Hold On To Your Hats!?
This latest adventure of Indiana Jones blasted on the scene Sunday (May 18,2008) at its Cannes premiere following a red carpet introduction that was an indication of its inevitable blockbuster status beginning with its bombardment of theaters commencing today. As might be expected, there are exotic locations, amazing sceneries, 007-inspired escapes, bugs, and what director Steven Spielberg referred to as "old fashioned stunt work and practical magic as opposed to digital magic".
Upside: This is a film that should be seen on the big screen. The opening scenes in Nevada are gripping and somewhat visually amazing. There are some great one-liners, including Indiana's poking fun at himself, mostly about his age. The soundtrack is decent. Cate Blanchett is superb as a KGB dominatrix. It is relatively family friendly.
Downside: Some sequence outcomes are predictable. The middle is less interesting and therefore less engaging than the beginning and end, and I mean the very end - which is a subtle way of saying the film literally struggles to get to the end and that the film is too long.
But, hey...if you have LOL for the Indy franchise, you will probably share few if any of these views...but this is how I see it.
I will say more later, following a second look today.
Ciao
After a second look (yes, I went back to the theater with two family members Friday, May 23), my original thoughts did not change. See why I graded this Indy film a C+ in the comments section.
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5 comments:
Congratulations, Mayam! Is it too late to say "break a leg!"?
I probably go too long between big screen experiences, and miss the full impact [like ITB at CITN!] So, I especially appreciate the recommendation for viewing Indy-Skull on the big screen and will be back often for your future insight and reviews.
Thanks, Avatar, for your response. If you do take the time to see Indy IV, I would love to know how/if it grabbed you.
Hold On To Your Hats!? Part 2
Love is not always lovelier the second time around. Another look at Indy IV set in the late 1950s confirmed my initial position that this film falls short of its predecessors. I reiterate: some segments are too slow, it is at times too predictable; it is laced with several "loans" from other well known films, and it is too long for the plot.
There are humorous elements, and Harrison does what Harrison does - epitomizing the persona of Indiana Jones. A good performance by Cate Blanchett as the protagonist; okay job by Karen Allen as Indy's former love; and a fair appearance by Shia LaBeouf as her son.
GRADE: C+
I could not agree more...and I am an Indiana Jones fan! I was a bit disappointed with the plot of the Crystal Skull. My favorite of this series is still Raiders of the Lost Ark. My next favorite is the 3rd installment: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I gave Crystal Skull a C.
I decided to wait for the DVD after reading your (and others) comments. I agree thus far with Mary E. Raiders and Last Crusade were excellent.
Deb C
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