By Sam Watermeier
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“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is a lot more enjoyable if you walk into it with low expectations. Although this film is not as resonant as “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” it is a movie event that you cannot ignore, and it certainly guarantees a good time.

The plot of “Indy 4” is irrelevant. Like talk show host Conan O’Brien said, “’Indiana Jones 4′ could be called ‘Indiana Jones and the River of Soup’ and people would still see it.” Here are the basics: Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) joins a tough teen (Shia LeBouf) to fight off Soviets led by Cate Blanchett and find a powerful crystal skull. Ford is a little awkward at first. He acts as if he is doing an impression of himself. LeBeouf once again shows that he can carry a film. He has refreshing confidence and his chemistry with Ford seems genuine. There is not much to say about Blanchett other than that she creates a delightfully cheesy and stereotypical villain. Her Russian accent would probably offend Russians.

Like the original films, “Crystal Skull” has plenty of memorable action sequences: a motorcycle chase through a college campus, car chase in the jungle, a fight between greasers and jocks to name a few. Although these scenes are fun, they lack the human touch of the original. There are no giant lethal boulders or “homemade” contraptions, only cold and obviously computer-generated visual effects. This overuse of computer animation makes Spielberg and Lucas seem weak considering they were able to create magic in the original films without it.

The major accomplishment of this installment is its ability to create a comforting, warm feeling within the audience, like the feeling of a family reunion. We do not see Indy until about 10 minutes into the film. There is so much buildup to his appearance that when you finally do see him, you cannot help but giggle with joy and excitement. However, when he speaks, we unfortunately lose interest because he is reduced to delivering one-liners for about 20 minutes. That brings us to the major flaw of this film, which is the dialogue.

The last few scenes of “Indy 4” contain corny and insulting dialogue. For example, Indy basically tells the audience the message of the whole series when he says, “Knowledge is the real treasure.” Since that message is already obvious, that line is condescending. Without giving too much of the plot away, some characters are revealed to be traveling to “the space between spaces.” That is pure science-fiction mumbo jumbo that is cringingly corny.

Due to high expectations for this film, this review may sound overwhelmingly negative, but don’t get me wrong: this film is action-packed and definitely worth seeing on the big screen despite my nitpicking. Any Indiana Jones installment that does not succeed in matching the magic and wonder of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is bound to produce some anger. This will relieve your anxiety: “Crystal Skull” is at least better than “Temple of Doom.”

“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”
Grade: B
Starring: Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett
Rating: PG-13

Other Indiana Jones Films:
“Raiders of the Lost Ark”: A
“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”: C+
“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”: A-