Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Harrison Ford Director: Steven Spielberg Steven Spielberg

Overview

Everyone's favorite archeologist adventurer dusts off his hat and trusty whip for yet another globetrotting trek as Indiana Jones returns to the big screen nearly 20 years after racing for the Holy Grail alongside his father in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). Harrison Ford reprises his role as the iconic, snake-loathing screen hero in a sequel that also finds Karen Allen returning to the series for the first time since 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark. Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, and Shia LaBeouf round out a cast that also features Cate Blanchett in the role of villainous Russian operative Agent Irina Spalko. Steven Spielberg calls the shots on a script penned by David Koepp (and adapted from the screen story by executive producer George Lucas).

Product Details

Release Date:	10/14/2008
UPC:	0097363418641
Original Release:	2008
Rating:	PG-13
Source:	Paramount
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound]
Time:	2:02:00
Sales rank:	5,630

Special Features

The Return Of a Legend Featurette; Pre-Production Featurette; ; Closed Caption

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Harrison Ford	Indiana Jones
Cate Blanchett	Irina Spalko
Karen Allen	Marion Ravenwood
Ray Winstone	George "Mac" McHale
John Hurt	Professor Oxley
Jim Broadbent	Dean Charles Stanforth
Shia LaBeouf	Mutt Williams
Igor Jijikine	Col. Dovchenko

Technical Credits

David Koepp

Steven Spielberg	Director
Benjamin A. Burtt	Sound/Sound Designer
Ben Burtt	Sound/Sound Designer
Guy H. Dyas	Production Designer
Michael Kahn	Editor
Janusz Kaminski	Cinematographer
Kathleen Kennedy	Executive Producer
David Koepp	Screenwriter
George Lucas	Executive Producer,Original Story
Frank Marshall	Producer
Jeff Nathanson	Original Story
Adam Somner	Asst. Director
Denis L. Stewart	Co-producer
John Williams [composer]	Score Composer
Debra Zane	Casting
Mary Zophres	Costumes/Costume Designer

Scene Index

Disc #1 -- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
1. Nevada, 1957 [7:20]
2. The Warehouse [5:49]
3. I Like Ike [8:31]
4. Of Interest To The Bureau [:10]
5. Mutt Williams [5:44]
6. Nazca, Peru [:31]
7. Orellana's Resting Place [6:58]
8. Old Friends & Enemies [1:48]
9. A Truth Revealed [5:03]
10. Family Squabble [4:32]
11. Big Damn Ants [2:37]
12. Three Times It Drops [6:24]
13. City Of Gold [:50]
14. A Hive Mind [4:47]
15. Finding the Real Treasure [4:30]
16. End Credits [:26]

Menu

Disc #1 -- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
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Editorial Reviews

It's not easy for one of the most beloved film series of its time to return after a 19-year absence, though Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull manages to do a serviceable job of recapturing what audiences have come to equate with their favorite fearless archeologist. Indeed, Harrison Ford is back again, this time a tad wiser and a lot more grey, yet still packing that familiar quick wit, trusty whip, and mean punch to get him out of tough spots. Along for the ride are a slew of new cohorts (including Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone, and John Hurt) and a few new delicious baddies (Cate Blanchett, Igor Jijikine) to add to his roster of villains. Of course, it's the inclusion of Karen Allen as Marion that truly makes this outing special. But what of the excitement, the humor, and the old Spielberg fun that people of all ages have come to love from this fabled franchise? Inklings of them are there, even if the sands of time have eroded the filmmaker's potency for delivering the magic of yesteryear. Just as Ford had much to prove, so did the movie's helmer. Spielberg's recent efforts had given rise to the idea that a sweet slice of cinema pie was once again in his recipe book. Resoundingly, he shows that his classic camera chops have gone nowhere, although his work with actors leaves a bit to be desired. In fact, Kingdom's stumbling blocks aren't in its presentation but in its execution. Much of the blame has been thrown screenwriter David Koepp's way, somewhat deservedly. Yet the fact is that the production is plagued by an underlying awkwardness that goes beyond Koepp's wordy approach and half-cooked character work. Performance-wise, viewers are delivered a hodgepodge of misses and knockouts, lending credence to the growing mistrust surrounding co-creator George Lucas' touch - especially given his fondness for stiff acting. The modern age can also be seen rearing its head, thanks to the overall lack of stunts and overuse of computer effects, which create a great lack of tension in much of the overly spectacular proceedings. That said, there's still some stuff to love in this fourth outing. For instance, the action scenes are still superbly staged, with an early motorcycle chase standing out as a highlight. Also, as if it wasn't good enough to be able to see Indy doing his thing again, there are moments of brilliance between Marion and him, even if they leave one yearning for more. The same goes for the musical maestro behind the series, John Williams, who laces in the Raiders theme with ample glee, transporting his audience to a familiar and welcome place throughout the movie. Yet there is a desire to hear something beyond the subtle B-movie/sci-fi throwback score he delivers. If anything, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull might have the power to shine if viewed merely as escapism entertainment. However, it seems evident that the mileage has not only taken a toll on the character, but the series as well.

All Movie Guide - Jeremy Wheeler