First, the disclaimers: 1 - I am (still) and have been an Indiana Jones fan since I was a boy (I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark when I was about 8).
2 - Prior to viewing the film last night, I had read a number of reviews (including Roger Ebert's excellent review of the film).
3 - I went in with modest expectations.
OK - what struck me about the film was in how many ways I completely disagreed with a majority of reviewers (both those who disliked it *and* those who enjoyed it). It seemed that everything that everyone complained about wasn't "all that bad" and that those who enjoyed it seemed oblivious to some obvious problems with the film.
My main (and only) real complaint with the film is either the acting or the editing (most film makers will tell you that often the two are one and the same). During the initial sequence and leading up to the turn to South America, the film suffers from what I can only explain as "bad takes" making it into the final cut. Anyone who has seen the takes that *don't* make it into films, will tell you that it is usually because the acting is "flat" or seems more like "line delivery" as opposed to "acting". Proper editing and selection of takes can reduce this, but this is not the case in this film (again, until the action starts in South America). Even Harrison Ford (who, *does* act his age - another point that I seem to be the only one who sees) who tries hard seems to be in rehearsal as opposed to the final take. Now, again, editing can salvage this - but it didn't. Naturally, though, when dialog isn't being delivered (action sequences), everything works well (even prior to the South - American second and third acts). Especially fun are the action sets in the beginning sequence and the motorcycle chase.
Once the movie moves to South America (and Karen Allen and John Hurt enter the movie), the acting / editing become much better and the film really hits stride - it gets *great*! Finally, we're back into an Indy movie! The remaining action sequences, the set pieces, the acting, the emotional subtext (which is palpable), and the story (yes, the story is excellent) are simply a joy to watch. Naturally, we need to suspend all disbelief (duh - it's an Indiana Jones film!), but the pace is quick and it is a lot of fun. The humor is "on" and we are rewarded with a great climax and epilogue! In terms of performances, Shia LeBeouf and Allen shine, Ford and Hurt are excellent (again - this is all in the second and third acts), and the supporting cast (including Cate Blanchett) are all very serviceable. The CGI is generally seamless and not "on display" (for the most part). I also found that the "ultimate source" of the crystal skulls (which is telegraphed from the start of the film) is neither out of place nor unfamiliar with a film series that deals equally with mystical and magical concepts easily.
The cinematography is excellent, John Williams (as usual) delivers a wonderful score, and the production values are what we would expect.
A last word about the potential for "future films" - the ending really seems to leave the door open (read: "wide open") for future films. Given the strength of Shia LeBeouf's performance (and the story line between him and Indy), it would be exciting to see him leading (perhaps with Ford playing a supporting role ala Sean Connery) a new film in the series - he really does pull his own *that* well.
Whatever you do, do *not* go into the film with any expectations (good or bad) and walk out with your own ideas. Whatever you feel, you'll likely agree that this is a 'not to miss" episode in the series.
In terms of "where in the series" does this one stack up? I don't know - Indy is so much older that it almost seems like a "new" series. Still, if you pushed me into a corner, I would say that it is likely a tie for the second best in the series (perhaps it falls slightly behind The Last Crusade). For me (someone who still loved Temple of Doom), this is saying a *lot*! Enjoy!!
2 - Prior to viewing the film last night, I had read a number of reviews (including Roger Ebert's excellent review of the film).
3 - I went in with modest expectations.
OK - what struck me about the film was in how many ways I completely disagreed with a majority of reviewers (both those who disliked it *and* those who enjoyed it). It seemed that everything that everyone complained about wasn't "all that bad" and that those who enjoyed it seemed oblivious to some obvious problems with the film.
My main (and only) real complaint with the film is either the acting or the editing (most film makers will tell you that often the two are one and the same). During the initial sequence and leading up to the turn to South America, the film suffers from what I can only explain as "bad takes" making it into the final cut. Anyone who has seen the takes that *don't* make it into films, will tell you that it is usually because the acting is "flat" or seems more like "line delivery" as opposed to "acting". Proper editing and selection of takes can reduce this, but this is not the case in this film (again, until the action starts in South America). Even Harrison Ford (who, *does* act his age - another point that I seem to be the only one who sees) who tries hard seems to be in rehearsal as opposed to the final take. Now, again, editing can salvage this - but it didn't. Naturally, though, when dialog isn't being delivered (action sequences), everything works well (even prior to the South - American second and third acts). Especially fun are the action sets in the beginning sequence and the motorcycle chase.
Once the movie moves to South America (and Karen Allen and John Hurt enter the movie), the acting / editing become much better and the film really hits stride - it gets *great*! Finally, we're back into an Indy movie! The remaining action sequences, the set pieces, the acting, the emotional subtext (which is palpable), and the story (yes, the story is excellent) are simply a joy to watch. Naturally, we need to suspend all disbelief (duh - it's an Indiana Jones film!), but the pace is quick and it is a lot of fun. The humor is "on" and we are rewarded with a great climax and epilogue! In terms of performances, Shia LeBeouf and Allen shine, Ford and Hurt are excellent (again - this is all in the second and third acts), and the supporting cast (including Cate Blanchett) are all very serviceable. The CGI is generally seamless and not "on display" (for the most part). I also found that the "ultimate source" of the crystal skulls (which is telegraphed from the start of the film) is neither out of place nor unfamiliar with a film series that deals equally with mystical and magical concepts easily.
The cinematography is excellent, John Williams (as usual) delivers a wonderful score, and the production values are what we would expect.
A last word about the potential for "future films" - the ending really seems to leave the door open (read: "wide open") for future films. Given the strength of Shia LeBeouf's performance (and the story line between him and Indy), it would be exciting to see him leading (perhaps with Ford playing a supporting role ala Sean Connery) a new film in the series - he really does pull his own *that* well.
Whatever you do, do *not* go into the film with any expectations (good or bad) and walk out with your own ideas. Whatever you feel, you'll likely agree that this is a 'not to miss" episode in the series.
In terms of "where in the series" does this one stack up? I don't know - Indy is so much older that it almost seems like a "new" series. Still, if you pushed me into a corner, I would say that it is likely a tie for the second best in the series (perhaps it falls slightly behind The Last Crusade). For me (someone who still loved Temple of Doom), this is saying a *lot*! Enjoy!!
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