I really enjoyed this movie when I first saw it in the theaters. I had no idea about how much hate there was towards it for several years. (Yeah, I don't get out much.) It's not without its flaws, but some people way over emphasize the negative in this case.
I might as well start with what I liked. Setting the movie in the fifties not only covered for Harrison Ford's age, but allowed for a distinct feel to this film as compared to the previous ones. Indy's entrance in silhouette and the majority of the opening sequence culminating with the rocket car was great fun and excitement. In fact, the action scenes were great all around. Indy getting blacklisted made for an interesting scene or two, even if it ultimately had little bearing on the plot. The callbacks were pretty good, especially the part about getting out of the library. I felt the Russians made for great bad guys, and that Colonel Doctor Spalko's plan of mind controlling and brainwashing vast numbers of people was probably the most nefarious plot in the series, since it entails far scarier concepts than Nazis being generally evil. Mola Ram's plan of conquest comes close, but lacks the true horror of being changed against your will.
Now, my issues with the film are fewer in number. I'll start with a small one. The fridge is a flaw, I'll admit, but for different reasons than most people put forward. It comes after the awesome rocket car scene which was a great climax to an epic action sequence. It just feels out of place and it wasn't necessary to go so over the top when the rocket car scene was over the top in a completely awesome way. Another problem I have is with the character of Mac. We know nothing about this guy, and very little of his history with Indy. He turns evil way too soon, something which would have been more effective with a character we already knew. The double agent bit just came across as plain lazy writing to me, which only compounds the problems with the Mac character.
I'm fairly neutral towards Shia La Boeuf. I'm not a raving fan, but I think he gets an unfair level of hatred. The aliens I have no problem with whatsoever. The focus of the series has always been on archeological mysteries, and the ancient astronauts theory fits in perfectly. Look it up.
Overall, it's not as good the first three, but still a fitting entry in the series.
Crystal Skull: A Mostly Successful Revival of an Old Franchise
I really enjoyed this movie when I first saw it in the theaters. I had no idea about how much hate there was towards it for several years. (Yeah, I don't get out much.) It's not without its flaws, but some people way over emphasize the negative in this case.
I might as well start with what I liked. Setting the movie in the fifties not only covered for Harrison Ford's age, but allowed for a distinct feel to this film as compared to the previous ones. Indy's entrance in silhouette and the majority of the opening sequence culminating with the rocket car was great fun and excitement. In fact, the action scenes were great all around. Indy getting blacklisted made for an interesting scene or two, even if it ultimately had little bearing on the plot. The callbacks were pretty good, especially the part about getting out of the library. I felt the Russians made for great bad guys, and that Colonel Doctor Spalko's plan of mind controlling and brainwashing vast numbers of people was probably the most nefarious plot in the series, since it entails far scarier concepts than Nazis being generally evil. Mola Ram's plan of conquest comes close, but lacks the true horror of being changed against your will.
Now, my issues with the film are fewer in number. I'll start with a small one. The fridge is a flaw, I'll admit, but for different reasons than most people put forward. It comes after the awesome rocket car scene which was a great climax to an epic action sequence. It just feels out of place and it wasn't necessary to go so over the top when the rocket car scene was over the top in a completely awesome way. Another problem I have is with the character of Mac. We know nothing about this guy, and very little of his history with Indy. He turns evil way too soon, something which would have been more effective with a character we already knew. The double agent bit just came across as plain lazy writing to me, which only compounds the problems with the Mac character.
I'm fairly neutral towards Shia La Boeuf. I'm not a raving fan, but I think he gets an unfair level of hatred. The aliens I have no problem with whatsoever. The focus of the series has always been on archeological mysteries, and the ancient astronauts theory fits in perfectly. Look it up.
Overall, it's not as good the first three, but still a fitting entry in the series.
7.8/10