Toon Talk: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
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(c) Paramount Pictures
All mystical legends of ancient cultures who may have really been worshiping so-called "gods" in the actual heavens, not too mention the rekindled or recently discovered relationships of our aging but still agile hero aside, it is all really an excuse for some edge-of-your seat action sequences, of which Spielberg is more then happy to provide. From a (literally) cliff-hanging truck chase to a trek inside a clockwork pyramid, the action ante is upped on this one, with all the latest computer generated effects that Lucas� Industrial Light and Magic can muster up on the screen (oh, for the low-tech days of decades past). There is even the requisite critter creep out scene, with hordes of man-eating ants set loose to chomp on some Ruskies � and give audiences the willies.
What is most surprising about Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is that there isn�t a lot that is surprising about it. All those major plot points that have been rumored about, internet-wise, for months now? Yeah, pretty much all true. Nevertheless, the film does offer some welcome, nostalgia-tinged nods to the series� past along the way. And even with its hurried, often indecipherable explanations on what exactly is going on (thanks to David Koepp�s frequently clunky screenplay), one is at least able to grab on and enjoy the ride.
That is, until the climatic finale, where Spielberg and company are obviously aiming for a Raiders-like �ark opening� flourish but instead veer into, of all things, the murkiness of A.I. Artificial Intelligence, with a little Close Encounters mysticism thrown in for good measure. Even with the Indy series previous outings, where fantastic elements were often touched upon, this ends up a dangerous move into science fiction territory that may end up being the deal breaker for most viewers.
Toon Talk Rating: B
Coming Soon:
- The Sword in the Stone
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-- Kirby C. Holt
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Kirby is a lifelong Disney fan and film buff. He is also an avid list maker and chronic ellipsis user ... In addition to his Toon Talk reviews, Kirby is the creator of Movie Dearest, a blog for movie fans.
Took Talk: Disney Film & Video Reviews by Kirby C. Holt is posted whenever there's something new to review.
The opinions expressed by our Kirby C. Holt, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted May 23, 2008