Spoilers ahead... don't read these if you haven't seen the movies.
"Raiders of the Lost Ark"
What's good: Just about everything, this is one of the greatest movies ever made. Nearly nonstop action, good characters, good acting, good directing, good everything. The pacing of this film set the standard for every film thereafter, and is one of the reasons most of today's summer blockbusters have nothing but action from beginning to end. Finally, I have to mention John Williams' score. The "Raiders March," which would go on to become the theme of the series is one of the great movie themes of all time.
What's not good: Not much really, the only thing I would comment about is the level of violence in the movie. Violence usually doesn't bother me, but Indiana Jones is a role model for lots of children. This movie would easily be rated R if it was released today, with many bloody gunshot wounds, melting faces and an exploding head. It is not as dark in tone as "Temple of Doom," but if you look closely, it's actually more violent.
"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"
What's good: This is the black sheep of the series, which many people would like to forget about. It's probably the weakest of all of the movies (besides "Crystal Skull") but it's not as bad as many people say it is. The first 15 minutes are a blast to watch, and the mine cart scene is one of the great action sequences of all time. The story and the screenplay are actually pretty good, and the movie holds up well over time. Finally, Short Round is the man!
What's not good: I didn't mind the dark tone as much as lot of other people, I thought it was a nice change for the series. Still this film has a lot of flaws. The dinner scene with eyeball soup, monkey brains, etc. was supposed to be funny, but I found it to be childish and in bad taste. And then there's Kate Capshaw, playing a shallow, vapid starlet who does nothing but complain and scream throughout the movie. Supposedly, even Capshaw was repulsed by her own performance when she watched the movie. Also, this was supposed to be her breakthrough movie, and her acting was so bad that she had a hard time getting other parts because of this movie.
"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"
What's good: The beginning sequence with the late River Phoenix as young Indy is great. Sean Connery (Suck it, Trebek!) is a welcome addition here. He and Harrison Ford are both equally great actors, so they don't overshadow each other. Also, this movie deliberately tries to lighten the tone after "Temple of Doom," and it works. The movie is lighthearted and funny, and it's nice to see Sallah and Brody back in the fray. The shot of the four men riding off into the sunset would have been a perfect way to end the series, but no... (see below)
What's not good: Again, there are few nits to pick here. If I could think of anything, it's the lack of a strong villain. In "Raiders," you had Rene Belloq, one of Indy's longtime rivals who isn't purely evil. Even Mola Ram in "Temple of Doom" was creepy in a fun way. Here, Elsa and Donovan aren't as formidable and charismatic.
So, this brings us to "The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Reviews from professionals and moviegoers are all over the map. The audience at Cannes gave the film polite applause, probably because of the people involved. Some people loved it. My younger brother Adam, who is every bit an avid moviegoer as I am, thought it was garbage. My co-worker, who rarely goes to the movies, said it was a waste of two hours he can't get back. I am somewhere in the middle. I thought the movie was worth seeing, if only for the action sequences and the stuntwork, so I will give it a marginal recommendation just based on that. There is no denying that Spielberg knows how to direct. The story was kind of a mess, seemed inconsequential and was little more than a vehicle for the expensive set pieces. The pacing was inconsistent. After a fast-paced beginning (typical of the series), there was a bunch of exposition, a chase scene, more exposition, then action for the rest of the movie. Also, the supporting characters had little or no development. The only characters who seemed to have any personality were Shia "The Beef" LaBoeuf as Mutt, who tags along with Indy, and who he actually is could be the worst-kept secret in Hollywood. Cate Blanchett also has fun as the Communist villain, whose name escapes me. Otherwise, the rest of the cast falls into the background and are just there to take up space. It is clearly evident that everything in this movie takes a back seat to the set pieces and special effects like really big ants, waterfalls and, of course, monkeys. One wonders what was in Frank Darabont's missing script. I am sure it was better than this. Overall, this film was watchable, and even mildly entertaining, but I think they should have let the Indiana Jones movies stand as a trilogy and should have left well enough alone. Like I said, it should have ended with Indy, Henry, Brody and Sallah riding into the sunset. Supposedly, there will be additional movies based on The Beef's character, and judging by the truckload of money this film made, that might happen... not a good thing.
1 comment:
As far as I'm concerned, there is still only an Indiana Jones Trilogy. Do you remember seeing Last Crusade in the theater? You and I were like giddy little girls (and Mom was falling asleep). I almost cry when I watch them ride into the sunset at the end. To have my childhood RIPPED AWAY by the "Crystal Skull" is more than disappointing, it's heartbreaking. They soiled the Indy name, and that can never be taken back.
I keep harping about how bad this movie is, but I have neglected to put any blame on Spielberg. What the crap was he thinking? I've stood by Spielberg on almost all of his movies (I still like War of the Worlds). Didn't he see that this was crap? Here's hoping Tintin goes more smoothly...
Post a Comment