SPOILER WARNING!

I love the Indiana Jones movies. There was something about Harrison Ford’s portrayal of just an ordinary guy getting the job done – no frills, no superpowers, just his brain and his brawn. I loved all the elements of the movies – action, adventure, comedy, the search for religious/ancient artifacts, the familial relationships at play, the fact that Indy is as much as scholar as he is an adventurer, etc…even the b-movie/horror movie elements are great.

I think the movies took on the strengths of two people: George Lucas’ ability to write a good story and Steven Spielberg’s ability to direct. Not having seen any of the movies until the 3rd film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade arrived in 1989, it became and remains my favorite of the Indy franchise. Not only is it a perfect adventure story, but I love the father-son relationship and the elements of faith over science that come through. Some people prefer Raiders of the Lost Ark, and although that movie is terrific, for me it can’t come close to the elements of Last Crusade. Most people agree that Temple of Doom doesn’t have the same appeal as the other films.

Which brings us to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I think I had first heard 10 years ago that they were planning another Indiana Jones movie, and although initially skeptical I had gradually warmed up to the idea. Although add to it, that one finally arrived 19 years after the previous movie and although excited for further Indy adventures I was really hoping beyond hope that it would be something special. So how does Crystal Skull compare?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Harrison Ford is 65 years old. He wasn’t a young man when he first started the Indy stuff. He was 38 when Raiders first came out, which when finding that out gives me hope since I’m not that old yet. But the difference between 1930’s Indy and 1950’s is shockingly obvious. Although the original movies take place within 3 years (movie years that is) – Temple (1935), Raiders (1936), Crusade (1938.) – the actual time that elapsed was 8 years in the real world, and Ford was already 46 by the time Last Crusade came out. Nineteen years later, and he is 7 years older than his ‘father’ Sean Connery was in Last Crusade. Suffice it to say, he is no spring chicken. And although he still gets the job done, he sometimes looks a little ridiculous wearing the same khaki pants, leather jacket, and fedora hat. To think his sense of style hasn’t changed at all within 19 years is probably one of the most unbelievable parts to the story. Of course, you can’t have Indy without his fedora though can you?

Ford isn’t nearly as spry or athletic as he used to be either. He is in good shape for his age, for sure. But to see a 65 year old outrunning bullets like he used to, just isn’t quite as convincing as it used to be. I was impressed that he did most of his stunts and all of the athletic work. But his age is probably why Mutt Williams was brought on board. Enter Shia LaBeouf as Mutt Williams, Indy’s son with Marion Ravenwood (his love interest from Raiders). Mutt by all age calculations should be around 20 which is supposedly about the time since Indy and Marion went their separate ways. Shia handles his own share of action and stunts and adds a little more credibility to the storyline as a 1950’s greaser with attitude to spare.

There are moments where it gets some of that original trilogy magic, but by in large the 19 years later thing is hard to overcome. If there had been Indiana Jones movies since 1989 (by my count 4-5 since then), then it wouldn’t be as noticeable – but it is. The story also (unfortunately) doesn’t involve a search for a Judeo-Christian relic like the Ark or the Holy Grail, but instead involves returning a crystal skull to an ancient Mayan civilization. Wait?! Indy is returning something instead of taking something? Yes, this is the new Indiana Jones. The movie begins in Roswell, NM and touches on the UFO sighting from 1947, but as mysterious as something like that is, Spielberg in his love for all things alien makes it a huge focus of the movie complete with a spaceship hidden underground. OK, I love Indy. I love E.T. But mixing the two just doesn’t seem right. Indy is about archaeology and ancient civilizations, not the paranormal.

Even still, the action is mostly good. The stunts are cool. The fights mostly believable. And the human-eating ants were the b-movie tie in. Although there were no faces melting or anything, it still did well. I see this movie as being a postscript, a PS for the fans. Spielberg ties up loose ends from Raiders and gives them all a happy ending, albeit one that hints at a possibility for a return. The family dynamic between Indy, Mutt, and Marion is fun but I don’t think another movie of that nature would be a good idea. Spielberg has said he’d like to make another Indy film, or start a spinoff series for Mutt. I could see potential for a Mutt series, although he lacks the love for study and history that his father has. But perhaps Indy could return as a Sean Connery type of role, helping his son out from time to time. Shia as Mutt Williams (or is it Mutt Jones now?) definitely has possibilities.

So, all in all I’m glad I went. The movie was good, although I’m not convinced it was necessary, and most likely would have been a better idea to leave well enough alone. But it’s a nice PS for the fans and I don’t see it fitting alongside the original trilogy. It’s definitely better than Temple (more focussed), but nowhere close to Raiders or Crusade.