sigh…”

That was my thought when I initially found out that Indiana Jones 4 was going into production. Not because I don’t like Indiana Jones and his amazing adventures. Like many my age, I grew up knowing the trilogy well and watched the films many times. I just felt like it wasn’t necessary. The Last Crusade wraps things up nicely, was an awesome film (my favorite) and, after all, is called the last crusade. Don’t get me wrong, I supported the film and wanted it to be as amazing as the rest (except for Temple of Doom), but I was a bit afraid of what it would do to the franchise.

Turns out I had nothing to worry about.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is great, it fits well into the existing trilogy and captures the feeling of an Indiana Jones film. Choosing to use the original opening credits visual motif was brilliant. That was a great idea that immediately connected me with the very first film and helped bridge the time gap. It delivers on exactly what we want to see out of Indy: goofy, action-packed adventures.

Harrison Ford did a great job, and you can tell he had a lot of fun stepping back into the shoes of the legendary archaeologist. The script didn’t hide in the slightest that the story was taking place several years after the third film, and the fact that Mutt makes fun of Indy for his age makes it even better. People are giving the movie a lot of crap for Indy getting married at the end and being softer than he was. I think it’s perfect. Henry “Indiana” Jones Jr has experienced the death of his father and Marcus Brody, two very important people in his life, has fought in a demanding war with the military demanding a lot from him, and has dealt with whatever other things life threw his way. He doesn’t exactly lead a stress-free life. So it makes absolute sense that twenty or so years later we’re seeing a slightly softer Indiana Jones who very well might be ready to tie the knot with someone he felt strongly about long ago. Especially if he found out some young punk who’s making a good impression on him turns out to be his son. So bravo George Lucas and David Koepp for giving Indy a little depth.

That said, this should be the last Indiana Jones film. It wraps the story up very nicely. Yeah, I know, George has a story in mind that puts Mutt in the lead and Indy in a supporting role, much like Henry Jones Sr. in the Last Crusade, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Sure, I’d go see it because it’s Indiana Jones – or would it be called Mutt Jones, that isn’t catchy at all – but please just go out on top with this film and go on making other great adventure stories.

Roger Ebert has a great review on this film as well. I didn’t mention the points he makes here, because his site is definitely worth checking out.

Admittedly, I haven’t mentioned a lot of the nit-picky things in this review, but what are your thoughts on the film? Leave comments and we can discuss further!

4.5 out of 5