Film review: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Rating: ***1/2 (out of 5)
Review by: Alexa Williamson
You’d think Indy (the ever-dashing Harrison Ford) had retired, but when a great hero is needed he can come out of retirement whether he wants to or not – as is the case here.
For younger generations who aren’t familiar with the earlier films (some weren’t even born then – as a 21-year-old I saw it with pointed out), this is a great introduction to find out exactly what they’re about as it’s an exciting adventure with lots of ‘breath-holding’ moments and fast-paced car chases and combat scenes.
However for veterans who have seen both Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Temple of Doom (1984) – these aren’t as enticing. (Come on, how can you top ripping out the beating heart in the latter?)
This is indeed a solid action film in which Jones is called in to use a “crystal skull”, actually an alien head, to lead his overly Russian-sounding enemy and opponent, Irina Spalko (played by Cate Blanchett who puts on the accent way too thickly) to the body of the, er, head.
Unlike some of his crusades, Indy does not go on this one by choice, but must to save his Raiders of the Lost Ark love interest (and as we learn one true love and mother of his child) Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) from Spalko.
As always, Ford delivers an excellent performance – and Indy, despite being pensioner age now, still has many wily and cleverly appealing tricks up his sleeve, which make for a solid film. However, it’s not the hat trick many newspaper critics are raving about (unless it’s their first ever Indy experience).
Further information:
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (IMDB)
