First Reviews of IJKoCS are in...

[Bill S Preston]

Meh. I thought that Live Free or Die Hard was very fun to watch, so if this new Indy film entertains me in the same way, then I'll be happy with it.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by Bill S Preston

Meh. I thought that Live Free or Die Hard was very fun to watch, so if this new Indy film entertains me in the same way, then I'll be happy with it.

It was okay. Certainly as good as the third one and much better than the second one.

But I sure didn't have any trouble waiting a couple of months for the DVD on that one, either.

Watching movie at the theater with the wife, plus snacks: $35-40.

Watching rented movie on the 46" TV in my den - $4.

I need something along the lines of Batman spectacular to get me into the theater at this point.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by frazod

Watching movie at the theater with the wife, plus snacks: $35-40.

Watching rented movie on the 46" TV in my den - $4.

I always hate these comparisons.

Especially because the theater blows your 46" TV away.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by GOATSE

I always hate these comparisons.

Especially because the theater blows your 46" TV away.

OK, I'll go watch everything at the theater. You buying?

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by frazod

OK, I'll go watch everything at the theater. You buying?

Did I say everything?

It's Indiana ****ing Jones. I missed out on the first three on the big screen. I damn sure ain't missing this one.

$7 a head to watch Indiana ****ing Jones on an awesome DLP screen in an awesome theater isn't pricey. You can skip the concession line.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by GOATSE

Did I say everything?

It's Indiana ****ing Jones. I missed out on the first three on the big screen. I damn sure ain't missing this one.

$7 a head to watch Indiana ****ing Jones on an awesome DLP screen in an awesome theater isn't pricey. You can skip the concession line.

You obviously care much more about this than I do. It's just Indiana Jones. Especially if the movie ends up being as silly and pointless as I feared it would be (which these reviews are sadly confirming), I'll wait.

I doubt if I see anything at the theater until Dark Knight.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by frazod

You obviously care much more about this than I do. It's just Indiana Jones.

What movies did you see in the theater this year?

Especially if the movie ends up being as silly and pointless as I feared it would be (which these reviews are sadly confirming), I'll wait.

Here's a good review:

So you've probably received quite a few of these by now, so let's just cut to the chase shall we?
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Did I see it?
Yes!
How?
Same as SOME of these other folks.
Is it any good?
Yes!! /Depends...
Explain.
Well, I should admit that Raiders, for me, has remained movie magic despite my involvments in the industry. In other words, despite how jaded I am becoming about movies and entertainment, this one and a few select others just remain untouchable classics. Now, I do love Temple of Doom and Last Crusade despite their respective flaws, but Raiders is a perfect movie for me. There's not a wasted second of screen time there. It still captures that wonder that older movies tend to have and newer movies have forgotten.
So....?
So, I'd put KOTCS in line more with the two sequels - which is by far not a bad thing. I am not surprised that I had this reaction, nor could I think of any way KOTCS could be improved to EVER stand along side Raiders. So there ya go.
What's good?
Oh, so much. The river chase is among the best chase scenes in the whole series. The ant sequence give the suitable chills. Doomtown is a haunting and fascinating sequence with an interesting ending. The one major death (nope not telling) is handled very well. The shots are impressive and familiar to the series. The acting is good across the board. Ford's Indy this time out is a bit different a bit beat down (a ton more so AFTER the events here for sure), but still witty and clumsy. The rest (especially Winstone) are a perfect fit. Shia? I had my doubts but he was just fine. Most of all it feels like Indy so rest assured, in case you are wondering/worrying...this is an Indiana Jones movie! A book should be written on the numerous ways and reasons this series just blows every other attempt at adventure films out of the croc (also a nice addition) infested water. It will bring broad goofy smiles to your faces.
What's not?
Well, the snake scene was a bit too illogical even for an Indy movie. While Spalko is well acted, the psychic thing is a bit hard to take ( as it was in the Fate of Atlantis PC game). Also, the end...well, since I'd heard some awful rumors of a cameo overload, I was worried, but while those were thankfully way off, the ending that is here ...well let's just say I'd personally prefer this to be the last adventure we had with Indy. They got this one right - let us not risk it again. Not sure some of us could take the wait. Also, regarding the ending, it's a bit more in line with TOD than the others, but you'll have to see it to understand.
So rank em?
Easy. Raiders first (see above) Temple of Doom second (close race with LC for me, but the set pieces and serial feel overcome) Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (weird to see another title amongst these others,but it belongs here I am so glad to say) Last Crusade (fun, but uneven).
So seriously...after 19 years...it's actually good?
It's actually very good. Now, people will be mixed on this, though I have a hard time seeing how anyone could say it's actually a BAD film. Some may not like it for whatever personal reason, but that Spielberg magic is still there. It feels like the Spielberg we know and love (well, except for Lost World - bleh).
There you go. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is officially Pretty. Damn. Good. And I can not wait to see it with some real folks now!
So if you do decide to run this early (spoiler free, poorly written, rushed) look at Indy 4 call me Officially Relieved.