Review: Indiana Jones in The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Rated PG-13 for action/adventure violence and language

The last time we saw professor/archaeologist/adventurer/Nazi-killer Henry "Indiana" Jones on the big screen was almost two full decades ago. Suffice it to say, quite a lot has happened since then. Writer George Lucas got to making the oft-criticized Star Wars prequels, director Steven Spielberg went on to bring us a mixed bag of science fiction and World War II-themed films, and star Harrison Ford saw success portraying Jack Ryan in a pair of Tom Clancy adaptations.

With the trio each going their own very separate ways, I was skeptical of just how well they could once again team up and create a new installment to this venerable and fan-favorite franchise.

In short, they've still got it.

In Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, our whipcracking hero faces off against communist forces in a globetrotting trek to unlock the secret of a mysterious crystal skull. Joining him on the journey are greaser Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf) and Karen Allen reprising her role as strong-willed Marion Ravenwood. Together, they experience a series of paranormal events beyond their wildest imagination.

As far as the overall tone of the film is concerned, Indy 4 very much feels like its predecessors. The franchise's trademarked witty banter and action/adventure blend remains intact--proving that, despite what was delivered in the Star Wars prequels, George Lucas is still capable of writing fluent dialog.

Visually, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull achieves a retro appearance by way of CGI and high-key lighting. The effect mostly works, and helps to reinforce the film's late-50s setting by bathing the actors in a soft, warm glow reminiscent of classic cinema. At times, the computer effects can become overbearing--and often the use of greenscreen creates a disconnect between actor and set--but no one effect detracts from the film in any meaningful way.

One scene that stood out for me was a bird's eye view of a crumbling barrow that appeared to have been achieved by use of a model--perhaps enhanced by CGI. Or maybe it was just CGI designed to look like a model. Either way, the film's use of computer generated imagery to produce an effect other than photorealism worked well with the subject matter and hearkened back to the era of traditional special effects.

On the acting front, the mostly geriatric cast demonstrates that the elderly still have a place in action movies. Although Harrison Ford, Karen Allen and John Hurt have nearly 200 years of life between them, not once did it seem like they were in any way incapable of keeping up with their markedly younger co-star, Shia LaBeouf. And I must say that Shia fit in nicely, giving his best performance yet.

On the antagonist side, Cate Blanchett delivers with a scene-stealing performance as a psychic communist agent with a fascination with the Crystal Skull. One scene in particular, in which she brings the skull close to her chest like a child protecting her favorite teddy bear, gives the character a level of depth beyond the rest of her commie cut-out comrades.

My biggest gripe with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull would have to be its inconsistent plot. At times, it plays out as a mostly believable adventure story with all of the boobytraps and narrow escapes you would expect. However, there are scenes that are so outlandish and over the top, you might think you're watching the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Also, a meager attempt at social commentary regarding government-sponsored paranoia is rendered useless after many of the plot's key drivers actually involve communist agents infiltrating the US.

It may start a little clunky and end on a low-note, but by the time Kingdom of the Crystal Skull gets going, you wont really care.

Rating: 4 / 5 (8/10, 80%)